Senior Design II PresentationEasel 5000

Team 3

Alison Biercevicz, Seth Novoson, Justin Yu

Introduction

Project Description Client Project Description

Easel Market Existing Patents Preliminary Designs

Material selection Mechanical

Analysis

Optimal Design LED system

Prototype Materials Testing

Concluding Remarks

The Project

National Science Foundation Engineering Projects to Aid Persons with

DisabilitiesMission- To assist individuals in reaching

their maximum potential for enjoyable and productive lives

ClientsDr. Brooke Hallowell (NSF)Patty Mitchell (Passion Works Art Director)

The Artist

Tom is an artist at Passion Works studios

Big Headed Girl

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a condition resulting from brain damage

The symptomsLoss of fine motor abilityAbnormal muscle toneAbnormal movementsVision problems

Project Objectives

Construction of an easily adjustable easelCan be used by individuals with cerebral

palsyCan be used in a studio environment with

minimal supervisionCan be adjusted with the help of an

assistant.Resolution of previous design issues

Previous Projects

Design Issues Stated by Dr. Hallowell: Complicated actuator Hazard due to exposed

electrical cords Could not be moved

easily The canvas could not

be positioned over the artist

No light sourceSenior Design Project 2003

Design Constraints

No electrical cordsNo electric motorsEasily adjustableCan attach to a specific tableCan be positioned over the userCan hold specific canvas dimensionsCost is below $750

Marketed Easels

Able Table

Versa-Table

“The Dreamer”

Marketed Easels

Able Table Positives

Price: $64.95 Versatile use Supports 30 lbs.

Difficult to adjust Somewhat Fragile

ABLEDATA.com

Marketed Easels

Versa Table Price: ~$115.00 Positives

Lightweight Portable Easy to use Easy to store Adjusts for height,

depth, and angle Does not adjust to

desired position of clientABLEDATA.com

Marketed Easels

“The Dreamer” Advantages:

Motorized Stable Allows for large

canvases Adjusts to height,

length, and direction Disadvantages

Very large No storage options Expensive: $3,025

Mouthstick.net

Patents

Inclined adjustable A-frame style easel with sliding drawer (Patent 6,045,108)

Easel adjusted by means of a crank (Patent 5,074,513)

Ornamental foldable portfolio with adjustable easel (Patent D249,533)

Easel 5000 Specific Objectives

Support up to 20”x24” Canvas or a 9”X36” aluminum sheet

User friendlyPortableStableNo motors or electrical parts requiring a

wall outlet.Relatively inexpensive (<$750)

Preliminary Designs

Design 1

Canvas Attachment Frame

Easel Extender Arms

Easel Base

• Wooden Construction• Integrated Shelf• Storage Compartment

Design 2

Adjustable Beam Slide

Canvas Holder

Easel Extender Arms

Easel Base

Locking Gas Spring

• Aluminum ConstructionAluminum Construction• Utilizes lockable sliding trackUtilizes lockable sliding track• Includes simpler canvas holderIncludes simpler canvas holder• Most expensive designMost expensive design

Design 3/Optimal Design

Locking Gas Spring

Extender Arm

Canvas Holder

Canvas Base

• Aluminum ConstructionAluminum Construction• Locking Gas SpringsLocking Gas Springs• Sliding ShelfSliding Shelf• LED lightLED light

Prototype

Prototype

PhasesMachine shop certificationPart OrdersCut pieces for constructionConstruct + Design of the LED systemFinal prototype constructionTesting/troubleshootingDocumentation

Prototype

MaterialsEasel frame consists of 80/20 extrusions80/20 considered to be “industrial erector

set”LED system designed with Express PCB

LED Encasement from Hammond Mfg.

Prototype

Prototype Subunit – Easel Base

Fits wheelchair trayActs as c-clamp with tightening screws

Prototype Subunit – Extension Arms

2–arm system implemented for stability180–degree pivot joints for large range of

motion

Prototype Subunit – Canvas Holder

Able to hold canvas sizes up to 20”x24”

Adjusted using 180–degree pivot joints to extend range of motion even more

Can be positioned to be over artist

Prototype Subunit – Canvas Clamp

Rubber stripping on clamp to hold canvas in place

Able to support painting surfaces of various shapes and materials

Prototype Subunit – LED System

Battery powered (rechargeable) Dimming option Adjustable positions by use of friction hinge

Prototype Subunit – LED System

PCB made using Express PCB

LM555 Circuit

Testing

Simulated Motion RestrictionsNo movement of the left armTester was reclined

Center for Students with DisabilitiesContacted an individual with CP

Asked to draw semi-complex shapesCirclesCartoon charactersAnimals

Testing

Six Testers Three independent

One individual with CP Three Group Positive reviews from

each Adjustability, ease of

use “Cool” LED system Unique design

Budget

Part of Project     Allowance

LED Light 148.55   PCB 99.87

Battery 68.71   End Caps 25

Easel Frame 505.95     Total

Finishing Touches 35.91     124.87

Shipping 57.1      

      Total-Allowance

Total 816.22   691.35  

Conclusion

‘Easel 5000’ includes new, easy to use featuresEasy adjustability with user-friendly interfaceBattery powered lighting systemAttaches to wheelchair tray

Finished easel to be sent to Passion Works Studio for artists’ use

Acknowledgements

Professor John Enderle - BME Department Head Chris Liebler - Teaching Assistant BME 290/291 Patty Mitchell - Art Director for Passion Works Studios Brooke Hallowell – NSF Coordinator Professor Robert Northrop - BME professor UConn John Parmelee - head of set design for UConn Joyce Frank - Studio Coordinator for Passion Works Studios Kurt Jamlin - Sales Representative for LEDtronics Nicki Sobcinski - Sales Representative for Reell Incorporated Jeff Dutches - Sales Representative for OKW Enclosures Hammond Manufacturing Paul Dufilie - ECE department Jennifer Lucia – Center for Students with Disabilities Contact The Testers – Liz, Lauren, and Jen.