Class project is a study in independence for local girl

Bitsy Schultz, 12, is confined to a wheelchair due to cerebral palsy. With the help of a device designed by students in Engineering Science 101 at CCBC Essex, however, Bitsy is able to stand up and transfer to and from her motorized wheelchair with little or no assistance.

“It does help her out,” said Bitsy’s dad, Jim Schultz. “It is definitely something that she has benefited from and will continue to do so.” The device has helped Bitsy become more independent since she doesn’t have to depend on others to help her move from her wheelchair to another chair.

John S. Walker, program coordinator for Computer Aided Drafting and Design, was approached by Volunteer Medical Engineers, Inc. to design the mechanism for Schultz. The project became a major component of the Engineering Science course during Fall 2003. The class worked on the project from September through December, starting with taking detailed measurements of the wheelchair.

Initially, the class presented five design concepts for devices constructed of materials from metal to wood. Based on a consultation with Dan Steerman of Bowles Fluidics, Inc. of Columbia, Md., the group selected and perfected a device called the Vertical Pivot, a device made out of aluminum with several plates. Machinists at Bowles Fluidics actually produced the device.

In November the class traveled to the Bowles Fluidics machine shop and picked up the finished product. During their visit, mechanical engineers on staff explained to the students the practical aspects of designing a product using Pro Engineer software. The final stop on the tour was the machine shop where the Vertical Pivot concept became reality. There the class saw the different types of processes used for machining.

After the product was completed, it was time for Bitsy to pick up the device. When she came with her father to the class on pick-up day, she was nervous but excited. Members of the class attached the Vertical Pivot to the wheelchair structure and Bitsy was able to manipulate the device successfully.

“This was a win-win situation for everybody,” said Bitsy’s father. “Mr. Walker is an excellent coordinator. We’re very pleased with the way things turned out.”

Walker was also happy with the results. “I feel like an exercise like this is so important because the class learned the basics of design and presentation, as well as planning and teamwork,” he said. Walker also acknowledged Bitsy and Jim Schultz for their cooperation throughout the process, and thanked Dan Steerman, Lloyd Barton, Bowles Fluidics Corp., Theresa Pesci, Kennedy Krieger Institute and Volunteer Medical Engineers, Inc. for their assistance.

“Without their help this project would not have been possible,” Walker said.