Capstone Projects in Mechanical Engineering
Technology
Spring 2005 adaptive kayak capstone project
In
the last year of studies Mechanical
Engineering Technology
students work
together on teams to design
and fabricate
projects related to public
service. These
projects require
creativity and
engineering skills
to fill the needs
of the individual
or organization
requiring assistance.
Students must
demonstrate that
they can use
computer-aided design to model
and draw the
project, use their engineering
computational
skills to show that the
project will
work safely, and their
fabrication skills
to make the project
for use.
Clients include
individuals with
disabilities, non-profit
organizations,
and the University,
including the MET
program. In 2005
several adaptive
kayaks were designed
and fabricated
for a client without
the use of arms. In 2006 one project
provided new
capabilities for
a wheelchair to
be used by a client.
Another made
improvements to
a reclining computer
workstation for
an author who cannot
sit up or stand
due to a circulatory
condition.
In 2007 the Robinson
Ballet worked with
two project groups developing a new “magic” Christmas tree for the
Nutcracker. Another group designed an adaptive canoe seat
for a person in a wheelchair. In 2008 teams designed anti
rollback and anti tip devices for outdoor wheelchairs. In
2009 teams designed biomass fueled hot water heaters for
home use. All use renewable energy from Maine and are carbon
neutral.
Photos for many projects are attached below.
Recent student project websites are also linked.
Mechanical Engineering Technology Capstone projects
2009 - Biomass fueled home
hot water heaters
2008 - Uphill wheelchairs
2007 - Various including ATV upgrades, laboratory test equipment, adaptive canoe seat, heat pumps
2006 - Improved disability inventions, laboratory engine test equipment,
magic Christmas tree for Nutcracker ballet
2005 - Kayak for person with no arms, lab engine dynamometer
2004 - Paraplegic
water-bike, Lombard steam log hauler restoration, workstation for person with dysautonomia, educational Stirling engine
2003 - Adaptive rowing device for person with one arm, Lombard steam log hauler analysis and restoration
2002 - Trebuchet for use by high school physics classes
2001 - Automatic car-top canoe/kayak loader for wheelchair users
2000 - Human powered all-terrain wheelchairs
1999 - Automatic braking system for wheelchairs
1998 - Down-hill racer for person with no use of arms
1997 - Improved pill crusher for nursing home
1996 - Robotic unloading device for automotive parts plant
1995 - School equipment for students with disabilities
1994 - Human powered amphibious vehicle
1993 - Exercise equipment for people with disabilities
1992 - Playground for children with disabilities
1991 - Human powered water-craft for person with no arms
1990 - Human powered all terrain vehicle for person with no arms
1989 - Human powered all terrain vehicle for person with use of only 1 leg
1988 - Robotic arm for persons confined to wheel chairs, Human powered vehicle for stroke victim
1987 - Human powered all terrain vehicle for 13 year old accident victim, Standing frame for 3 year old girl with spina biffida
1986 - Human powered amphibious vehicle
1985 - Human powered vehicle for handicapped with use of hands only, Human powered vehicle for 4 year old boy with spina biffida
1984 - Stair climbing wheel chair
1983 - Human powered multi- purpose water vehicle
1982 - Human powered
amphibious vehicles
1981- Tramway for hiking
trail stream crossing
