Stephanie Rigot, Carrie DeMoulin, Juliana Orlov, Jonathan Yang
Figure 1: The AdaptaBOWL Ramp being demonstrated to a customer.
Abstract
Bowling ramps allow people with disabilities to participate in the sport of bowling and have social camaraderie with other bowlers. Current ramps are not physically adjustable in any way and therefore have a limited number of participants that can use them. These ramps are also heavily flawed in their design and durability. Our project focused on improving the adjustability and overall design of bowling ramps so that they can cater to a wider range of people. With our height adjustment mechanism, people who are standing or in wheelchairs can both use the device comfortably. We are also building a ball release mechanism that releases the ball with the push of a button. This allows people with less motor function to participant in the event. With the improvements we have made to current ramps, we believe that more people will be able to enjoy the sport of bowling.
Background
Adaptive sporting equipment allows people with physical or mental disabilities to participate in the fitness activities that many people take for granted (“Disability Sports: Information on Sport for the Disabled”). In a 2011 study, researchers working on behalf of Veteran Affairs followed eighteen veterans of the United States armed forces with physical disabilities through a three-week rehabilitative adaptive sports program and compared their quality of life before and after. The study found that participants’ confidence in their ability to perform tasks of daily life increased. The participants also displayed improved mental health and mood. (Lundberg, 2011)
Adaptive bowling involves using a ramp to help those without sufficient arm strength and mobility propel the ball down the alley. Depending on the physical strength and manual dexterity of the player, an assistant may be needed to place the ball at the top of the ramp. If the player uses a wheelchair, they can sit with the ramp over their lap, but a player who is standing would be behind the ramp. However, commercially available ramps are of a fixed height, which does not mean the ball is at a comfort height for both users who are standing and sitting. Ramps also experienced significant denting and deformation from use over time, which can pose a safety hazard in addition to causing the ball to not come off the ramp smoothly. A few currently existing ramps due contain mechanisms to automatically release the ball for those users who lack the mobility or strength to push the ball. Due to the large size of the ramps, they are very difficult to aim at the pins. In our design we plan to address these issues identified in currently sold bowling ramps.
Problem Statement
The AdaptaBOWL team is developing an adaptive ramp to improve the participation and effectiveness of recreational bowling for people with physical and mental disabilities. Current ramps lack the adaptability to be available for a wide range of users. We believe that by creating a superior ramp that is height adjustable, more people will be able to enjoy the sport of bowling.
Approach and Alternative Solutions Considered
Our ramp design was aimed at improving design flaws in current bowling ramps, including the rough transition from the ramp to the floor, the ball becoming airborne in the transition from the flat to the sloped portions, and the ramp sliding on the bowling alley floor and hitting into the user. We also implemented some additional features, such as adjustable height, an automated ball release mechanism, and an aiming system, to make the ramp more comfortable for users and increase participation among users with more severe disabilities.
Figure 2: The AdaptaBOWL Ramp with the a ball being pushed down by a user.
Physical Ramp Design and Materials
To minimize costs and weight, we built the main frame of the ramp out of rigid PVC pipe. The cantilevered end of the ramp allows for ample leg space and width for a user in a wheelchair.The internal components for the height adjustment mechanism, described in more detail in the next section, were made from steel to ensure sufficient strength, torque, and torsion resistance. All rotating components were covered to ensure the safety of the user. To increase the impact resistance to the bowling ball, we covered the PVC tubing in a flexible PVC plastic. The ramp was shaped to ensure that the ball would not “jump” off the ramp as it rolls from the flat to sloped portions, which would minimize the kickback of the ramp. The lower part of the telescoping inclines are made from from steel, so that they stay in contact with the ground due to their heavier weight. The lower inclines are covered by crack-resistant polyethylene tubing. The transition in the telescoping legs and polyethylene end of the ramp on the ground were tapered to ensure a smooth transition off the end of the ramp. Locking castor wheels are under the base of the ramp to allow for easy transportation and additional stability during use. Highly frictional rubber was also added to the end of the ramp to increase the resistance to sliding during use.
Height Adjustment Mechanism
A linear actuator system is employed in the center of the ramp to raise and lower the top of the ramp with the use of a switch. A stepper motor is fixed to a threaded rod containing components that are attached to the top rails of the ramp through supports. As the motor spins and threaded rod rotate, the top of the ramp will move up or down depending on the direction of the motor rotation. The ramp can adjust from a height of 25” to 40” in less than 30 seconds. The sloping section of the ramp consists of telescoping legs that will extend or contract in coordination with the height of the ramp.
Additional Features
With current bowling ramps, users who lack the arm strength or mobility to push the bowling ball down the ramp cannot use the ramp. We will add a mechanism that releases the ball with the push of a button using a ratchet gear and springs. The springs push up on a plate that will tilt causing the ball to begin rolling. We also added a laser pointer to the end of the ramp to assist the user with aiming the ramp at the pins.
Alternative Solutions Considered
Although we decided upon using a stepper motor to power the linear actuator, we also considered using a hand crank and other manually powered mechanisms. Although these methods would not require a power source, they would require manual manipulation from the user or their aide, which was not preferable. Also, we considered other ways to raise the ramp besides the linear actuator, but the actuators provided the most consistent stability for the cheapest cost.
Cost/Implications
Our new design and prototype for bowling ramps reaches a larger population as well as increasing the independence of people with disabilities. The adjustable height and ball release mechanism allow more users with a larger range of disabilities participate in bowling. Our solution to the limited participation and independence with current ramps clearly addresses the issue of limited physical activity with people with more severe and physically limiting disabilities. The needs of the user have only been improved. Our ramp has the same, or better, outcomes as current ramps. The velocities are similar on the lowest height setting for our ramp, and only get larger as the ramp gets higher. More people are able to participate with our push-of-a-button release mechanism.
Outcome and Discussion
Based on our project timeline, we are aiming to have the ramp completed and tested for safety by May 1st. Throughout our design and building process we have been qualitatively analyzing the efficacy of our device and device components. Our ultimate goals are to be able to adjust the height of the ramp safely and effectively to allow a wider range of users. At this point in our project timeline, we have been successful in using our motor and linear actuator to raise and lower the ramp. The next step in this process is to gradually add weight to the ramp to ensure it works with a safety factor of 2.
We are very excited to present our final project to the adaptive bowling league in Rochester. We anticipate that the height adjustment system as well as the ball release mechanism will allow for a wider range of people to get involved in adaptive bowling. Additionally, our improved design such as locking wheels on the bottom of the ramp and protective plastic coating to resist dents will allow for an overall improved bowling experience for everyone involved.
Bibliography
“Disability Sports: Information on Sport for the Disabled.” Disabled World: Disability News and Information. Disabled World. Web. 16 Apr. 2015. <http://www.disabled-world.com/sports/>.
Lundberg, Neil, Jessie Bennet, and Shauna Smith. “The Outcomes of Adaptive Sports and Recreation Participation among Veterans Returning from Combat with Acquired Disability.” Therapeutic Recreation Journal XLV.2 (2011): 105-20. Print.