Universal Play Frame (UPF)

An Adapted Sport Mechanism for Athletes in Wheelchairs

What is the UPF?

Redesigned and constructed by former ME 428 students

Enables athletes with a limited range of motion to play several sports that would otherwise be impossible for them to participate in Hockey, basketball, golf, and soccer

attachments

The Equalizer (manufactured by Sportime International)

While the UPF was intended to be an improvement on the Equalizer, there are still many design flaws to be evaluated and reconsidered.

The design flaws we in Kinesiology have identified are completely based on use with actual athletes in wheelchairs.

But, we need your mechanical engineering expertise for these athletes to fully enjoy this sporting experience.

What are the actual design flaws of the UPF Frame? Lack of frame adjustability

Cannot adjust distance or angle of frame from wheelchair to athlete

Attachment to chair is time-consuming, awkward, inflexible and unreliable

Weight concerns have been addressed. In redesign, weight

should not be compromised for frame stability, rigidity, and stiffness

Basketball Attachment

UPF frame pulls off ground when athlete pulls on basketball bungee Lift prevents adequate

tension/force production

Putter attachment rod is in the way of the basketball travel path Rod is not easily

removable (requires tools)

Golf Attachment

Putter needs to be adjustable in height because wheelchair may require the UPF to be adjusted at different angles.

Too much force is required on athlete’s behalf to pull putter Harder for athlete to

put ball as far as compared to the Equalizer

Hockey Attachment

Thin rectangular handle is difficult for most athletes to grasp

Handle is not adjustable Too far away from athlete On right side only

Not usable for left-handed athletes

Hockey blades run into frame Disables full range of

motion of hockey blade

Soccer Attachment

Shining Star of the Equalizer Athletes thoroughly enjoy

this attachment Main problems surround

reaching the scoop, but an adjustment mechanism was made This problem can also be

alleviated through having frame attachment to wheelchair be adjustable

The bottom line…

Enjoyment derived from the athletes and those who participate with them

Play is cathartic Opportunities for play

gives them feelings of empowerment in a world that caters to the able bodied.

Their time spent with these structures is invaluable

However, it cannot be done without engineering marvels like you.