Leg Press Unit for People with Sclerosis - 5th semester Project

The Concept

The project is focused on people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), where a collaboration with three clients helped open an opportunity for people with MS.

The result of the project is an intelligent  leg press unit which gives the user the ability to exercise their legs at home in a new and efficient way.

The project was done in the fall of 2016 in team of five members with a conclusion in a joint oral exam with individual grades.

The aesthetics factors of the unit take inspiration in "sports design” with saturated colours on the side panels with a mat plastic finish.

People with multiple sclerosis often have cognitive problems. The chair can rotate to both sides giving easy access. Furthermore, a small area for placing the users’ feet is located at the bottom front.

Underneath the shell a tubing assemblies the structural elements. It’s crucial that the press plate can withstand a total press of 180 KG and not brake.

The technology and principal is built upon a rubber band connected to a force gauge, thereby measuring the stress in the rubber band.

The unit is actuated by two DC motors, which allow the user to press a total resistance of 180 KG. This ensures that even experienced users can use the unit.

The press plate has a hexagonal pattern which together with the selected material (PUR) gives a durable and rough surface with a good grip.

With the collaboration with users the interface was built with a simple look and few interactions.

While exercising the constant measurement from the force gauge ensures that the resistance varies to the users’ strength.