A design for my Dad
Open Door - November 2007 pages 6-7
Emma Shavick
My name is Emma Shavick, I'm 18, and have studied for A Level Maths, Physics, and Design Technology at school. My dad, Mark, has multiple sclerosis. He wears an FES (functional electrical stimulator) on his lower leg as well as an ankle brace to keep his foot straight and lifted up off the ground as he walks.
A Level Design & Technology involves more than just sitting in a classroom and taking exams - there is also a large hands-on, practical element of the course. During my final school year I have had to design and manufacture a product that not only looks good but fulfils a need, or solves a practical problem for which there is no commercial solution. In other words, become an inventor and then build my invention!
After much thinking I decided to make a bathroom stool for my dad. A place where he could store all of his walking aids and sit down while he puts them on and takes them off again. But it wasn't as easy as I thought.
Researching the idea with him, I looked at the practical aspect of how he attaches the FES. He was bending down to reach his lower leg whilst holding onto the towel rail, and the main problem was that when he straightened up again he often felt dizzy and occasionally fell over. I also noticed that at times when he was not wearing the FES, he was leaving it on the bathroom floor, which wasn't very safe as electrical items should not get wet.
Therefore I realised that somehow I had to combine these two problems and come up with a way for my dad to reach his lower leg and feet without feeling dizzy, at the same time as storing all the electrical components safely.
My solution was to design a compact stool that incorporates a device to lift up my dad's leg while allowing him to remain upright. I could find nothing available on the market to do this so I looked around for inspiration. After several weeks of brainstorming I had a breakthrough. I would use part of a bicycle to lift up my dad's leg.
After persuading my brother to give up his old bicycle (which wasn't easy!), I was able to cut it up in the workshop and use the bits I needed – the chain, a wheel and a pedal.
Now that my project is finished, my dad is able to use the stool. He places his weak leg on the pedal when it is at its lowest position and then he turns the wheel with his hand, which slowly raises his leg. When the pedal reaches its maximum height, there is a bolt that slides across to lock the wheel and pedal in place securely. He can fix the FES electrical pads on his lower leg without bending down. When he is finished, he simply unlocks the pedal and lowers his leg back down again. Because I altered the bike mechanism, my dad can turn the wheel in either direction to raise or lower his leg.
I also incorporated some waterproof storage on the side of the stool which prevents the electrical equipment from getting splashed in the bathroom, plus two steel handles bent over into a curve (which I really enjoyed making). They are an integral part of the stool and are sturdy enough to help my dad stand up and sit down.
The stool's seat is made of foam covered wood, upholstered in leather-look material which is smart, water resistant, tough and comfortable.
Although my leg-lifter stool was tailor-made for my dad, the description and photographs of the working prototype has since generated much interest from MS organisations, physiotherapy centres and other organisations for the disabled. It seems that the device could be of great use not only to people with poor balance but for anyone who finds it difficult to reach their feet. My teacher suggested I patent the lifting mechanism, which I am now in the process of doing. When I began my project I had no idea the finished article would be unique enough to patent. I am just hoping the A Level examiners are as enthusiastic as everyone else!
My dad says the stool has helped him enormously and that he can use this every day to make the repetitive and sometimes difficult task of putting on the FES easier and quicker. I'm glad my project has been so useful.
My project now has patent pending, and I would be very interested in hearing from anyone who might be able to help me develop it further so that it can help others with MS, or with general difficulties in reaching their feet or lower legs.
I'm now going to university to study Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, so hopefully my leg-lifter will be the first of many successful projects.
Since the article was written, Emma has received her results. The examiners were as enthusiastic about Emma's design as everyone else and she received an A grade in her three subjects. She is now in her first year at Bath University.
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