Background
Sailing - what it is/ what it requires from the user
Boats can range from 1 person to tens of peopleSailing
Racing sailboats can range in size, but for the scope of this project, the sailboat is intended for a single person to pilot it
Multiple sails to be controlled
Controlling of sails can range from pull/pulling or releasing a rope a couple inches to pulling in several feet of rope
Sailing can occur in both fresh and salt bodies of water
The inconsistencies created by the wind make sailing a new experience every time
- Sails catching strong wind can overpower user when trying to control sails with rope
Some examples of sailing with a handicap
Paralysis is different from patient to patient, even with the same type of injury
No control use of lower extremitieslegs
No hand grip strength
Arm strength can still be present but possibly at a decreased maximumlevel
Figure 1: Paul's sailboat used for competition.
Problem Statement
Paul is a competitive sailor with limited strength and range of motion in his fingers due to a spinal cord injury.
Our goal was to design a rope gripping mechanism for him to use while sailing.
Requirements:
Must hold up to 80lbs of pulling force
Must hold 3/8” and 3/16” ropes
Salt water resistant
Easy to put on
Cannot interfere with wrist flexion
One handed device as not to interfere with steering with the other hand
Release mechanism for safety precautions
Figure 2: Sailing Rope and Rope Cam Cleat commonly found on sailboats.