Student Engineering Project Helps Disabled Children
Sometimes we take things for granted, like a morning run or the wind in our hair. Some children with disabilities find it difficult to enjoy these simple pleasures, and going for a run or competing in a race is unthinkable.
But not now.
Benedictine College senior mechanical engineering students have teamed with Ainsley’s Angels of America to build an adjustable racing wheelchair that can be pushed by an “Angel Runner” with an “Angel Rider” as a passenger.
“One of the things we try to foster in our students is putting their talents at the service of others,” said Patrick O’Malley, professor and chair of Benedictine College’s School of Engineering. “This project is an example of that. They had an outside client that had specific needs and our students were able to design, test and build a product that meets those needs.”
Ainsley’s Angels, a national non-profit based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, manages road races like 5k runs in more than 70 locations across 30 states. Anyone with a “dis-Ability” that prevents them from racing on their own may participate as an Angel Rider. There is no fee to become a rider and the need for more racing chairs is growing. The request for an adjustable seat on the chair will help Ainsley’s Angels accommodate riders with a variety of abilities and on variable terrain.
“Working directly with America’s next generation of engineers over the past two years has reinforced my confidence in the inclusive direction these great minds will take our country further into the 21st Century!” said Major Kim “Rooster” Rossiter, USMC (ret), President of Ainsley’s Angels of America.
The project was personally significant for one of the team members, Brendan Baier (pictured at left above).
“I actually have a nephew who has cerebral palsy, that’s why I chose this project,” said Baier. “I’ve had that personal connection, and I’ve seen how much joy these kids get when they’re able to be outside and participate in these things.”
He said he had taken his nephew out on a four-wheeler, and he had the time of his life.
“To be able to give that feeling to kids all across the U.S. is great,” Baier said.
Baier partnered with two other senior mechanical engineering majors, Chase Robertson and Paul Wilkin.
“I don’t have that same personal experience, but I feel like this project is a cool way to serve other people very directly and use the gifts that God has given me, that I’ve worked to improve for the past few years,” Wilkin said.
“The whole culture of Benedictine College definitely influenced us all from freshman year to now,” said Robertson. “It influenced how I view the world and how I need to serve others.”
3D modeling software of the racing chair.
According to Scott Kuefler, the shop and lab manager for the School of Engineering, these engineering projects, across mechanical, electrical, chemical and civil engineering, all involve numerous educational components, from basic design, manufacturing drawings, and modelling software to fabrication and construction.
“We all took technical drawing as freshmen and we learned about manufacturing specifications and modelling software called Inventor that allowed us create a 3D model of the product and test it out,” said Baier.
From there, the group went through a series of calculations showing stress points that need reinforcement, how everything fit together, and what parts needed to be redesigned for better function.
“The biggest thing for us, I would say, is communication skills,” he said. “I think this is a great thing about Benedictine. We’ve always been encouraged to work in teams, to really build that communication and camaraderie with each other. I think that might be the most valuable thing we have learned from this.”
The team is excited to put their racing wheelchair into action and let it start sharing the joy and excitement of a 5k run.
Founded in 1858, Benedictine College is a Catholic, Benedictine, residential, liberal arts college located on the bluffs above the Missouri River in Atchison, Kansas. The school is honored to have been named one of America’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report, the best private college in Kansas by The Wall Street Journal, and one of the top Catholic colleges in the nation by First Things magazine and the Newman Guide. It prides itself on outstanding academics, extraordinary faith life, strong athletic programs, and an exceptional sense of community and belonging. Benedictine College is dedicated to transforming culture in America through its mission to educate men and women within a community of faith and scholarship.
