Freshman Student Design Projects

Overview of what this page is about

For the past couple of years, the National AgrAbility Project has teamed with the College of Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, to co-teach a section of the 160 Introduction to Engineering class. This course provides the incoming freshman with an overview of engineering based on a "hands-on" experience with a client-centered engineering design project, which includes: 1) a team-based design project, 2) a survey of engineering disciplines, and 3) an introduction to computer tools and lab techniques. AgrAbility has been the "client" for the 160 Engineering class, thus having a team of students attempt to solve an issue related to the challenges AgrAbility Staff find when assisting farmers and ranchers with a disability.

Since the 160 Introduction to Engineering class in an "introductory" class, the solutions or designs that the students create are NOT necessarily safe, functional, reliable, or ready for manufacturing and production. The National AgrAbility Project is presenting the ideas here, to credit the students work, to share the ideas, and to archive the designs/presentations for others to build upon or learn from. (Note: Student names have been removed from their final power point presentations linked below. Some of the slides within the presentations contain images or student drawings, and may not be accessible. If you have questions about any of the content presented here, please contact the AgrAbility Project.)

EPD160-Fall2004
EPD160-Spring2005
EPD160-Fall2006

EPD160-Fall2004

Individuals with mobility impairments experience difficulty in mounting and dismounting tractors, combines or grain trucks safely (e.g., they may have a lower extremity impairment or weakness, an amputation, gait irregularity, balance difficulties, low grip strength, arthritis, etc.). A lift mechanism might be necessary to gain access to the operator's platform. The Fall 2005 class was challenged to design a tractor lift, using a 1/16th scale model toy tractor.

Color picture of toy tractor with screw lift attached.

EPD160-Spring2005

Individuals with disabilities that affect their foot, lower leg, knees, or hips may not be able to constantly operate a lawn tractor that uses foot pedals to provide for/aft movement and-or to lower/raise the mower deck. The Spring 2005 class was challenged to design a hand control for a John Deere lawn tractor.

Color picture of John Deere Lawn tractor with hand control.

EPD160-Fall2006

Individuals with disabilities that affect their mobility, (e.g., lower leg amputee, arthritis, back injury, etc.) and who have difficulty getting into and out-of their tractor cab or truck, would benefit using an automated gate for livestock to be able to remotely open and close the gate (latch shut) without the need to get into and out-of their vehicle. The Fall 2006 class was challenged to design an automatic opening livestock gate.

Ask an expert

Do you have questions about specific assistive technologies that we haven't addressed here? Give us a shout. We welcome your questions.