STEM II

STEM II is the second portion of the STEM program, focusing on Science and Technical Writing. Held from February through May and taught by Dr. Crowthers, the course differs from STEM I by emphasizing a collaborative Assistive Technology Project. Working in teams of four to five, students partner with a client who has a specific challenge or need. We then apply the engineering design process to develop and refine a practical solution tailored to the client’s needs.

Problem Statement

ME/CFS affects ~3.3 million U.S. adults and severely limits energy, making physically demanding tasks such as bathing difficult or debilitating. Washing the back is especially challenging due to the sustained arm movement and reaching required, and existing solutions fail to adequately support independent hygiene.

Engineering Goal

The goal of this project is to create an affordable, non-invasive bathing device that allows individuals with ME/CFS to maintain hygiene independently while minimizing physical exertion. The device will use automated horizontal and vertical motion to generate a scrubbing motion while autonomously dispensing soap to clean the user’s back.

Design Approach

Our design approach centered on developing a safe, reliable, and user-friendly bathing device that promotes independence for individuals with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Throughout the project, we focused on minimizing arm and overhead movement while ensuring the device remained stable, precise, and compatible with standard bathtub environments. To identify the most effective solution, we designed and tested multiple prototypes using different motion systems, including lead screws and rack-and-pinion mechanisms, and evaluated each design based on factors such as speed, durability, noise level, precision, cost, and ease of maintenance. Through iterative prototyping, testing, and feedback analysis, we ultimately selected the double lead screw design because it provided the smoothest and most controlled motion while remaining quiet and durable for long-term use.
Prototype 1

Figure 1: Initial rack and pinion mechanism

Prototype 2

Figure 2: Final double lead screw design with brush attachment

Future Steps

Future improvements for the project include using PVC covers and waterproof rubber insulation to better protect wiring and piping while creating a cleaner and safer design. Aluminum or stainless steel panels could also be added to improve durability and corrosion resistance. These upgrades would increase material costs due to the added protective coverings, metal components, and upgraded electrical parts. Future work will also focus on creating a more advanced user interface with clearer buttons and improved spacing, along with adding a remote-control system for easier user interaction and customizability. Currently, the electrical box is quite large, so it could potentially make contact with the user’s back when they are using our device. Therefore, we would also like to create a more optimized electrical box to make sure it doesn’t interfere with the user experience.

Assistive Technology Poster

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