Combination Seed Dispenser and Planting Mechanism
By Hyun, Dongwoon; Dodson, Robert; Lieu, Victor; RESNA 2010 Student Design Competition,Publication Date: May 13, 2010
Paper outlines the development of a seed dispenser and planting mechanism designed to facilitate gardening work for clients with physical and developmental disabilities at a nature center program. The project clients were individuals who require assistance in a greenhouse at Goodwill Industries in North Carolina. Client disabilities included mobility and learning impairments, and traumatic brain injury (TBI) causing loss of coordination, memory, and concentration. Planting at the center is done in seed flats, with each client seeding 2 to 3 flats per day. A user centered approach including client input into the design process resulted in a two-component solution: (1) an acrylic and neoprene template to be placed over the seed flat, with cut holes to line up over the seeding spots; and (2) a seed dispenser composed of a PVC half-pipe, an acrylic chamber holding the seeds, and a slide fit with a spring and held in place by a rubber stopper which is pressed for dispensing the seeds. The design allows only a few seeds to be dispensed at a time. The combination of seed dispenser and template improved the user success rate of the client group and reduced waste in terms of both seeds and time. Final project cost was about 400 dollars. The assistive planting system was developed by engineering students at Duke University and entered in the RESNA 2010 Student Design Competition.
Published by: Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) (Website:http://www.resna.org)
Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Communication Enhancement (AAC-RERC) (Web Site: http://www.aac-rerc.com )
Link to text: http://aac-rerc.psu.edu/wordpressmu/RESNA-SDC/2010/05/13/combination-seed-dispenser-and-planting-mechanism/
