HS Engineering Students Design Control Knob For Man In Wheelchair

PLAINFIELD, IL — The work of some engineering students at Plainfield Central High School is impacting the community beyond school walls.

Fifteen students taking Robert McGahey's 3D and engineering classes designed an ergonomic wheelchair control knob to help the relative of one of the school's social workers, Alan Bank. It was difficult for him to use the small existing control knob on his wheelchair, according to district officials.

The engineering students took their conceptual ideas and made more than 25 3D resin prototypes of the knob, working to make it bigger so it would be easier for Bank's relative to maneuver.

"Students 3D printed their prototypes, and Mr. Bank was able to test each design, gathering feedback to bring back to the designers on adjustments or edits that would further improve the fit and function," McGahey said in a statement.

From the options, the man uses three of the student-made knobs, according to McGahey.

Of the project, incoming sophomore Jeremy Korallus said it "made me think through how different shapes may work best for the user and how it is important to revise design work as part of the process."

For Sarah Lauss, a rising sophomore, the project was an opportunity to use engineering to help someone else.

"I was able to use different software than what we learned in class, which was cool for me to apply my skills," she said.