Project number
25005
Organization
UA Department of Biomedical Engineering
Offering
ENGR498-F2024-S2025
Bone health metrics, such as bone strain and gait patterns, provide critical insights into conditions like osteoporosis and spaceflight-induced bone loss. This project presents a specialized treadmill system with a soft ambulatory surface designed to advance this research by simulating diverse terrains and reduced-gravity environments. By studying rat gait under conditions that mimic lunar or Martian gravity, researchers can analyze how different gravitational forces impact bone density and strength. The treadmill also allows for controlled experiments on the effects of walking on various aggregates to provide insights into bone strain and potential rehabilitation strategies.
The project involved extensive mechanical, electrical and software engineering. The team designed mechanical components using OnShape software and fabricated them with 3D printing, machining and laser cutting. The students integrated electrical systems into a custom printed circuit board. Software development focused on creating an intuitive user interface and ensuring precise control of treadmill speed and harness height.
Verification testing confirmed the system’s performance including treadmill velocity accuracy, harness weight capacity and aggregate recirculation efficiency. The final prototype is compact, fits inside a fume hood, and is powered by a standard 120V wall adapter, making it suitable for laboratory use. Additionally, it can connect to implanted devices for data collection via an antenna.
The project involved extensive mechanical, electrical and software engineering. The team designed mechanical components using OnShape software and fabricated them with 3D printing, machining and laser cutting. The students integrated electrical systems into a custom printed circuit board. Software development focused on creating an intuitive user interface and ensuring precise control of treadmill speed and harness height.
Verification testing confirmed the system’s performance including treadmill velocity accuracy, harness weight capacity and aggregate recirculation efficiency. The final prototype is compact, fits inside a fume hood, and is powered by a standard 120V wall adapter, making it suitable for laboratory use. Additionally, it can connect to implanted devices for data collection via an antenna.