Variable Speed Treadmill for Studying Neonatal Rats

The goal of the project is to design, build, and evaluate a variable speed and variable incline treadmill for exploring the impact of locomotor activity on the development of motor control and musculoskeletal tissues.

=Problem Definition=

Background
Our treadmill will make research much easier for the lab technicians at ISU. Our robust and simple to control design will allow for less downtime and headache when testing the effects that early locomotion have on the animal's tissues. This advancement could help the researchers expand our knowledge of biological tissues and their formation/growth, as well as psychological changes in animal models.

Specifications
The client has listed the project requirements in order of priority. It is anticipated that all of the following requirements will be met.

HIGHER Priority
 * Belt size: ~12 cm width x 20 cm length
 * Belt material that could be wiped off and cleaned, will not tear easily, and possibly be replaceable
 * Variable speed control ranging from 0.5 cm/s to 15 cm/s
 * User friendly interface for speed control – preferably developed in an open-source software program or via microprocessor
 * Treadmill will be operated in temperatures from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius
 * Removable transparent walls and bumpers

MEDIUM Priority
 * Variable ramp/incline angle from 0 to 15 degrees.

LOWER Priority
 * Automatic timer
 * Safety features including emergency stop button
 * Transparent belt and housing for video gait analysis (video camera mounted below the belt)

=Progress Tracking=

=Budget=

=Design Considerations=

Incline Mechanism

Motor Type

Control Interface

=Project Learning=

Lab Tour Tour of Dr. Martins Lab to learn more about motor types and linear actuators. See full tour report here

Control Interface Research of different options for control interfaces. See control interface report here

=Final Design=

=Validation=

=Team Members=

=Additional Documentation=

Meeting Minutes



Presentations



Client Interview