HTHS Engineering Academy students, Encompass Health create rehab device

Encompass Health’s Clinical Technologies group in Trussville and Hewitt-Trussville High School Engineering Academy students recently worked together to design a piece of rehabilitation equipment created for individuals who use wheelchairs. 

Michael Meredith, Encompass Health Clinical Technologies operations manager, said Encompass learned about the Engineering Academy while seeking a firm to assist with technical drawings of a device the company was developing. 

In order for the Encompass Health Clinical Technologies group to manufacture the design, 3D Computer Aided Design (CAD) drawings were produced for each individual piece and each assembly. These drawings could then be used to mass produce the components of the final product. 

The device will replace a formerly used piece of gym equipment in Encompass Health hospitals. It will give patients the ability to strengthen their core muscles by exercising either their upper or lower extremities. The device uses a bungee system rather than weights as a means of resistance, according to Encompass Health. 

HTHS Engineering Academy instructor Jason Dooley selected three of his senior design students to tackle the project: Stephen Lawrence, Long Nguyen and Nick Finlay. The three students had worked on a wheelchair-based project previously and were well suited to the task. 

The students created more than 50 detailed drawings of all the parts necessary to fabricate the piece of equipment.

“For me, the experience of working on a project with real engineers was the most rewarding experience in my high school career,” Finlay said. “Working for great people with a team of my peers reignited my passion for this field of work.”

The three students were awarded a total of $1,000 in scholarships by Encompass Health, as well as $500 for the Engineering Academy. 

“We could not be more pleased with the product the students supplied us with, and we feel rewarded by being able to provide them real world manufacturing experience and enhance their technical skills,” Meredith said. “In the future, we will call on Mr. Dooley’s students to help us anytime we have the need.” 

Dooley is hopeful other businesses may consider working with the students of HTHS Engineering Academy for similar opportunities. 

– Submitted by Jason Dooley and Encompass Health.