1. Left to Right: Jacob Cable, Nathaniel Scheelke, Tayva Lamb, Tucker
Smith, Joel Hendrickson, Justin Hoffman, Amberley Snyder
(Customer), Thomas Anderson, Bailey Swanson
Design Overview
The device consists of four major subsystems:
Wheelchair Lift – The lift offers vertical and horizontal motion driven along
tracks by hydraulic cylinders. The platform integrates restraint straps and a handle
to ensure safe operation. A winch folds the lift system into storage mode.
Horse Restraints – Telescoping arms fold out from the trailer wall to provide a
stall to restrain the horse during system operation.
Trailer Stabilization – A subsystem is installed near the axle of the trailer.
Motorized jacks are employed to ensure stability and to keep the trailer level.
Controls –All motion is governed by a programmable logic controller. A
handheld operator box controls vertical/horizontal motion and an emergency stop.
A control panel on the trailer also provides operation of these motions as well as
trailer stabilization and system storage/deployment.
Design Purpose
Team paraMOUNT formed in September of 2013 with the intent to design a
lift that could attach to a horse trailer in order to meet the design question, “How
can a paraplegic safely and independently mount and dismount a horse?”
With their customer, Amberley Snyder, in mind, team paraMOUNT set out to
design a safe and efficient lift system. Amberley is an avid barrel racer who was
involved in a tragic car accident that left her paralyzed from the waist down. She
continues to ride horses but is unable to mount and dismount her horse
independently.
Design Requirements
The device was required to incorporate the following:
 Have a lifting capacity of 260 lbs
 Attach to a horse trailer and conform to traffic safety laws
 Be powered by DC
 Provide comfortable speed and smooth operation
 Allow for independent operation and use simple controls
 Be able to lift a rider on a seat or wheelchair
 Provide safety restraints
 Meet ADA requirements (safety factor of 5)
 Operate with low noise (less than 80 dB)
 Allow rider to mount a horse up to a height of 17 hands
(raise the rider 44 inches)
 Provide restraint for the horse
 Allow the rider to mount a horse from the left side
 Be durable and able to withstand outdoor environments
Test Results
The device successfully met all of the design requirements. Testing and analysis
revealed the following performance factors:
 Lifting capacity exceeds 260 pounds (tested up to 400 pounds)
 Collapses to a width of 5.94 inches for storage and travel
 Platform reaches a maximum height of 48.5 inches
 Platform extends and retracts 15 inches horizontally for added mobility
 Accelerates at less than 1 g
 Operates on an average level of 72 decibels
Special Thanks
Amberley Snyder
Clay Christensen
John Rasmussen
Mike Morgan
Richard Eversull
Shalee Killpack
Vincent Shammas
Ducworks Inc.
BlackBox Coatings
Intermountain Hydraulics
Intuitech Inc.
Home Depot