The testing and manufacturing of the Inclusive Powered Adaptable Lectern (iPAL) prototype has come to completion. With lifting and tilting features, the iPAL prototype can successfully transform between a desk and a lectern with simple to use controls. The device has enough room for the user to fit large chairs including wheelchairs. The device can extend to a wide range of heights and maintains the aesthetics to be used in a professional setting as a podium.

The team is currently preparing to present the device in their Final Design Presentation tomorrow morning.

On this past Wednesday (12/7/2022) the iPAL team presented the final design for the device to the Mechanical Engineering faculty at The College of New Jersey. The presentation was a success and the team looks forward to the manufacturing of a prototype in the coming month.
Since the last design, a few things have changed. The lifting mechanism has been changed to a smaller linear actuator than the previous design thus allowing for a lower minimum tabletop height and a less bulky and safer design. The actuators are no longer exposed and are placed inside the legs in a more centralized location to ensure even lifting of the tabletop. The mechanism for tilting remains mostly the same as the previous design which involves a prop and slot system similar to how an outdoor lounge chair works.
We look forward to starting testing and manufacturing and will provide major updates to the project as they come about.

The team is currently preparing to present their Realistic Constraints Presentation and in preparation some 3D renderings were created. As demonstrated in the renderings, the tabletop of the iPAL can be adapted from a flat surface to a comfortable 15 degrees of tilt. The team is excited to keep taking the next steps to start finalizing the design, ordering parts, and beginning the construction of a prototype!

Currently the team is working hard on designing basic dimensions so that the lectern can be wheelchair accessible. Different lifting mechanisms are also being explored to determine which can be the most effective at lifting high loads at a reasonable speed while producing a small amount of noise and being simple to implement. The design the team is currently in favor of involves a motor driven leadscrew which will drive the tabletop up or down depending on the input direction of the motor.

This is the webpage representing the Inclusive Powered Adaptable Lectern project, or iPAL for short. This project is a 2022-23 TCNJ Senior Project with the goals of creating an adjustable lectern which can double as a sitting/standing desk while being inclusive and accessible to anyone who wishes to use it. This site will serve as the location for any news, updates, and progress reports on the iPAL project.