Proj. Manag.
Project Management
Guidelines for Weekly Progress Reports
Weekly Progress Reports (see sidebar), the Gantt chart, and this Project Management page should be printed out before meetings with the sponsor and instructor.
All team members should be able to explain all items on the progress report.
Place a "*" at the beginning of the title of the active week Progress Report (see * in sidebar).
Project Objectives
Concisely list and prioritize the project objectives and constraints
High Priority Objectives
User Friendly
Smooth, even, and pleasant brush stroke
Runs at two speeds, 3 cm/s and 30 cm/s
Compatibility with given brush
0.3-0.4N applied force on the arm
As little time as possible between brush strokes
Brush placed at an angle of 45 degrees to the arm
Second Priority Objectives
Variable speed
Ability to measure the force applied on the arm
Manual adjustment methods and compatibility with computer/MATLAB
Quiet as possible
Fits on a side stand
Programmable brushing pattern
Accelerate and decelerate the brushing stroke to mimic human application
Quick setup time (less than one minute to put someone into the machine)
Other Constraints and Issues
Horizontal orientation capable of fitting around an arm or leg
Can be used on either arm with the patient sitting in a chair
Relatively small, portability is optimal
Use is not certain, but ideal use involves long duration run times
Preference for off the shelf components to increase serviceability
WOW Design Solution
Ask what would their dream design solution would be like. You may not achieve this, but it is good to know what it would be like.
Small
Quiet
Easy to use
Manual and computer interface that allows setting of stimulus, timing, and velocity
Reliable
Reparable
Reproducible if she wants to recreate another one
MRI compatible
Risk Reduction Strategy
List areas of risk and strategy that will be used to eliminate risk really in the design process.
Maintaining constant force
Designing the system as a belt reduces the chance of an inconsistent force across the stroke.
Belt system has more reliability and reduces time between strokes if using multiple brushes.
Friction from belt
Using a timing belt instead of a v-belt reduces friction.
Large pulley wheels will add more torque to the system and prevent stalling from the brush adding force when it rotates.
Materials for pulley system will be selected to have minimal friction with the belt.
Designing a prototype without a motor will allow the team to determine the amount of motor torque that will be required for the final product
Intermediate Milestones
Identifying meaningful intermediate milestones is a critical for effective project management. Together with your sponsor identify such milestones, and specify specific performance requirements you aim to meet at each milestone.
Identify key components of focus (risk reduction analysis)
Create a proof of concept design (risk reduction design)
Build a prototype
Identify issues/alternatives for risk solution
Adjust design depending on risk reduction results
Demonstrate/discuss usability ideas (how does a patient get in an out)
Present to Dr. Case
Demonstrate/discuss ability to calibrate force, angle, and speed
Present to Dr. Case
Alter design to incorporate usability ideas/calibration ideas