Project Objectives
Concisely list and prioritize the project objectives and constraints
High Priority Objectives
1-D control, forward locking
Remote magnetic control
Strong enough to push bone apart
Small-sized, low-profile
Flexibility of plates
40 mm expansion
Second Priority Objectives
Resolution of 0.5 mm/click
Bendability or curvature of (telescoping) rod
Shorter screws
Other Constraints and Issues
Infant-sized skulls require small size, making it difficult to manufacture.
Requires greater precision, time, and money
Any risk of infections are dangerous to infants
The device must be close to bone, low-profile, and safe to infants and internal-use.
WOW Design Solution
Adapting the current design, the sponsor wants a remote magnetic controlled device that is small in size and low-profile. The resolution should be at least 0.5 mm that is forward locking. The device should be safely placed over the skull and under the skin.
Risk Reduction Strategy
Identified Risks
Viability of magnetic control in low-profile device
Electromagnetic radiation
Prototyping/scaling of small components
Reliability of remote control
Risk Reduction: Hardware Objectives
Hardware prototype of magnetic lengthening technology
Integration of magnetic lengthening to scaled model of original device
Outsource final prototype
Risk Reduction: Analytical Objectives
Analysis of minimum force required to push skull apart
FEA of plate design with various materials
Analysis of “safe” electromagnetic radiation
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.
Attend live surgery.
(Re-)design device in CAD.
3D print newly designed device.
Complete risk analysis of device.
Prototype working device.
Resolution: 1mm
Resolution: 0.5mm