Photos and Videos

Full System Testing

Using the tracheostomy dummies at the UC San Diego Health Sim Center, final tests were conducted to determine the success of the device. Mimicking a patient, the system was set up and force data was collected.

Housing Assembly

The 3D printed housing assembly was designed to hold all the intricate subassemblies of the entire design. the housing consisted of the pump system, electrical unit, and user interface. The buttons we 3D printed to have a softer top layer for user interaction.

Automatic Testing

With the completely silicone balloon design, automation testing was conducted to test the feedback control with the force sensor readings. In the following video, shows the balloon support in place working to maintain the zero force value. The red LED shines when force is detected, and in the video the LED turns off once the balloon reaches the zero value.

Emergency Stop Demonstration

Once overinflated, the internal pressure reads higher than 3.5 psi. Our electric air pressure sensor can take in readings and immediately engage the vacuum to remove all air. The device is then shut off until an external assistance can restart the system.

Homogeneous Silicone Balloon Inflation

After many iterations, the final silicone balloon design was made completely out of Dragon Skin silicone. The air pocket was manufactured using a mold release spray to stop the layers from sticking to itself.

Homogeneous Silicone Balloon Fabrication

The silicone balloon is made using a various 3D printed parts and some mold release spray. The entire mold casting process is shown in the following video.

First Inflation Test

Using the second prototype model, which was a slab of molded Dragon Skin silicone with a silicone sheet glued on top, an initial test was done. This test proved the whole system worked together as a whole, taking in force data readings from the FSR sensor.

Button Testing for Manual Mode

To test the controls and the Arduino code written, a button test was done to confirm functionality. This would be similar to the manual mode of the final design, where the user can press the buttons to electrically inflate/deflate the balloon support.