Design Process

Every detail of our design is shaped by the people who use it. Through iterative cycles of prototyping, user testing with RTs and nurses at Jacobs and Sharp Medical Centers, and redesign based on real feedback, we ensured our final product truly meets clinical needs.

Prototype 1

Prototype 2

Final Design

Through this iterative process, the KangaArm went three 3 prototypes in total, with each generation making significant leaps in user confidence and functionality.

Semi-Permanent Ventilator Pole Clamp

Prototype 1

Prototype 2

The initial design for the Semi- Permanent Ventilator Pole Clamp takes inspiration from an IV pole clamp with a V shaped jaw and featured a set screw mechanism to fasten. However, in the 1st user feedback session, the prototype proved unstable as the V configuration did not have enough contact with the ventilator pole. In the 2nd prototype, the jaw was changed to a circular configuration so to fit the ventilator pole with rubber strips added to its interior so to increase friction between the clamp and pole, making it more sturdy.

Revolute Locking Joint

Prototype 1

The design for the Revolute Locking Joint takes inspiration from bike-seat clamps as they are common in daily life and intuitive to use.

Prototype 1 recieved positive feedback with only minor adjustments needed. Users requested that we prevent the bike clamp from rotating so that it could be locked with one hand. Tolerancing adjustments and a high-friction rubber pad under the clamp were implemented to address the issue.

Vertical Rotation Locking Joints

The Vertical Rotation Locking Joints are the only major purchased components of the KangaArm. They are procured from McMaster-Carr and features a round arm confirguration and square arm configuration.

They feature a push button locking mechanism, which makes the component intuivite and easy to use.

Stainless Steel Round Arm Detent Hinge Joint

Plastic Square Arm Detent Hinge Joint

Vibration- Isolating Accessory Plate

CAD rendering of the Vibration- Isolating Accessory Plate

Vibration- Isolation Test Results with plate infill percentages of 15%, 25%, 50% & 60%

The Vibration- Isolating Accessory Plate had to first under go a verification test to ensure that the vibration- damping mounts are functional and to find the optimal infill percentage for the 3D printed top plate.

Through testing with the standard Brunel jet ventilator box, it was found that the vibration damper mounts are functional and the optimum infill percentage is 50%.

After, the top plate went through 3 iterations as users have expressed the need to add barriers on the top plate so to prevent the ventilator box from slipping.

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