For the component analysis, each team member chose a likely component on the device to gather more information and to weigh different potential options for that component. For our team, the former half investigated components relating to the primary objective of the project, while the latter half investigated components for the secondary objective.
Moreover, this analysis provided the team clarity in prioritizing objectives and providing contacts to procure manufacturing materials.
It is important for the handle of the device to be ergonomic as it can provide more comfort and offer precise control for surgeons during medical procedures. At the same time, the gripping plane is offset from the cutting plane by 45 degrees in order to decrease the amount of force required to cut through burned skin. The CAD 3D model of the designed handle can be seen below:
The blade disks are designed to be offset from one another and to have 3 stainless steel blades and divot sections per disk which is rolled over the surface in order to create a lattice pattern as seen below:
A heating element on the cutting edge of the device blade would allow for the cuts to be cauterized, substantially reducing fluid loss. The feasibility of a heating element is being investigated as a secondary objective for the function of the device. Although it is secondary, it is important to examine in detail to determine its feasibility given the advantages it provides.
The secondary objective of this project is to create a device capable of minimizing fluid loss by cauterization. To this end, the team is considering pursuing cutting through a heated edge or wire. To accomplish this, a power supply capable of heating the wire to cut and cauterize flesh will be necessary.
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