Concept Generation

Activities:

Topics of Research

• Medical Terminology associated with project definition
• Sensors
  • Flow
  • Pressure
  • Temperature
• Microprocessors
• Graphical User Interface Devices

Milestones:

• Project Identification: Applying the project definition to possible solutions
• Initial Concept Generation: Applying the research of different peripherals we possibly could use
• Noting Compatibility of Devices: Using spec sheets to document several variables
• Initial Testing of Similar Sensors with Devices: In progress

Tools:

• Arduino MEGA for interpreting the signals from each sensor
• Raspberry Pi to handle the processing requirements of the user interface
• Planning to use Java (J2EE) for software development
• Keeping options open for communication path. Some ideas are:
  • API's
  • I2C
  • USB Serial
  • Bluetooth
  • Zigbee
• Raspberry Pi 7" touchscreen capable of displaying each output of the user interface
• Pressure sensors and flow rate sensors to be deployed around the aneurysm site
• Independent power supply for water heater and fluid pump

Design Decisions:

• Prospective Design Device Compatibility Research: Noting the several differences (such as number of inputs and outputs, minimum voltage and maximum current requirements, etc.) between the different devices researched, a matching matrix led to using the final devices with compatibility being the deciding factor.
• The familiarity of two devices came into consideration when choosing these devices. The Arduino Mega and Raspberry Pi 3 were chosen to split the signal inputs and user interface respectively.

Design Work and Testing:

Two flow sensors were purchased just for testing purposes. There are no technical specifications available for these sensors. Used in conjunction with the Arduino, a simple simulation conducted allows us to input various flow rates and convert them to readable signals for later use. This led to initial testing for accuracy of the sensor (results are within specifications). The same simulation and testing setup will be performed when the ordered parts arrive with greater accuracy as the component quality increases.

Challenges:

• Awaiting parts for simulations and testing
• Scheduling team meetings
• EE team schedules do not coincide with ME team schedules

Home Next Page