Design Step 4

Design Step 4

In this phase of our capstone project, we focused on advancing the development of our wireless heating pad prototype. We began testing different battery types to find the most effective option for consistent heat, portability, and user safety. We also completed a life cycle assessment to evaluate the environmental impact of our product from production to disposal. These steps helped guide our design decisions as we continue refining the functionality and sustainability of our prototype.

NGSS Standards: 

NGSS.HS-ETS1-3
We evaluated different design solutions based on constraints like cost, safety, aesthetics, and battery life. By comparing experimental data and prioritizing features based on user needs, we made thoughtful trade-offs to improve the overall product.

DCI – ETS1
Our team worked to clearly define the constraints involved in designing a wireless heating pad—such as power limits from USB batteries and risks of overheating—and used those constraints to guide our engineering decisions.

DCI – ETS1.B
When comparing solutions like different battery types, we considered user safety, reliability, and aesthetics. We also thought about how our pad would impact users' day-to-day lives, especially those needing mobility or pain relief.

DCI – ETS1.C
We broke down high-level goals (like wireless heating) into subcomponents, such as material selection, energy source, heating range, and control method. This systematic decomposition helped us make progress step-by-step and understand where trade-offs were necessary.

Content

Classification Scheme:
We created a classification scheme to sort all of our ideas for materials, heating elements, and battery setups. This helped us compare each option based on heat output, safety, flexibility, and cost.

Mind Map/Decomposition Flow Chart:
We designed a flow chart that broke down the heating pad into its essential sub-systems: heating element, insulation, power source, outer casing, and user interaction. This helped us assign team responsibilities and focus on refining each part independently.

Human-Centered Design:
User feedback played a major role in how we shaped the project. We used survey responses and in-person interviews to better understand comfort preferences, pain points with traditional heating pads, and mobility needs. Our design prioritizes soft materials, low weight, and easy charging.

Prototype:
We built a working prototype using flexible carbon fiber heating wire, felt insulation, and fabric covering. The heating system is powered by a rechargeable USB battery, and we're currently testing heat performance over different time intervals.

Survey:
We surveyed students, family members, and athletes to learn what they would expect from a wireless heating pad. The results influenced our choices in heat level, size, and materials.

Mentor:
Our mentor helped us think through safe power limits and suggested insulation methods to improve thermal efficiency. Their feedback was instrumental in refining the electronics setup.

Demand & Wish List:
We updated our demand and wish list to include better heat retention, lighter materials, and longer battery life. These goals continue to guide our design decisions.

Functionality:
We focused on ensuring the pad heats evenly, maintains a consistent temperature, and is easy to turn on/off via a basic switch. Our goal is to balance technical performance with everyday ease of use.

CAD:
We used Onshape and Tinkercad to model the internal layout of the heating elements and battery compartments. These designs helped us visualize size, fit, and wire routing.

Life Cycle:
We considered the product’s full life cycle—from material sourcing (like reusable fabric) to charging and future recycling. We're exploring ways to make the pad more sustainable by using rechargeable power and minimizing e-waste.

Reflection

This phase went well in terms of communication. Our team stayed in sync by clearly dividing tasks and regularly checking in, and we kept in touch with our mentor to get helpful feedback. We also started building our conscious learner skills by testing different batteries to improve our heat output and energy efficiency.

One area we still need to improve is time management. There were times we could’ve used class periods more effectively, especially when waiting for materials. Moving forward, we’ll focus on using downtime to refine our prototype and documentation. We also need to keep pushing the prototype further, especially in areas like durability, outer design, and long-term wearability.