Limitations

There are a few limitations that remain after finalizing the ProprioClamp. Firstly, the product has not had thorough testing as a result of our 10-week time constraint, and as such, the reliability of the sensor is not 100% certain. The durability of the product is also unknown, since the time frame to test the product is limited. This limitation, however, is not a pressing concern due to the ease of assembly of the product (Appendix E).

The sensor chosen for the final prototype may also cause some limitations. Thorough testing completed by the design team, the sensor was found to be inaccurate. This is due to the very low amount of liquid required to alert the sensor. Testing determined that the MaxiAid will not send an alert when liquid is poured over it or splashes onto it; the alert is only prompted by the liquid filling up to the level of the prongs. However, it also sometimes sends alerts when it comes in contact with one's skin, which could be bothersome when handling the product or when cleaning it.

The other limitation the sensor presents is the proximity of the speaker to the ends of the sensors. Though the speaker is covered with plastic, there are holes in the plastic to allow sound to pass through, so if the user doesn't stop pouring the liquid fast enough, the speaker could potentially come in contact with liquid, which might cause damage to the speaker.

The clamp is long and somewhat bulky. It fits better in larger containers than smaller ones, though it does still work in containers as small as mugs and glasses. It doesn't tip any container over, and if the ends of the prongs are too far into the cup, the sensor can be moved further up the clamp as the whole clamp is metal and will attract the magnet on the back of the MaxiAid. However, the bulkiness of the clamp means that removal must be done as slowly and carefully as possible, especially the fuller it is, in order to prevent spilling.

The clamp can also be used with only one hand, though it may be a little more complicated to slide the MaxiAid up and down with one hand. However, removing the battery of the MaxiAid is extremely difficult to do with one hand, so Gregory may need the assistance of his wife to change the battery.