Concept Design + Selection

Concept Selection

The concepts described above needed to be ranked against various metrics to help gain a better understanding of which concept performs the best across the identified metrics. These metrics were separated into primary and secondary. Primary metrics were identified to be important for the success of the project and ones that the stakeholders and customers would require. The secondary metrics were ones that were not as critical but still important to rank the concepts against. A ranking scale from 0-3 was used with 3 being the best score that can be given in a metric. Once a score was given for each concept across each metric, the primary metric scores were multiplied together and the secondary metric scores were summed together, and the total score was determined from the product of these two values. The table to the right shows the results being the double suction device having the highest score.

Feedback from Phase 1

After the group gave their Phase 1 presentation during the senior design class, feedback was taken from the presentation as well as from our advisor to assess the direction of the project. It was determined that although focusing on overall concept designs, a larger emphasis needed to be put on coming up with a more novel solution that would challenge existing ideas and products.

Based on this evaluation of progress, the group decided to refocus the project scope on various cup shapes to measure the anisotropy of skin. This would change the potential area of application for the project. The team then decided to revisit concept selection. To change the area of application of the project, reliable system technology is needed. Due to high potential risks of the double suction device, the team revisited concept selection, as seen in the matrix above. The lightweight device was selected for further development. The technical analysis section provides more detail into project progress relating to cup and system design.