The team felt that mechanical simulation data of different probe geometries would be valuable in determining which design would be most adept at withstanding the applied pressures experienced during testing. Probe design was completed in conjunction with the evaluation of different contact areas to determine for which geometries concept generation was worthwhile. As a result, further investigation into the structural integrity of circular cylindrical, circular domed, and elliptical domed probe shapes took place.

All simulations were evaluated using the SolidWorks program. Probe designs were first modeled using dimensions similar to devices found during the literature review portion of the project. Appropriate materials were then assigned to the models to ensure accurate real world mechanical properties, in this case an ABS/Polycarbonate blend was used. Models were then subjected to the applied pressures they would experience during typical clinical use of the device (atmospheric pressure in addition to the negative pressure created by the vacuum) and the maximum stress and deformation values were compared to one another.

The results of these simulations in addition to which probe design would be the most feasible from a manufacturability perspective were both taken into account when deciding with which design to move forward.