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More coming soon!
More coming soon!
Once I have submitted my thesis and pending publications I will be able to share more about my Masters research on this website.
Lymphedema Active Compression
Lymphedema Active Compression
Compression garment
Compression garment
Working under Prof Carolyn Ren with the help PhD student Run Ze Gao I performed R&D work to bring the initial proof of concept with a technological readiness level (TRL) of 3 to a TRL of 5-6.
In this image the active compression is the distal forearm-wrist region is being analyzed using a Tekscan sensor.
Initial prototype sleeve
Initial prototype sleeve
This prototype had a strain limiting outer region increasing actuation efficiency but limited mobility greatly.
Modular Microchip mold Solidworks model
Modular Microchip mold Solidworks model
An image of the solidworks assembly for the microfluidic chips. This mold greatly increased rapid prototyping ability as small fast 3D printable positive molds could be printed instead of the entire mold
Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) Microfluidic Chips
Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) Microfluidic Chips
These soft micro chips were modeled and simulated to control the inflation sequence of the garment.
Aluminum heat press template
Aluminum heat press template
Using auto cad and a water jet CNC I manufactured this template which was used to fabricate the flexible balloon actuators.
Inside of the sleeve
Inside of the sleeve
This shows the internal actuators of the compressions garment and the silicon tubing of an early sleeve.
Pump and solenoid controller
Pump and solenoid controller
Hand soldered perfboard with two motor/solenoid controllers and a PID feedback pressure sensor seen in the bottom right of the image.
Bladder pressure sensing system
Bladder pressure sensing system
To test and characterize the microfluidic chip inflation 16 MPRLS pressure sensors connected to two multiplexers and an Arduino Uno.
Soft Robotics Team
Soft Robotics Team
IMG_0962.TRIM.MOVSoft pneumatic actuation
Soft pneumatic actuation
Our goal as a team was to develop a soft silicone based exoskeleton for hand mobility alongside the biomechatronics club.
In the video to the left; our second iteration of the finger actuator is being inflated with a constant pressure air supply. Demonstration the actuation motion.
3D printed molds
3D printed molds
Using a 3 piece PLA plastic mold assembly we mold two halves of the actuator at a time with them being bonded together later on using either plasma bonding.
In the picture to the right a bottom female mold is shown in preparation for silicone pouring with multiple layers of mold released cured.
Injecting silicone
Injecting silicone
To ensure full feature molding and to reduce bubble formation the silicon is initially injecting using a syringe into the mold.
It is then degassed using a vacuum chamber to reduce and bubbles generated through the injection process.
Early prototype
Early prototype
An early prototype of the soft finger actuator.
From this design we learned a great deal of the mold design and molding process allowing us to significantly improve the speed of production and quality of the final part.
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