During this week we finished our final prototype!

We started the week with prototype #8, which is the one with the refined harness . Our goal was to make a safe, easy to use and comfortable device. Our device is going to provide the user, 17 years old teenager with cerebral palsy , to float independently.

The final design is a U format float tube (image below), that originally is used for fly fishing in calm water rivers and deep water. We iterated until getting in this final design in order to provide enough flotation and support up to 250lb, a safety factor of 2. The green mesh seat provided a good support and confort to the 11 people that we tested during the week. An another feature that helps with flotation is the PVC covered with blue pool noodle. We splitted up to do different activities to be more effective and I worked in the PVC. Gigi and Allie worked in the harness and straps.

The idea of the PVC is to prevent the user of sliding forward and out of the device. This part provides a better structure and flotation to the Teton, blue U shaped Inner Tube.

There is a chest/shoulder (yellow/black and yellow strap) that will prevent the client tracheal tube being far from the water and giving more stability for him while using the device. To test this we used a 45 degree cutted foam block and a 4 inch lenght paper towel in the user neck.

We did all the tests according to our testing plan and we had success in all of them. Safety, support, easy of use, comfort, cost and durability.

For the durability test, we tested the green mesh seat. Because that was pointed as the first possible point that may fail in the device. The criteria was to hold 250lb. We tested with gym weights and the seat just fail at 495lb!!!

In the end of the week we worked in a instruction manual and device introduction/explanation. Basically, we did a step by step videos of how assembly all the straps. We worked on finishing documentation too, which we did a very good job.

Next Week, we are going to test with Dr. Wettergreen (Monday), Liam (Tuesday) and Final Presentation (Wednesday). I’m really excited about next week, I hope all the best for us.

#goteamswimsupport

Rafael V. Lantmann