Continuing from last week, i began the week with so much excitement and hope for more knowledge acquisition. Indeed, each day is a graduation day of one level of knowledge to another.
Team OxyCal, researched more on the device. There was nothing more fulfilling than discovering the working principle of the concentrator itself and the analyzers currently on the market. The Team researched on the factors affecting the accuracy of oxygen sensors, testing procedures, available oxygen sensors, balancing mechanisms, airflow and ways of protecting batteries from self discharge. This was not any other research but the deep dive, the team reviewed the previous teams documentation before looking up on the internet, as inspired by Dr. Wettergreen, “Be diligent to research else you will end up attempting a solution that has been proven to fail”.
Meeting Nishant, our client was yet another good step ahead in advancing progress of the project. Nishant took us through the electronic circuit of the prototype his team developed, this meeting answered most of the questions my team had on the electronic circuit. New skills evolved and existing skills enriched with the simple yet intensive and fundamental workshop practice in the OEDK’s own electronics lab.
The Team took time to understand the fundamental parts of the existing prototype, airflow mechanism and oxygen sensor. The prototype utilises duo-battery sensor. Two zinc oxide batteries are used in which one is the reference and exposed to ambient air and the other exposed to concentrated oxygen. When exposed to oxygen, zinc oxide batteries produce a voltage thus proportional to the amount of oxygen.
Having understood the circuit and indispensable soldering skills, Team OxyCal assembled electronic components on a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) and tested the prototype. The testing process couldn’t have been a success if it were not for Dr. Hunter’s mediation, “Are you guys ready to test your device? Walk me through your testing plan, if you don’t have a plan yet, make sure you have it before you actually start the test. Show how you will share tasks, everyone must conclusively take part. Tabulate all the variables of interest, observe all factors precisely. Let me see the plan as soon as you do it”, the professor herself, advised the group a few minutes before it cluttered going for a test with no clear division of tasks which could have probably ended in a biased participation. This was one great time i liked this week. A mentor guiding the Team just on time!
Testing the prototype
The device so far performed consistently however, it did not meet the set standards. It was tested against one handi+, an existing solution.
The Team is rectifying the circuit, checking for probable causes of these unsatisfactory results.
A brainstorming session for alternative solutions to the failing parts of the device commenced immediately and continues in the following week………..
Knowledge is indeed power, Jeremy, our T.A (Teaching Assistant) did his best in making the unknown known to us. He took us through a workshop in Solid Works and 3D printing. I however, am still working after hours on improving my skills in solid works. I discovered great engineering design magic in solid Works and 3D printing. The OEDK is a hidden treasure for engineering design, in fact, it is an all in one kitchen where any design recipe……procedure finds its way to baking that prestigious device!
Yebo gotta keep you posted of what cooks in the design kitchen next week……..