With the ring measurement block finalized, the A-Wrist-Ocrats tackled the wrist and forearm attachment mechanisms this week. We screened and scored our brainstormed ideas and independently came to two similar solutions: a clamping mechanism for each of the remaining design blocks. We then moved on to rapid prototyping, using the 3D printers to create the models we created in SolidWorks. We initially used two bolts and wing nuts to clamp it down but then switched to Velcro straps for a more user friendly and faster to adjust solution.
While refining the wrist and forearm clamps along the way, we started putting together the whole integrated device. It’s coming along really well, with the smoothness of the internal tab still intact as we bring in the two clamps. Our goal is to finalize the detailed changes on the overall device by the end of this week so that we can start putting together our high fidelity prototype for testing. Once we have a full prototype ready, we will be able to craft our testing plan, conduct the actual tests, and then move on to building the final prototype for the summer.
Our team was also able to discuss our progress with Dr. Wettergreen. He really likes the improvements we’ve made so far and is excited about where we end up. We also learned that we will be able to meet with one of the doctors from the Shiners Hospital in two weeks, which will be a great opportunity to have our device evaluated and ask questions.
This weeks was also a very short week, four days for most due to July 4th. We organized a party to celebrate the independence day and share the occasion with the international students, showing them how we relax and enjoy the holiday. Although it was on Sunday, I was still able to drive up from home and have fun with the others, as seen below.
The week was actually three days for me since I also celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr on Wednesday. The annual Muslim festival marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated worldwide. I enjoyed my day off by visiting friends and enjoying a lot of amazing food, some of which I brought on Thursday to share with everyone at the OEDK.