Engineering Undergraduate Theses

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Open Access
An Assistive Smart Mirror for Daily Living
(2023-04-13) Modrcin, Dora; Yin, Hester; Reimer, Sydni; Du, Yuyao; Jacobson, Natasha
Individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) experience challenges completing hygienic tasks independently due to short-term memory loss and difficulties sequencing tasks together. A caregiver can help by providing reminders and cueing. However, dependency on a caretaker decreases independence which may impact self-confidence. This smart bathroom mirror, shown in Figure 1, may help individuals with MCI to complete hygienic tasks, supporting independent living. The focus tasks are brushing teeth, flossing teeth, washing face, washing hands, applying deodorant, and brushing hair. The smart mirror reminds the users of their daily hygiene tasks and will proceed with step-by-step cueing when the user activates a task using the keypad. The smart mirror incorporates a custom-built hardwood frame containing a panel of smart mirror glass and a Dell 27" 2722 monitor. A PIR motion sensor, a 9-button keypad, and a Raspberry Pi 3 B+ connect to the monitor. The material of the back panel is Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) which is secured using screws, allowing access to the internal electronics when needed. Brackets with screws fasten the smart mirror to the wall. The languages used to program the smart mirror are HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. There were eight tests; of particular interest are the internal heat and humidity tests that ensure the smart mirror's internal temperature remains below 40 °C and relative humidity (RH) does not exceed 30%. The design team also tested the functionality of the smart mirror to confirm that smart mirror technology could effectively cue hygiene tasks. The main recommendation is for testing to occur with individuals who live with MCI to conclude the effectiveness of a smart mirror in increasing the independence of this population. In addition, recommendations to improve the physical build and software are made.
Open Access
Design and Manufacture a Murphy Bed Lock for Wood Products Unlimited (WPU)
(2024-07-23) Lee, Michelle; Davis, Nicole; Patrick, Dylan; Kosasi, Marko; Petkau, Don; White, James; Jacobson, Natasha
A Murphy bed is a foldable bed frame that can be vertically stored against a wall when not in use to save space. Wood Products Unlimited (WPU) is a Canadian-based manufacturer that makes and sells a Murphy bed product, the Embed. WPU wants a locking mechanism designed for the Embed that customers can choose to purchase with the Embed as an optional add-on. The purpose of the locking mechanism feature is to enhance overall safety and help avoid misuse of the Murphy bed. A few key features of the locking mechanism include a 12V DC power supply that will power a keypad and two solenoids. Each solenoid and its electrical circuit are protected by a steel case mounted at each corner of the bottom rear bed frame to increase the strength and durability of the attachment of the solenoids to the bed. The locking mechanism works by allowing authorized users of the bed to lock and unlock the Murphy bed using the keypad. When the bed is in the closed position, the extended solenoid pins restrict bed movement and lock it upward. The authorized user can use the keypad to control the solenoids and retract the pins so the Murphy bed can be lowered to the open position. If the authorized user wants the bed to be locked in the open position, they would have to reuse the keypad to re-extend the solenoid pins outward, which would lock the bed in the open position. Custom modifications will be made to both solenoids, such as a pin extension connected to the pin armature. A prototype testing rig was manufactured to simulate the forces that will be exerted on the locking mechanism and to observe the positioning of components during movement. The testing rig was used to ensure minimal force is experienced by the solenoid and to verify it will not be damaged at the armature or mounting point. The locking mechanism design had to be complete and functional within eight months and cost under $200 CAD to manufacture. The budget constraint was met but the validation results of the application of the locking mechanism onto an Embed were left unresolved due to time constraints. If the locking mechanism is successful, this design would position the Embed as the sole Murphy bed on the market with this unique capability, providing WPU with a competitive advantage over other manufacturers.
Open Access
Design of a Compostable Menstrual Pad: Fluid acquisition layer and absorbent core
(2023-04-13) Dewar-Norosky, Marika; Wyllie-Runner, Janel; Duguay, Noah; Pries, Matthew; McRae, Caven; Jacobson, Natasha
The build-up of non-biodegradable waste is an ever-growing issue in modern society. In one lifetime, a person can produce up to 300 lb of plastic waste by using disposable menstrual products (Labine, 2021). Major manufacturers of menstrual pads make their products out of mostly non-biodegradable materials that end up in landfills. The non-biodegradable components can take up to 800 years to decompose (Pebery et al. 2019). Aruna Revolution is a company that is working towards creating a compostable menstrual pad to provide a solution to the waste contribution of menstrual products. The intended outcome of this project was to create two layers of a compostable menstrual pad, the fluid acquisition layer and the absorbent core that meets current comfort and performance expectations from users. The project’s scope was to research and develop a nonwoven textile for use as the topmost fluid acquisition layer of a menstrual pad and a layer that will serve as the absorbent core, using cattail fibres. The use of cattails is shown to be sustainable, and they are known to be readily available in North America. An experimental plan was created to develop wet-laid nonwoven prototypes with varying leaf and seed fibre ratios to determine the influence of each type of fibre on how the sample interacts with synthetic menstrual fluid. Additionally, fibre samples were sent to Aruna Revolution, in partnership with Southeast Nonwovens to develop various samples using a hydroentanglement method. The test results showed that a nonwoven material created with a hydroentanglement process using 95% seed fibres and 5% hemp fibres is suitable for the fluid acquisition layer. Additionally, a nonwoven material created using 100% leaf fibres with a wetlaid nonwoven method is suitable for the absorbent core. Several test methods were used to verify that the final design met design constraints. Fluid property tests such as the fluid acquisition test and rewet test were completed on the fluid acquisition layer and absorbency tests were completed on the absorbent core. Additional tests were completed such as anti-microbial test, allergen test, durability test and stiffness test to understand how the samples will interact with the user. All test results were promising for the final design and both menstrual pad layers met the design constraints.
Open Access
Development of a New Product Using Fibres from Recycled Tires
(2023-04-13) Yim, Caitlyn; Nwadike, Chiamake; Lanoway, Dryden; Baig, Shehroze; Seniuk-Cicek, Jillian; White, James; Jacobson, Natasha
Reliable Tire Recycling (RTR) tasked Team 2 to develop a recycling method for a synthetic fibre by-product produced by their tire recycling process. This by-product is made from a heterogenous mixture of short fibres such as polyester and nylon and contains significant amounts of impurities like dirt and crumb rubber. RTR expressed interest in using the by-product to create a new parking curb that would supersede their current model. They requested that the new design be light enough for a single person to carry, be able to withstand all-year Winnipeg weather, and can hold up during interactions with vehicles (i.e., collisions, rollovers, etc.). Team 2 proposed a new parking curb that incorporates the fibre by-product into RTR’s existing rubber mixture, paired with a redesigned form that meets the specified design objectives. The redesign includes underside cavities as well as reduced length for weight and material reduction. The proposed curb would be composed of 22% fibre by-product by mass, which was mixed directly into the rest of the ingredients (70% crumb rubber, 7.5% hydraulic binder, 0.5% water) to create test specimens for material evaluation. The mixture was formed by compressing it with 1700 psi of pressure and baking it at 100 °C. Other compositions were tested as well, including a control composition, 5% fibre by-product, 12% fibre by-product, RTR’s existing curb and two existing market options. The density of each test specimen was calculated first, and that density was used to determine the weight a proposed curb would be if it was made using each composition. All compositions containing fibre would result in a curb weight under the 35 lb design objective. The test specimens were evaluated by uniaxially compressing them according to ASTM standards. This test showed that the addition of fibre by-product, as well as applying higher pressure in the material creation process made the material deform less under load. All specimens containing fibre deformed less than 50% under the design load of 100 psi, passing the design objective. All specimens were then subjected to thermal testing, where they were exposed to extreme hot and cold temperatures (+75 °C and -80 °C respectively). After exposure, each was inspected for deformation and then hit with a metal rod at 21.7 km/hr to evaluate how it responded to impact force. All specimens passed, as none degraded noticeably post temperature exposure and all withstood the impact. A digital curb was then constructed using the 22% fibre by-product mixture, which was then subjected to 100 psi of pressure on the top face. The digital curb deformed a maximum of 8%, passing the deformation design objective. After analyzing the test results Team 2 recommended that RTR make several changes to their current mode of production. It was recommended that RTR increase the pressure used to manufacture curbs and begin introducing the fibre by-product into their curb mixture, starting with 22% replacement of crumb rubber for increased strength and reduced waste to landfill. It was also recommended that RTR adopt a curb design similar to the one proposed by Team 2 for weight, material, and cost savings.
Open Access
Final Design Report for a STEM Exhibit about Green Aviation Fuel Alternatives for the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada
(2024-07-23) McMillan, Camryn; Olapade, Daniel; Petkau, Don; Topping, Aidan; White, James; Jacobson, Natasha
The Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada (RAMWC) along with industry partners EnviroTREC and WestCaRD, identified the need for a STEM based exhibit focused on sustainable aviation fuels. This initiative aligns with the global shift towards environmentally friendly energy sources, transitioning from convectional fuels like gasoline and kerosene to potential greener alternatives including lithium-ion batteries, biofuel, and liquid hydrogen. Through an interactive, STEM based exhibit, visitors will have the opportunity to learn about these fuel options and their underlying concepts. To ensure a successful exhibit design, several technical specifications and constraints were outlined prior to developing a solution. These included size and accessibility dimensions, performance requirements, inclusion of tactile components, and a significant “wow” factor. These predefined objectives guided the development of the design solution, which is composed of three distinct components that make up the entire exhibit: a historical timeline, a specific energy station, and a CO2 emissions station, each incorporating STEM principles through visual and hands-on experiences. The timeline provides a rich history about the evolution of aviation fuels. For the specific energy station, it allows visitors to gauge the specific energy of different aviation fuels by propelling planes along a track. The emissions station offers an interactive demonstration of CO2 output of various aviation fuels, enabling visitors to visualize and compare emissions through a fog display. The prototype of the conceptual solution was tested against the established specifications to ensure the creation of a successful design. The dimensions of the prototype were tested for public accessibility and passed. Additionally, the exhibit’s content was evaluated for understandability, targeting various comprehension levels to ensure that the STEM principles are clear to the visitors. Using a text scoring system, the prototype achieved a 6th grade reading level of comprehension. “Wow” factor and user friendliness of tactile components were assessed via survey with museum visitors. The feedback indicated that while the exhibit’s design was easy to use and engaging, it could benefit from additional elements to truly inspire and captivate visitors. Following evaluation of the prototype, several enhancements were proposed to the RAMWC that could improve the exhibit’s design. Replacing the chalkboard with a smart touchscreen board would allow for unlimited storage of visitors’ ideas on green aviation fuel, which can also be shared as a display when the screen is idle. Additionally, the exhibit could be optimized for efficiency through changes that include adopting a modular design for easy updates, incorporating a drainage at the emissions station to eliminate mold risk, and utilizing materials that are both lightweight and robust. To improve accessibility, incorporating auditory or tactile feedback would assist those who are visually impaired, and incorporating QR codes could deepen the educational experience. The RAMWC exhibit represents a dynamic fusion of education and innovation, igniting curiosity and fostering learning about sustainable aviation fuels.
Open Access
Final design report for roof shingle made from ground tire rubber (GTR) fibres to withstand Winnipeg weather
(2024-07-23) Tymchen, Cassandra; Zimberg-Collins, Corey; Oeltjenbruns, Kate; Slobodian, Hunter; Petkau, Don; Topping, Aidan; White, James; Jacobson, Natasha
The objective of this project was to design a shingle using recycled ground tire rubber capable of withstanding Winnipeg, MB weather conditions. Our team developed and tested various rubber and additive mixtures to assess their strength and durability under specific conditions. Of the mixtures that seemed promising during initial testing phases, they were then subjected to weather simulations representing 1 in 25-year storm conditions in Winnipeg. The final stage involved creating full-scale prototypes using a mold designed by the team, which ultimately determined the project’s success. Despite initial promising results, unexpected failures occurred during the full-scale production phase, resulting in inconclusive findings regarding shingle viability. Further testing and refinement are necessary to meet the client’s requirements and to address the challenges that were encountered during this project. Recommendations for future research and improvements include optimizing the materials used, enhancing the appearance of the shingles to better suit the aesthetic desires of the client, improve efficiency by manufacturing a different mold, process optimization such as incorporating an injection mold and exploring liquid mixture formulations, and researching the feasibility and economic factors in mass-producing shingles using the proposed materials.
Open Access
Gen1000 Chamber Sound Reduction
(2023-04-13) Rodriguez, Julissa; Tran, Alex; Vasin, Karina; Whyte, Cam; Jacobson, Natasha
Conviron’s GEN1000 chamber is one of their best-selling plant growth chambers, used by growers, researchers, and students all over the world. These growth chambers are currently producing 60 dBA (A-weighted decibel) of noise, which can be irritating for users that have these chambers in their labs or classrooms. The goal of the student team is to decrease these sound levels to 50 dBA. The chamber must be modified in a way that does not hinder the growth of the plants inside, while maintaining the manufacturing cost of the chamber. Additionally, the team must stay within the project budget of $5000 CAD NRE (Non-Recurring Engineering) cost. The primary element of sound production was identified as the condenser fans in the machine compartment of the chamber. The team researched existing methods of sound dampening and presented these to Conviron. Further research was requested on three of these ideas and was later narrowed down to two due to the feasibility of the solutions in terms of manufacturability and function. The two methods of sound reduction chosen included insulating all surfaces in the machine compartment with sound insulation foam and acoustic louvers to replace the ventilation holes in the back panel of the compartment. A preliminary sound test was conducted which resulted in a baseline average of 62 dBA. A preliminary machine compartment temperature test was also conducted which resulted in a maximum baseline temperature of 35.7⁰C. The machine compartment was then insulated with acoustic insulation foam on all the metal surfaces. Three prototype back panels were made to replace the original panel. The first panel (“Handmade”) was made in the University of Manitoba shop using box brakes and hand tools. The second panel (“Manufactured”) was made with Malach, a metal and machining company. The final panel (“3D Printer”) was made using a PLA (Polylactic acid) filament and a 3D printer, to mimic the shape of an industry standard acoustic louver. These panels were then installed and tested along with the insulation for sound and temperature for 1.5 hours. The Handmade, Manufactured, and 3D Printed panels emitted an average of 60.7, 60.5, and 59.7 dBA, respectively. The recommendation chosen by the team was to insulate the machine compartment and to redesign the back panel using the Manufactured panel design. This recommendation was chosen for its effectiveness in dampening sound and high frequencies, the manufacturability, and its relatively affordable price. The final recommendation came out to $291.74 for two rolls of acoustic insulation foam ($114.37) and for the manufactured panel ($63).
Open Access
Inert Evaporation Process System
(2024) Hall, Austin; Harvey, Jacob; Hawthorne, Katherine; Kum, Ryan; Petkau, Don; White, James; Topping, Aidan; Jacobson, Natasha
The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) conducts experiments that evaluate the biodegradation capabilities of anaerobic (oxygen-free) bacteria sourced from sewage sludge. These studies contribute towards a potential solution to the global plastic pollution crisis. A key step in these experiments is drying the sludge to the required solids content outlined in the experiments while maintaining the viability of the anaerobic bacteria in the sludge. The current drying process the NRC employs is inadequate as it is non-anaerobic and time-consuming. Team 2’s objective was to design, build and test a proof of concept (POC) design for an inert evaporation system in addition to designing a full-scale system that can anaerobically and efficiently evaporate sewage sludge. Both designs must be capable of drying municipal sewage sludge from 2% to 30% solids content under anaerobic, inert, and temperature-controlled conditions. The report details the POC design that was built and tested for the project. The POC prototype focuses on a single tray evaporation system. Using the POC to dry the sludge, an evaporation rate exceeding the target rate of 0.118 kg/hr was determined with key parameters measured throughout the process including oxygen and humidity content of the tray environment, gas flowrate, temperature, and tray weight. The report also recommends a full-scale inert evaporation system design that meets the NRC’s target specifications and constraints; however, the further testing using the POC is highly recommended to refine the design. Using nitrogen gas to maintain an anaerobic environment and dry the sludge, the full-scale design includes an insulated anaerobic chamber, dehumidification, nitrogen gas recycling, and PLC automation to conserve energy and efficiently evaporate sludge.
Open Access
Keystone Agricultural Producers Roll Over Tractor Training Course
(2024-07-23) Coldwell, Makenna; Szkop, Toby; Bergmann, Toby; Veldhuis, Tim; Topping, Aidan; White, James; Petkau, Don; Jacobson, Natasha
Tractor rollovers, many of which impact inexperienced drivers, contribute significantly to the fatality rate of the agricultural industry. Keystone Agricultural Producers and their partners developed the Roll-Over Training Tractor (ROTT) as a tool to improve the efficacy of teaching about tractor rollovers. The ROTT is a one-third scale electric tractor modeled based off the design of a commercial tractor. This machine is piloted using a remote control. It has a live video feed using the Reolink app from a camera mounted above the rear axle. The ROTT was intended to be used at the University of Manitoba (UofM) Glenlea Research Station. There is currently no adequate course to demonstrate typical rollover scenarios using the ROTT. The objective of the project undertaken by Team 1 was to design the ROTT Demonstration Course which includes stations to simulate sideways and backwards rollovers. Technical specifications were developed with the client to ensure that the design of the ROTT Demonstration Course fulfilled the project problem statement. The solution developed includes two stations: the Incremental Slope Station and Silage Bunker Station. The Incremental Slope Station is intended to induce a side rollover. It will be implemented as an addition to an existing slope at the UofM Glenlea Research Station. The slope of this addition will begin at 30° and will increase to 45° at 1° every 6ft. The ROTT will be driven along this slope until it rolls over sideways and is caught by the side support wheels. The process of piloting the tractor and viewing the live feed of the rollover will provide experience for students that will allow them to adequately assess if a slope will risk a tractor rollover. The ROTT will be retrofitted with spikes and a centre rod on the bucket such that a 3.11 slug mass can be carried. The Incremental Slope Station can then be run with an added mass on the front. This will demonstrate the effect of a displaced centre of gravity on the angle that induces a tractor rollover. The Silage Bunker Station is a to-scale model of a concrete silage bunker. It is designed such that when the ROTT drives on the silage packed at 45° (+, -0°), a back rollover will be induced. The course was designed to require little maintenance. Drawings and a Bill of Materials are included for the construction of each station, the spikes, and centre rod. Evaluation approaches were developed to assess whether the proposed design solution fulfils each of the technical specifications. Due to the ROTT being inoperable, using a test slope to verify rollover angles was not possible. It is recommended that tests will be administered after construction is completed in the summer of 2024.
Open Access
Typha Growing Media
(2024-07-23) Semenko, Kristen; Lubi, Hannah; Cockwell, Jayda; Calista, Kiara; Petkau, Don; White, James; Topping, Aidan; Jacobson, Natasha
The indoor floricultural industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its reliance on current unsustainable resources, such as peat and coco coir, for use in soilless potting mixes. Typha, commonly known as cattails, may represent a more sustainable alternative for the cultivation of ornamental plants and flowers. Its suitability is further justified by the local availability, quick grow time, and harvesting benefits of these wetland plants in Manitoba. Three distinct growing media have been designed by subjecting existing shredded Typha plants to specific combinations of three processing methods. These methods have individually been shown to mitigate the challenges with previously tested Typha-based media, as cited in literature, such as a low water holding capacity and high nitrogen immobilization. The benefits of each are as follows: • Composting, to increase the available nitrogen for plant uptake, • Milling, to reduce the particle size, and • Pasteurizing, to eliminate pathogens. The proposed Typha Media Designs incorporate these processing methods to investigate their unique benefits. The three Media Designs are as follows: 1. Media Design 1 (MD1): [REDACTED] 2. Media Design 2 (MD2): [REDACTED] 3. Media Design 3 (MD3): [REDACTED] Verification of the success of each Media Design was assessed by 11 passing criteria, or technical specifications, selected based on the properties of peat and other commonly used growing media. None of the three Media Designs passed all criteria; however, [REDACTED] showed the greatest overall improvement when compared to unprocessed, shredded Typha. Alongside the verification testing, germination and grow trials were performed to further validate the results, utilizing a peat-perlite mix as the control. In the germination trials, media containing [REDACTED] performed best with higher numbers of germinated plants. Varying trends were observed in the grow trials. The trial conducted in a vertical hydroponic wall, which accommodated the media in net cups with a diameter of two inches, exhibited the best results in [REDACTED] and [REDACTED] , while the other, conducted in a greenhouse, displayed better outcomes in [REDACTED]. Moving forward, further research into composted Typha-based media is recommended, including testing growth in larger commercial plant pots, [REDACTED], an assessment of a flower’s full growth cycle solely in Typha-based media, and a full project cost-benefit analysis to ensure economic viability. The results from technical specification testing, germination trials, and grow trials show that, while this Typha-based media does not entirely replicate peat, it may be a viable option for use as a soilless growing media. Testing based on the proposed recommendations will further the success of this media as it nears entry into the market as a local and sustainable growing media for floriculture growers.
Open Access
Vidir Vertical Solutions Vertical Farm
(2023-04-13) Alcock, Allison; Lytwinuk, Josh; Klimchuk_Kevin; Seale, Patrick; Jacobson, Natasha
Vidir Vertical Solutions is a company that specializes in designing and producing vertical carousel shelving systems. They are hoping to produce a vertical farming system that will be adapted from their existing carousel design. Team 4 has been tasked with continuing development of a solution for conversion of an existing product from work conducted by a biosystems capstone group from 2021-22. The previous team confirmed the effectiveness of utilizing hydroponic growth systems with intermittent watering for use in a static system, and through discussions with the client during the fall 2022 school term Team 4 have been tasked with developing a full-scale single shelf unit which could be used as a test rig for lighting configuration and timing of a watering system. Team 4’s solution (Figure 1) to this problem consists of a modified shelf unit based on an existing shelf unit from Vidir systems, mounted on a stand unit over a static basin, in which the nutrient solution is pumped into to water plants in cups mounted in the shelf. Watering is accomplished by raising and lowering the basin water level to the height of shelf unit simulating a watering cycle in a full system. Lighting for the plants was accomplished by three led panels, with a control section mounted in a top-down position, and two mounted in a side position, with alternating on periods which simulate the movement of the shelf around the carousel unit. Testing was done with the shelf divided in two halves with one half being used as a control for effects of lighting position, with the LED panel mounted in the top position. The other side was lit by side mounted panels, and the effects of external light were eliminated by black-out fabric. From testing it was determined that the effects of side lighting negatively affected the plants, with leaves of the lettuce looking less full than that of top lighting. The intermittent watering schedule had no effect on either the control or test crop, which falls in line with the findings of the previous capstone team’s work. Team 4 would recommend that further research be conducted on the effects of lighting angle for side mounted lighting on plants, automation of the pumping system with regards to water levels and testing of the system within a full-scale system.
Open Access
Win-Shield Combined Biometric and Chemical Sensor System
(2024-07-23) Boticki, Luka; Alam, Anas; Arnold, Mathew; Luong, Hazel; Jacobson, Natasha
The Win-Shield combined biometric and chemical sensor system is a capstone and proof-of-concept project done by the Biosystems Engineering Students of the University of Manitoba over the course of 8 months. The project aims to enhance the safety of isolated industrial workers by providing simultaneous real-time monitoring of vital signs and exposure to hazardous chemicals to both the wearers and their supervisors. Currently, there are no commercially available products designed with these all of these functions for industrial purposes, as most are only intended for recreational or hospital purposes. The system comprises of three subsystems, including a comfort pad with biometric sensors, a chemical sensor unit, and an ESP32ESP32 Devkit microcontroller to process data from the sensors. It can integrate seamlessly into a universal headband to be worn under a welding mask. Key features include: • Having a light weight of 500 grams or under. • Broad applicability fitting 85% of the Canadian population. • Precise vital signs monitoring with temperature accuracy within 0.3°C and 2%. • Heart rate and blood oxygenation accuracy exceeding 97% and 98.85% respectively (Sari et al. 2021). • Alarming chemical exposure thresholds align with 15-minute short term exposure guidelines set by the Government of Manitoba. The design has been verified by various tests resembling CSA standard verification procedures as much as possible under the constraints of time, budget, and resources. For the temperature sensor, immersion in an ice water bath alongside a high-accuracy thermometer assessed accuracy and response time. The heart rate and blood oxygenation sensor has been benchmarked against a smartwatch due to its biometric accuracy. Humidity sensor testing involved controlled environments using salt mixtures to establish fixed relative humidity. Gas sensors have undergone calibration, followed by simple bump testing and limited time response tests, in which they were exposed to triggering gas concentrations within known environments to evaluate response times. The testing section of the report extends its focus to physical tests for the overall system. Environmental temperature, drop, and vibration tests were conducted to ascertain potential impacts on system operation. These tests collectively ensure a robust assessment of the sensor system's reliability and functionality in diverse conditions. Lastly, the limitations that were found to have impacted the design process have been summarized, along with suggestions for potential solutions to these limitations. Additionally, potential next steps for developing this project have been included should the project continue into further design iterations.
Open Access
Win-Shield Medical Devices' Capstone Project Report
(2023-04-13) Chingwena, Ashley; Shahriar, Ishrak; Staples, Sam; Ndhlovu, Simon; Jacobson, Natasha
This project creates a multipurpose device that protects healthcare workers from liquids and flying fragments, providing whole user safety. Existing face shields are uncomfortable and fail to protect the entire cranium from bodily fluids, while disposable ones are not environmentally or economically viable. The device developed is adjustable, comfortable, reusable, and easy to use, withstanding necessary cleaning processes. It also allows the use of head-mounted tools and devices. The proposed solution is called the Flip Shield. It includes a head shield, face shield, and hinge mechanism designed to protect against bodily fluid sprays, particularly from coughing and sneezing. The head shield has a slightly enlarged brim, protrusions on either side for the hinge, and can act as a platform for accessory devices. The face shield is designed to mate with the brim of the head shield, a remodelled face shield, and protrusions on either side for the hinge. The hinge mechanism is comprised of two curved hinge slides and two attachment pieces. The attachment pieces move inside the hinge slide, this ensures the head and face shield remain connected while allowing the face shield to move up freely. A prototype was 3D printed using polylactic acid (PLA) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) filaments, but production-grade parts will be constructed using polycarbonate and expensive, high-quality, water-cooled tool steel injection molds. The Flip Shield was evaluated based on the set-out verification/validation criteria, cleaning test methodology, and evaluation results, including an easy-to-use design, a locking hinge, reusability, simple assembly and disassembly, the time it takes to put the device on, and weight. Cleaning methodology was also tested, including disinfectant wipes and bleach solution method. Durability methodology was evaluated by performing the durability test, which aimed to evaluate the resilience of the hinge mechanism during everyday usage. The assembly and disassembly test were conducted to assess the duration and ease of each process. Both disinfectant wipes and bleach solution were found to be effective cleaning methods. Assembly took 1 minute and 10 seconds, disassembly took 32 seconds, and the durability test revealed that the PLA material used for the hinge mechanism caused the device to fail after approximately 100 cycles. The attachment method, material selection, and hinge channel design of the face shield can be improved to enhance its functionality and user-friendliness. Using a stronger material for better attachment and manufacturing through injection molding can result in a higher-grade and longer-lasting design. The cleaning method can be improved by combining the bleach solution and disinfectant wipes. Improving the push button design and modifying the finger tabs for better ergonomics can also enhance the design. A clear and transparent pet sheet with no ripples is crucial for clear vision, and a short user manual with engravings on the design body can guide users for easy installation of the hinge pieces. The attachment method, material selection, and hinge channel design of the face shield can be improved to enhance its functionality and user-friendliness. Using a stronger material for better attachment and manufacturing through injection molding can result in a higher-grade and longer-lasting design. The cleaning method can be improved by combining the bleach solution and disinfectant wipes. Improving the push button design and modifying the finger tabs for better ergonomics can also enhance the design. A clear and transparent pet sheet with no ripples is crucial for clear vision, and a short user manual with engravings on the design body can guide users for easy installation of the hinge pieces. The final design solution for the face shield project satisfies all the requirements, including creating an adjustable and comfortable shield, providing space for device mounting, making it reusable, and adhesive-free for easy cleaning and maintenance. The shield is made from durable and high-quality materials, making it cost-effective and eco-friendly. The final design solution is a reliable and effective tool suitable for various users.

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Browsing Engineering Undergraduate Theses by Subject "Biosystems Engineering"

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