Update #2 (Week 3): Design Modification and Specifics

During the second official group meeting, the group discussed the specifics of the design. These include details such as the suit material, layout of the tubes and water delivery system, various layers needed for water retention, distribution of soap and water via external storage box and tubes, and water pressure adjustments. The group also shared and discussed individual research conducted since the last meeting. This research included possible suit materials based on astronaut suit-like layers and functionalities of washing machines, dryers, jacuzzis, and hot tubs for application to the design.

After some discussion, it was decided that the washing machine application would not be the most suitable for the design. The main problem found was that of the re-circulation of water; the system used in washing machines involves a setup that differs greatly from the proposed design, so most of the aspects of the washing machine will not be used for this design. However, the parts that will be used include ways to connect the apparatus to a water supply via thick pipes or tubing. In this aspect, the washing machine will be used as a reference.

Other points of discussion included how to incorporate a hot and cold water valve for patients to adjust water temperature, as well as an efficient drainage system for complete removal of water after use of the suit. It was decided that a dehumidifying element must be added to prevent the possibility of mold and/or bacterial buildup inside the suit.

Lastly, the various layers of the suit, their functions, and their materials were discussed. Three layers will be used; the first and innermost will be some sort of spongy loofa-like material with which the patient can be scrubbed by a caretaker externally without making contact with the water underneath. The next layer in the middle will be some sort of wetsuit-like material, which is flexible and versatile enough for the comfort of the patient and simultaneously strong enough to support the first layer. The outermost layer will be some kind of external polyester or nylon fabric for water retention and added protection. Between the outermost and middle layers, the suit will have a network of tubes branching off of each other and spreading out to various parts of the body to deliver water evenly to the patient. Details of the layer materials and design shall be researched and discussed for the next meeting.

Figure 2.1 below illustrates the board used during the second official meeting.

Figure 2.1: Photo of group meeting board taken during second meeting.