Update #3 (Week 4): Design Materials and Modifications

During the Week 4 meeting, the group discussed and combined research, as well as re-considered certain aspects of the design after speaking with faculty advisor Dr. Allen. The most drastically changed aspect of the design is that of the shape of the suit, which, instead of contouring to a human form, will now be shaped like a sleeping bag. This was established because one of the key points of discussion was that patients may have difficulty wearing the suit if it has such a specific shape; in other words, it may be hard for them to place their arms into the sleeves and to somehow get their legs into the lower extremities of the suit. Moreover, a nurse or caretaker would have to assist the patient in putting the suit on, and having such a defined shape would be rather difficult for them to help the patient.

Another notable outcome of the meeting is that the group decided to include an inflation element to the design. Specifically, the inner layer of the bag will be inflatable so that the water inside can flow more smoothly through the tubes without being crushed by the patient's weight. This added factor is projected to increase not only functionality of the suit, but also efficiency and performance. Additionally, the overall material for the suit will be PVC Vinyl, which will help to avoid possible allergic reactions, and the inside lining will be made with acrylic fabric.

In preparation for the next meeting, members of the group will be researching a plumbing and drainage system, hot and cold water valves and how to implement them in accordance with a water line, and the specifics of using jets, air pressure, and a power system. Lastly, for the next meeting, the group plans to brainstorm solutions for the issue of how to most efficiently and most easily allow patients to put the suit on in the first place.

Details for the research specifics are as follows:

Plumbing/drainage system (Rima, Justin)

Things to consider: How does a drainage system work in the bathtub, sink? How will the suit be draining the used water? Is the water going to be flushed out like a toilet where the water can fill up to a certain point before being drained by a pressed button? Or will it be automatically drained like a shower or sink as it's showering the person? How do you make sure there is no contamination from the drainage water being sucked back up into the washer suit? How will the tubing be connected to the drainage system? Where is the drainage system in the patient’s room?

Hot/cold water valve/where to connect water line (Maurice, Alison)

Things to consider: Where is the main water line? How is the suit going to be connected to the water line? How is the suit going to be different from releasing a flow of water as does a sink or bath tub or shower? How is water released by turning a knob? How does the Jacuzzi get its water and how is the water flowing through the tube system? How does the hot/cold valve work? What will the nurse have to do to change the temperature or the water? Is there a heating component added to the system or will the hot/warm water be retrieved from the already heated water from the hospital’s water supply and heater?

Jets/air pressure/power system (Jill, Riena)

Things to consider: Like that of a Jacuzzi, how is the system going to be taking air from outside and pumping it through the tubes? How can the pressure be adjusted? Is there programming involved? What will the nurse have to do to change the pressure? Will it mirror the way a Jacuzzi’s pressure is controlled by pressing buttons? How does this system work? How will the system be powered? Is it going to use an outlet? How is a Jacuzzi hooked up?


Figure 3.1 below depicts rough sketches of a handful of alternatives to the design brainstormed by members of the group. The main design to be used currently is that of the sleeping bag shape.

Figure 3.1: Sketches of design alternatives.