Update #7 (Week 8): Conceptual Design Specifications

In this week's meeting, the group focused mainly on the conceptual ideas behind the way the design will work. Specifically, a flowchart was created in order to visually express the theory of the suit. Figure 7.1 below illustrates the series of events and checkpoints that the entire wash cycle will include. The initial set-up procedure is as follows:

•  Connect water valves to system
•  Inflate the under layer
•  Place person into suit
•  Pour in soap into soap dispenser
•  Set the temperature (sensor)
•  Set the pressure (sensor)
•  Press begin

Figure 7.1: Visual flowchart of the general conceptual progression of events for the suit to function.

As well, the group discussed how exactly clients will have the suit put on. Basically, the opening near the neck of the patient includes an inflatable ring-shaped component that can be collapsed when not in use. The patient will enter the suit feet-first via nursing assistance, and the inflation ring will fill with air to keep water from leaking out of the top of the suit.

Some of the benefits of this design that make it more desirable over other solutions were discussed. For one, the washer suit allows for less risk on both the patient and the hospital's part. Taking a paraplegic patient or elderly patient out of bed, into a wheelchair, and to a bathroom or washroom involves much risk of the patient falling, slipping, or becoming injured in some way. The suit, however, eliminates the possibility of hurting the patient, which also reduces the risk for the hospital in caring for the patient. Another benefit is that of less intensive labor for the nurses. Giving patients a sponge bath manually would require much physical work, but with the suit, the nurse does not have to expend so much energy.

Other specifications were discussed. For example, a self-cleaning cycle will be added to the suit so as to prevent growth and buildup of mold or bacteria. In addition, the group is quantifying certain aspects, like how much water the suit will use on average. This value is estimated to be around 45 gallons per use. Another specification that the group will need to focus on is that of cost-- how much will it take to actually create the suit? Then, how much will it be retailed for in order to make profit?

A schedule for the remainder of the term was created for more efficiency in task completion and to keep the group on track (see Figure 7.2 below). Overall, the group's goals are to address any missing specifications conceptually and to do research to support any quantitative data. As well, the group will begin working on the final report and the PowerPoint presentation in preparation for the final project deliverable.

Figure 7.2: Board used during meeting for organization and planning ideas.