Update #9 (Week 10): Final Presentation

Today, the group delivered the final presentation for the design project. The presentation was a culminating representation of the work completed over the course of the term, outlining such aspects as the problem statement, design criteria, constraints, initial and modified designs, and future work. Group members collaborated and practiced diligently to deliver an effective explanation and overview of the Washer Suit. Overall, the presentation went smoothly, and the group was satisfied with the outcome of both the presentation and the entire term's work altogether.

The group would like to thank Dr. Fred Allen for his advising and guidance throughout the term!

Update #8 (Week 9): Schedule and Pro/ENGINEER Design Progress

This week, the group is focusing on a strict schedule created during Week 8 for the remaining deliverables of the project. Figure 8.1 below shows the planned progress of task completion for the group, as well as other important deadlines to keep in mind.

Figure 8.1: The calendar for the group's remaining milestones.

As well, the group is working individually on assigned parts of the final report, while certain members will be putting the presentation slides together. Figure 8.2 describes the various roles of each member.

Figure 8.2: Roles for the breakdown of the final report and the PowerPoint presentation.

Additionally, Pro/ENGINEER designs were completed for the suit and its interior. These illustrate some changes to the overall design in the way the tube network spreads out within the suit; a more structured and organized layout was used. Figure 8.3 shows some screenshots from Pro/ENGINEER, at various angles to emphasize the different parts of the design.

Figure 8.3: The new design created in Pro/ENGINEER. This differs from the previous sketches in the way the tubes run throughout the inner suit layer.

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.

Update #6 (Week 7): Constructing Deliverables

This week, the main focus of the group was to start and complete two of the main physical deliverables: the cross section of the layers of the suit, and the miniature model of the overall design. Figure 6.1 below illustrates the array of different supplies that the group purchased in order to build these deliverables.

Figure 6.1: Supplies to be used for creating deliverables, i.e. cross section, small model, and tri-fold display

As far as building the deliverables goes, the group was able to finalize the cross section. Figure 6.2 below shows the final product. The blue layers, made of a soft foam material, represent layers of vinyl. The yellow sponge layers represent air, or also space between layers of the suit. Tubes are shown with the network-like branching to deliver water to the suit's interior. These tubes contain red and blue pipe cleaners to represent a mix of hot and cold water that will be entering the suit. Lastly, the bottom-most layer made from loofa scrubbing pads represents the layer of acrylic that will be used for the suit's innermost layer.

Figure 6.2: Cross sectional model representing layers of suit design.

In addition, the group was able to build a small model of the overall design. Figure 6.3 below illustrates what this small-scale prototype looks like. Layers of various materials were used on the interior (not pictured), and the pipe cleaner was used to represent the main pipe that connects the suit to the external box component.

Figure 6.3: The small-scale model created for help in visualizing what the large-scale model would look like.

Although these deliverables were decided upon for the final project's outcomes, the group is still uncertain as to whether or not they will be the final deliverables for the presentation. The small model may be reconsidered, and possibly replaced with Pro/ENGINEER model designs. Presently, a decision has not been made; however, the group will be discussing the matter in the next meeting.

Update #5 (Week 6): Design Sketches

This week, the group focused on specific parts of the design such as the "box" component, the inflation portion, the drainage system, and the layers of the suit. Sketches are provided below for visualization of what the somewhat final design blueprint will look like.

The external box component will house many of the fundamental elements of the design. It is a portable apparatus on wheels that consists of components such as temperature control, power on or off, cycle selection, timer, and soap compartment. The main pipe passes through the "in" pipe for soap to be dispensed through the flowing water and for temperature regulation via the box. For the water removal, the box will house the vacuum system that sucks the water back out and to the drainage pipe in the room's water line. Figure 5.1 below provides a basic visual of the ideas that the box incorporates.

Figure 5.1: Top views of the outside and inside of the box. Controls and a basic setup for the pipes are illustrated. 

Additionally, a small inflation component will be added to the suit so that the space between the external and inner-most layers is kept supported. Otherwise, the tubing system within the layer would be crushed and the suit layers would not stay separate. Figure 5.2 shows the overall design's appearance and setup.

Figure 5.2: The overall design. This sketch details how the patient will be inclined when using the suit, and how the  main pipe will connect to the suit in one place. This pipe is actually a two-way hose that lets water in and out. As well, the inflation device is shown at the right, which will keep space between the suit's layers.

Although the main pipe enters the suit in one place, the two tubes inside it do not. In other words, the "in" tube actually branches out into a network of smaller tubes that deliver water evenly throughout the suit. The "out" tube is a single tube at the bottom that allows water to drain out via the vacuum. Figure 5.3 below shows how the "in" tube spreads out in the space between the outermost and innermost suit layers.

Figure 5.3: The inner tubing network that allows for water to be delivered throughout the suit. Arrows are used to denote direction of the water flow. Note that these tubes are not actually visible from outside, because they are between the layers of the suit.

The layers of the suit will be made with different materials for various purposes. These layers include an outermost of vinyl, a space filled with air, tubes that bring water in, another layer of vinyl, and an innermost layer of acrylic. This last layer is made with a mesh-like soft material for scrubbing the patient. Figure 5.4 below shows what a cross section of the suit would look like.

Figure 5.4: Various layers of the suit and their materials. The layers of air will be created with the inflation discussed previously.

Update #4 (Week 5): Functionality, Components, and Deliverables

This week, the group discussed a number of different aspects of the design, as well as combined research conducted since the last meeting. The main points covered include piping and tubing connections, a drainage system, an external "box" for housing vital controls and components, and materials for physical deliverables. Figure 4.1 below provides a general overview of the meeting's discussions, planning, and scheduling for the coming weeks.

Figure 4.1: Meeting board with organizational lists for what roles each member will be taking on,  when  certain parts need to be finished, and specific questions to ask faculty advisor Dr. Allen.

After much contemplation, a final piping system was agreed upon. The design will be used in accordance with a pre-existing water line wherever the patient wishes to use it. This allows for much simplification of the design in terms of how to set up a hot and cold water valve, how to condition it and program it, and how to create water pressure high enough for the water to enter the suit efficiently. In Figure 4.2, a sketch is provided for details on the way the tubes will be connected.

Figure 4.2: A sketch detailing how the pipes will need to be set up in order to work in conjunction with one another and the suit itself.

In the top half of Figure 4.2, a normal sink's setup was used as a reference for the design. The bottom portion details how the hot and cold water lines from the wall will connect to a box (shown in yellow) for water pressure and temperature controls; inside the box, the tubes combine to form one pipe (in green) which will then be combined with a second pipe for drainage. The overall design involves two main pipes: one for water in, and one for water out; both are separate pipes put together as one but still physically divided. The pipe for water in takes hot and cold water combined and allows it to enter the suit; at a different site on the suit, water will be drained out and connected to the drainage system shown in Figure 4.2 (orange and purple) for draining the water as any normal sink does.

The drainage system to be used will rely on a vacuum for removal of water. The external box will use a high-powered vacuum to siphon the water from a drainage opening near the feet of the suit; this water will travel back through the main pipe to the drainage part of the piping setup in Figure 4.2. The vacuum's force and the U-shape of the drainage pipe at the end will prevent backwash of the used water. In addition, water will be drained at the same rate that water is put into the suit, so that there will never be an overflow or overfilling of the suit, as this would create other complications. This also prevents re-circulation of "dirty" water over the patient.

As far as group dynamics go, the group has been cooperating and working quite diligently. Members work together well, and each person pulls his or her own weight. Figures 4.3 and 4.4 illustrate the group at work during the last meeting.

Figure 4.3: The group listens as Alison explains her research on drainage and piping systems, as well as ideas that can be borrowed from pre-existing systems and implemented in the design.

Figure 4.4: Group members Rima, Alison, and Jill (left to right) work on planning the various layers of the suit and what materials will be used to represent each. Group member Maurice reviews the schedule for the coming weeks.

A plan was created for the rest of the project in terms of what needs to be done and what exactly will be produced as a physical deliverable. Table 4.1 below details these roles as well as the deliverables each member is responsible for.

                         Table 4.1: The roles and responsibilities for the remainder of the project.

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.