This week, we made edits to our need statement and scope to more concisely meet the requirements and describe the problem at hand. We made only one minor change to our design specifications, but plan to come up with more quantitative metrics as the project develops, particularly to quantify comfort. We have continued researching existing solutions, particularly regarding biofeedback. Thom and Emma met to lay out the first presentation and paper with a rough page count and description of content, as well as to talk about website design and content. We also divided up specific roles for writing the next report. Finally, we made a rough schedule for the three presentations. Next week, we plan to complete our first paper, doing research as necessary to supplement our existing knowledge of the subjects discussed
We started out this week by meeting with Dr. Klaesner on Friday 9/14 to discuss possible directions to take with our project, as well as how to define a need statement and scope. As a result of this meeting, that same day Emma and Katelyn were able to visit the Paraquad facility to inspect current wheelchairs and headrests. This visit was also helpful in developing some design specifications, such as the need for a washable cover and a lack of pressure points, and learning more about potential problems that may arise, such as ulcers or sores on the head.
Throughout the week, we did individual research on existing solutions which we are in the process of compiling. Emma focused on creating the website, which is close to being put online (URL will be www.abetterheadrest.weebly.com). As a result of these meetings, we were able to narrow our problem enough to refine our need statement, scope, and initial specifications, which we prepared for turn-in on Monday 9/17. Since edits revealed that these require further work, we plan to revise the need statement and scope for resubmission on Monday 9/24. Particularly, we plan to shorten the need statement to one sentence, remove excess detail from the scope, and specify that we will be working with Dr. Courtney Dunn. In addition to these edits, we plan to continue next week with research on the topics of muscle tone in individuals with cerebral palsy, problems that people using wheelchairs may encounter, and existing biofeedback treatments for head drop. In particular, we plan to research metrics by which the success of existing headrests are measured. The website should be online by the end of next week. This week, we met with Dr. Courtney Dunn, our client, to discuss specifics of two problems she is interested in solving. We had previously discussed the problem of uneven muscle tone and torticollis in infants and potential solutions involving tracking arm movement or head tilt in infants and reinforcing movement of the weaker side through biofeedback. We decided against working with arm weakness due to the success of a previous senior design group with treating the uneven arm tone problem. During our conversation, we discussed existing solutions, which mostly consist of physical therapy, and varying causes of the head tilt.
We also discussed wheelchair headrests that either do not support upright head position or restrain the head uncomfortably or obtrusively. Head drop and head tilt are problems for many people who have cerebral palsy, especially those who use a wheelchair. We decided to pursue a solution to this problem rather than infant torticollis because we think it addresses a need that is not currently being met. Torticollis and head tilt can be effectively treated by physical therapy and surgery already, although the treatment is imperfect and doesn’t work as well for patients with visual impairments. However, wheelchair headrests currently on the market either fail to provide adequate support or are excessively intrusive such that customers are unwilling to use them. We have written a need statement, a project scope, and a list of initial specifications for the head drop problem, and will be revising these to turn in on Monday. Next week, we plan to begin research specific to the problem of muscle tone in people with cerebral palsy. This will include a review of literature pertaining to the problem itself, as well as a preliminary search of existing treatments. After this initial search, we will begin to elaborate upon our current list of specifications to better understand the criteria our solution must meet. We also plan to start on the website if time allows. |
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Thom Ellison, Emma Huff, Katelyn Miyasaki Archives
April 2019
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