Module 3

Design Statement

For this final project, our goal is to refine and validate the core functionality of our product before upgrading any hardware components. We focused on researching suitable materials for the prototype and understanding how resistance bands are used in physiotherapy contexts. Building on these insights, we tested different materials and explored design approaches for each major component, including the airbag, outer fabric, and user interface. Our aim was to create a final prototype that stays securely on the user’s body, accurately displays real-time pressure data in ProtoPie, allows users to feel changes in resistance as the pressure varies, reliably holds, adds, and releases air, and maintains proper airflow during both inflation and release. Ultimately, our goal was to develop a functional prototype through continuous research, brainstorming, testing, troubleshooting, and learning throughout the design process, allowing us to arrive at the best possible solution within the project timeline.

Activities

Activity 1 | Troubleshooting Sensor Issue, Testing Material, and Prototyping Airbag

In this activity, I tested with different materials for the airbag component and prototyped the initial version of the airbag. I also troubleshot the sensor issue by placing the entire sensor inside the airbag to ensure accurate pressure readings.

Activity 2 | Airbag Prototyping

In this activity, I used iron welding technique to create the airbag component for our second prototype. I tested different welding methods and materials to ensure the airbag could hold pressure without leaking. However, it was still challenging to completely avoid air leaks overtime.

Additional Activity | Redesign and Implement ProtoPie

In this activity, I redesigned the ProtoPie user interface to improve the visual representation of pressure data. I set up global variables to connect the Arduino sensor data with ProtoPie, aiming to give real-time monitoring and visual feedback based on pressure changes.

Additional Research

Research on Airbag& Air Valve Material and Welding Techniques. Body Storming, and research on protopie and arduino connection