Finalizing Our Design – Erika Carbajal

We finally set a design that was suitable. We decided to remove the eye/face protector, and we added a heat sensor from Adafruit (see the model here). Along with that, we have already completed our ordering for the first round. We ordered retroreflective tape, Velcro, a hard hat, and heat sensors. We were nott able to order material for the chin strap, or for the extra padding, because we were not sure how much we needed. However, we are sure that after we get all of our materials and our prototype is finished, we will be able to take exact measurements of how much padding material we will need.

 

To continue, we need to meet as a team and create the prototype. First, we will set the hard hat with all the material. Secondly, we’re going to have Idalis, the engineer field team member, program the heat sensor with a breadboard. Third, while Idalis does the programming, two team members will have to measure and decide about final measurements and material for the padding. Lastly, since this prototype is considered our class’ final project, we will need one team member to add some details to our final presentation power point. We also have OSHA training to work on, so we are hoping to get this all done by January!

 

In our power point presentation, we will be presenting where our idea started from, what our team’s mission is, why we decided to create this device, and how we intend to make the product be marketed to the potential customer. Beyond that, we are presenting our prototype and what it consists of to the rest of our Biomedical Design & Entrepreneurship class. As of right now, we are on thanksgiving break, so our team has not been able to further discuss the prototype itself.

 

One problem we encountered already is figuring out how to add a chin strap to the helmet. We took a mini field trip before school to home depot to figure out if there was any type of material to clip the chin strap. We could not figure anything out, but on our way back, we did come across an Academy Sport and Outdoor store, and we thought, “Hey, maybe we can get an idea from a football helmet!” Our next big task is finding out how to attach a chin strap to the helmet, and the team will discuss this as we get back from break.

 

It’s really all coming together, we can’t wait to see our product in the market!