ShiftSense: An Autonomous Timer that Encourages Timely Pressure Relief
My Role: Project Manager & Physical Fabrication Lead
Tools: OnShape; 3D Printer; Laser Cutter; Gemini; Orbital Sander
Context: Team Project for Assistive Design Class
Project Scope:
This project was a venture with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to develop a timer to remind wheelchair-bound veterans to alter their wheelchair positions to avoid developing clots and sores.
Based on interviews with Krysta, an OT at the VA, we learned that visual, auditory, and/or tactile reminders are highly desired by veterans. We also aimed to emphasize independence and adaptability.
User Needs | Engineering Requirements |
The placement of the timer must be adjustable | The device must be able to attach & detach from the chair easily and in different places without compromising the integrity of their powerchair. |
The user must be aware of the time remaining & the state of timer | The device must be placed in the eyeline of the user and features are recognizable but not disruptive |
The user must change positions consistently | The device must have an automatic and continuous timed loop consistent with the OT’s timing recommendations (2 minutes every 20 minutes) |
The user must feel independent while using the device | The device must feature pause, resume, and restart features within reach of the user |
Prior to the Assistive Technology Fair, our group had not been able to test our products with our target VA Wheelchair users due to HIPAA constraints with the hospital. We were, however, able to test our product design amongst ourselves for general usability and quality feedback.
Responses and User Feedback received from individuals at the fair included:
Bolting the battery box into the chair instead of attached via Velcro
Interpretation/Forward Direction: Emphasis on product integrity and a more stable/permanent solution to improve functionality and durability
Recognition that power chairs usually have USB ports integrated into their design
Interpretation/Forward Direction: Install a USB cord to extend out of the timer box and plug into the chair for power instead of using AA batteries; more reliable power source and battery life/reliability will not need to be monitored as frequently
“Buddy Button” Adaptations
Interpretation/Forward Direction: Extended reach or flexibility of button placement depending on the dexterity and reach of individual patients/users
Included Design Features:
Mounting
(User need 1) Arduino and batteries stored in a case fastened underneath the arm of the chair
(User need 4) Timer, LEDs, and buttons placed above the armrest for easy viewing and user manipulation
Buttons/Keys
2x square shape; 16mm size in size with 24mm spacing between keys
(User need 4) Pause, Resume, Snooze, Re-Start Timer functions
LED Colors
(User need 2/3) White digital clock for visibility
(User need 2) Blue, Green, Yellow LEDs for added visual cues in conjunction w/ shapes
Shapes
Common shapes that are easily differentiated (square/circle/triangle)
Audio
(User need 2/3) Alarms to indicate position change
Audio feedback to indicate button presses/functions/start-up
Prior to the Assistive Technology Fair, our group had not been able to test our products with our target VA Wheelchair users due to HIPAA constraints with the hospital. We were, however, able to test our product design amongst ourselves for general usability and quality feedback.
Responses and User Feedback received from individuals at the fair included:
Bolting the battery box into the chair instead of attached via Velcro
Interpretation/Forward Direction: Emphasis on product integrity and a more stable/permanent solution to improve functionality and durability
Recognition that power chairs usually have USB ports integrated into their design
Interpretation/Forward Direction: Install a USB cord to extend out of the timer box and plug into the chair for power instead of using AA batteries; more reliable power source and battery life/reliability will not need to be monitored as frequently
“Buddy Button” Adaptations
Interpretation/Forward Direction: Extended reach or flexibility of button placement depending on the dexterity and reach of individual patients/users
Prior to the Assistive Technology Fair, our group had not been able to test our products with our target VA Wheelchair users due to HIPAA constraints with the hospital. We were, however, able to test our product design amongst ourselves for general usability and quality feedback.
Responses and User Feedback received from individuals at the fair included:
Bolting the battery box into the chair instead of attached via Velcro
Interpretation/Forward Direction: Emphasis on product integrity and a more stable/permanent solution to improve functionality and durability
Recognition that power chairs usually have USB ports integrated into their design
Interpretation/Forward Direction: Install a USB cord to extend out of the timer box and plug into the chair for power instead of using AA batteries; more reliable power source and battery life/reliability will not need to be monitored as frequently
“Buddy Button” Adaptations
Interpretation/Forward Direction: Extended reach or flexibility of button placement depending on the dexterity and reach of individual patients/users
Project Scope:
This project was a venture with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to develop a timer to remind wheelchair-bound veterans to alter their wheelchair positions to avoid developing clots and sores.
Based on interviews with Krysta, an OT at the VA, we learned that visual, auditory, and/or tactile reminders are highly desired by veterans. We also aimed to emphasize independence and adaptability.
User Needs | Engineering Requirements |
The placement of the timer must be adjustable | The device must be able to attach & detach from the chair easily and in different places without compromising the integrity of their powerchair. |
The user must be aware of the time remaining & the state of timer | The device must be placed in the eyeline of the user and features are recognizable but not disruptive |
The user must change positions consistently | The device must have an automatic and continuous timed loop consistent with the OT’s timing recommendations (2 minutes every 20 minutes) |
The user must feel independent while using the device | The device must feature pause, resume, and restart features within reach of the user |
Prior to the Assistive Technology Fair, our group had not been able to test our products with our target VA Wheelchair users due to HIPAA constraints with the hospital. We were, however, able to test our product design amongst ourselves for general usability and quality feedback.
Responses and User Feedback received from individuals at the fair included:
Bolting the battery box into the chair instead of attached via Velcro
Interpretation/Forward Direction: Emphasis on product integrity and a more stable/permanent solution to improve functionality and durability
Recognition that power chairs usually have USB ports integrated into their design
Interpretation/Forward Direction: Install a USB cord to extend out of the timer box and plug into the chair for power instead of using AA batteries; more reliable power source and battery life/reliability will not need to be monitored as frequently
“Buddy Button” Adaptations
Interpretation/Forward Direction: Extended reach or flexibility of button placement depending on the dexterity and reach of individual patients/users
Prior to the Assistive Technology Fair, our group had not been able to test our products with our target VA Wheelchair users due to HIPAA constraints with the hospital. We were, however, able to test our product design amongst ourselves for general usability and quality feedback.
Responses and User Feedback received from individuals at the fair included:
Bolting the battery box into the chair instead of attached via Velcro
Interpretation/Forward Direction: Emphasis on product integrity and a more stable/permanent solution to improve functionality and durability
Recognition that power chairs usually have USB ports integrated into their design
Interpretation/Forward Direction: Install a USB cord to extend out of the timer box and plug into the chair for power instead of using AA batteries; more reliable power source and battery life/reliability will not need to be monitored as frequently
“Buddy Button” Adaptations
Interpretation/Forward Direction: Extended reach or flexibility of button placement depending on the dexterity and reach of individual patients/users
Prior to the Assistive Technology Fair, our group had not been able to test our products with our target VA Wheelchair users due to HIPAA constraints with the hospital. We were, however, able to test our product design amongst ourselves for general usability and quality feedback.
Responses and User Feedback received from individuals at the fair included:
Bolting the battery box into the chair instead of attached via Velcro
Interpretation/Forward Direction: Emphasis on product integrity and a more stable/permanent solution to improve functionality and durability
Recognition that power chairs usually have USB ports integrated into their design
Interpretation/Forward Direction: Install a USB cord to extend out of the timer box and plug into the chair for power instead of using AA batteries; more reliable power source and battery life/reliability will not need to be monitored as frequently
“Buddy Button” Adaptations
Interpretation/Forward Direction: Extended reach or flexibility of button placement depending on the dexterity and reach of individual patients/users