What's a design team?

A design team is where students collaborate together on a given specific task and develop a new solution to the problem. The steps include defining the problem, brainstorming, creating a prototype, and troubleshooting. 

Current Project

This semester our design team project is to address the lack of an accessible device to prevent degradation of severed digits after an accident and during transport. The degradation of severed digits in transport results in lower rates of successful replantation of the digit.

As a group, our design team developed a needs statement to address our specific concerns and objectives.

Needs Statement: A way to address degradation of severed digits after an accident and during transport to increase the rate of successful replantation.

The design team developed three design options, which were also voted on. At this point, we are moving forward with a box-based design, with internal padding and temperature control. After multiple rapid-prototyping sessions, we have solidified design specifications and material needs. These will be further developed over the Spring semester.

Past Projects 

Helmer Scientific Platelet Agitator - Bag Stabilizer 

Platelets must be under constant agitation to prevent coagulation. The problem was that platelet bags fall off the shelves of the device being used, which consists of shelves that accelerate gently back and forth. When a platelet bag falls, the cells within burst and the donation is no longer able to be used. Our task was to create a solution to this concern to prevent platelet donations from going to waste. 

Need statement: A way to reduce the displacement of platelet bags in a platelet agitator such that the bags do not clump together or fall off the shelves.

Our design team groups chose three designs to further pursue. The designs have been prototyped and tested while collecting data for the final report.

The Design Team has finished this project and presented the final results to Helmer Scientific. 

Adaptive Canoeing Equipment

Our design team project worked with a community member and outdoorsman who lost his fingers to sepsis 7 years ago. He enjoys both canoeing and kayaking and currently uses a device to assist with holding the paddle during these activities. The goal was to improve on the downfalls of the current device and create a simple device that improves grip on the paddle but also allows for switching hands and easy release.

Needs Statement: A cost effective way to address the lack of dexterity and discomfort of amputee canoeists that can be used under varying conditions to safely, efficiently, and comfortably maneuver the paddle on both sides of a canoe.

The design team developed multiple prototypes that fit the needs statement and the outlined design specifications.