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Nebulizer Redesign

Group of 3 : 1.5 months
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Background

For the second half of ME40: Engineering Design I, we began to work on a project that involved inclusive designs. The class was divided into groups of three and each team was asked to remodel an existing product for a group of our choosing. My team and I decided to re-design a Nebulizer, which is used to liquify medicine, for users with Parkinsons Disease. 

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With COVID restrictions still in place, we were unable to build a final prototype or run thorough user tests. 

Design Challenge

Before begining to ideate new designs, our team had to agree on a user and their needs. Our user was Bill, a 75 year old male with mild tremors. 

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I began doing research on what products existed for people with tremors, most of which incorporated a self-balancing mechanism. Because the mask used in a nebulizer must be lightweight, made of FDA approved material, and allow vapour out, self-balancing mechanisms would not work well. Additionally, the medication used was transferred via a small cup that required precision. Our team agreed on the following needs: 

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System Requirements

  • Accessibility: can consistently be operated by someone with mild Parkinson’s

  • Durability: ability to remain functional without excess repair over design lifetime

  • Efficiency: Set up in under five minutes

  • Maintainability: Spend less than twenty minutes a week cleaning

  • Usability: Set up with minimal reference to the owner’s manual

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Operational Requirements 

  • To deliver vaporized medication efficiently

 

Functional Requirements

  • Allow for different medication amounts 

  • Vaporize medicine

  • Maintain the same outside temperature

  • Hold the same vaporizing speed

  • Receive Power

  • Indicate when the vaporization process is complete

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Idea Development and User Testing

Idea Development:

  • Since the medicine cup size is dedicated by the prescription, a funnel was created to put over the cup when the medicine is being poured into the cup. 

  • The increased diameter will help prevent spillage for people with tremors.

  • A softer material was added around the cup to make holding it more comfortable and to make the diameter closer to the anthropometric grip measurements chosen for Bill

  • A thicker extension to the band was added to make it easier to adjust the size

  • Taking inspiration from the MagSafe charger, the tubing now connects via magnets (and is sealed with a rubber gasket)

  • An indicator light was added to signify on/off status for an additional visual aid

  • A larger power switch is easier to manipulate for someone with tremors

  • The tab on the filter makes removal easier (no more unsuccessfully pinching at the foam)

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User Testing:

  • We made a prototype with an existing nebulizer to include our design improvements. Users then physically interacted with our redesigned product to provide feedback.

  • User testing protocol is on Canvas

  • Our questions were aimed at addressing the efficiency, effectiveness, and satisfaction of the product changes we implemented

  • We conducted user testing on people outside of the class so that there was no bias or previous exposure to the product

  • We realize that our users are more able than our Persona and have taken that into considerations with both our user testing and redesign

 

Results:

  • Testers found the new hose attachment easy to use and satisfying

  • The funnel made it easier to add medicine to the container

    • One tester worried it might be easy to lose since it is not attached to anything

  • A user spilled water on the machine, bringing up the issue of electrical safety

  • Users appreciated how filters were easy for them to remove

    • Prototype was very fragile so the tab didn’t last long (ideally would be made with plastic)

  • User also appreciated the larger grips of all attachment parts

Future Work

  • One of our testers suggested that the twist open cup could be challenging to manipulate with tremors

    • Utilize a flip top to make easier to open and close

  • The hole in the nebulizer where the power supply connected could be replaced with a conical hole

    • This will help guide the plug into place, giving people with tremors a larger margin of error when plugging in the power cord

  • One could reasonably be using this in a bathroom or near other locations with water

    • Add a sticker near the plug warning of shock hazard if subject to water spills or submersion

  • These changes fulfill the needs of our Persona who has physical limitation, and help to avoid hazardous incidents 

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