This week we further discussed an expanded model of the thermal system for use in simulation. Additionally, we began calculating theoretical heat transfer coefficients between the heating mechanism and the human hand, as well as an approximated heat capacity of the human hand.
General Meeting – Potential System Designs, Modeling and Simulation
This week we discussed potential possibilities for design solutions, including locations for measurement, thermal management options, and methods of interfacing with the hand. Heat mapping of the hand and commonly reported sites of pain were used to determine the joints necessary for treatment. The whole hand was determined necessary. Initial thermodynamic formulas and a rough diagram of the system were developed for use in control simulations.
General Meeting – Presentation Preparation
The team prepared for the first presentation of the design requirements and made the adjustments suggested by the team advisor. The week was spent finalizing and rehearsing the presentation.
General Meeting – Design Input Progress
In this meeting, Blake updated the team on his work in initializing the website design. We began collating information to be included in the background and general problem definition. We continued progress on defining the design requirements. The team discussed a potential study to garner heat output data for the hand, and planned to begin drafting a protocol and IRB application.
General Meeting – Meeting Schedule, Design Inputs
This week we created a tentative schedule for weekly team and advisor meetings. We also began planning the information to be included on the project website and scheduled a meeting with the machine shop director. We discussed the previous project on which this design builds, including its advantages and areas for improvement in future design work. Finally, we began work on a tentative list of design requirements.