Updates

September 2021

We kicked off our Senior Project experience this Fall by outlining our long-term goals this semester and doing some preliminary design work. Additionally, this website with the custom URL “https://engprojects.tcnj.edu/vertigone” was finally brought to reality, where can we present our game-changing BPPV treatment device to the world. Feel free to share this webpage with friends and family and comment any questions you may have for Team Vertigone below!

Meanwhile, our main focus for the first three weeks of this month has been to identify our requirements and constraints for our treatment device. Feel free to check out our goals outlined in the Home tab, where our up-to-date device requirements are listed. These initial steps in Design Control are crucial to the success of Vertigone and we cannot wait to see the outcome and share it here! Check back soon for more updates.

October 2021

In October, we began some essential steps that would not only define and specify the prototype for Vertigone but begin initial steps in device design and outline decision making on the parts and components that Vertigone will comprise of. In addition to these, Three Dimensional models of these components and the Vertigone assembly are now underway with some very successful design solutions almost ready to be shared here. We look forward to sharing our progress on design, part selection and specifying what Vertigone will do and look like in the very near future. Look out for some exciting progress on the way!

November 2022

Over the course of November, we made substantial progress in terms of design and planning of an additional mechanism that would be used to simulate the head of the patient moving in a few different directions. The final design for the frame and headpiece that is the Epley Maneuver System (Vertigone) was also completed and presented at an Interim design presentation during November as well. This design is seen below and contains the electronic parts, microcontroller and the adjustability mechanism for the device. It is important to note that the safety covering and comfort materials are not depicted in this design shown below. The testing mechanism design will be presented in a future month’s progress report! We look forward to seeing how Vertigone evolves as it reaches completion.

December 2022

Throughout December of 2021, we aimed to complete the final design that was presented previously and shown in the November update! Some of the key things that were completed based on this final design were CAD drawings, specifical part drawings, creation of assembly files and the ordering of the first half of the parts that will be used in the prototype. These parts include the core components for an adjustable frame and a few of the parts that will be used in the microcontroller and feedback mechanisms. Next year in 2022, we aim to complete the prototype and a series of Validation and Verification tests assigned to confirm that the device works as intended. We look forward to sharing our progress here!

January 2022

In January, some of the main components completed for the Epley Maneuver System were not physical but instead virtually completed. These include three primary focused areas that are crucial to the foundation of the prototype.

● Design of the frame, completed on Solidworks as individual part files to be further assembled.

● Creation and design of the code that creates a feedback system for a patient performing the Epley Maneuver. Something that has never been done before!

● Write ups for Validation and Verification tests that will confirm that the Epley Maneuver System performs as intended.

February 2022

February was one of the most exciting months of Vertigone so far! Ordered parts arrived in ship shape and the assembly of a prototype was able to begin as planned! A frame that houses the Epley Maneuver System was built and a “rough draft” prototype for that was able to be used to better make a system that fits together and is comfortable for a user to wear. The code had great strides made and by the end of February, was estimated to be 90% completed, and provides feedback through some elements present on the device that will soon be mounted to the frame. Below is a picture of some of the device so for, we look forward to sharing how these come together to make Vertigone!

March 2022

Throughout March 2022, we progressed by completing the software and code portion of the guidance system and the majority of the frame. With a major roadblock being the adjustability of certain straps, we ultimately went with touch fastener and this worked so effectively and was used to better attach certain aspects to it as well. In the April update, the final outcome of the design will be presented.

April 2022

Throughout April, final adjustments were made prior to the beginning of the validation and verification tests that were to follow the design solution fabrication completed in March. Additionally, throughout mid-April the final protocols for both verification and validation were completed. As well as the actual tests that occured. In addition, the team applied for and was granted IRB Approval and were able to perform tests on human subjects. A celebration of Student Achievement took place as well, where the Epley Maneuver System was presented.

May 2022

Finally, in May the reports associated with testing were completed, and finally the Epley Maneuver System was presented as part of a final design presentation! The device passed the majority of both verification and validation testing and was something to be proud of. To conclude, The final design of the Epley Maneuver System ultimately solves the necessity for a device that provides patients feedback on their performance of the Epley Maneuver. By transmitting the data to healthcare providers, further advision of patients while they continue treatment from the convenience of their own home would now be possible. As shown through verification and validation testing, the design solution and prototype presented effectively provides feedback, reads necessary angles precisely and proposes a solution that can be used without the need to attend a clinic when necessary, venturing the wide spectrum of at home healthcare medical devices such as the Epley Maneuver System can provide in the future.