Falling
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The Engineering Design Cycle
For this project, our team had to solve a world problem. We chose the teams based on our interests for the problem. After choosing medical problem/s, our group got to work researching injuries and conditions. After researching different medical conditions and different medical treatments, we found many interesting topics and devices. Surprisingly, we found one of the most prominent injuries was caused by falling. After seeing this from our research, we decided that finding a solution would be beneficial to many people. First, we started brainstorming on possible ways to prevent falling, or methods to treat injuries caused by falling. We soon realized that many devices, that helped treat falling, were ineffective. For example, many such as LifeAlert, only had a button to call emergency services. We found this highly dangerous because our research found that in many cases of falling, the victim falls unconscious. We quickly decided to make an improved device that insured the victim could be saved in any circumstance. We then started to think of possible components to a new device. One of these is a censor, inside the device that can tell when the device suddenly drops in elevation (a fall). The device, after detecting the elevation drop, will then call our companies phone line, and an operator will ask the wearer if they are safe. This ensures that even if the victim falls unconscious, they will still get emergency help. After agreeing on the new improvements, we planned and built a wooden model of the device to all the correct dimensions. After testing the size, we found that the device was too large to wear comfortably, and that we had to cut a few of the components. Again we built a model that was now small and had a more comfortable size, we found that it would be effective. Showing our device through the slides above, we got helpful feedback through our peers. This caused many improvements to the device, such as adding a waterproof layer, so the device could be worn while taking a shower or in a pool.
Reflection
This project taught me many things. First, I learned that sometimes it's actually more beneficial to the world, by fixing a problem that might not have as many possible solutions, and taking baby steps toward a long term fully effective solution. We may never find a full solution to falling, but with small improvements, we get nearer to the real change. I also learned a lot about myself. I did a good job being open to new ideas and brainstorming without denying any possibilities. I realized that even if my opinion towards a possible solution may be negative, it is always better to give it a chance. I also did well with empathy toward my teammates this project. I saw that through encouragement, research was much more bearable. I also need to work in some areas. First, I need to work on my leadership. Although I understood how our process was, I didn't check to ensure that my teammates knew as well. Next project I will work on leadership and help others. I also need to improve on time efficiency. This project was very vague, so the time was not as specified. We also couldn't work time efficiently, because we were unsure of how many changes we might need for the new model. Next time I will make sure I am more efficient in that manner.