aqua brace
TRANSCRIPT
AQUA BraceProject By: Jordan Williams, Alyssa Zillmer,
and Connor Griffin
Background Problem Statement Problem Validation Survey Statistics Patents/Past
Solutions Design
Requirements Choosing a Solution
Sketches/Final Design Sketches
Prototype Materials Testing Redesign Next Steps
Agenda
Stifle joint is the most susceptible joint in the dog
Surgery is the number one prescription for knee injuries
Avg. $2000-$2500, can be $3500+ Avg. knee brace $745-$945
Background
Dogs have a plethora of knee injuries, the steps to fix these injuries usually requires surgery which is assisted by a knee brace and sometimes hydrotherapy. Knee braces are also used as an alternative to surgery with hydrotherapy. Most knee braces are not water resistant which can be expensive when replaced.
Problem Statement
Survey ◦Importance of brace◦How much they would be willing to pay
Professional Opinion ◦Main reason for earlier appointments
◦Higher chance of other leg tearing
Problem Validation
Survey Statistics Over 80% felt that it was important At least 50% would be willing to pay up to $500
Pros: Comfortable Inexpensive Supports whole hind leg
Cons: Not water resistance Bulky
Patents
Pros: Comfortable Supportive Does not shift
Cons: Complex Not water resistant
Patents
Past Solutions (OrthoPets)Pros► Effective► Durable materials ► Water proof padding
Cons► Expensive► Not all water proof► Shifts
Pros► Water proof► Moderately affordable
Cons► Complex► Air dry
Past Solutions (MuttKnee Brace)
Water Proof Effective
◦Restricts knee to normal movements Cost Effective Durable
Design Requirements
Created individual preliminary sketches
Choose best 5 Composite design of previous ideas. Two stage brace.
Choosing a Solution
Sketches
Sketches
Sketches
Choosing a Solution(cont.)
Final Design Sketches
Prototype Design Sketches
Prototype Design Sketches(cont.)
Prototype Design Sketches(cont.)
Prototype Design Sketches(cont.)
Prototype Design Sketches(cont.)
Prototype Design Sketches(cont.)
Prototype
Low Density Polyethylene Neopreene Closed-Cell Foam
Materials
Criteria/Benchmark Description of data needed
Quantitative or qualitative
Degree of accuracy
WaterproofAmount of water absorbed Quantitative +/- .25 lb
Effective as a knee brace
Leg cannot shift in unnatural directions.
Qualitative
N/A
Testing
Testing (cont.)Criteria/Benchmark Description of
data neededQuantitative or qualitative
Degree of accuracy
Cost under $300 Total price. Quantitative +$50/-∞
Durable Damage to materials Qualitative N/A
Criteria/Benchmark Observations Pass/Failure
Degree of accuracy
Waterproof
Given the materials used and the design itself, unless due to user error there would be little to no water absorption.
Pass +/- .25 lb
Effective as a knee brace
Given the design, movement would be severely restricted in all directions except for forwards and backwards. Little resistance would be applied from knee wrap but not complete resistance.
Pass (Some changes)
N/A
Testing Analysis
Criteria/Benchmark
Observations Pass/Failure
Degree of accuracy
Costs under $300 Pass
+ $50/ -∞
Durable
Minor scuffs would be suspected. Damage can be reduced with new materials.
Short term pass/ Long term failure
N/A
Testing Analysis (cont.)
Structure Size Increase stability
Redesign
Redesign (cont.)
Use desired materialsMore extensive testing
Next Steps