Aims

The aims of the course are to:

• Understanding the requirements of medical device design
• Obtain an introduction to rapid analysis of design requirements
• Experience the planning and development of the prototyping/testing stages of designing a product
• Experience of using manual and computer based design tools (as required) 2D/3D CAD systems, FEA, CAM, standard and 'bespoke' DAQ & sensor systems, electrical/electronic CAD and simulation
• To assemble one or more prototype systems, using: ◾Additive/Subtractive rapid manufacturing techniques ◾PCB manufacture ◾Sensors ◾Low cost/low power micro-controllers where appropriate

Content

Working with mentors from local consultancies, NHS, care organisations and CUED staff, student teams will be tasked with developing a concept and prototype for a new  'medical' product for use in  the heathcare, e.g. NHS, medical research, Assistive Technologies, care homes or domicillary care. 

The brief will be relatively open but it is expected that each task will require a range of engineering techniques, typically inc.,

• Mechanical Design
  • Materials
  • Mechanism design
  • Ergonomics
• Electronic  Design inc
  • Sensors
  • Signal conditioning
  • Data Aquisition
  • Use of microprocessors
• Software
  • Data Analysis using statistics/AI/ML
  • UI Design - development

 Support will be given in the form of a  number of short lectures/videos/documentation - given by staff and mentors on

• medical device design, 
• project planning,
• presenting
• use of specific commercial software(where appropriate)
•  

Mentors and staff will be available during the sessions/on-line, 

Feedback from the stakeholders will be available in person/text/on-line, depending on availability

The project ends with a poster/presentation event, held a the begining of the last week of the Easter term project period, for the mentors and interested stakeholders

NB The project only runs for 3 weeks + 1 day during Easter, rather than the normal 4 weeks+1/2 day.

NB  The team nature of the project means that the it is important that all members of each team are available for all  the timetabled sessions, especially those in Lent term, expected to be Wednesday afternoon 2-6pm, wks 4,5,7,8. If you think you may be unable to attend for any reason please add a note to the project coordinator when you apply for the project.

(For further deatils please contact the course leader)

FORMAT

Students will work in multidisciplinary teams of typically 4/5

ACTIVITIES

Lent Term

• Week 1
  • Introduction to Medical device design
  • Setting of tasks and teams
  • Initial research, brainstorming of ideas (Supported by mentors)
  • Generation of questions for stakeholders
  • Were appropriate access to test equipment/components
• Week 2
  • Discussions with, access to feedback from stakeholders, clincians
  • Introduction to NHS data systems and access
  • Problem investigation and concept development
• Week 3
  • Further concept development
  • Were appropriate, simple experiments
  • Planning of experimental stage during Easter term
  • Development of presentation and initial report
• Week 4
  • Submission of draft presentation
  • Team presentation of plans for Easter term sessions, inc
    • Work to date
    •  Overall concept(s)
    • Plans/Timeline for Easter term
    • Resource requirements
  • Feedback session with mentors, stakeholders
  • Submission of team report (inc resource requirements, updated as required)

Easter Term

•  Week 1
  • Access to requested resources
  • Start experiments and software development
• Week 2
  • Further development work
  • Short interim report (individual)
• Week 3
  • Coninuing work on prototype(s)
  • Draft poster
  • Lecture on poster design and presentation
• Week 4 (First day only)
  • Lunchtime poster session
  • Team Presentations
  • Final report submission (Individual and team)