The main idea of our project was to help victims of medical non-compliance, specifically those who forget to take their pills. After extensive research, including conversations with a doctor, we found the biggest problem in all the apps, and other reminders was that users did not always have their pill boxes on them. Pill reminder apps remind the user to take the pill, but if the user did not have their pill box with them, then the reminder would be useless. When designing our product we took that plight into account, and created a pill box that reminds the user to take their pills.

Through the Python software that we developed, the user can input the day, time, and for how many days they would like to be reminded in a row. The Python software corresponds with the Arduino code, communicating to the Arduino when plugged in. The software can accommodate up to three different kinds of pills for users taking many pills at a time. 

The pill box design has four distinct compartments: one for the electronics- the Arduino Digispark- and three for pills. There are LEDs in each of the three compartments to display to the user which pill they should take. When it's time for the user to take their pills a vibrater will go off inside of the pill box.  After, one of the three  different colored LEDs will light up, indicating which pills the user should take. 

When designing our product on Fusion 360 we were meticulous and cautious of the size of our pill box. We wanted to create a product that would only take up a modicum of one's pocket. We achieved our minuscule size by placing the small battery on the bottom, and using an Arduino Digispark, which is the smallest consumer Arduino. Making our design so ergonomic, and small did come with some setbacks. We overcame most of them, and in the end the only problem that we still need to solve is the lack of space in compartments. 

Hypothermia is a serious danger to high altitude climbers. When a patient suffering from hypothermia is brought to a hospital for medical assistance, a doctor typically begins treating the patient by setting him or her up with a heated IV. Injecting warm saline solution into the body raises the patient’s core body temperature as well as hydrates and provides the patient with nutrients. This ultimately relieves hypothermia. A large problem is that often times those suffering from hypothermia do not have immediate access to medical assistance. We wanted to create a portable heated IV for extreme climate situations and/or high altitude climbers suffering from hypothermia or dehydration. This product is not supposed to heal a person completely, it is intended to be used as a temporary aid to prolong the user’s life until they can receive medical assistance.

The device purifies the water using a cap with built in UV lights. This "purifier" screws into a separate compartment containing ceramic resistors that heat the IV drip reservoir. After being purified and heated, the water flows through the IV tubing until it reaches the needle. The needle is intended to be clipped into the specialized cuff created. The cuff is an 3D printed semi-circle placed on a person's forearm. The cuff is designed to simplify and secure the injection of the IV needle into the person's vein. The other compartments of the cannister hold other necessary components including the salt tablet/packet, a vein finder (Infrared light device), etc.

The importance of the product is clear--it could be the defying factor of a high altitude climber's survival. Without the Portable Warm IV, a person could possibly die of hypothermia on the mountain but with the IV, the chance of his or her core body temperature warming enough to prolong the survival long enough to receive medical assistance is likely. There are no existing products that are capable of helping high altitude mountaineers let alone in extreme conditions return their body to a normal temperature. Since hypothermia is such a serious threat to the lives of mountaineers, it is crucial to have a device that would keep them alive at high altitudes and dangerously cold temperatures. The portable warm IV would bring the user fundamental and pragmatic medical attention immediately, making it a life-changing product... Literally.

We created a writing and drawing tool for people with cerebral palsy, specifically those who lack fine motor control. We wanted to create a tool that provided stability, resistance, adjustability, ergonomics, and flexible movement. By doing this, we aimed to create a positive experience for the user. Our goal was to create an assistive tool to allow people with CP to artistically express themselves by making drawing and writing easier.

People with more severe cases of cerebral palsy do not have much control over their environments or their lives, as they have to be constantly assisted and guided. By allowing people with CP to draw, they get to have control over a world of their creation, which is empowering, enjoyable, and has therapeutic benefits.

We talked to an expert in pediatric CP to ask how the patients currently draw at the clinic. He said that they typically squeeze paint tubes, and then play with the paint with their hands. While finger painting can be fun and expressive, it lacks precision and the ability to draw lines or letters. Our drawing tool enables the use of pens, pencils, and markers, which kids can use in a more versatile manner, for example, writing their own name.

The drawing tool works by having a 2-axis sliding system that is controlled by the artist’s arm. Attached to the y-axis slider is an ergonomic “mouse” that holds a pencil, pen, or marker. The artist can use larger movements with their entire arm to move the mouse if they lack fine motor skills.

The x-axis works by having two wheels on the top edge of the table and one wheel underneath, providing a stable side-to-side movement. Also on the x-axis are two ball bearings on the end of the two rods, which allow the entire part to move. There is a clamping mechanism that allows the wheel underneath the table to move up and down, which lets the entire tool be used on a table of any thickness.

The y-axis works by having two rods and a cross piece that supports the artist’s wrist. There is a linear bearing on each rod so that the part can move along the rods, and a strap that adjusts to the artist’s wrist for added stability.

The mouse is designed to spread out the artist’s fingers, which is therapeutic as people with CP often have closed hands, and they need to be opened up regularly to stretch their hand muscles. By pushing down on the mouse, the pen, pencil, or marker is pushed onto the drawing surface. The artist can choose his or her medium, as we designed multiple different holders for writing utensils of different sizes. There is a slot in the mouse where these different attachments can be used. The mouse has ball bearings on the bottom so that it can move in any direction.

We feel that our project met its goal, but there is always room for improvement. We had several ideas for how we could improve the design and ideas that could be incorporated. One idea is to add resistance to the sliders in order to reduce hand tremors. We also considered adding a frame around the mouse with a damper system to negate small movements. Finally, we discussed using rubber to give resistance to the ball and linear bearings.

Our assistive drawing and writing tool shows that art can be for everyone, and that people can move beyond their restrictions by having the freedom to express themselves through artistic creation.