9/29 Concept Design Brainstorming Update

Goal: Record +/- of Concept Designs

After choosing the top three concept designs for our three strategy statements the team recorded potential pros and cons for each. Once the team reviews the information below and chooses the top design choice, we will begin brainstorming design modules.

 Provides Stability in Walking 

• Crutches / Arm braces 

• + adjustable to several different heights 

• + sturdy

• + allows for easy storage of devices and easy removal

• + lightweight

• - slips on sleak ground

• - painful to patient

• - limited to having to hold onto the crutches

• - places physical stress on patient

• Prosthetics 

• + giving some mobility back to the patient 

• + versatile uses

• + high impact/sturdy

• - applicable to specific needs for amputees 

• - training needed to be able to use in everyday life 

• - not universal/requires special measurements

• Mechanical joints hip / Knee / Ankle

• + being able to walk on one's own 

• + having control over mobility 

• + limits stress on patients body

• - bulky

• - coding issues?

• - could be uneven if not on both legs

• - not cost effective in relation to output

Regulated Gait 

• Walking rhythm time 

• + easily  corrected 

• + inexpensive

• + no training needed 

• + simple

• -  continually having to listen to beat 

• - not practical for everyday use

• - leaves out a variety of factors (hearing ability, level of disability)

• Brain / Neuron stimulation 

• + immediate response to movement 

• + possibly fix long lasting issues

• + allows for research into brain stimulation

• + can be fine tuned for each patient

• - patients being apprehensive/ unsure - electric shock therapy

• - has not been approved by FDA for our exact purpose

• - requires a lot of testing

• - expensive

• - results can vary 

• Motorized joint assistance 

• + Results consistent

• + Can collect data that can be used to adjust controller calibration

• + Programmable for different stride lengths 

• - several moving parts that could be damaged 

• - needs to be used in controlled environment 

• - Potentially tethered (power issues?)

Promotes Proper Muscle Growth 

• Workout bands / resistance workouts 

• + easy to acquire

• + multiple workouts to use with 

• + several different resistance levels 

• + Can target smaller muscles surrounding joints

• - can break easily/ stretch 

• - may require training, additional costs down the road

• - lack of knowledge on how to use

• - assumes a baseline of limb strength

• Balance Training (uneven board / stability board / bosu ball) 

• + accessible to many people

• + can do anywhere with flat surface

• + Easy on the body

• + Inexpensive

• - can cause injury with improper use

• - can hold up to specific weight limit 

• - limited results depending on ailment

• Exoskeleton mechanical assistance

• + allows for greater weight to be used on legs 

• + Helps move muscles, even when they are especially weak

• + helps with more extreme cases

• + Allows legs to move in correct motions; therefore using the right muscles

• + Prevents unnecessary strain on patient’s lower limbs

• + Prevents overextension of limbs

• - expensive

• - limited range

• - could be difficult to store

• - potentially too heavy on patient’s lower back