Senior Design Report Sample Description

Senior Design Report Sampledescriptionthis Senior Design Project Is C

This senior design project is called SafeStride. It is designed and made for people who do not have the ability to walk or need help walking. Many people around the world, and especially in the United States, who do not have the ability to walk without using crutches and canes. However, many use these tools incorrectly, causing more harm than healing. The project aims to develop an improved walking aid—a smart cane—that enhances safety and functionality for users.

The team of SDSU Electrical Engineering seniors conceived SafeStride as an innovative solution to better assist individuals in walking. The core idea involves creating a cane that not only offers physical support but also communicates with software to monitor proper usage. The device integrates sensors, wireless communication modules, and data analysis to help therapists and medical professionals verify the correct use of the cane and ensure user safety.

Multiple components are incorporated into the design. A Bluetooth RN42 chip facilitates wireless data transmission to external devices for monitoring. A lithium-ion battery powers the hardware, providing a reliable energy source. The cane features a load sensor at its base that measures the force exerted by the user, ensuring proper weight distribution and usage. An 18650 rechargeable battery supplies additional power to the device's electronics, including microcontrollers and sensors.

The project employs various sensors, such as accelerometers and force sensors, to collect metrics related to walking patterns and pressure distribution. These signals are processed by microcontrollers and transmitted wirelessly to computers or tablets for analysis. This real-time data allows healthcare providers to assess gait and identify improper techniques that could potentially cause injury or discomfort.

The overall development process involved meticulous hardware integration, software programming, and testing. The team allocated a total cost of $643.43, covering power components ($79.94), inertial measurement units (IMU) ($59.85), Bluetooth module ($120.54), miscellaneous electronic components ($125.70), and cane materials ($151.85). The investment aims to produce an affordable, portable, and effective walking aid accessible to a broad user base.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The advancement of assistive technology aims to improve the quality of life for individuals with mobility impairments. The SafeStride project emerges as a cutting-edge innovation designed to provide safer, more effective walking assistance through a combination of hardware and software integration. This paper describes the development, components, cost analysis, and potential impact of the smart cane, highlighting how technology can enhance healthcare outcomes.

Development and Design Considerations

The primary goal was to create a device that surpasses traditional canes and crutches in terms of safety and utility. Design requirements emphasized comfort, durability, affordability, and ease of use. The integration of sensors such as load cells and accelerometers enables comprehensive monitoring of user activity. Wireless communication using Bluetooth ensures real-time data transfer to healthcare providers for remote assessment and feedback.

Hardware Components

The Bluetooth RN42 chip was chosen for its reliable wireless capabilities, facilitating seamless data exchange. Powering the device relies on a combination of a lithium-ion battery and an 18650 rechargeable cell, offering sufficient energy reserves for extended operation. The load sensor placed at the base of the cane measures the amount of pressure applied, enabling therapists to evaluate correct weight-bearing techniques.

Software Integration and Data Analysis

The collected sensor data is processed by microcontrollers, such as Arduino or similar units, which filter and interpret the signals. The data is then wirelessly transmitted to a computer or mobile device, where software algorithms analyze gait patterns, pressure distribution, and movement consistency. This analysis helps identify improper usage, risks of injury, or fatigue, facilitating early intervention and tailored therapy.

Cost Analysis and Budget

The total estimated project cost was $643.43, with key components including power supplies, sensors, wireless modules, and materials for the cane. Cost-effective selection of electronic components ensures affordability for end-users, while also making the device accessible in healthcare settings. Budget considerations are essential in ensuring that the device can be mass-produced and distributed widely.

Implementation and Testing

The development process involved iterative testing of hardware, firmware, and software functionalities. Testing phases validated data accuracy, wireless communication stability, and user comfort. Practical trials conducted with volunteers provided insights into device performance and usability, leading to refinements in design and functionality.

Impact and Future Perspectives

The SafeStride project holds the potential to revolutionize mobility aids by introducing intelligent monitoring capabilities that ensure optimal usage. It offers a pathway toward personalized rehabilitation, reduced injury risk, and improved independence for users. Future enhancements could include integrating GPS for location tracking, adding more sensors for detailed gait analysis, and developing smartphone applications for user feedback.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the SafeStride project exemplifies how electrical engineering and software technology can converge to address real-world health challenges. By combining sensors, wireless communication, and data analysis, the device offers a safer, smarter walking aid. Continued innovation and collaborative efforts are vital to advancing assistive devices and improving quality of life for individuals with mobility impairments.

References

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  • Morgan, D., & Peters, B. (2018). Cost-effective solutions in biomedical device design. Journal of Medical Devices, 12(2), 021005.
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