Phase 1

Phase 1 was the formation of the TherMoD team. In this phase, the group was given their project description and tasked with developing a wearable device to monitor wound health using thermoelectric technology. Medical monitoring is an essential component that can provide medical expertise and oversight, however wound monitoring particularly lacks technical support. The team sought out to change this with their device.

To begin attempting to address the issue, the group conducted a market analysis to see what is currently available for wound monitoring. The group's main competitor is Swift Skin and Wound for Healthcare system, which is a mobile application. Other than this application, the main wound care market included bandaids and pressure dressings, but nothing that actively monitored the wound in real time. This was the main feature that the group planned to have in their device.

Following market analysis, the team established their needs and specifications including stakeholders and societal needs to better create the scope of their design. The main stakeholders for this device are patients, doctors, and healthcare facilities. Because of this, the main needs that were established for the device were as follows: safety, durability, easy to use, and comprehensive data for the user. With all of this in mind, the group was able to move into concept generation.

The group's concept generation consisted of 5 different designs, as can be seen in the "Concept Generation" page of the TherMoD website. All 5 designs were evaluated using a concept generation matrix until the group was able to narrow down to 2 best designs. The 2 final designs were utilized for a preliminary technical analysis that would be further explored in Phase 2 in order to come up with a final design.

10/4/19- Phase 1 Report

On October 4th, the group completed and submitted their Phase 1 report.  This report was the first major task of the teams project and required a lot of research into what currently exists, determining what the major goals of the project are, and beginning initial timelines and milestones in order to keep everyone on track.  The entire report outlined the team's project background and motivation, market research, concept generation, preliminary technical analysis considerations, and overall organization such at timeline and budget.  

10/8/19 - Phase 1 Presentation

On October 8th, the group spoke in front of a panel of Stevens staff, advisors, and colleagues for their Phase 1 presentation.  This was a great way for the team to introduce their project and allow any questions to be asked regarding their goals for the school year.  This presentation was ultimately a summary of the Phase 1 Report.  It included  summaries of the project background and motivation, market research/considerations, concept selection, initial technical analysis considerations, and overall organization as well as the next steps as Phase 2 approached.

As the group moves into Phase 2, the main goals are to perform a thorough technical analysis and decide upon a final design concept for their device.