Assistive Technology Project

 The first 3D model had been printed, and major design changes are coming.  Over the next month, I will choose switches and tailor the case to the switch.  Top Cover (TC) and Base Plate (BP) TC in ABS and BP in PLA (T1 for Test 1) Note: The compliant mechanism has been removed from this model as the tolerances were too tight. Major redesign to come.  Both ABS and PLA are relatively brittle; redesigns will work around this. 

 Big news: The 3D printer has gone through thorough troubleshooting and has started to print. [base-plate printing (approx. 37 mins total)] After the first model is fully printed, it will be measured for possible microswitch installation.  After re-designing and research are done, microswitches will be ordered, and quality and tolerance testing will begin. 

The first round of designs is finished and has been queued for production.  The 3D printing slicer (a program that makes the 3D printer path) estimates the total cost of one switch to be around $1.50.  Prototype printing is expected to take place in December. Electronic testing and prototyping are expected from Dec. to early 2023. (PrusaSlicer program. Less than 50 cents for the intermediate spring body.)

 This is an AbleNet Jelly Bean switch. This switch costs around $75 . It contains: - 3.5mm mono audio jack and cable—about 6 feet total (measured). ( $1.59 ) - 1 3/8 inch activation surface. Note that this surface has a piece of rubber padding on the back surface. (Est. few cents to $1 ) - 3.5-ounce activating microswitch. ( 19¢ per piece [pack of 10 is $1.88] ) - Misc. category: Spring, casing, and two screws. (In total cost up to (being generous) $3 ) This switch should cost no more than $10 to produce one—not to mention partial-mass production.  ------------------------------------------------------------------ The requirements for designing a switch ( ✓ indicates that the item/requirement has been attained ) : - An activation surface of no less than 1.72 inches squared - A cord length of 6ft.   ✓ - A activation weight of around 3-4 ounces.  ✓ - Low-cost yet high-quality and reliable.  - Auditory and tactile feedback. - Easy to produce

 After reviewing the possible options and suggestions, I have decided that designing a low-cost switch may be an easier start for the group of projects I plan to do.  The goal: Design a switch that could possibly be 3D printed and easily manufactured/assembled by anyone.  The challenge: We must make this switch easy to produce, assemble, and not infringe on any patents currently pending. The design must not differ too much from the original switch, as we want this switch to be intuitive and seamless. In the next few weeks, I will start to design a switch. I plan to explore systems such as compliant mechanis ms (" achieves force and motion transmission through elastic body deformation.") If not, we will use a different mechanism to achieve similar results. The other, more challenging projects are planned to start later this year when I have access to more advanced tools. This is an excellent start!

 After considering the options, here are the "feasibility scores" of the following projects: Each project will start with 10 points and 0-5 points will be deducted for every major difficulty regarding the making of the project.   1) An eye-track software to paper drawing tool that would take eye movement input and translate that to coordinates for a writing untensil on paper. Requires:  - Knowledge of eye-tracking software and how to grab information from software. -5 - Coding knowledge (of which I have some) -0.5 - Building/assembly and electronics -0 Total: 4.5 2) A toy car with a gas pedal that would be adaptable to more accessible (AT) inputs. Requires:  - Circuitry knowledge/electrical engineering (I have moderate to advanced knowledge)  - Specifically variable resistance (for variable speed and adaptability will be a minor difficulty) -2 Total: 8 3) A block stacker that is adaptable to common AT inputs. Requires: - Designing a mechanism to (what I wou...