Nasogastric tubes are devices that are inserted through a patient’s nose, through their esophagus, and down into the stomach. They are used to remove substances from, or deliver substances to, a patient’s digestive system. The insertion procedure for NG tubes is notoriously painful and our project aims to reduce the discomfort felt by patients during this procedure. Our project, the Epione Nasogastric Tube, will improve patients’ experiences during the insertion procedure without compromising the function of the NG tube or needing an additional device to insert it. We are looking for 10-15 people who are passionate about developing a product to improve someone’s life and wellbeing. There are no required skills for this project, we will all learn together.

This year, we will be redesigning the common axillary crutch, which is uncomfortable, unsafe, and immobile. The project will tackle the issues of comfort, mobility, and portability while considering safety factors. We will cover the entire engineering design process from problem definition to testing and evaluation of the final product while applying and learning technical skills such as CAD/simulation modeling, 3D printing, welding, milling, molding, and more. These skills are not necessary as they can be learned. However, experience with these and knowledge of materials and biomechanics would be helpful as we study the relations between the crutch and natural anatomical movements and design/build a working prototype. Depending on our design, other skills in robotics may be applicable. All majors are welcomed! However, some majors such as Biomedical, Mechanical, Structural, Materials, and Electrical engineering may be more relevant. Roughly 8 other members would be ideal. If there are more interested, they are more than welcome to join! Also, if there are any further questions, members can reach out to me via email.

The Pill Dispenser will provide a way for patients with limited mobility or shaky hands to take pills independently. For patients with limited motor control, this isn’t a task they can easily do for themselves. Our goal is to remove that barrier. The project is divided into two subgroups - software and mechanical. Both teams will work together to create an automated dispenser capable of taking in different pills and dispensing an exact amount of each type at predetermined times of the day. Relevant majors include ME, BMED, CPE, EE, CSC, and SE. Desired (but definitely not required skills include: CAD, embedded systems experience, programming (mobile app development a plus), hardware manufacturing, 3D printing, electrical, enthusiasm for problem-solving, open-minded approach, inclusive communication.

‍

Software Design Group

Software Design Leads: Pratik Patel & Chris Aruiza

Contact: ppatel64@calpoly.edu & caruiza@calpoly.edu

Description: The software team will be making a patient interface that reminds patients when to take their medication, refill the pill dispenser, and (optionally) alerts the patient's family when medication was not taken. The design is split into hardware and software components. The software allows for patients and caregivers to log what and when medications need to be taken. This software can be controlled via an app and would connect via Bluetooth to the system. The hardware allows for the medication to be driven and dispensed to the patient. This hardware would consist of the mobile cart and the pill dispensing box, likely using an Arduino. They are looking for 2-4 members.

‍

Mechanical Design Group

Mechanical Design Leads: Max Kobak & Cali Bernard

Contact: mkobak@calpoly.edu & cberna07@calpoly.edu

Description: The mechanical team will be responsible for prototyping/building the actual dispenser. This includes designing the shape, choosing the material, and most importantly, engineering the inner, mechanical mechanism that will dispense pills. They will incorporate the necessary electrical parts (i.e. raspberry pis, tiny motors, etc), and devise a mechanism to get the pills safely from the dispenser into the patient’s mouth. They are looking for 4-6 members.

For this project, we will be designing an insulin pump case that will be insulated in order to keep the insulin inside of an insulin pump from overheating when exposed to heat for long periods of time. Insulin fibrillates and breaks down in the heat, meaning it will not work, which is dangerous for people with diabetes. We will be researching the best materials to use to insulate and protect the insulin pump. We will then be designing a prototype and ensuring that it can keep insulin below 80 degrees Fahrenheit. You do not need any experience to join this project, and I am hoping to start with 5-7 members. Some skills you will learn from this project are communication and collaboration. You will also be researching certain materials and their properties. You will be able to learn and go through the design process along with using critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Any majors will be accepted onto this project and all will gain valuable experience.

The goal of this project is to develop a non-intrusive gadget that will help anticipate the onset of cavities by evaluating the oral enzyme and pH levels for indicators that corroborate oral disorder. Research has established a significant connection between dental caries and salivary composition. Carcinogenic bacteria are usually present in relatively small quantities in healthy saliva and plaque. But excessive consumption of fermentable carbs and a condition of low pH favors the proliferation of such bacteria. This leads to a marked rise in acids released by such bacteria. Lactic acid imbalance is a pronounced event under such conditions. A few other biomarkers can be identified, isolated, and clustered as indicators of poor oral hygiene - a condition susceptible for the formation of caries. If biosensors for lactic acid, pH levels, etc. can be sourced or developed, we can get a reliable set of conditions to indicate such susceptibility, which if deployed over a period of time on a good sample size, can help conclude if these indicators can indeed estimate early conditions for the onset of caries. Once the biochemical aspect of the project is researched and established, the sensors can be integrated into a device which can then be connected via Bluetooth/ WiFi to the user's mobile phone. If oral conditions transgress normal value consistently over a period of time, the gadget will signal an alert to the user through an app. Relevant majors include BMED, BIOCHEM, CS, and EE. Relevant skills include knowledge in biochemistry, biosensors, medical design, and app development. Preferred, but not required skills, include Instrumentation and MEMS (Micro ElectroMechanical Systems). This project is looking for 6 members.

The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) reports that approximately 1 in 133 Americans have Celiac Disease, a genetic autoimmune disease where the consumption of gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley) prompts an immune-mediated attack on the small intestine. The resulting intestinal damage prevents effective nutrient absorption into the bloodstream leading to malnourishment and a high threat for long-term health issues including cancer, osteoporosis, infertility, neurological disorders, developmental defects, and more. The only cure for Celiac Disease is the adherence to a strict gluten-free diet. As per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the presence of gluten in foods must be less than 20 parts per million to be classified as gluten-free, as even the smallest ingestion of gluten due to cross-contamination can trigger a severe inflammatory response. Current gluten sensor devices on the market lack reliability in specifically being able to detect the presence of gluten in fermented-hydrolyzed foods such as soy sauce, vinegar, yogurt, pickles, cheese and others. Through examining different biochemical and analytical detection approaches, we aim to identify a method effective in detecting hydrolyzed gluten and then translate that procedure into a user friendly device for individuals with Celiac Disease. Our goal by creating this system is to reduce the likelihood of individuals with Celiac Disease consuming harmful quantities of gluten unknowingly, decreasing the potential for long term health complications.

The goal of the Non-Invasive Electrolyte Monitor is to create a wearable device that continuously measures and displays the user's electrolyte levels. The device has multiple practical applications, for example, helping athletes at risk of electrolyte imbalance, easily keep track of their electrolytes and ensuring a swift and accurate diagnosis of patients experiencing symptoms related to electrolyte imbalance. The aim of the device is to take advantage of the currently open spot in the market for electrolyte testing that is non-invasive and practical for use in both a clinical and non-clinical setting.