Cystic Fibrosis HFCWO Vest

Context:

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a life-threatening genetic disorder that causes mucus in the lungs and other organs to become dehydrated. For the lungs, it obstructs airways, leading to lung damage and traps germs, making deadly infections more likely. For those outside the developed world, life expectancy is poor as untreated CF patients rarely make it past their first birthday. In the developed world, one treatment method is by using a vest (HFCWO) that compresses the chest rapidly to expel the mucus. While effective, they cost upwards of $15,000 and are nearly impossible to repair by organizations trying to donate older versions to third-world countires. 

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Goal:

Create an inexpensive, robust, and easy-to-construct HFCWO vest to be able to provide care to CF patients in need in the USA and around the world. 

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What I did:

• Existing competitor and patent research

• Tested multiple methods of actuation including small vibration motors, speakers, belt-tightening, and air-pressure-vessel

• Worked ​with 4 others to make the design packet, presentation, and drawing package.

  • Final Design Packet​

  • Final Presentation

  • UCSB Project Website

• Participated in UCSB's New Venture Competition

• Machined the air unit enclosure and internal support plates

• Interviewed 13 patients and 2 doctors to determine our project goals

• Provided Solidworks guidance to teammates

• Managed team project finances including BOM, received packages, and total expenditures

• Completed the full final drawing package (some shown in the photo slide below. The rest can be found in the Final Design Packet, linked below)