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The purpose of the project is to develop a device allowing monkeys to be free from chairing while experiments are conducted. Direct measurements of neurochemical substances in the brain from free moving non-human primates is significantly important for understanding complex brain function and developing treatment strategies for brain disorders in humans. During the last semester four BME students worked to design and build a device. However, this device still needs further refinement for actual application. We will be working to improve on the device created last semester that protects a microdialysis apparatus used during cranial experiments on non-human primates. This will involve making the device lighter, more secure around the monkey’s head, and better able to cushion the microdrive unit.
From Left to Right: Cole Drifka, Lauren Eichaker, Angwei Law, Paul Schildgen
Currently, we have a manufactured prototype has been the subject of two live testing sessions. The current prototype is composed of a porous aluminum shell and a silicone rubber interior. Based on the results of the testing, it is apparent that the device is too heavy for the comfort of a monkey. In the future, improvements will need to be made to make the device more practical. These include researching alternative materials, implementing a counterweight system, and modifying the shell conformation.
| Week | Reporting Period Beginning | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 5 | We decided on team roles and met with our client to discuss the direction of the project. |
| 2 | September 12 | We began brainstorming new ideas on how the prototype built last semester could be improved upon. |
| 3 | September 19 | We received direction from our client and determined a radius that would allow the device base to accommodate a monkey’s skull. |
| 4 | September 26 | We met with our client and the shop machinist to decide what needed to be done on the current prototype, and we decided on a silicon for the "cushion core." |
| 5 | October 3 | We made further decisions regarding our current prototype, contacted a plastics specialist, poured the silicon core, and assigned team roles for the mid-semester report. |
| 6 | October 10 | We met as a group and completed a design matrix for both three different strap designs and three different cylindrical top designs and finalized the components needed for a Design Proposal for Testing. |
| 7 | October 17 | We prepared and delivered our mid-semester PowerPoint presentation and written report. |
| 8 | October 24 | We met with our client to outline the steps needed to be taken before live testing could occur. |
| 9 | October 31 | Modifications to the device were made so that it was suitable for live testing. |
| 10 | November 7 | We delivered the finalized prototype to our client for live testing. |
| 11 | November 14 | We began constructing our final poster and observed the testing of our prototype. |
| 12 | November 21 | The second live testing occurred. |
| 13 | November 28 | We finalized our poster for the final presentation of the semester. |
| 14 | December 5 | The prototype was finalized and presented. |
| 15 | December 12 |
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Mid-Semester PowerPoint Presentation (Oct 16 2008, 4616 kb) |
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Information for Testing Proposal (Oct 16 2008, 357 kb) |
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Mid-Semester Report (Oct 21 2008, 453 kb) |
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Product Design Specifications (Oct 21 2008, 166 kb) |
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Final Report (Dec 12 2008, 728 kb) |
