Archive from the Spring 2002 semester.

Problem Statement:

A cleft palate is a deformity in which the palate is not completely formed and the nasal cavity opens into the mouth. This deformity occurs in approximately one out of every 800 infants. Often times there is a need for pre-surgical manipulation of the palate; this is currently done through the use of an orthopedic. The current devices being used all have limitations, including: restricted movement, non-universal applications, and inefficiency. The inefficiency results from the requirement for many clinical visits for replacement of jackscrews or other manipulations of the orthopedic. Our goal is to design an orthopedic device with a universal mechanism, which encompasses the benefits of current devices, allows movement in two dimensions, and is easily adjustable.

Team Members:

Sarah Schram (Co-leader).
Elan Bomsztyk (Co-leader/Course Improvement).
Alissa Garman (Course Improvement).
Aaron Kroner (Webmaster).
Shannon Kane (Communications).

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Project Status

Currently, a prototype has been built along with a jig to mount the device. Final presentations will be given May 10, 2002, followed by follow up meetings with clients and advisors, signifying the conclusion of the of the project.

Progress Report Archive.

All progress reports are in Adobe PDF format and about 7 KB each.

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Project Timeline

Week	Reporting Period Beginning	Activities
1	September 7	Assigned team roles and met with client.
2	September 12	Defined problem statement, product design specification, and started background research.
3	September 19	More background research.
4	September 26	More background research and started brainstorming.
5	October 3	Still more research and brainstorming.
6	October 10	Finished background research, researched some brainstorming ideas, started preparing mid-semester presentation and report.
7	October 17	Mid-semester presentation in class on October 19.
8	October 24	Finish research and narrow choices of possible solutions.
9	October 31	Choose a final solution to problem.
10	November 7	Order supplies, begin building, and product specifications.
11	November 14	Finish building and define testing guidelines.
12	November 21	Test and troubleshoot.
13	November 28	Test and troubleshoot.
14	December 5	Draw conclusions from testing and start preparing final report and presentation.
15	December 12	Finish and give report and presentation, and attend final meeting.
16	January 20	Meet with clients.
17	January 31	Work on Solid Works drawings and research journals and conferences.
18	February 7	Work on drawings, meet with clients, prepare for outreach, and set up Grand Rounds presentation.
19	February 14	Work on drawings.
20	February 21	Finalize drawings.
21	February 28	Determine materials.
22	March 7	Submit drawings to ME shop, and prepare for mid-semester presentation.
23	March 14	Finalize and give mid-semester presentation.
24	March 21	Finalize time for outreach and Grand Rounds presentation.
25	March 28	Spring Break.
26	April 4	Work on paper, finalize outreach presentation, and build prototype.
27	April 11	Give outreach presentation and finish building prototype.
28	April 18	Test prototype and prepare for Grand Rounds presentation.
29	April 25	Test prototype and draw conclusions for preliminary tests.
30	May 2	Prepare and finalize Grand Rounds and final presentation.
31	May 10	Give Grand Rounds and final presentation.