Conclusion & Future Directions
The project aimed to develop a fast-applying, cost-effective, and size-adjustable arm splint suitable for patients aged 18 months to 13 years. While the device met these criteria, it was sized for adult patients due to the unavailability of pediatric subjects. Future tests on pediatric subjects will be conducted once the device is scaled down to fit the desired population.
Validation and verification tests demonstrated that the device is effective in maintaining the elbow at approximately 90 degrees, which is crucial for the healing of elbow fractures. However, further enhancements are necessary to address patient and client feedback and enhance the device’s marketability. To reduce weight, lighter materials can be substituted for the splint body and screws. To better limit arm movement, wider velcros can be utilized to secure the splint. Length adjustment can be simplified through a sliding spring-loaded pin mechanism that clicks into the holes on the splint. A sleeve casing could be implemented above the device to improve aesthetics and provide a space for pediatric patients to sign or draw on the splint.
Ethical Considerations
It is important to consider ethical considerations, such as conducting sufficient clinical trials before using the device with pediatric patients to ensure their safety. Patient autonomy is also a vital factor, with guardians assuming responsibility for the decisions of pediatric patients, while older pediatric patients should have a say in their decisions as well.
Takeaways
The experience allowed the team to work effectively with a client and navigate the design process. We were able to identify their individual engineering strengths and weaknesses, which enabled us to develop the strongest product possible. We developed skills in SolidWorks and learned more about how different materials would function, but most importantly we were able to understand the entirety of the design process. If we could do anything differently, we would allow more time to develop a next-generation prototype based on the test results and feedback. We were hoping to build a more efficient design for sliding and securing the extension pieces but were unable to successfully accomplish this in the time frame. Team members plan on advancing the prototype to address the feedback received through testing and ultimately aim for the market release of the product. The prototype along with the SolidWorks files and manuals will be provided to the client.