November 16th
Weekly Report 9
Current status of project:
We printed a “draft” of our device on Monday, and found that we needed to address some issues with our device. To address those issues, we have revised our CAD file with the necessary improvements.
Work planned for next week:
We are planning on 3D printing our revised device early this week. Once we have a printed device, we are going to begin to implement into an existing foley catheter. We plan to begin our final report this week as well.
We printed a “draft” of our device on Monday, and found that we needed to address some issues with our device. To address those issues, we have revised our CAD file with the necessary improvements.
Work planned for next week:
We are planning on 3D printing our revised device early this week. Once we have a printed device, we are going to begin to implement into an existing foley catheter. We plan to begin our final report this week as well.
November 9th
Weekly Report 8
Current status of project:
Because of other commitments, our team was not able to work as much as expected over the previous week. As such, we currently have a CAD model that we hope to print very soon and begin making iterative changes.
Work planned for next week:
We are planning on 3D printing our device (or, at the very least, a scaled-up device) early this week (e.g. Monday or Tuesday). Once we have a printed device, we are going to analyze and test the device, note and problems/concerns, and address these in the next model. To avoid resolution issues, we are first going to print a slightly scaled-up model.
Because of other commitments, our team was not able to work as much as expected over the previous week. As such, we currently have a CAD model that we hope to print very soon and begin making iterative changes.
Work planned for next week:
We are planning on 3D printing our device (or, at the very least, a scaled-up device) early this week (e.g. Monday or Tuesday). Once we have a printed device, we are going to analyze and test the device, note and problems/concerns, and address these in the next model. To avoid resolution issues, we are first going to print a slightly scaled-up model.
November 2nd
Weekly Report 7
Current status of project:
This week we met and began our initial prototyping. Specifically, we explored methods to create our attachment to the Foley catheter. We created a model of our device in AutoCAD and researched possible materials to create our device. We have decided that 3D printing is the most effective way to create our device.
Work planned for next week:
We plan to 3D print a draft of our device this week. This is a relatively early print, but we hope to eliminate any potential errors that may arise when implementing our device on existing catheters. Given concerns about the size of the device and printing resolution, we may have to look into which printers are feasible to use.
This week we met and began our initial prototyping. Specifically, we explored methods to create our attachment to the Foley catheter. We created a model of our device in AutoCAD and researched possible materials to create our device. We have decided that 3D printing is the most effective way to create our device.
Work planned for next week:
We plan to 3D print a draft of our device this week. This is a relatively early print, but we hope to eliminate any potential errors that may arise when implementing our device on existing catheters. Given concerns about the size of the device and printing resolution, we may have to look into which printers are feasible to use.
October 12th
Weekly Report 6
Current status of project:
This week, the members of our group were out of town for much of the week. Consequently, the brainstorming process is still in its early phases. We are continuing to generate potential solutions and evaluate their effectiveness.
Work planned for next week:
In the next week, the main goal is to continue the brainstorming process. We already have created some ideas of potential solutions to our problem. These ideas will be evaluated against the project specifications with a Pugh chart. While the solutions we have thought of are being evaluated, we will also becoming up with more novel ideas that could become our design.
Additionally, the second paper and presentation are approaching. We hope to begin writing the report and creating the presentation this week.
Once we decide what the best design is, we will begin to work on a provisional patent. We will be disclosing our ideas in the next presentation so it must be filed by then.
This week, the members of our group were out of town for much of the week. Consequently, the brainstorming process is still in its early phases. We are continuing to generate potential solutions and evaluate their effectiveness.
Work planned for next week:
In the next week, the main goal is to continue the brainstorming process. We already have created some ideas of potential solutions to our problem. These ideas will be evaluated against the project specifications with a Pugh chart. While the solutions we have thought of are being evaluated, we will also becoming up with more novel ideas that could become our design.
Additionally, the second paper and presentation are approaching. We hope to begin writing the report and creating the presentation this week.
Once we decide what the best design is, we will begin to work on a provisional patent. We will be disclosing our ideas in the next presentation so it must be filed by then.
October 5th
Weekly Report 5
Current status of project:
During the previous week we finalized the preliminary presentation, which was given by Nihar on Wednesday (9/30). In order to facilitate the growth of product publicity and make information more widely available, we also created a webpage for the project (asaferfoleycatheter.weebly.com). Currently, the website contains information regarding the need for the project, team information, and previous weekly reports (much of this information was taken from the preliminary report). As more progress is made in the design process (e.g. design selection, intellectual property, prototyping, etc.), the website will be updated to reflect the project’s current status.
Work planned for next week:
As we have moved on to the more “design”-focused areas of the project, we plan to begin brainstorming and creating a list of potential solutions to the problem that can be subsequently analyzed. This is, however, quite broad, so we also have a few distinct goals.
Given the upcoming deadline for filing for a provisional patent, we would like to define our solution in specific enough terms that it could be presented as a provisional patent. As such, while specific measurements/units may not necessarily be required, we would like to be able to fully describe the functionality of the proposed solution in the next week. From this, a provisional patent could be feasibly drafted. Further, we would like to begin creating CAD models for the proposed solutions, as this would assist greatly in creating figures for patents/future writings.
If time allows, we would also like to begin working on the provisional patent (although this is wholly dependent on how quickly we decide on a solution). We may also have to perform secondary patent searches that are specific to whichever design we decide to use.
During the previous week we finalized the preliminary presentation, which was given by Nihar on Wednesday (9/30). In order to facilitate the growth of product publicity and make information more widely available, we also created a webpage for the project (asaferfoleycatheter.weebly.com). Currently, the website contains information regarding the need for the project, team information, and previous weekly reports (much of this information was taken from the preliminary report). As more progress is made in the design process (e.g. design selection, intellectual property, prototyping, etc.), the website will be updated to reflect the project’s current status.
Work planned for next week:
As we have moved on to the more “design”-focused areas of the project, we plan to begin brainstorming and creating a list of potential solutions to the problem that can be subsequently analyzed. This is, however, quite broad, so we also have a few distinct goals.
Given the upcoming deadline for filing for a provisional patent, we would like to define our solution in specific enough terms that it could be presented as a provisional patent. As such, while specific measurements/units may not necessarily be required, we would like to be able to fully describe the functionality of the proposed solution in the next week. From this, a provisional patent could be feasibly drafted. Further, we would like to begin creating CAD models for the proposed solutions, as this would assist greatly in creating figures for patents/future writings.
If time allows, we would also like to begin working on the provisional patent (although this is wholly dependent on how quickly we decide on a solution). We may also have to perform secondary patent searches that are specific to whichever design we decide to use.
September 28th
Weekly Report 4
Current status of project:
We have concluded our background research regarding market size and device issues, met with our client to learn the specifications of our project, and we have finished our search for existing patents/solutions. Our preliminary report has been submitted and the presentation is nearly complete.
Work planned for next week:
We plan to create our website so that we can provide an overview of our progress throughout the semester. Our presentation date is this Wednesday so we will also be finishing our presentation. We will also begin the brainstorming process for potential solutions, and researching what these possible solutions would entail. We are meeting with our client concerning a design that he believes would work very well.
We have concluded our background research regarding market size and device issues, met with our client to learn the specifications of our project, and we have finished our search for existing patents/solutions. Our preliminary report has been submitted and the presentation is nearly complete.
Work planned for next week:
We plan to create our website so that we can provide an overview of our progress throughout the semester. Our presentation date is this Wednesday so we will also be finishing our presentation. We will also begin the brainstorming process for potential solutions, and researching what these possible solutions would entail. We are meeting with our client concerning a design that he believes would work very well.
September 21st
Weekly Report 3
Current status of project:
During the week, we met with our client (Dr. Zohny) to discuss the required specifications for the catheter design. While these specifications largely revolved around size and function (given that the problem is of a mechanical nature), we also covered topics such as material and cost. These specifications will be expanded upon in the preliminary report.
Because the report is due next week, the rest of our time was spent researching more information needed for the paper and writing an initial draft. We primarily looked more into the background of the medical problem and verified that there were no more patents/competitors that were worth noting. As of right now, the paper is formatted as follows:
I. Background of Problem
II. Scope
III. Specifications
IV. Market Analysis
V. Existing IP
VI. Design Schedule/Organization
VII. Conclusion
VIII. References
Work planned for next week:
Given the due dates of the preliminary report and presentation, most of our work next week is going to be dedicated toward finishing those. Ideally, we would like to finalize the report early during the week. Also, we were unable to finish the webpage last week, so we plan on working toward a functioning webpage sometime this week.
During the week, we met with our client (Dr. Zohny) to discuss the required specifications for the catheter design. While these specifications largely revolved around size and function (given that the problem is of a mechanical nature), we also covered topics such as material and cost. These specifications will be expanded upon in the preliminary report.
Because the report is due next week, the rest of our time was spent researching more information needed for the paper and writing an initial draft. We primarily looked more into the background of the medical problem and verified that there were no more patents/competitors that were worth noting. As of right now, the paper is formatted as follows:
I. Background of Problem
II. Scope
III. Specifications
IV. Market Analysis
V. Existing IP
VI. Design Schedule/Organization
VII. Conclusion
VIII. References
Work planned for next week:
Given the due dates of the preliminary report and presentation, most of our work next week is going to be dedicated toward finishing those. Ideally, we would like to finalize the report early during the week. Also, we were unable to finish the webpage last week, so we plan on working toward a functioning webpage sometime this week.
September 14th
Weekly Report 2
Current status of project:
Our two primary accomplishments this week were gathering more information regarding the intellectual property and market landscape of the Foley catheter. With regards to intellectual property, there are three primary patents that have the potential to interfere with various solutions:
US7766870 B2: Adaptor that attaches to currently existing catheters and causes deflation of the balloon if the catheter is forcibly removed (not a completely new catheter).
US8382708 B2: Similar to the patent below (and filed by the same group); has a compression seal that will allow for the release of fluid if the balloon is inflated while still in the urethra.
US8591497 B2: Catheter that contains a stretch valve; when a large enough force is applied to the catheter, the valve will stretch open and allow fluid the escape the balloon.
WO2014147620 (application): Proposes a tearable catheter that, when forcibly pulled on, would tear at a given tear zone. This would either partially tear, allowing for fluid release/collapse, or tear completely transversely (with the indwelling half being subsequently removed with an attached string/wire).
We also spent some time looking into the business environment for the device to make sure that there was a both a defined need and space in the competitive market. Currently, it does not seem that there is a concrete, similar device (other than the patents mentioned above). With regards to the currently used catheters, there are approximately 30,000,000 patients that receive Foley catheters in the US each year, and this leads to a market size of ~$1.66B. Thus, we believe that there would be plenty of room to maneuver within the market.
Work planned for next week:
While our group was unable to meet with Dr. Zohny last week, we could like to meet in order to cover the specifications of the project and what is needed from the design. While this would not only help with the upcoming design process, it is also necessary for the first presentation. We also plan to begin working on the webpage for the project and beginning preparation/data collection for the first paper.
Our two primary accomplishments this week were gathering more information regarding the intellectual property and market landscape of the Foley catheter. With regards to intellectual property, there are three primary patents that have the potential to interfere with various solutions:
US7766870 B2: Adaptor that attaches to currently existing catheters and causes deflation of the balloon if the catheter is forcibly removed (not a completely new catheter).
US8382708 B2: Similar to the patent below (and filed by the same group); has a compression seal that will allow for the release of fluid if the balloon is inflated while still in the urethra.
US8591497 B2: Catheter that contains a stretch valve; when a large enough force is applied to the catheter, the valve will stretch open and allow fluid the escape the balloon.
WO2014147620 (application): Proposes a tearable catheter that, when forcibly pulled on, would tear at a given tear zone. This would either partially tear, allowing for fluid release/collapse, or tear completely transversely (with the indwelling half being subsequently removed with an attached string/wire).
We also spent some time looking into the business environment for the device to make sure that there was a both a defined need and space in the competitive market. Currently, it does not seem that there is a concrete, similar device (other than the patents mentioned above). With regards to the currently used catheters, there are approximately 30,000,000 patients that receive Foley catheters in the US each year, and this leads to a market size of ~$1.66B. Thus, we believe that there would be plenty of room to maneuver within the market.
Work planned for next week:
While our group was unable to meet with Dr. Zohny last week, we could like to meet in order to cover the specifications of the project and what is needed from the design. While this would not only help with the upcoming design process, it is also necessary for the first presentation. We also plan to begin working on the webpage for the project and beginning preparation/data collection for the first paper.
September 7th
Weekly Report 1
Current status of project:
We have selected a project with the following problem statement:
“A large number of patients in the hospital require the insertion of Foley catheters; especially within neurosurgery, many of these patients are cognitively impaired. As a result, these patients may forcibly pull out their catheters, in turn causing damage to their urethra, bladder, and/or sphincter. We need a Foley device that, if pulled out, would not damage these.”
We have also had two meetings with our client, Dr. Zohny, to learn more about the problem and develop a tentative timeline for the project.
Work planned for next week:
We are planning to begin our initial research with regards to the status of the market; for example, we would like to figure out the number of cases that involve Foley catheters, the total market cap, and how many individuals would benefit from a re-designed catheter. This would give our group a better idea of the cost of the catheter and would provide a framework for designing a device.
We would also like to analyze the intellectual property landscape to give more insight into the potential competition and design constraints. Not only will specific patents show us what we cannot design, but we also plan to use semi-unrelated patents to give us more ideas in regards to the catheter design.
Finally, we intend to meet with Dr. Zohny at some point during the week to develop a list of defined specifications that are needed for the final device.
We have selected a project with the following problem statement:
“A large number of patients in the hospital require the insertion of Foley catheters; especially within neurosurgery, many of these patients are cognitively impaired. As a result, these patients may forcibly pull out their catheters, in turn causing damage to their urethra, bladder, and/or sphincter. We need a Foley device that, if pulled out, would not damage these.”
We have also had two meetings with our client, Dr. Zohny, to learn more about the problem and develop a tentative timeline for the project.
Work planned for next week:
We are planning to begin our initial research with regards to the status of the market; for example, we would like to figure out the number of cases that involve Foley catheters, the total market cap, and how many individuals would benefit from a re-designed catheter. This would give our group a better idea of the cost of the catheter and would provide a framework for designing a device.
We would also like to analyze the intellectual property landscape to give more insight into the potential competition and design constraints. Not only will specific patents show us what we cannot design, but we also plan to use semi-unrelated patents to give us more ideas in regards to the catheter design.
Finally, we intend to meet with Dr. Zohny at some point during the week to develop a list of defined specifications that are needed for the final device.