From September through December of 2017, I helped the Neural Engineering Lab at the Center for Discovery and Innovation at CUNY design an assisted mobility device for visually impaired children. Toddler Cane, made for non-profit Safe Toddles, protects blind children from getting hurt by allowing them to detect objects in front of them. As a result, it also allows them to learn how to walk more naturally.
When I first began, previous 3D-printed prototypes had undergone structural failures, and so the lead engineer wanted me to design and manufacture a cane welded from steel rods. This would have been too heavy for a child to comfortably wear. However, I managed to redirect progress towards an extremely light product by showing that 3D printing (and later, molded plastic) could be used as long as the structural design was sound. Still, it took many prototypes and many brainstorming sessions to develop a prototype that was as lightweight as it is now and yet unbreakable by a child. I'm glad I was able to help this non-profit develop an excellent product.
When I first began, previous 3D-printed prototypes had undergone structural failures, and so the lead engineer wanted me to design and manufacture a cane welded from steel rods. This would have been too heavy for a child to comfortably wear. However, I managed to redirect progress towards an extremely light product by showing that 3D printing (and later, molded plastic) could be used as long as the structural design was sound. Still, it took many prototypes and many brainstorming sessions to develop a prototype that was as lightweight as it is now and yet unbreakable by a child. I'm glad I was able to help this non-profit develop an excellent product.