PolyU#5 Footgear+

Summary

The script introduces a portable, customizable exercise device aimed at individuals with physical disabilities, particularly in Hong Kong. With a focus on muscle strengthening and prevention of atrophy, the device is designed for home use and features automatic sketching exercises. The team discusses the hardware components, including motors and electromagnets, and outlines the development process from component selection to testing and budgeting, emphasizing the importance of meeting the needs of the disabled community.

Takeaways

• 😀 The promotion aims to introduce a new exercise device that can strengthen muscles and protect organs.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Exercise is essential for maintaining muscle health and can help fight pathogens and protect organs.
• 📊 In Hong Kong, there are about 580,000 people with disabilities, and 4.5% of the population has restricted body movement.
• 💡 The device is designed to be customizable, portable, and easy to use at home or in rehabilitation centers.
• 🔧 The device's hardware involves two main motions powered by motors, with mechanisms to convert rotation into linear motion.
• 🔋 A lithium-ion battery is planned to power the device, providing sufficient electricity for up to three hours of use.
• 🔍 Component selection involves using software to determine suitable motors and gears, and considering standard household voltage.
• 🛠️ The pedal design will be developed using software like SolidWorks, which aids in 3D modeling and material selection.
• 📚 Testing will include questionnaires, interviews with physical therapists, and trials with patients through the Hong Kong PHAB Association.
• 💰 The project budget is primarily focused on the cost of motors, transformers, and batteries, which are the most expensive components.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the exercise device being promoted in the script?

The main purpose of the exercise device is to provide physical therapy for individuals with disabilities, allowing them to strengthen and maintain their muscle health, particularly for those who are unable to move their bodies freely.

How does the device help in strengthening muscles?

The device helps in strengthening muscles by providing resistance through its motorized system, which allows users to perform exercises that contract and relax their muscles, thereby improving muscle strength and preventing muscle atrophy.

What is the target end user for this product in Hong Kong according to the script?

The target end users are individuals with disabilities, particularly those with physical handicaps, making up about 4.5 percent of the population in Hong Kong, as stated by the Census and Statistics Department.

How does the device differ from similar products in the market?

The device differs from similar products in the market by being more affordable, portable, customizable in terms of exercise strength, and designed for automatic sketching exercises, making it suitable for home use and easy transportation.

What are the key objectives of the promotion of this exercise device?

The key objectives include replacing manpower with machinery, making the device easy to store and use, controllable by patients, capable of automatically strengthening the user's muscles, maintaining basic muscle strength, and creating an affordable and portable exercise device for the target patients.

Can you explain the hardware mechanism of the device as described in the script?

The hardware mechanism involves two main motions powered by two motors. The first motion is for the lifting table, and the second motion involves a linear mechanism that converts the motor's rotational motion into linear motion for the pedals. An electromagnet is used to lock the components together for stable motion, and the lifting table is powered by the first motor to provide stable lifting.

What is the role of the electromagnet in the device's mechanism?

The electromagnet is used to lock the components in place, ensuring that the yellow bar attached to the pedal remains stationary while the pedal moves with the lifting table, thus producing the necessary motion for the exercise.

How does the device's program control the motors and components?

The device's program, although preliminary, demonstrates the control of two motors through two IC packages. The program controls the direction of motor rotation, which in turn controls the movement of the LEDs and the motion of the device.

What method is used for component selection and hardware design in the project?

The method involves using software like Multisizing to find suitable motors, calculating gear ratios for speed control, selecting a lithium-ion battery for power supply, and using SolidWorks for 3D and 2D design of the pedal, including material simulation.

What is the expected testing process for the device according to the script?

The testing process includes creating a questionnaire for patients through the Hong Kong Phab Association, interviewing a physiotherapist, assembling the device, inviting patients to trial the device, and adjusting the device based on collected feedback to improve it.

What are some of the expected difficulties the project might face?

Expected difficulties include challenges in producing small and soft metal components that can withstand patient weight, the need for precise measurements for user customization, and the necessity for several trials to identify potential effects or hidden dangers.

Can you outline the working schedule for the project as mentioned in the script?

The working schedule includes the planning stage (completed), research stage (studying disease knowledge and target user needs), analysis stage (finding suitable components), design and component buying stage, assembly and testing stage, and finally, the production of the final product.

What are the main cost components of the project's budget?

The main cost components of the project's budget are the motors, transformers, and battery, which are competitively expensive and require a significant portion of the budget.