Josh Starnesi. Concept- Is the project creative, original, functional, and pushing boundaries? Does the project effectively address the selected challenge?
Yes, Using a gel pack as a heater and mass to keep fluids warm longer is an idea I have never seen myself. The Challenge was to create a fluid and blood warmer and I think this has nailed it.
ii. Design- Is there a depth of design detail available (like a system design, CAD models, project test methods, etc.)? Is there base-level planning for the functionality (e.g., functional block diagram, list of specifications and descriptions of how they will be met, etc.)? How user-friendly is the design?
The design is simple and all the steps are being uploaded as progress is made.
iii. Production- Is the project realistically reproducible (taking into consideration necessary materials, skills, and production processes)? Are the manufacturing processes detailed? Are those processes realistic for scalability?
Every step of the development is documented, so it can be replicated.
iv. Benchmark- How well is the project impact and viability demonstrated? Are estimated costs realistic? How well does the project improve upon other currently available solutions?
It is a much cheaper option and the same concept of a heater core and gel pack can be applied many ways.
v. Communication- How thoroughly have the Final Round requirements been completed? How well documented is the project? How “open” is the design?
The design is completely open, on custom tools need to be made and should be avail in any case around the world.
First Goal - This Gel Core IV Bag Heater is easily build able and repeatable without special training or education following a pattern and recipe for production.
Second Goal -Cheap, easily obtainable off the shelf parts that require minimal assembly and can either be 3D printed or cast duplicates in low volumes without getting into injection molding processes.
Third Goal , When the heater has been used it must be able to be sanitized with both liquid surface sanitizers and UVC light sanitizers without breaking down so it may be used several times.
Fourth Goal- Quality of function, even with cheap parts the warmer must function indoors and outdoors in a disaster situation, both in a environment where there is mains 110v - 220v and running on battery for a few hours while patients are being transferred around in triage between power sources.
Parts Ordered
AC 100-240V to DC 24V 5A Power Supply
19.99
10A DC 24V Thermostat STC-1000 Relay Output(24V)
12.99
EBL 8-Bay Battery Charger for AA
10.99
4pcs Polyimide Heating Film Insulated 24V 30W PI Heater Plate Adhesive For Heating Components
13.99
AmazonBasics AA High-Capacity Ni-MH Rechargeable Batteries (2400 mAh), Pre-charged - Pack of 8 x 2
18.99
8 x AA 12V Battery Holder Case Box Wired ON/Off Switch w Cover Pack of 2
8.00
1 Pound Bag of Water Beads - Clear
11.99
GE Sealants & Adhesives Silicone All Purpose Sealant 10.1 Ounce Clear
4.27
Vacuum Sealer Bags - 2 Pack 11" x 50' Commercial Grade Sealer Saver Rolls for Foodsaver and Sous Vide (Total 100 feet)
23.99
Total Parts 125.20
These parts could be significantly reduced by eliminating the battery powered feature for AC only saving around 40-50 dollars. Also the water beads, battery holder, polyimide heater and power supply could all be purchased in bulk orders dropping their cost to around half or less. This would make parts cost on the battery powered version to 50-60 dollars.
Alternate setup option, Have a field case with power supply thermostats built into the case. The Heater and Sensor are embedded permanently into the Gel Bag. When prepping for use you plug it up to the case and let the thermostat power the heater and regulate, once up to temp you unplug and use it with a patient
Tools I already had
- Food saver vacuum bags
-Food Saver Vacuum Sealer
-Soldering Iron
-Iron
-Solder
-3d Printer + filament
Goals
1. Cheap but effective build
2. Easily sourced parts
3. Easy to use by medical personnel and volunteers with basic instructions on the casing.
4. Heats fluids in IV bags , blood, iv fluids and medicines, but also holds thermal mass in the bag liner for stable temperature when heater clicks on and off.
5. Battery powered for temporary triage and transport
6. Mains power recharging from 12-24 volts trucks and ambulances, 110-220v from mains power and on site generators.