Bouwe Theijse Maartje Ballemans Merlijn Hoek van Dijke Mirthe Hofstede Sophie de Blanken Wytze de Vries
CLIENT
Inspired Leiden | Leiden University | Delft University
Background: Schistosomiasis
Schistosomiasis is a disease caused by parasitic worms, found in subtropical and tropical regions, and is classified as a Neglected Tropical Disease by the WHO. Despite being relatively unknown in the western world, estimates show that over 200 million people require treatment each year, with 200 thousand deaths each year globally. The parasites that cause schistosomiasis live in certain types of freshwater snails, and the disease spreads through snail infested water sources. Millions of people depend their life on these bodies of water. Although treatment is possible, locating and diagnosing the disease is extremely hard. The reader should test faster and more accurate to mass test local communities.
Challenges
The new reader must be affordable and accessible
The reader should test faster and more accurate to mass test local communities
The device must be intuitive, durable and reliable for the Nigerian lab Context
CHALLENGE 1:
AFFORDABILITY & ACCESSIBILITY
Optics system
The current technology uses an invisible laser to read the lines of a Lateral Flow test. These tests work the same as the COVID self-tests, except the lines are invisible to the naked eye. The laser 'activates' the phosphor, which emits a 550 nm, green light to make the tests readable.
Optics Optimization
This device uses a selection of expensive lenses, bandpass filters, and a camera module. We managed to cut the production price in half by redesigning the optics system. My contribution in this challenge is testing, optimizing and designing for new complex technologies. We solved this by designing our own test set-ups.
CHALLENGE 2:
ACCURACY & TEST RATE
Testing
For this challenge, we increased the testing capacity by designing a new challenging mechanical system, with my specific contribution focused on iterating the design.
The device uses a selection of calibrated motors and mechanical systems to click the device together. Our improved mechanical system raises the amount of readable tests from 1 to 20 per session.
CHALLENGE 3: SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA AS THE LOCAL CONTEXT
Designing for Nigeria
Our device is specifically centered around the Nigerian region. We have to take into account that our device will not always be used by medical staff, or deal with infrastructure challenges like power outages. For example, the device has a back-up battery, is designed for non-professionals and can be repaired by locally 3D-printed parts.
Form
Our aesthetic prototype: made to integrate the right dimensions and used for presentation, experience, FEM analysis, and ergonomic research.
UI & Design language
Our design language is based on current medical aesthetic trends, as well as simplified medical UI. We wanted to create trust through a higher class in designed form, while keeping it recognizable to improve acceptation of the device.
FINAL STEP:
INTEGRATION
Build plate
Our integrated build place uses off the shelf electronics that can be swapped out locally. The compact plate fits all the technical components and guarantees precision of the device.
Technical Prototype
Functional prototype with a touch-screen interface and button. Used to test electronics, interfacing, and integrated technology. Uses a Raspberry Pi. Has a back-up battery (UPS) for frequent local power outages. It is fully functional and is designed parallel to the aesthetic prototype.
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