Autoblade Clan Weekly Updates
| Autoblade Clan | Weekly Updates | Final Presentation |
11/ 3/ 2021
Primary objective: Make sure Jose can wear and remove the Autoblade himself. In order to do this, we explored a few options.
1. D-rings
2. Actuator ‘powered’ by blowing air that enables further functionality in the Autoblade.
3. Slide in clasps as used in QuadTools. We discussed these together and drew diagrams to understand Jose’s preference.
4. To test out the clasp mechanism, we constructed a moldable plastic model of the first clasp with the pointer.
After a in-person meeting with Jose, we had a clearer vision of how the splint should be like.
Anita showed us this pocket splint that people can use it for eating without grabbing a spoon in hand. The velcro part on the wrist is one of the functions Jose is looking for. 
This is a spatula from QuadTools, this U-clasp parts are probably useful for him to put on easily by himself and be autonomous. 
11/ 10/ 2021
We then constructed a cardboard model with rough measurements. The cardboard itself was slightly flimsy and wouldn’t hold shape, so we reinforced it with tape. The tape in this scenario could be thought of as a D-Ring.
Midterm Video
11/ 17/ 2021
Next, we made a higher fidelity model with plastic. In the initial stages, instead of fusing it together, we attached the components with painter’s tape.
We heated the plastic and moulded it around a pencil to construct the spine. We rolled it into a cylinder to make it sturdier.
11/ 24/ 2021
For this week, we had a meeting with Jose and had a deep research on the pointer. Most of the pointers we found are too long for Jose’s need. We found two objects fit Jose the most. Both of them are defense stick, the first one is slightly longer, but can be lock in place. And the second one is just as long as what we are looking for but can’t be locked.
12/ 1/ 2021
We mailed the second prototype to Jose, for him to test out, and planned to meet him via zoom call to get feedback.
We had trouble ordering the pointers through Amazon and experienced delays.
FINAL DOCUMENTATION
(12/ 8/ 21)
Jose tested out the second prototype we made, it turned out to be too small for him. He gave us some useful feedback for improving the product.
And here are the feedback:
- The gap between first two parts(hands and wrist) are too close
- D-ring can be on the opposite side, or it can be annoyed between the thumb and fingers.
- Wrist part can curve more as the shape of the wrist.
12/ 10/ 21
We had an in person meeting with Jose, and went through a deeper discussion of the product.For each U-clasp we decided to narrow them down from 2 inch to 1.5 inch. For the U-clasp on his hand, we add 2 inch on the length as well. He also hope that the U-clasp can be longer in length, almost like a C. We made sketches on the modifications we hope to make in the future.
