This is the first of a series of posts on the blog exclusive EP&Dee, which will explore the challenges of medical device design wearable, inspired by the new Wearable Design Challenge of element14, “Sudden Impact” (ed.)
The wearable fitness market is entering a new phase and it is expected that by 2018 the field will reach a value of 12 billion dollars. There is thus the possibility, for companies manufacturing and technology, to establish itself as a market leader. It is time that these companies take an active role and take life in innovative solutions to promote healthy living, prevent injuries and, in definitiva, save lives.
Inspire a generation
To launch this proactive approach we at element14 have called into question our online community, that counts 280.000 vibrant industrial designers and enthusiasts in the industry, involving them in 'Sudden Impact’ Wearable Design Challenge. We asked our participants to create unique technological solutions that provide real-time, critical insights to a group of users who could benefit from these specific functionality, namely athletes.
With a range of advanced tools, including a single pulse channel, polymers of advanced protection and a temperature sensor, Participants will also have access to the support offered by Tektronix, Electrolube and Analog Devices and a budget of 500 dollars for the add-ons they might need. With the right tools and the right level of support, we aim to inspire projects that one day will be very popular in racing circles around the world.
From design to creation
The twelve designers have proposed some fantastic ideas and we observe with great interest for its practical implementation. While currently the market for wearable devices and fitness is dominated by simple devices that monitor and transmit immediate data, projects of our participants are targeted to specific sports. With this level of specificity, athletes will be able to customize their device and consequently their training program.
Among the designers in this area there are the American Cosmin Iorga, which is building modules for head, foot and arm for tennis players, in order to monitor body temperature, heart rate and oxygen level in the blood, in addition to the levels of dehydration and physical exhaustion. Meanwhile, Norbert Kovacs, Hungary, is planning intelligent clothing for cyclists, to enable them to access the parameters of heart rate, body temperature, acceleration and even an analysis of the performance along the path traveled.
Another aspect on which our designers are working is related to injuries more common within a specific sport. Known for accidents that occur, skiing has been a common theme for German Hendrik Lipka, who presented a control system mounted on the helmet impact, which allows you to record your heart rate skier in the race. This group also includes two Indian projects, both intended for players. While Shubham Garg is developing a system to monitor fatigue and internal bleeding, Ravi Bhutan intended to measure the injury to the chest, head and spinal between football players.
Measurement of impact
These ideas, together with other, will be subject to thorough checks at the School of Computing, Creative Technology and Engineering at the Leeds Beckett University. Each project will be judged on the following criteria: effective use of the equipment, ease of use for students of secondary schools, resistance on different sports grounds and, undoubtedly the most critical parameter, device's ability to provide medical professionals valuable and accurate diagnostic information.
The twelve projects are currently underway, and participants will share the journey with blog, video and photos on the page dedicated to Sudden Impact Challenge in the community of element14.
Who is the Author
Christian DeFeo is the e-supplier and innovation manager at Farnell element14. He recently edited the competition Beyond the Phone where members of element14 have developed wireless medical devices. He is currently responsible for the design competition Sudden Impact.