Gaming Spirometer

Project Summary

This was a project set to solve a problem that children with asthma had. Creating a product or improving an existing one in a way to help further a child’s development in health. This went through a range of research and modelling to find the perfect form that could assist children with their asthma.

Introduction

I decided to base my research on asthma and focused on how children deal with it. This led to the research that I found by conducting surveys and interviewing people who’ve had asthma during their childhood. The main points to look for were the effect of the environment, do children take breaks and how forgetful a child is. This led to an idea for a product that would help during certain storms, alarms to remind children when to take medicine. It started heading towards games and then the idea of combing that with spirometers.

Research

The main idea was to integrate the gaming section inside the spirometer based on the manual version. I explored a range of various designs for this with my sketches. This included a few different models and then I started basing the design on a stegosaurus over time this was rounded more and reshaped until it was round. During the design, it had reached this point and I had to reconsider the materials inside. I got to the point where I had to make a choice between electronic or Manuel.

To proceed with this I started creating up the games that would be featured and the screens to display the information. A total of 12 screens were drawn up with the main feature to be a digital pet that’s health would be based on when they use the device. These would be loosely based on various video games and the data to record the air pressure being text-based.

The decision was decided to go with the electronic design of the spirometer instead of the Manuel so the digital components can all work together, I then looked into different housing for the spirometer as a way of making it more personal for children. A few concepts were drawn and information about what interests kids around the age of 8 to 10 was looked at. These casings were based on designs of the earth, a game boy, a soccer ball, a science kit and a chessboard. These would be removable and the child could select which one they would
want with their spirometer.

The final part to be researched was the materials that would record this data and what the other inside materials would be. The first was the Spirometer which would be injection molded with PLA. The screen to show the data and games was a waveshare 2.8 inch LCD. There are 3 different buttons for the device, a panel mount, a mini soft push button and a LED pushbutton. There are a few wires and screws and the main component is the airflow sensor. This took a while since the information about the materials for electronic spirometers is hidden, I also had to make sure the sensor I choose wasn’t too large since the device is made to fit in my design as well as keeping the price affordable.

DESIGN SOLUTION

The Gaming spirometer is a tool to help children with their asthma. It is able to help
strengthen the lungs while recording the data to be stored within. The main function is the gaming aspect and allows the child to play a series of games after a session as well as looking after a pet they can care for forming a bond with the child so they can look after the pet and themselves

For the aesthetics of the spirometer, the device is made to look friendly and there are a wide choice of colours the child can choose from when purchasing. This will make the option for freedom more available. The injection molding will be made with bioplastic that is made with recycled plastic created at BC Plastics an Australian injection molding company. The product should be able to last 5 to 10 years if cleaning is kept up with making sure this can be used to its full capacity.

How to use it

There are a few steps the gaming spirometer takes so it can be used properly. Firstly the button on the side of the device will turn it on. A small pet will then appear to indicate if it’s happy to show the progress of health an extra step to improve the child’s self-esteem. After this, they can then start blowing air into the sensor letting it record the data. Once they’re done they can start going through and playing any of the games on the device. This is when the buttons on the front of the products get used. If a parent or doctor wanted to check this information they would go through and select info and check the data for the month or a certain day. This data can also be transferred onto computers with a USB connection point this also serves as a way to charge the device.