This week, we planned to build a functioning circuit and to begin building the pieces that would go into modularization (i.e. the puzzle pieces). Depending on our progress with the circuit, we were also considering cutting printed circuit boards that were specific to our needs.
2) What we actually got done this week.
We 3D-printed two puzzle pieces (see picture below) whose shape and size was based on plastic boxes that we tentatively plan to use (final design will depend on the circuit pieces). These have space to accommodate connecting wires and will eventually serve as self-sufficient circuit modules that, when connected together, will result in a functioning and whole device. We also 3D-printed a lead connector. There are improvements to be made to each of these initial prototypes, and we will need to make more depending on the final structure of the circuit, but it was helpful to have actual pieces to work with.
We’ve identified four component that are necessary for a complete and functioning circuit: an input, which could consist of the leads or a microprocessor that generates an regular EKG signal, a band-pass filter to eliminate noise below 5 Hz and above 44 Hz, and an amplifier to produce the final signal, which can then be transmitted via audio jack to a device with an LCD screen that can display the signal. We’ve decided to segment our device into 4 puzzle pieces (this may end up being 5 depending on the ease of connectivity with 4). We’re also considering isolating the op amp as its own component, given the fact that it is the most likely to stop working of all the circuit elements that we’ll be using (it’s the most sensitive to temperature).
3) What we plan to get done this week.
This week we plan to build a final, functional form of the circuit, print circuit boards for each of the pieces, and connect them using the puzzle pieces, which will allow for specific and appropriate metal contact. We also plan to wrap up our final presentation and grant application components.
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