2014-15 Senior Design Projects

Sponsor

Firestone Fibers and Textiles

Team Members

Michael Hall, Cori Boyce, Mohammed Hamoudi

Project Description

Nails and other sharp objects can puncture a tire and cause the tire to go flat within minutes. Tires are a hassle to change and expensive to replace. It is inevitable that a tire will run over a sharp object during its lifetime, and to prevent air loss in the tire, a tire with an embedded puncture resistant layer will prevent the customer from having to replace their tire.

The goal of this project is to develop an innovative fabric-based tire reinforcement that prevents a finishing nail from penetrating through the wall of a tire. The team is expected to investigation of the best fabric, and work with the sponsor to test fabrication procedures and evaluation of the reinforcement material. The product solution should be cost benefit for the sponsor to produce.

Sponsor

Porticos Inc.

Team Members

PJ Burger, Brian Kieber, David Warren

Project Description

Extreme temperature environments, protective gear that prevents the natural body cooling through evaporation of perspiration, and intense physical exertion combine to put firefighters at high risk of severe heat stress. Moderate to severe heat stress results in debilitating physiological and cognitive effects that reduce the effectiveness of the firefighter with potentially life threatening impacts. Porticos developed and licenses the technology for an innovative cooling system (Porticool) that utilizes liquefied CO2 as the consumable cooling agent. As a next stage of development, Porticos is interested in identifying and integrating innovative materials into the vest to make the cooling more uniform and efficient. In parallel Porticos is interested in developing strategies for thermal energy harvesting capable of powering body worn sensors and transmitting the data wirelessly.

The goal of this project is improve the current vest design to maximize cooling efficiency, improve cooling uniformity and maximize power harvesting using thermal energy generators.

Sponsor

Hanesbrands Inc.

Team Members

Laura Godwin, Ben Gillespie, Deston Smith

Project Description

Hundreds of people own basic tee shirts. A basic tee shirt is easy to throw on and always comfortable to wear. Naturally, there has been little change to the basic tee shirt. Until now! Hanesbrands wants to be at the forefront of the basic tee shirt re-design revolution. Hanes is seeking a team of innovative students to develop a newly designed basic tee. Students are encouraged to “think outside the pattern” for the new design. There are few restrictions on what the design should be, but similar to the current basic tee, there should be a high demand for the new design.

Develop a new design for the basic tee shirt concept that can be commercially supported. A market analysis and manufacturing cost analysis should be done on the newly designed shirt.

Sponsor

Hanesbrands (Keith Zimmerman)

Team Members

Hugo Garcia, Omar Knio, Joseph Moo-Young

Project Description

When you get hot, your shirt cools you off. When you get cold, the your shirt warms you up. Athletic apparel is in need of a tee shirt you can wear in all temperatures. For instance, during a hard workout at the gym a cooling feature is desired, but stepping outside during the winter after a workout would need a warming feature. Recently, advances in coatings and additives to textiles allow for temperature regulation in fabrics. Hanes is seeking students to explore these technologies and develop a shirt that has the ability to cool and warm. There are few limitations as to how this concept will be created.

The final goal of this project is to develop a shirt that warms and cools based on the external environment or the need of the wearer. A cost analysis should be conducted and market space should be identified. Proof of the garment’s cooling and heating abilities should be quantified.

Sponsor

Army Research Office

Team Members

Carly Bohnenblusch, James Murdock, Andrew Thomas

Project Description

Military Working Dogs serve in a wide range of capacities within the US military including security, patrol, explosives detection, tracking, search and rescue, guard, sentry and tactical duty. During advanced training multi-purpose canines will receive negative reinforcement during a “mis-bite” on a handler or trainer. This negative behavioral reinforcement can remain throughout training and into tactical situations where a canine will disengage from a bite for fear of punishment from its handler. Disengagement during a tactical operation poses a significant liability, not only to the canine but the team the canine supports. The most critical aspect of the project is safety, not only for the handler but also for the canine. The materials selected have to be nontoxic to dogs, so if they ingest any material, the canine is not harmed. The sleeve needs to be puncture resistant for the handler, so they are not hurt during the canine training process.
Materials challenges in the current bite sleeve that need to be improved include:

1. the comfort of the material in contact with trainer’s arm
2. flexibility of the bite sleeve: i.e. maximizing joint movement and protection.
3. reducing the sleeve weight.

The goal of this project is to improve upon the bite sleeve design and progress forward the commercialization potential of the bite sleeve. In addition to finalizing material decisions of the bite sleeve; a market analysis, and complete cost analysis of manufacturing should be conducted.

Sponsor

BSN Medical

Team Members

John Stover, Helen Wilson, David Jenkins

Project Description

Graduated Compression Stockings (GCS) provide a gradient compression pressure (mmHg) to limbs; the highest compression being at the ankle and a gradual decrease in pressure towards upper parts of the limb. HATRA, CEN and HOSY are some of the common test methods/devices to evaluate compression properties of stockings. In all these methods, the stocking is stretched using two pairs of jaws/blades and the corresponding stiffness at specific extension is used to calculate the compression properties. The stretching profile in these test methods is different from stretching profile in application wherein the stocking covers a three dimensional object (such as a limb). Thus the pressure sensed by the limb might be different from the pressure measured by the aforementioned test methods. In addition, the current methods have other limitations being time consuming in sample preparation, testing, implementing size/shape changes, etc. Thus, it is of great significance that the testing method/device should evaluate pressure profile based on three-dimensional stretch similar to wearing condition and address limitations in current testing approaches.

The goal of this project is to design and develop a testing device or method/fixture to existing device that simulates 3D stretching characteristics of a stocking in application. The design would allow measurements to be taken at multiple locations of the stocking with preferred limb profile. The design will require minimum effort to implement size changes (limb diameter and length). The test results should correlate with existing test methods, for instance HATRA test results. The design will be robust and user-friendly in order to be implemented in manufacturing and development setting.

Sponsor

Under Armour

Team Members

Colin Donahue, Jordan Tabor, Tommy Taylor

Project Description

Nonwovens are a cost-effective textile-formation method that historically has not been considered for Performance Gear due to concerns with durability and drape.  As technology continues to evolve, Under Armour (UA) would like to be on the forefront of new advances in nonwoven formation that not only address durability and drape, but performance factors that aren’t necessarily achieved via conventional textile-formation processes. UA is also very interested in applied technology and using concepts and ideas other industries are driving to create new Performance Gear (apparel, accessories, footwear), specifically through the use of nonwovens.

• Evaluate nonwoven market space in performance apparel
• Demonstrate the nonwoven fabrics processing and their respective performance characteristics (i.e. strength testing, moisture-management testing, etc).
• Deliver a point of view report on which technology, based on their research and interaction with project sponsor, the sponsor should pursue.  The document should include product/garment prototypes, lab testing, field testing, etc.

Sponsor

American Flock Association

Team Members

Eric Gardner, Catherine Pagan

Project Description

Flocking, in its basic form, is a very old technology. Through the years the technology has had major advances. Most recently with advancements in modern fibers, advanced polymer chemistry, and highly developed machine technology, flocking is rapidly being introduced into new high value added market sectors (i.e. medical, filtration, insulation, etc.). To justify their use in these markets and advance their use beyond commercial products, the characteristics of flocked materials that are pertinent toward a specified market must be evaluated. In addition, simple means by which to relay the advantages of flocked materials to potential partners must be generated.

The overarching goal of this project is to classify, measure and determine qualities and characteristics of flocked materials to the standards that are used in potential markets. The project teams will compare and contrast flocking materials, provided through interactions formed within the project sponsor, to commercially available products. Moreover, the team will generate information modules (video or other) that can be used as general education focused on the benefits of flocking.

Sponsor

ASSIST (Advanced Self-Powered Systems of Integrated Sensors and Technologies)

Team Members

Andrew Emery, Christian Rhone, Grace Wright

Project Description

ASSIST is a company that develops wearable electronics that could potentially lower the cost of healthcare by allowing the long term monitoring of health parameters as well as environmental surroundings. Long term sensing enables doctors, patients and researchers to establish relationships between personal health and the surrounding environment. The mission is to provide doctors and patients to be able to manage wellness while improving the quality of life resulting in the lowered cost of healthcare.

Together with an ECE team, the teams will develop a textile wearable garment that measures a person’s complete EKG. The integration of the EKG electrodes should be ‘seamlessly’ integrated and comfortable for the user. The integration should be invisible to others. This includes, but is not limited to having the electrodes not affect the performance of the garment and not rely on the use of adhesives to contact the skin. Connections between the EKG electrodes on the garment and electrical circuitry should be modular. All packaging must be durable. The EKG signal should be transmitted to a cellphone for processing.

Sponsor

Hanesbrands Inc. – Keith Zimmerman

Team Members

Jared Bundick, Melissa Mooney, Bailee Torres

Project Description

The metal underwire used in women’s bras have several problems including bending, breakage, and poke-through. Bending refers to permanent deformation of the underwire, breakage is the fracture of the metal, and poke-through is the common problem when metal underwire emerges from the casing. These problems cause the bra to be uncomfortable to wear, leading to customer dissatisfaction with the product.

In order to eliminate the discomfort due to bra underwire problems, a new underwire method should be developed. The new underwire should be just as supportive as the current underwire. It will be durable but comfortable for the customer. The only restriction is the underwire cannot contain metal. Of particular interest is the use of 3D printing methods to prototype new concepts. The team will investigate the appropriate polymer and shape to utilize.

The goal of this project is to develop a bra underwire that is completely supportive, not made of any metals, and can be quantifiably desirable to the user.

Sponsor

Adventures with Elephants

Army Research Office

Team Members

Molly Renaud, Rachel Chapla, Cole Mayers

Project Description

Elephant are used as modes of transportation for humans and materials. For this activity, an elephant saddle is utilized. Most often saddles are made of foam covered with canvas and are attached using girths around the elephant’s torso. These saddles are heavy, absorb lots of water, and can be uncomfortable for the rider and for the elephant. In order to improve the experience for the rider and the elephant, a new saddle must be developed. The saddle needs to be firm, but flexible and soft, so that it will mold to the elephant’s back. The saddle cannot have any pressure points, causing discomfort for the animal. It also needs to be rugged, durable, lightweight, flexible, and waterproof. The girths used to keep the saddle on must be thick so they will not cut the elephant’s skin. A quick fastening and adjusting mechanism that can be easily removed is desired. The fastening mechanism must be able to withstand water, mud, grass, and dust, and can safely hold 500 kg. Rider safety and comfort is also paramount. Straps and handles must be utilized so the rider can hold on for the duration of the transport. The saddle must also raise high enough so the rider’s legs are not stretched too far, but the saddle cannot become top heavy.

Design and develop a saddle that will accommodate 3 riders that provides a comfortable and safe experience for both elephant and rider, and is thus more advantageous than current designs in terms of rider comfort, elephant comfort, durability, and easy removal. The saddle must be able to be 100% made in Africa, so it must be made from African-sourced materials using manufacturing techniques available in Africa.

Sponsor

Army Research Office

Adventures with Elephants

Team Members

David Harris, Samantha Jeffrey, Lauren Koepnick

Project Description

Human-elephant conflict is an increasing problem in Africa, leading to poaching and senseless killings of elephants. Wild elephant bulls are bombarding villages and destroying lodges, housing, and infrastructure constantly. In order to keep the problematic elephants away from villages, a collar will be created to alert the elephant when it is approaching a restricted area. The elephant-proof collar will include GPS tracking, feedback stimuli, and will be self-powering. The collar will need to be simple, as it is being deployed in rural parts of Africa where supplies are limited.

Materials and system design challenges in the current elephant collar that need to be improved include:

1. Improved durability of the collar (waterproof, dirt proof, and able to withstand the power of an elephant)
2. Full integration with electronic components
3. Reduction in overall weight of collar with improved conformality to the elephant.
4. Reduction in cost of materials.

This is a collaborative project with the Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) department.

The ECE system needs to be completely integrated in the collar (with materials that resolve challenges listed above) and will need to demonstrate a high level of durability.

Sponsor

Trig Innovation

Eterno Bikes

Team Members

Randall Fulghum, Josh Brackett, Sam Harris, James Turney

Project Description

Competitive cyclists must use all of the available power toward moving forward. Equipment that reduces weight, drag, friction, vibration, etc. are important for performance improvement. Eterno Bikes, is developing high-performance products for the cycling market. Of particular interest to Eterno Bikes are ways to reduce a road cyclist’s fatigue by controlling vibration transfer between the cycling saddle and the body.

New materials that absorb vibration in the bicycle saddle will be evaluated. Using that knowledge and design ideas from Trig’s industrial designers, a new bike seat will be created with the inclusion of the vibration-dampening material(s). In addition, evaluation methods (sensor system) should be incorporated that accurately evaluates the vibration and is able to quantify the amount of inefficiency caused by the vibration in terms of power lost or watts lost due to vibration. At the conclusion of this project, students should integrate this material into the saddle design and quantify its vibration reduction over traditional materials and display the reduction as energy or “watts” gained.

Sponsor

adidas – Austin Stout

Team Members

Victoria Anderson, Cara Jackson, Rebecca Stern, Grant Zechmann

Project Description

Certain areas of the body experience oscillating and vibrational movements during athletic performance that may lead to discomfort. By controlling the natural vibrations and oscillating tendencies, athletic performance is optimized through saving energy and creating a quicker recovery time. Research has shown that comfortable athletic performance encourages an active lifestyle. Because the breast areas are most susceptible to uncomfortable oscillating and vibrational movements, the project goal is to redesign the sports bra. To achieve this goal, we must research and add external damping mechanisms through fiber, yarn, and garment innovation to control these tendencies, therefore, promoting a more active lifestyle. The redesigned garment will apply to the athletic performance market while passing all internal yarn, fabric, and garment specifications and testing.

Re-fabricate sports bra that will optimize oscillating movement and vibration control in athletic movements through fiber, yarn, fabrication and/or garment patterning.

Sponsor

Secant Medical

Team Members

Robert Nelson, Carson Frady, Michael Scipione, Matthew Urben

Project Description

The mismatch of mechanical properties between the abdominal wall and surgically implanted ventral hernia mesh products results in patient pain and discomfort following hernia surgery. Part of this problem may be attributed to the surgeons for implanting a mesh that overcompensates for the weakened tissue to prevent a reoccurring hernia. However if a product that matched the natural compliance of the abdominal wall were available for surgeons to use, the new product would be of a higher value to surgeons and patients alike.
This project, if successfully completed, has the potential to improve the lives of patients in need of hernia repair. It is important because there are no optimally compliant hernia mesh products available on the market while there are an increasing number of hernia occurrences.

This goal of this project is to determine the optimal textile knit mesh structure and elastomeric (silicone-based) coating combination to match the natural compliance of the abdominal wall. The team should be able to determine the mechanical properties of the abdominal wall via a literature search and/or cadaver tissue testing.  The team will create a prototype and perform experiments to determine the optimal combination of mesh structure and elastomeric coating.   The final deliverable should be a recommendation on what the ideal material properties for the elastomeric coating and textile structure.

Sponsor

MANN+HUMMEL

Team Members

James Hatfield, Kelsy Fuller, Lillie Myers, Naomi DeVries

Project Description

The use of all-natural resources is important for a company’s sustainability practices. In this project, an all-natural fiber based personal air purification device (i.e. face mask) will be fabricated. The purification device should include no chemicals or pre-treatments and utilize earth-based absorbents. The air purification device would only be required to filter out particulate matter and pungent smells, which is what facemasks are typically used for in Asia due to industrial pollution.

The goal of this project is to produce a stylish, usable face mask that meets the primary criteria of containing all-natural materials. The team will evaluate the face mask properties and examine the benefits of an all-natural mask, including a life-cycle analysis in comparison to current market products. Add-ons for the mask may include color change absorbents for contamination identification.