Assignment #7: "Covid 19"
The Overview
For this final assignment the class were to work on a more meaningful project. I have joined the team called: UV Knights. We made this product called the Sterile Can. The main idea is to use UVC lights to help disinfect masks that were to be used many times with minimal damage. More information in on the website.
My Contributions
My personal contributions have been discussing, researching and debating various methods of how we are able to make some sort of difference in our communities with somewhat basic supplies. Whilst I did not make the CAD model (we had someone with greater experience do it) I did help with the conceptual ideas. I helped with the decision process of what exactly are we going to do and how useful it may be. I talked with Brad some to get some of the designs planned out. In addition, we ruled out some concepts, like how alcohol will damage the masks and what liquids, if any should be applied in the process, and how long they should be subdued to said solution.
In addition to the research above, I needed to look at the possible effectiveness of these lights. While I had no concern about the choice of light, UVC is a perfect solution to the issue, but more particularly the exact make of these. Essentially would these lights be strong enough? After some thinking over and a little more research and a quick dicussion with my physicist friend, I came to the conclusion that there should be no reason why this shouldn't work, obviously some testing with UV cards would be needed, but this should be fine. Another concern I had to look into was that of mirror. The mirror needs to have few imperfections, as to reflect any unused light. The final concern of mine would be heat. With light comes energy, and both of these are going to produce some level of heat. Mirrors do typically absorb the most energy so the mirror itself would take most the heat, but I think it is still worth a quick test.
In regards to the website, I have made the "Our Product" page which goes into more depth of how exactly this product works and exactly what it is. Likewise this will be the portion that I will be presenting in class.
From some research we learned:
-A least one form of ultra violet radation seems to kill/reduce the Corona Virus
-These masks can only be used a few times so we need to keep track of the number of times a mask can be reused.
-Hydrogen Peroxide and water with soap mixtures seem to clean the masks fairly well without severe damage to the mask
-It only takes about 5 minutes of steaming for the masks to be cleaned with the liquid supposed solution.
-While hospitals are not to use these machines private companies are allowed to, such as any non medical companies.
The projects lifespan after the class
I agreed to stay after the class has wrapped up and work with a peer or so from my group who also wish to further pursue. Amber has actual bought the components and intends on seeing if they work. I will call in every week or so as things arrive and as progress happens. Also it seems that if any CAD adjustments need to be made I will be taking over for them.