The suction pump project I’ve mentioned in previous blogs is beginning to really pick up some steam. (Our working title for the device is the “S.O.S.” or “Stop Our Suction.”) Here’s a little about our device, our progress so far, and the next steps for our team.

Device Overview

The main components of the S.O.S. circuit are a transformer that turns the 230 volts from the wall into 9 volts, a 5 volt voltage regulator, a relay to turn off the suction pump, and of course, the IR sensors. Everything but the IR sensors are housed inside a black plastic box that includes a plug on the outside for the suction pump machine to plug into. The sensors will interface with the collection bottles by way of a velcro strap. (We’ve made the strap so that it can accommodate both the largest and smallest collection jars we’ve seen at QECH.) See the graphic below for the sequence of events after the suction pump machine is plugged into the S.O.S. and the switch is turned on:

Progress so Far / Future Steps

The circuit is pretty much complete (we are waiting on one jack that our professors from the US are bringing with them this weekend,) and the velcro strap is done as well. Now we need to build small casings to slide onto the strap that can house the sensors. The casings will need to be able to move around on the strap so that the nurse can properly align them to the jar in use. Once this is complete, we will need to do more extensive testing of the device and complete our final report.

In Other News…

…Friday was Christina’s birthday! To celebrate, Sarah, Emily and I made her an apple pie and brought it to work for everyone to share. Not to toot my own horn, but I think the pie was quite the hit!