Problem statement:
Parkinson’s disease is a condition that gradually affects the nervous system, primarily impacting movement. One of the earliest and most noticeable signs is shaking or tremors in the hands. These tremors might start off barely noticeable but can become more severe over time. As the disease progresses, people with Parkinson’s might find it harder to swallow, have trouble maintaining their balance, and experience a significant decrease in their ability to move freely. These challenges not only affect daily life but can also lead to other serious issues like falls and poor nutrition. Common treatments for Parkinson’s disease include medications, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery. However, these treatments don’t always effectively control hand tremors, especially in the early stages. This highlights the need for new and better ways to help people manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Project Aims/Objectives:
Our study presents an innovative solution for reducing early-stage tremors by developing a special wearable device. This device uses magnetic technology to reduce shaking in the hands and arms. Magnetic actuators, which are small devices that control movement using magnets, help stabilize the hand and arm movements. The device is designed to be both effective and easy to use, making it suitable for daily wear by people with Parkinson’s. We will test this wearable device in various scenarios to see how well it works. We expect it to consistently performed better than other available options for reducing tremors. One of the best features of this device will be its light weight, only around 120 grams, which makes it much more comfortable to wear than heavier and existing devices. Its light weight ensures that it doesn’t add extra strain or discomfort, which is important for people who might wear it for long periods. The device is also designed with the user’s comfort and convenience in mind. It can be worn discreetly under clothes, so it doesn’t draw attention. It should be easy to put on and take off, which is crucial for those who might have difficulty with fine motor skills. This study introduces a promising new way to help manage all-stage tremors in Parkinson’s disease. The wearable device, with its advanced magnetic technology, offers an effective, lightweight, and user-friendly option for people looking to control their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Our initial tests show that this device could make a significant positive impact on the daily lives of those with Parkinson’s disease. Future research will aim to refine the device further, test its long-term effectiveness, and make it more widely available to those in need. The final objective of this project is human trials. Initial trials with patients will be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the hand tremor device. These trials will involve participants with Parkinson’s disease using the device in their daily routines. Researchers will closely monitor improvements in tremor control, user comfort, and overall usability. Feedback from these trials will be essential for refining the device and ensuring it meets the needs of those it is designed to help.
Skills/Competencies Development:
Designing a new device to help reduce hand tremors, especially for someone working at a postdoctoral level, requires a mix of many different skills. First, a strong understanding of mechanical engineering is important. This means knowing how things move and vibrate so the device can effectively reduce tremors. It’s also necessary to choose materials that are light, strong, and safe to use. Using computer software to design and test the device before making it is also a key skill. The intern needs to know how to use small magnetic devices to control movements. The intern skills are crucial for making sure the device is comfortable and easy to use for people with Parkinson’s disease. This includes understanding how the device interacts with the human body and ensuring it fits well. Prototyping and testing the device are key steps. This involves quickly creating models of the device, testing them to see how well they work, and making improvements based on those tests. Analyzing the data from these tests helps ensure the device is effective and reliable.
Managing the project effectively is important, too. This includes working well with a team of different experts, keeping the project on schedule, and documenting every step of the process clearly. Understanding the rules and regulations for medical devices is essential to ensure the device can be approved for use. This involves following strict guidelines to make sure the device is safe and works as intended. Focusing on the needs of the users is critical. This means conducting research to understand what people with Parkinson’s need, testing the device with real users, and making adjustments based on their feedback. Finally, strong communication skills are important. This includes writing clear documents and reports, and being able to present the device and its benefits to others, including potential investors and regulatory authorities. racking project expenses and providing regular progress reports are crucial responsibilities for the intern working on the hand tremor project. This involves maintaining detailed records of all costs related to materials, prototyping, testing, and other project activities. Regular progress reports will be created to update stakeholders on the project’s status, achievements, and any challenges faced. Patient trial coordination involves organizing small-scale trials in collaboration with a local clinic to test the hand tremor device. This includes recruiting participants, scheduling trial sessions, and ensuring all necessary medical and ethical approvals are in place. Working closely with the clinic staff, the intern will oversee the trials, collect data on the device’s performance, and gather feedback from patients. This collaboration aims to ensure the device is safe, effective, and ready for wider use.
Support to the Company:
The project and internship will bring substantial benefits to Summit Engineering Solutions in several key areas, positioning the company for significant advancements and market leadership. First and foremost, the project will facilitate the development of a novel hand tremor attenuator, a critical innovation for individuals suffering from Parkinson’s disease. Developing such a device is often financially challenging, especially for small-sized companies. By leveraging the resources and expertise provided through the project and internship, Summit Engineering Solutions can overcome these financial barriers. This collaboration allows the company to invest in cutting-edge technology and research that might otherwise be beyond its budgetary constraints, leading to the creation of a highly effective and marketable product.
Furthermore, this initiative will strengthen the collaboration between Summit Engineering Solutions and the Heart Valve Performance Laboratory (HVPL) at UBC’s Okanagan campus. This partnership is mutually beneficial, combining the university’s research capabilities and academic expertise with the company’s practical engineering and manufacturing experience. Such a relationship not only enhances the quality of the research and development process but also fosters an environment of innovation and knowledge exchange. By working closely with academic researchers and students, the company can stay at the forefront of technological advancements and emerging trends in the field of wearable medical devices. This collaboration will also position Summit Engineering Solutions as a leader in the Parkinson’s wearable device market, enhancing its reputation and opening up new opportunities for growth and investment. Additionally, the project will significantly accelerate the development timeline of the hand tremor attenuator. The internship program will provide additional manpower and expertise, enabling faster progress through the various stages of development, from initial design and prototyping to testing and final production. By speeding up the development process, Summit Engineering Solutions can bring the device to market more quickly, ensuring that patients in need can benefit from the new technology sooner.