Thermometer-Based Wearable for Pediatric Cancer Outpatients in Low and Middle-Income Countries
Global-Health Initiative at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children’s Hospital
Product Development Engineer
{2018 Astellas Oncology C3 Prize Finalist - Awarded $25,000 Grant}
Objective
The Global Health Initiative’s research focuses on the socioeconomic, genetic and ethnic disparities that contribute to the major survival gap between pediatric cancer patients in High Income Countries (HICs) and Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs).
In alignment to their research, our goal is to introduce an improved technology designed to reduce delays in infection treatment for diagnosed pediatric oncology patients. This tool aims to maximize the patient’s likelihood to survive within a low-resource setting.
Ideation Phase - Proposed Solutions
Electronic Check-In Unit
A portable integrated check-in booth where patients can undergo virtual physicals. Medical professional attention is mainly redirected to urgent care cases.
Con:
Out of Scope Project
Health Diagnostic Wearable
Used during treatment to closely monitor patients’ health, quickly alerting physicians and family of drastic health changes.
Medical Records Dictation Device
Converts dictated analog information into digital data; automates record keeping and improves physician efficiency.
Con:
Time Consuming for Medical Professionals
Electronic Medical Text Converter Pen
Converts handwritten analog information into digital data; automates record keeping.
Con:
Interpreting Different Handwritten Languages
Expensive
Engineering the Health Diagnostic Wearable
As pediatric cancer outpatients in low and middle income countries are rarely able to receive direct medical supervision within their community, a new technology must be created to:
Detect and alert the patient’s family of critical temperature changes.
Be easy to use and comfortable for the patient (which contributes to the wearable’s mechanical specifications).
Periodically provide updates on the product’s battery life.
Design and Analysis - Mechanical Engineering
Specifications
The final product must be:
Able to fit the electrical assembly inside of it.
Easy to use and fit comfortably.
Waterproof (up to 10 feet).
Durable.
Difficult for children to remove.
Safe and non-toxic.
Able to provide constant thermal contact with the sensor.
Wearable’s Housing
The casing was designed to precisely fit the entire electrical assembly, with sensor cap at the bottom to detect critical temperature changes. A press fit o-ring and protective clear casing protect the enclosed electrical assembly from water damage while providing an easy to use interface for the patients. Having silicone wristbands and using stainless steel for the housing unit ensure product safety, durability and comfort. Using a zip-tie inspired clasp prevents easy removal and facilitates an adjustable fit to the child’s wrist.
Recharging and Accessing the Battery
The electrical engineering team designed the printed circuit board while determining proper battery specifications for the final product.
One of my responsibilities was to design the casing with respect to interior and exterior elements. In regards to the final PCB layout and electrical assembly, I tailored the casing to precisely align with the battery recharging USB port.
The loaded spring button, used to check for battery life, was integrated into the casing through a leak-proof hole that aligns exactly to the battery life checker button on the printed circuit board.
Final Product
Presenting at Harvard University
After engineering several iterations and prototypes, the final wearable worked as followed:
Under normal conditions:
LED Display
Green (Normal): 35.8 to 37.4 deg. C
Orange (Caution): 37.5 to 38 deg. C
Red (Danger): Above 38 or Below 35.7 deg. C
Battery Life (estimated by pressed button lighting up white LED): ~ 45 days
If high fever is detected, alarm mode is activated:
Every 10 minutes
Temperature sensor takes periodic measurements
Alarm sounds
New Battery Life: ~ 5 hours
