3 Initial Sketches
Problem Statement
Children around the world are born with various developmental disabilities every year. These disabilities can range from mild to severe, both mentally and physically, negatively impacting a child’s quality of life and ability to participate in various tasks. For example, Down syndrome is a disability where individuals are born with an extra copy of chromosome 21. It presents with various physical signs, such as weaker muscles, but can also cause other defects, such as congenital heart problems. People with Down syndrome often need care throughout their lives to maintain their quality of life (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024). Another example of a disease that worsens the quality of life of individuals is cerebral palsy. People with cerebral palsy have weakened movement and posture, which can cause tremors, lowered coordination, and other symptoms. They may also have neurological symptoms such as seizures, trouble with vision or hearing, or even behavioral problems (Mayo Clinic, 2023). Individuals with these types of disabilities may need assistance to live their daily lives. Some use wheelchairs due to a lack of leg strength and use various switches to activate devices around them. Seven Hills at Groton is receiving raised garden beds. The clients are interested in assistive technology that would allow them to water the beds. Many of the clients use switches for various purposes, such as playing with toys. Their caretakers have noted that it is important for the device to be switch-activated so that the clients would have an easier time using it. Also, there should be minimal delay between using the switch and the water releasing from the hose. Caretakers stated that this lack of delay is important to teach a cause-and-effect relationship to the clients so that they are more motivated to use their switches. We decided to focus on using a solenoid valve to control the flow of water through the device (Adafruit Industries, 2025).
Design Approach
The way we started our design approach, and the overall construction of our product, was to consider the client’s needs and limitations. Seeing as our clients have various mobility issues, we needed to make our product as easy to use as possible for maximum comfort and accessibility. The way we designed our product was to have a switch-activated system. This way, the clients could press the switch with whatever motor ability they move best with. Additionally, in order to control the water flow, the switch would be plugged into and attached to a solenoid valve that can control the flow of water. Using an Arduino, microcontroller, and a battery, we created a powered system. This system would be able to control the water flow once the switch is activated. We put all of these components in a 3D-printed box. On the ends of the solenoid valve are pipe adapters where two hoses can be attached to either side to function as one complete hose. However, once the system was tested, the box started to leak. To resolve this issue, we used PVC pipe cement on the gaps where it leaked. The cement helped greatly towards the leakage issue and held up against the pressure of the water flow. After many design iterations to the box, pipe system, the box lid, and more, the solenoid device was ready for use for the client.
3 Initial Sketches
The Final Prototype
Assistive Technology Fair Poster