STEM II

STEM with Scientific and Technical Writing is taught by Dr. Crowthers. In this class, we are not only exposed to scientific literature, but we also write our own. The first half of the year involves our own independent research projects, while the second half is a lot more group-oriented, where we develop technologies to assist with challenges in our community.

Problem Statement

Individuals with medical conditions that impair motor function such as Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome struggle with using zippers. Using a zipper requires great precision, which is problematic when the client’s medical condition causes them to lose control in their hand, affecting strength and accuracy.

ZipQuik

Design Approach

For this project, we worked with clients from Seven Hills who expressed interest in a device that assists with zipper engagement. In order to first determine our design, we created various prototypes and tested them to see which prototype would yield the lowest time spent engaging the zipper. For our final design, we modeled and 3D printed a device that attaches to the end of the zipper with the pull tab. The other side of the design helps to gude the unattached end of the zipper into place, and the user can then easily connect the two sides of the zipper together. In order to determine how compatible our device is with multiple different jackets, we tested the time it took for individuals with different jacket compositions to engage their zipper with the device. For client testing, we measured the time it took for the clients to properly engage their zipper first without using the device and then with the device.

AT Fair Poster