| Summary: | This report outlines the development of a flexible temperature data-logger for McClellan Automation by a capstone design team at Northeastern University. The capstone group began with a technology developed by McClellan Automation of Bedford, NH to print thin, flexible circuits. The decision was made to develop a small, flexible, temperature data-logger which can be used to record temperature data of products such as blood, and various other refrigerated products in storage and transport. It has been determined that there is a clear market opportunity for such a device, and that McClellan's technology is suitable for such a product. McClellan Automation has the ability to print flexible polymer circuits on virtually any material, with very little waste or environmental consequences. Initial brainstorming revealed four major market opportunities which were researched by the team. The markets are: human wearable-military, human wearable-medical, sterilization validation, and temperature sensitive package transport. This report discusses these possible market applications through research of current products, patents, and professional literature. Based on the research, the team originally decided to develop a human wearable temperature device, and outlined design criteria and anticipated challenges. The team then conducted a number of surveys with potential customers and found little use for the product as initially described. The team subsequently changed their application focus to the packaging industry, and more specifically the blood packaging industry, where there is both a market niche and a demand for the proposed product. The team continued on to present several concepts for the design of the product. Design concepts were generated from customer needs and specification matrices which were created through interviews of various professionals in the field. The selected concept consists of a single temperature sensor inside housing that protects the circuit from outside elements. The specific components used to construct the device are outlined in detail in this report and include the printed circuit, surface-mount electrical components, polymer encapsulant, and adhesive. The capstone group successfully completed the entire design process including market analysis, concept development, analysis, and testing. The group was successful in completing a fully-functional prototype, which measured and recorded the temperature profile of a bag of blood (simulated with saline). The recommendations for the future improvements of this device are also outlined in this report.
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