Senior Project Weeks 10 & 11

This first part of the blog will summarize the progress made during the last week. After creating the code that connects the tablet device to the Arduino and the relay circuit, I ran several tests to ensure the functionality of the circuit. Connecting all the components, the circuit ran beautifully and the Arduino responded to the prompt initiated on the tablet device. At this stage, I am considering using my created circuit to preform a demonstration for the final presentation. However, as far as the project is concerned, the AED apparatus has been assembled, marking the completion of this project.

The next section of this blog will focus on a brief overview of the experience of creating a cellular operated AED and my reflections on the project. As mentioned in the first post, I conjured the idea of the project during a summer excursion in Belize (the wilderness). After returning home, I decided to develop the project; I wanted to learn more about the applications of high-voltage systems to the body and how "man and machine" interact. The first concentration of the project was on creating the code that links an android device with an Arduino. Arguably the most important part of the project, this link allows the user to essentially push a button and open the circuit, discharging the electricity stored within the capacitor. I chose to start with this link as I had relatively less experience coding with Android Development Software. After the link had been established, the important part was assembling the components. After consoling with Mr. Donnie Herman on the specifics of AED functionality, my father and I purchased the components and we assembled the circuit. We tested it, bypassing the unconstructed relay, and found that there were discrepancies in the data over the time it took to charge the capacitor. Revisiting this anomaly, I can conclude that the reason for the long charge time was due to the fact that were using open ended connections (we didn't plug anything into the associated sockets on the breadboard). This means that we lost charge to the external environment. So after purchasing fixed wiring, and finishing the code on the relay, I can finally say that I have created a cellular operated AED.

The device, however, is not even one step closer to serving its original function. To operate as an AED, the device needs several additional components, of which I excluded because the project is proof of concept. The first is a monitor, such as an EKG or ECG (electrocardiogram), which monitors the contraction of the cardiac valves. These valves are regulated by pulses originating from the sinoatrial node. Without proper monitoring of this human circuit, a person could end up administering more shocks than is needed, causing damage to the surrounding tissue and heart itself. The second device is a larger power source. In this day and age, the power of a phone battery perils in comparison of that of the AEDs. In replicating a phone's battery (usually 3-5 V) with a 9V battery, I can power a low-power AED for around a second. This is not nearly enough energy to revive an individual in cardiac arrest. What the AED needs is a sustained power source, and until technology evolves to that point, a phone will serve as an improper source. This fact alone, in a way, defeats the purpose of constructing commercial and cellular AEDs and is a challenge many who have attempted have faced. Although the creation of the physical and software components is attainable, until sufficient power sources can be created, it looks like the project will be placed on hold.

Finally, I would like to end the project, formally, by thanking my advisors, Dr. Amin Ghafooripour and Jonathan Sheena, for helping me organize my project and point me in the direction of its completion every step of the way. I'd like to thank Mr. Donnie Herman for sharing his expertise in AED functionality and taking the time to educate me on its workings. To conclude, I would like to thank my parents (especially my father for assisting and supporting me with the project) and Ms. Belcher (the Senior research project coordinator) for always reminding and providing us senior "projectors" with assistance and support throughout the project.