Project: Artificial Organ

Foundations of Technology
The Designed World: Medical Technologies

Submission Guidelines:

What to hand in: Save the documents below to your computer. Complete the folio and rubric, and submit to drop box.
Rubric and Directions (Word doc)
[ Alternate version (.rtf) ]
Project folio (.ppt)
[ Alternate version (.rtf) ]

Where to hand it in: Artificial Organ drop box.

When to hand it in: See course calendar for due date.

Problem Statement: In this project, you will develop a prototype of an artificial organ or limb. The prototype must function at some demonstrateable level. You will research world wide demand for your chosen organ or limb, as well as current supply or availability.

Background: Heart failure is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Kidneys, lungs, eyes, and ears are among the replacement parts projected to become widely available over the next five to ten years to meet global demand. A long involvement in war has increased the need for artificial limbs. These devices will extend and improve quality of life. The need may best be understood by someone waiting, as in this video.

Directions (Overview)

Briefly, each student will:

Select an organ or limb and research its functions.
Design and build a prototype to replicate some or any function of your chosen limb or organ.
Analyze your design to suggest improvements necessary to the design, needed to make your device practical.
Estimate the number of people potentially impacted by a more fully developed version of your idea, and support your estimate.

eye