Design of a tactile life jacket

• Main Author: Nishant Lokhandwala.
• Other Authors: Cai Yiyu
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering; DRNTU::Engineering::Mechanical engineering::Mechatronics; DRNTU::Engineering::Mechanical engineering::Prototyping
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/54040
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This report details the fabrication of a prototype circuit for a haptic jacket, designed to provide an immersive user experience. The purpose of this product is to aid children affected by autism to improve their social skills using Virtual Pink Dolphin Assisted Therapy (VPDAT). The report details the various aspects associated with prototyping including electronics, mechanical design and programming. The report begins with a brief introduction as well as a clear definition of the objectives and scope of the project. Following the introductory chapter is the detailed literature review. This explores in detail the current immersive virtual reality technology available in the market including the Oculus Rift. This is followed by an introduction to the various components considered during the design of the project including haptic actuators, microcontrollers, communication interfaces and motor control components. Subsequently the design process is described including functional analysis, conceptual design and a feasibility assessment of each concept. A morphological chart that outlines the rationale behind each component follows this. The next chapter focuses on the details of the prototype and it’s fabrication including the various challenges in the process. Following this the results of the prototype’s performance are reviewed and discussed in great detail, with a focus on improvements over the previous version. Finally the report is concluded with the author’s reflections and recommendations for furthering the project, including research areas that require additional attention.