NASA PRESSURE SENSING HARNESS_
Collaborating with Erin Pouba, this project focuses on designing a sensing system for evaluating space suits based on wearer perception data and injury prevention. We aimed to enhance astronaut comfort and safety during missions through innovative sensor technology.
Our project involved designing a range of sensing systems tailored to different parts of the body, with the final implementation focused on the harness due to the critical need to address injuries commonly experienced by astronauts in the lower chest and back area. As injuries incurred by astronauts can occur in various places on the body, this harness was designed to detect pressure in specified areas identified as the most sensitive pressure points on the average human body.
Design Objectives:
// Identify key pressure points on the body / Develop a system to measure wearer discomfort / Ensure freedom of movement without compromising functionality //
Technical Flats
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Sensor Composition
The sensors comprised of three separate layers: Velostat (conductive material), interfacing, and harness fabric (neoprene). Conductive thread and metal snap fasteners were attached to either end, enabling pathways for quantitative testing through utilization of an ohm meter.
Experiment Process
Weights from 3lbs-12lbs were placed on the sensors, and the subject wearing the harness would rate their discomfort from 1 (least) to 5 (most).
