Contour
As one of MIT's most iconic engineering courses, 2.009 combines the thrill of large team management and launching a product in front of an audience of over 1,000 students and professionals. As the Project Manager of the Silver Team, I helped bring our product, Contour, to life. Contour is an adjustable prosthetic socket that uses granular jamming technology to adjust to the user's residual limb. Contour uses an actuated pump to readjust the fit and seeks to improve the prosthesis experience.
In an effort to develop a product to improve the lives of prosthesis users, my team decided to create a product that simplified the process of having to adjust a prosthesis, particularly for transtibial amputees. During common wear, a user's prosthesis changes shape and may become lose, resulting in a damaged limb. When readjusting the fit, users have to remove the whole prosthesis, realign the silicon lining from within, and replace the prosthesis. We made it our objective to develop a new prosthesis that could be adjusted with the push of a single button. The development process began by identifying user needs and mapping those to functional requirements. We then explored concepts, began the design process, and participated in a mockup review to test the feasibility of the project within the scope. The technology review followed, which allowed us to test the functionality of not yet integrated components. User research was done throughout the duration of the project, which included interviewing prosthetists, current prosthesis users, and engineers currently working on prosthetic development. This allowed for further definition of the technical design of the product.
Mechanical System
The main system is made up of a flexible prosthetic socket: the outer shell and a silicon sleeve filled with granular material. The outer shell contains a back panel which can be released or tightened using ratchet bindings when the user is ready to put on the prosthesis.
Electronics system
The electrical system is made up of ball release valves, a LiPo battery to power the system, a vacuum pump to pull vacuum on the silicon bag allowing the silicon lining to to the shape of the residual limb, a switch to engage the pump, and a PCB, which was used to explore autonomous operation of the system.
System Integration & PRODUCT LAUNCH
The final system was integrated and tested several times on one of our users who provided valuable feedback. Before going on the market, however, Contour has to undergo modifications to increase the length of time it can hold vacuum in a day, and testing for different users to make it a truly universal product.
One of my contributions as Project Manager was facilitating communication among task forces. For a team of 22 with up to four task forces working on different aspects of the project, it was necessary to have someone who could look at the big picture, advice with an unbiased perspective, and ensure that the work of all task forces integrated successfully. Additionally, I managed the schedule and tracked progress towards significant milestones. One of the most important things I learned in this role was how to manage a large group of very diverse people. This is not only in reference to cultural backgrounds, but also to personalities, work ethics, reaction to stress, and commitment, to name a few. I had to adapt my management style for each individual so that we could achieve synergy as a team.
Working on this project and having to lead a team of that size, allowed me to grow as a person and as a professional. By the end of the project, I had more confidence in myself - I learned to trust my judgement when making important decisions. I was reassured by the written positive feedback I received from my peers after the completion of the project. This project sparked my interest in product development and I hope someday I may again lead a team to develop a revolutionary product that improves lifestyles.
“Teamwork makes the dream work.”