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Braille Learning & Teaching Device

Completed: April 2022 for Sophomore Design Class

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Why?

  • 60,000+ legally blind students were isolated from their learning communities during the COVID-19 Pandemic

  • Current market solutions are very expensive or require extensive braille knowledge

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Objective

  • Develop an engaging device to teach braille regardless of user or teacher skill

  • Keep retail price below $60

Market Research Highlights

  • Assistive technology market for the visually impaired is projected to grow to over $6B (Adroit Market Research)

  • Most of the assistive tech market in North America is made up of educational devices

Customer Research Highlights
  • Ease of use and durability have been indicated as most important based on data collected from students and professors in the Purdue School of Education​

Design​

  • Among the various concepts generated, the CAD sketch shown below was selected as the first prototype

  • Spinning dials contain raised English alphabet letters and their braille counterparts, allowing those with no braille experience to spell words for individuals who need to learn the braille alphabet

  • ​Further economic analysis resulted in the final design shown below. The device no longer has a screw or center rod, thus allowing the entire product to be injection molded, reducing assembly time

  • The cylindrical center shaft has ridges which allow the dial teeth to click into place

Results​

  • ~$50 retail cost

  • Volume of 14.98 cubic inches

  • 0.5 pound weight

  • Won "Top Project" among all Sophomore Mechanical Engineers at Purdue

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