My Engineering Portfolio
Audrey Darland
Braille Learning & Teaching Device
Completed: April 2022 for Sophomore Design Class

Why?
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60,000+ legally blind students were isolated from learning communities during the pandemic
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Current market solutions are very expensive and require extensive braille knowledge
Objective
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Develop an engaging device to teach braille regardless of user or teacher skill
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Keep retail price below $60
Market Research Highlights
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Assistive technology market for the visually impaired is projected to grow by $10B between 2022 and 2030 (Vantage Market Research)
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Most of the assistive tech market in North America is made up of educational devices

Customer Research Highlights
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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
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The CAD sketch shown below was selected as the first prototype
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Spinning dials contain English alphabet letters and their raised braille counterparts, allowing those with no braille experience to adequately teach

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


Results
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~$50 retail cost
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0.5 pound weight
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Won "Top Project" among all Sophomore Mechanical Engineers at Purdue