Portable Ergonomic Spine Solution Team #5 Kin Li Joelle Seto Robert Martinez Gabriel Stall-Paquet Wanli (Jerry) Zhu Karla DiBartolo Final Presentation

Overview  Introduction of Team  Road Map  Objectives  Market Research  Manufacturing  Final Design  Testing  Promotion of Product  Conclusion

Organizational Hierarchy Project Manager Karla Manufacturing Engineer Joelle Project Engineer Kin Marketing Manager Wanli Supply Representative Karla Design Engineer Robert Product Engineer Gabriel

Project Development Product Planning Concept Development Testing and Refinement Production Ramp Up Product For Market System Level Design Detail Design

Objectives  To design an innovative ergonomic back support product which provides a competitive edge over existing products  To make a portable, inflatable, and flexible back support that will accommodate individuals who spend long hours seated  To provide a reliable product that becomes a household necessity

Market Research - Statistics  80% of North Americans will suffer back pains at some point in their lives  15-20% of the population have significant symptoms each year  From 30 to 40 % of all workplace absences in Canada are due to back pain

Market Research - Spine  Research and consultation with physiotherapist… Bad seating posture DOES increase pressure on the intervertebral discs. Using lumbar support DOES reduce excessive pressure.

Effect of Lumbar Support

Market Research – Existing Products

Market Research - Survey Customer Need Percentage 1.Comfort26.19% 2. Portability/Size 17.83% 3. Low Maintenance 17.54% 4. Cost 16.33% 5.Versatility/Adjustability12.38% 6. Appearance 9.73%

Manufacturing - Material Selection  Main Body Dual layer fabric (100% polyurethane, 100% polyester) Dual layer fabric (100% polyurethane, 100% polyester)  Inserts Prototype - Rice and black beans Prototype - Rice and black beans Mass production – Barley Mass production – Barley  Valves  Air Sealant

Manufacturing - Procedure  Prototype Pattern Layout Pattern Layout Sewing Sewing Valve Inclusion Valve Inclusion Insert Fabrication Insert Fabrication Belt Attachment Belt Attachment Air Sealing Air Sealing  Mass Production Main Body - Hot Template Press (valve inclusion) Inserts - Same Procedure Belt Attachment Self-inflating Valve

Production Obstacles  Valve Sourcing  Insert Material Selection Material had to be light-weight yet comfortable Material had to be light-weight yet comfortable  Main Body Material Selection Air-tight material difficult to find Air-tight material difficult to find Sealant required for seams Sealant required for seams

Final Design Air Compartment 1 Pocket Air Compartment 2

The Prototype

Testing and Verification  Potential customers tested prototype for: Comfort Comfort Durability Durability Portability Portability  Modifications made according to feedback Weight of inserts reduced Weight of inserts reduced Type of material for inserts altered Type of material for inserts altered  Quality control assurance

Financial Model  Based on selling price of $30.00 and 50,000 units produced

Product Promotion - Immediate  Kiosks in shopping centers across Canada  Displays and demonstrations in pharmacies and department stores  TV commercial/infomercial  Website

Product Promotion - Globalization  Goal to attain 20% Canadian market share by Q  Evaluation of global market after 6 months following market release  Branch sales potential to US market  Global sales via internet

In Conclusion…  Concurrent Engineering Process: Met deadlines Met deadlines Increased efficiency of design process Increased efficiency of design process Excellent communication amongst team members Excellent communication amongst team members Built on skills of team members to accomplish tasks Built on skills of team members to accomplish tasks SYNERGY!!! SYNERGY!!!

Thank –You! Questions or Comments?