Team:Technion Israel/Design

Project

Overview Bacillus E.Coli NADPH Comb Modeling

Team

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Why design?

When we came up with the idea of having two different types of bacteria work together to break down dihydrotestosteron (DHT), we were faced with a serious challenge. We suspected that consumers would be discouraged by a product requiring the application of two different types of bacteria and,in addition, we were hesitant about the safety repercussions. We were faced with another problem as well:

• Prototype #1

  We started from a very basic design, focusing on the initial solution for applying the formula onto the user's scalp. At first, it looks very simple- like nothing special characterizes it.

  However, within, the pathways are structured in such a way to uniformly distribute the treatment formula to the scalp. Simultaneously, the comb massages the scalp, removing excessive fat and helping restoring the hair follicle growth.

• Prototype #2

  We directed our focus on improving the flow through the pathways. We moved the entranceway for the treatment formula to the middle and started considering about a comfortable way for the patient to hold the comb.

• Prototype #3

  A mechanism for even flow was used. To obtain even flow in each pathway and comb tooth, we consulted with Dr. Moran Bercovici from Technion's Microfluidic Laboratory. The result was a specially designed tube geometry. From the syringe entry at the top of the comb, each pathway splits,
  resulting in 16
  parallel, even-flow,
  square tubes at
  the fluid exit to the
  scalp.

  For flow equations, we selected a viscosity, bearing in mind that our formula must stay on the scalp and, of course, must not reach to the user's eyes and clothes. With the help of industrial engineer Ms. Lotem Shmuel, a handle was designed and added to the comb for extra comfort in use.

• Prototype #4

  The final prototype for the iGEM 2015 competition

  The final model has a unique, aesthetic design. It can be easily adjusted to fit any hand size.

  After fulfilling the criteria for efficiency and cleanness, we turned our attention to the aesthetic demands as well as accommodating the responses we received from our focus group (see results below).

  From the first draft to the final product presented to you,
  the comb planning process focused on the ease of use,
  together with an innovative and eye-catching design
  which intrigues the user from first sight.