Recent uci_eng_rsda items

High Performance Dental Ceramics Through 3D Printing

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

DLP 3D printing offers a promising route for fabricating customized dental ceramics, but achieving dense and reliable parts remains challenging. This project develops high solid loading glass-ceramic slurries using two glass compositions milled to controlled particle sizes and incorporated into photocurable resin systems. Processing parameters like viscosity, exposure conditions, and particle distribution were optimized to improve printability and reduce defects. Printed parts were debound and sintered to promote densification, followed by microstructural and thermal characterization.

Ultrasound-Integrated Urinary Catheter for Minimally-Invasive Cervical & Fetal Monitoring

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Over 4 million births occur in the United States annually, and nearly all laboring mothers undergo multiple manual exams to assess cervical dilation and effacement as part of labor progression. Assessing cervical dilation is a critical part of labor management. However, manual cervical exam poses a risk of infection that can lead to maternal and fetal complications, and these exams are subjective with variability rates as high as 50%. Our innovation leverages the anatomical proximity of the bladder and uterus to obtain labor metrics. 75% of mothers receive an epidural for pain management and are unable to feel their lower body, resulting in the need for a urinary catheter to drain the bladder. We propose an ultrasound-integrated urinary catheter to provide continuous, objective measurements of both cervical dilation and fetal vitals while seamlessly integrating into the existing standard for labor management. The ultrasound-integrated urinary catheter could transform obstetric...

NeoFusion: Fully Mechanical Syringe Pump for Low-Resource Countries

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

There are approximately 6,500 newborn deaths each day. Despite many of these deaths being preventable by proper access to quality healthcare, the world continues to see a health crisis that disproportionately impacts low-and-middle income countries (LMICs), with about 98% of newborn deaths occurring in these regions. The WHO has identified syringe pumps as necessary medical devices because they can gradually deliver precise amounts of medication, fluids, nutrients, and electrolytes to neonates. However, the majority of syringe infusion pumps currently on the market depend on electricity, which can be unreliable in areas lacking proper infrastructure. Our solution, NeoFusion, does not require electricity and is fully mechanical, powered by the potential energy stored in a spring. Preliminary trials with our prototype achieved accurate and adjustable flow rates. In future designs, we will incorporate a visual and auditory alarm system for occlusions.

Electromyography (EMG) Controlled Prosthetic Hand

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Traditional prosthetics are often prohibitively expensive ($5,000–$100,000+) and can require invasive medical procedures to function. To address this, we developed a low-cost, electromyography (EMG) controlled prosthetic hand that utilizes an embedded convolutional neural network (CNN) to translate muscle signals into mechanical motion. Using a non-invasive dry-electrode on the wrist, raw EMG data is processed and classified in under 40 milliseconds on average. The CNN accurately identifies three predefined hand gestures with >90% accuracy. By keeping total manufacturing costs, including electronics, mechanical hardware, and filament, to just $260, this project demonstrates the viability of highly accessible, neural-network-driven prosthetics.

Quantifying Removal of Selenium by Aquatic Plants via Methylation and Volatilization in San Joaquin Marsh (SJM)

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The San Joaquin Marsh (SJM) is a constructed wetland located in Irvine, California within the Newport Bay watershed that offers hiking trails to residents and serves as a protected wildlife sanctuary. A prominent feature of the habitat is the natural wetland treatment system, where urban runoff and groundwater travels through a series of ponds with vegetation, and the effluent (clean water) makes its way towards upper Newport Bay and the ocean. One major pollutant of emerging concern present in the marsh is selenium (Se), a naturally occurring element in the surrounding foothills around the area. At high levels, Se can be toxic to native aquatic plants and animals present in this ecosystem. Our team is working with Dr. Jian Peng from AtkinsRéalis, our Industry Advisor, to quantify the levels of Se volatilization occurring in the watershed, focusing primarily on the SJM and San Diego Creek. The goal of this project is to gather data and analyze the amount of Se removal via volatilization....

Flapping-Wing Micro-Air-Vehicle Project (FMMAV)

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

We are a student-led research team dedicated to bridging the gap between natural flight and modern engineering by studying the complex aerodynamics of flapping wings. Our project focuses on evolving our quadflapper and novel prototypes into high-performance aerial vehicles that challenge the efficiency of traditional propeller drones.

Photon Flight

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Photon Flight is a FAA Group 1 fiber optic tethered drone developed for search-and-rescue operations. The drone uses a bidirectional SFP fiber module paired with single mode fiber optic cable to prevent signal interference and operate in damaged infrastructure without GPS availability. A mounted camera leverages pretrained AI models for autonomous tracking of targets and live feed video.

UCI Rocket Project Solids: RPS-003 Light Fury

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The UCI Rocket Project Solids (RPS) undergraduate team presents their 2025-26 design and manufacturing process for their latest rocket: Light Fury. RPS operates on a one-year design cycle while implementing new design aspects to expand the depth of the team's engineering capabilities. This APCP-based solid propellant rocket features a 5U Cubesat payload with a deployable rover and UCI's first-ever active control airbrake system, alongside custom-manufactured carbon fiber and fiberglass airframes and fins. Light Fury is set to compete in the 2026 International Rocket Engineering Competition in Texas, where the rocket must reach an exact 10,000ft. apogee achieved by the airbrake system. This poster details their progress throughout the 2025-26 year, from initial design choices, testing procedures, static fires, and launches on their testbed rocket: Night Fury.

Wireless Drone Charging Station

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Drone operation time is constrained by battery capacity and the need for manual recharging. This project developed an autonomous wireless charging station based on resonant inductive coupling. A two-stage inverter operating at 166.7 kHz drives the coupled coils, and the received power is rectified and buck-regulated to 8.4 V for the battery rail. This confirms end-to-end power transfer through the full chain; however, charging does not start when the battery is connected, indicating a load-dependent issue such as insufficient current delivery. Future work will characterize the system under load and implement appropriate charge control to enable reliable battery charging.

Drone Magnetic Deployment System: Electro-Permanet Magnets

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Mag-Vengers partnered with Design West Technologies (DWT) to develop a compact drone deployment system to remotely release multi-gas sensors while minimizing size, weight, and power (SWaP). The design replaces conventional mechanisms with electro-permanent magnets (EPMs), which draw power only during switching between “ON” and “OFF”, reducing mass and improving energy efficiency while enabling reliable individual release during high-speed flight. The system is compatible with DWT’s existing drone platforms, supports flexible mounting configurations, and carries at least 6 sensor pucks. Each EPM operates with short 5 A pulses to produce 19.4 N holding force. Simulation and testing were used to optimize performance and ensure safe, repeatable deployment.

Controlling an Infinity Fountain Infinitely

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This experiment looked at the effectiveness of different process controllers (PID) in maintaining the liquid level of a tank that undergoes disturbances. Properties of proportional (P), derivative (D), integral (I), and combinations of these controllers were investigated when exposed to a set point change. Furthermore, the impact of tuning on the PID controller was studied using the Ziegler-Nichols optimization technique. The team concluded a tuned PID controller is an ideal process controller and should be implemented to maintain process operating conditions. They put their theory to practice at the UCI Infinity Fountain.

DermaVision

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Approximately 10 million people in the United States suffer from domestic violence annually, with 4 out of 10 cases affecting people of color. Traditional coloration guides remain the primary forensic strategy to evaluate bruise injuries, which are highly subjective and inaccurate for monitoring bruises. Additionally, this approach fails to consider bruise pigmentation in darker skin tones, and the results of this qualitative method vary by the medical professional conducting the inspection. There is a need for reliable, quantitative bruise information across all skin tones that can be utilized in both medicine and justice. DermaVision aims to address this need by designing a portable multi-spectral camera to quantitatively analyze bruises in diverse skin tones. By correlating the reflective spectra of a bruise with its age and healing progression, our camera will provide an accurate timeline for when bruises occur irrespective of patients’ skin color. This technology will assist...

Fluid Powered Vehicle Challenge: Zotdraulics

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Executive Summary: The National Fluid Power Association hosts the Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge, a competition that challenges students to create a vehicle powered by hydraulic components. The competition consists of 4 events, which respectively test the speed, endurance, efficiency, and regenerative braking capabilities of the vehicle. Zotdraulics is creating a tricycle that translates human input into hydraulic power, focusing on speed and endurance. Objectives Our primary aim is to build a trike with an integrated hydraulic system which can operate in three states (Direct drive, Charging and Regenerative Braking). We also seek to build a foundational understanding which future UCI Teams may build upon.

UAV Forge

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

UAV Forge is a multidisciplinary engineering design team focusing on designing, manufacturing, programming, and testing autonomous aerial vehicles at the University of California, Irvine (UCI). The design aims to fulfill the constraints that allow the team to participate in the SUAS 2025 competition season. The SUAS competition is designed to spark interest in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), promote careers and technology in the field, and allow students to take on a challenging mission.

HyperXite 9

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In the realm of high-speed transportation, HyperXite introduces its environmentally friendly and cost-effective Hyperloop pod as a revolutionary mode of travel. Emphasizing crucial factors such as speed, cost-efficiency, and passenger comfort, our innovative approach centers on the development of the HyperXite Hyperloop Pod's propulsion system. The Powers team is dedicated to crafting a custom three-phase variable frequency drive to power a linear induction motor, while the Controls team focuses on precise signal control for optimal inverter performance. Together, these subsystems within HyperXite's electronics team work together to enhance the overall reliability and efficiency of the Hyperloop pod's propulsion system, contributing to the evolution of high-speed transportation. Faculty advisor Professor Keyue Smedley

HyperXite 9

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The overall objective for HyperXite 9 was to design and build a more robust, and reliable pod, capable of proving the feasibility of a high-speed transportation system. We are working to improve a linear induction motor as the pod's propulsion system. We are also designing and implementing a thermal cooling system to actively dissipate the heat generated by this propulsion system. Our team is comprised of the following 7 subteams: Static Structures, Braking & Pneumatics, Dynamic Structures, Propulsion, Power Systems, Control Systems, and Outreach.

Biometric Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS)

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This project focuses on the development of a human-aware advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) that helps promote safe driving based on a driver's biometrics and driving behavior. The system uses biometric signals from the driver using BioHarness Belt and Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) sensors to monitor the driver's heart rate, breathing rate, ECG and GSR signals. These sensory information are then analyzed by machine learning models to determine whether the driver is stressed or drowsy. The project extended the current state-of-the-art driving simulator CARLA to not only include the driver's brake intensity, speed, throttle and steering but also the driver's biometric state. The vehicle controls and biometrics are then plotted and analyzed for correlations that could imply a driver is driving aggressively, assertively, or defensively. Based on these correlations, the driver will be displayed a warning on the simulation which advises them to drive carefully. The output from...

SimuMed Solutions: Developing Accurate Simulation Models for Groin-to-Right Heart Catheterization to Enhance R&D Testing

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Cardiovascular disease affects nearly 50% of adults in the United States, with many requiring right heart catheterization as part of their diagnosis or treatment. A common approach for this procedure is the groin-to-right heart catheterization, which involves inserting a catheter through the femoral vein into the right atrium, allowing access to the interatrial septum. While transradial access (via the arm or wrist) has become increasingly popular due to a lower risk of complications such as major bleeding or stroke, femoral access (via the groin) remains necessary in cases requiring larger catheters or more complex procedures. However, the femoral access approach carries a higher risk of bleeding and vascular injury due to its deeper access site and the potential for excessive insertion force. Therefore, there is a critical need to develop realistic, high-fidelity testing models that simulate the femoral access procedure to enhance procedural safety and outcomes. These models...

2025 UCI CanSat Annual Design Review Poster

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The UCI CanSat team is a senior design team that competes in the international CanSat competition, an annual design-build-launch competition held by the American Astronautical Society focused on space-type systems. Each year, a ten-person team designs a “CanSat,” following competition requirements. This year, the CanSat is required to operate in 4 main phases: ascent, apogee, descent, and landing. During ascent, the CanSat must act as the nose cone of the rocket. At apogee, an ejection charge releases the CanSat from the rocket, and the CanSat must activate a parachute to begin a safe descent. At three-quarters of the peak altitude, the CanSat must deploy its payload. The payload consists of two cameras, one to film payload deployment, while the other is spin-stabilized to film the north side of the CanSat. In addition, while the container descends with a parachute, the payload must descend with an auto-gyro system. The auto-gyro system must significantly decrease the descent...

JPL: Designing Crushable Lattices for Terrestrial Hard Impactors

Fri, 16 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

As space exploration continues to evolve, researchers have been investigating ways to develop low-cost landing systems. Lattice structures are an attractive option for reducing costs during terrestrial landings due to their lightweight character and energy absorption capacity. The ability to produce complex geometries, specifically lightweight lattice structures, makes additive manufacturing an attractive method for producing energy absorbing lattices. During this project, various stereolithography 3D printed lattice structures were designed, manufactured, and tested for their energy absorption capacities. The findings from this study could significantly advance low-cost, high-performance landing solutions for future terrestrial missions, enabling more efficient space exploration.

Envision: Gesture Interface Device

Sat, 12 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Envision is an embedded device used to wirelessly control a computer over Bluetooth using hand gestures. The device uses an onboard Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) to provide gesture data to the user’s PC with low latency and low power.

This device was developed to democratize gesture app development, slashing the hardware and knowledge requirements to develop hand gesture applications. We created an SDK by exposing features like fingertip positions or pinch strength through event-driven non-blocking APIs. Our improved SDK reduced demo app size by about 80% for prototype gesture interaction apps.

Team Black & Veatch: OASIS Project

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This project focuses on the design of a tertiary water treatment facility employing Direct Potable Reuse (DPR) to provide a sustainable drinking water solution for residents in and around Laguna Niguel, California. The proposed facility treats secondary effluent from an existing wastewater treatment plant, utilizing a multi-step treatment train to ensure compliance with stringent drinking water quality standards. Key processes include ozone disinfection, membrane filtration, reverse osmosis, and ultraviolet light treatment, alongside advanced oxidation and biological activated carbon filtration. Environmental and regulatory considerations were integral to the design, aiming to address water scarcity and mitigate the effects of drought while minimizing ecological impacts. The resulting potable water is pumped directly into the local drinking water distribution network, reinforcing long-term water resilience for the community.

Investigation of Batch Distillation Operating Modes

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Distillation is a method of separation using a column and involves heating a mixture of liquid components with differing boiling points. As the mixture is heated, the components vaporize and condense on trays along the height of the column as they cool. Distillation has a long history dating back to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt as a method of perfume and medicinal compound production. It has since advanced to meet specifications through fractional distillation. Three experiments were performed to better understand pressure drop along the length of a column, column efficiency under total reflux, and column efficiency under constant reflux. This was done by varying the power to the reboiler of the column bottoms, or varying the reflux ratio and measuring the pressure drop via manometer, and obtaining overhead and bottoms samples. The Darcy-Weisbach equation was used to correlate the boil-up rate to pressure drop. The Fenske equation was used to determine the minimum number of trays...

Project Prometheus

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Project Prometheus aims to combat wildfires through early detection using low cost, solar powered, mass deployable sensor modules that communicate via LoRA. Data collected from these modules will be aggregated by an overhead UAV, where a series of advanced machine learning models are employed to analyze sensor data, in combination with local weather station data in order to provide a proactive approach to wildfire management, enabling timely intervention and mitigating property and environmental damage

Rehabilitation and EMG-Assisted Control for Health

Wed, 9 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

One in four people will experience a stroke in their lifetime, and technical advancements have decreased stroke deaths worldwide, correlating to an increase in stroke survivors. About 80% of survivors experience upper extremity impairment, and half of stroke survivors will experience muscle spasticity, paresis, and/or contractures after recovery, hindering activities of daily living (ADLs). To address this growing concern and particular needs in care standardization, psychological support, and effectiveness, we sought to leverage machine learning to provide personalized care. Our approach is two-fold: movement characterization and targeted stimulation. We aim to characterize different patient movements using a random forest-based machine learning model and electromyography signals. Then, using the characterization and the relative strength of the EMG signal, we will direct electrical stimulation to the arm with individualized locations and intensities. Our project focuses on...

Glove Band: Air Violin

Wed, 9 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The Glove Band is an innovative wearable musical instrument that emulates various instruments through finger gestures and hand movements. It bridges the gap between traditional playing techniques and modern digital synthesis, offering an intuitive and expressive way to create music. The glove is embedded with sensors that translate user movements into musical notes and dynamic controls, which are processed by a microcontroller and output through a speaker.

Former Preco Site Modeling & Remediation

Wed, 9 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The former Preco site is a historical, metal manufacturing property located in the City of Commerce, California, which has been deemed as an area with significant environmental contamination by the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (LARWQCB). Due to the presence of trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), and 1,4-Dioxane in groundwater, these residual chlorinated solvents are hazardous to the environment and human health. Previous remediation efforts, like Soil Vapor Extraction, were unsuccessful to address shallow groundwater contamination and the source of the plume. Therefore, alternative remediation efforts have to be explored to achieve long-term water quality stability. This project aims to develop a comprehensive site model and a remedial action plan (RAP) to mitigate contamination and present a solution to LARWQCB. Our team proposes the use of PlumeStop®, an in-situ activated carbon technology provided by Regenesis, to immobilize and treat the...

The UnCommons: Living Bio-Based Building

Mon, 8 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The UnCommons Project, as the name implies, introduces an alternative building model to traditional inefficient and environmentally destructive building stock, making it a beacon of sustainability. This state-of-the-art structure is a localized, bio-based structure reflecting concentric rings of impact from the site level, to regional, and to liberating materials from global supply chain constraints. This project’s approach integrates restorative renewable resources, water harvesting, recycling, and conservation measures to minimize its footprints. This 1,000 square foot structure, serving as a student common area at UCI, showcases high-tech, low-impact sustainable solutions through the seamless integration of AI for temperature regulation, structural wall-adjustments, and predictive maintenance systems. Given its proximity to the UCI Ecological Preserve, this structure aims to augment local biodiversity, cultivate ecological resilience, and enable students to blend with and...

Home Lock Management

Tue, 2 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract

The project aimed to revolutionize home security by developing innovative, user-friendly, and highly secure smart security devices requiring minimal installation and robust data protection. Through meticulous research and critical design phases, the project successfully achieved its objectives, surpassing initial goals and setting new standards for home security.

Objectives & Research Findings:

The project aimed to address the critical needs of homeowners, tenants/renters, and property managers by focusing on damage-free installation, easy setup, remote monitoring, and encrypted data transmission. Analysis of burglary statistics emphasized the vulnerability of inadequate door-locking mechanisms, while exploration of sensor technologies identified viable options for detecting door status. Patent analysis provided insights into prior art and innovation trends, guiding design decisions and strategies for intellectual property protection.

Critical...

Process Control for System Temperature

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Process control is crucial in the operations of chemical engineering plants and manufacturing processes across a broad range of industries. This report details the testing and optimization of P, PI, PID controllers for a temperature control system. The first objective is to determine the best controller type for controlling the system temperature. The second objective is to alter tuning parameters manually for PID controllers in the temperature control system to achieve optimality. The performance criteria include the settling time, peak-to-trough ratio, and steady state offset. It is discovered that PID controller is the best due to its fast response,

offset elimination, and minimized settling time and oscillations, combining the aspects of Proportional (P), Integral (I), and Derivative (D) control. Additionally, manual tuning attempts were made to fine-tune the PID controller. However, the lack of data points lead to inconclusive results. Future works should conduct...

Magnetic Actuators for Haptic Feedback in Virtual Reality Applications

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The Virtual Reality (VR) Haptic Feedback Matrix, abbreviated as the “Matrix”, leverages magnetic actuators to create a compact, versatile, and scalable system to deliver touch (haptic) feedback in VR applications. By mapping movements from a virtual environment onto an arm-mounted two-dimensional array of magnetic actuators, the system dynamically mimics realistic tactile sensations at specific pressure points. The Matrix holds potential for numerous applications such as enhanced immersion for VR games and physical therapy for patients. Faculty advisors: Professor Camilo Velez Cuervo, Professor Rainer Doemer

Human Powered Vehicle Competition (HPVC) at UCI

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The Human Powered Vehicle Competition (HPVC) at UCI, for the first time ever, designed and manufactured a durable, compact, and ergonomic electrically-assisted recumbent trike capable of navigating rough terrain, hairpin turns, and slaloms. The vehicle, reaching theoretical top speeds of 30 mph, features a custom 10-bar indirect steering mechanism designed and manufactured at UCI and a rollover protection system handling a top load of 900 lbs and a side load of 450 lbs. In April, the team is set to compete in their very first West Coast eHPV Competition, hosted by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) at Boise State University (BSU). Beyond the competition, the project aims to explore alternative modes of transportation and inspire the next generation of engineers because we believe green engineering is the future. Furthering interest and experience on designing electric vehicles for everyday use will greatly reduce the average person’s carbon footprint. This project...

Enhanced Mechanical Properties in Esthetic Tantalum Gradient Coated Yttria Stabilized Zirconia for Dental Applications

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

With approximately 1 in 20 individuals experiencing tooth fractures annually, there is a pressing demand for dental restorations. However, commercially available dental restoration options force consumers to compromise between aesthetics and mechanical properties. Highly esthetic cubic yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) deviates from the popularity of standard tetragonal 3 mol% YSZ bioceramic due to its insufficient mechanical properties for practical dental applications. Yet, a tantalum functional gradient coating (FGC) applied to cubic YSZ has been demonstrated to enhance mechanical properties beyond even that of undoped 3 mol% YSZ, while maintaining adequate transparency values—corroborated by mechanical and optical testing. A combination of SEM, EDS, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy were employed to elucidate the mechanisms behind the change in mechanical and optical properties upon varying tantalum dopant concentrations. Tantalum defects within the YSZ lattice decrease cubic phase...

NeoMold: A 3D-printed Customizable Ear Mold for Congenital Ear Differences in Neonates

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Approximately 1 in 6000 newborns are born with congenital ear deformities, which disproportionately affects Hispanic, Native American, and Asian-Pacific Islander communities. Children born with outer ear deformities are at a higher risk of experiencing psychosocial distress later in life. To non-surgically correct these deformities, diagnosis and treatment within 2-6 weeks of birth is crucial. This narrow time window provides a significant barrier to treatment for underserved communities. Additionally, these devices must be paid for out-of-pocket and are often aggressive, not customizable to each patient, difficult to use, and costly. To address these issues, we are developing a customizable 3D-printed ear mold to non-surgically correct outer ear deformities in neonates within 2-6 weeks of birth. Our ear mold is customized based on three-dimensional scans of each patient’s ears. After 3D-printing and assembly, it will be shipped directly to the parents, who will be able to apply...

MoodSynch

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

University brings many changes and challenges in students inducing a great amount of emotion fluctuation. During these times of emotion fluctuation, students can experience a drop off in academic performance and a rise in stress levels. In these times, effective emotion regulation has demonstrated to be a valuable tool correlated with improving academic performance and lowering stress. Music and light/color have been shown to be effective aspects of a smart environment for emotion regulation. Combining this knowledge along with physiological signal analysis correlating with emotions, we set out to develop a smart environment system set to aid students with emotion regulation. Our goal is to develop a low-cost accessible tool for university students that enhances student performance, emotional self understanding, and positive emotion regulation habits.

Faculty Advisor: Professor Dang

Automatic Irrigation System (AIS)

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Traditional methods of watering plants based on timers have been shown to be wasteful when compared to sensor based watering. While sensor based irrigation systems do exist, current implementations are both costly and needlessly complex. Our goal was to design an irrigation sensor system is cheap, easy to implement, and saves more water than traditional watering systems. Our approach was to create a sensor node network that is both reliable and cost effective when installing it. With this approach we were able to create a dependable tree like sensor network that could read moisture data from soil and have it visualized in an Android application. In regards to our Android application, we were able to implement features such as sensor calibration in order to obtain accurate readings. Our tree like network was also able to be consistent in being able to send data packets back and forth with each sensor having a reach of up to 100 meters and being able to have a total of 3125 radio...

Biofilter For Nitrate Reduction

Wed, 24 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Project Motivation: In a time of severe drought throughout the Western U.S., it is essential to efficiently utilize all water resources. Using preexisting microorganisms to remove the common contaminant nitrate from impacted water would make one more valuable resource available to the public.

Project Description: Tembo Inc. and BKT Co. Ltd shall provide Tucson Metro Water District in Arizona with a biological filtration system to reduce nitrate contamination in

Its irrigation groundwater well so that it may be used to produce drinking water. This design optimizes cost and efficiency, while providing clean water for City of Tucson residents.

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Diego Rosso

Client Consultant: Dr. Joon Min, BKT Co. Ltd.

Utility Service Provider: Tucson Metropolitan Water District

Pulmonary Assist Device (PAD)

Wed, 24 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Project Goal:

Create device to stabilize patient’s lung after suffering a tension pneumothorax Current treatments involve chest tubes that are prone to clotting and infection Can be used in non-sterile environment Can be used in transit and at the hospital Field and Hospital Versions of PAD

Danny Baldo Jr., Horacio Estabridis, Vinson Tran, Kelsey Fung, Thanh Chung, Anthony Pham

Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine

Francis Duhay: Edwards Lifesciences

City of Hesperia Lift Station Design

Wed, 24 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Project Description: Aquae Motum engineering and HDR Inc. are in joint efforts in designing a lift station for the City of Hesperia. The lift station will provide sewage transfer and a biofiltration system in order to convey sewage to the local wastewater treatment plant, while preventing accumulation of order in the area. This is a two-phase project that will account for increasing flows as the community develops. The first phase of the project will provide sewage transport for the first half of the development and will double in the second phase as the second half is developed.

Rodrigo Elejade, Abigail Cooke, Kathleen Hong, Patricia Kharazmi, Toni Lynch, Andrew Price

Client Consultants: Stephanie Shamblin Gray, Chandrikaa Balendhran, P.E., BCEE

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Brett Sanders

Environmentally Sustainable Energy Storage

Wed, 24 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Project Description: The objective is to generate 500 MW of power for 8 hour periods. This would be enough to supply 325,000 homes annually in the San Diego area. A new upper reservoir will be constructed above the existing San Vicente Reservoir and connected by an underground pipe containing a reversible pump-turbine system. Energy produced by the system will be stored during off-peak hours and sold during peak hours.

Tasks Completed: Project research and analysis, Determination of criteria for upper reservoir, Selection of candidate sites using topography, Calculation of upper reservoir volume

Faculty Adviser: Richard Trembath, Trembath Consulting, Inc.

Traffic Impact Analysis and Traffic Signal Design

Wed, 24 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Project Description

TranSummit in conjunction with RK Engineering Group has been tasked to conduct a traffic impact study and design the traffic signals for a future mixed-use development in Aliso Viejo, CA. Existing traffic conditions were analyzed to project future traffic impacts. Following the study, possible mitigation measures will be recommended to achieve the best Level of Service.

Professor: C. Stephen Bucknam Jr., P.E.

Faculty Advisor: Michael McNally, Ph.D

Faculty Mentor: Riju Lavanya

Client Consultants (RK Engineering): Robert Kahn, P.E., Roger Goedecke, Tiffany Giordano, Mario Gutierrez, Alex Trabizi

Project Manager: Jethro Jay Narciso

Design Engineers: A. Besa, B. Elenes, P. Johnson, S. Kevorkian, E. Sy Su

Winter 2015

Microfluidic Cell Lysis Device for Point of Care Diagnostics

Wed, 24 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Background

Point-of-care (POC) diagnostics provide quick results for patients in remote areas with limited access to laboratory equipment. Concurrently in-vitro diagnostic device market is a valued at $24 billion dollar and its expected to be valued at over $70 billion by 2020 • These diagnostics require access to intracellular components, such as DNA, which can be accessed by bursting open the cell, a process called cell lysis. Microfluidic technology allows for an entire laboratory procedure to miniaturized onto a small, portable platform, allowing for a quicker diagnostics and results.

Andrew Chavarin, Leovi Espitia, Saffi Khan, Marisa Lopez, Frederique Norpetlian, Abdullaah Tarif

Advisor: Professor William C. Tang

Mentor: Dr. Brad Sargent, Omnica Corporation, Irvine, CA

School of Engineering

Department of: Biomedical Engineering, Chemical and Material Science & Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering,

University of...

Autonomous Racecar - Racecars2.zip

Mon, 22 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Objective

Develop robust software on a modular platform to run on an embedded real-time system Display metrics like telen1et1y on a web interface Implement adaptability mechanisms through wall-following and obstacle avoidance algorithms Utilize information from multiple onboard sensors for on-the-fly decision making

Background

Given that human error can be considered a major factor in most vehicular accidents, the use of autonomous vehicles stands to improve the safety of transportation. The preceding project relied on turn-by-turn directions to navigate without adapting to track conditions or obstacles.

Faculty Adviser: Professor Mohammad Al Faruque

Proximity Detection for Autism Research

Mon, 22 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Background: The main goal is to detect the proximity and orientation of autistic individuals alongside those they are interacting with, and help them be more engaging in a social setting. http://profs.sci.univr.it/~cristanm/ssp/

Faculty Adviser: LouAnne Boyd, Department of Informatics

Gillian Hayes, Department of Informatics hayesg@uci.edu

Faculty Adviser: Prof. Pai H. Chou, Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science phchou@uci.edu

Water Conveyance System

Mon, 22 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

San Diego currently imports about 90% of its total water consumption. To improve water reliability in an environment influenced by climate change the region is embarking on a program to diversify its water portfolio. This strategy includes the proposed $2b Indirect Potable Reuse (IPR) project called Pure Water. The Anteater Hydro-Tech Project is for the $150m Water Conveyance System for Pure Water. The conveyance system is being optimized considering Triple Bottom Line principles: Economic, Environmental, Social.

Anteater Hydro-Tech (A.H.T.)

Project Manager: Mayra Cabrera, cabrerm1@uci.edu

Project Engineers: Eloy Avila, Matthew Jimenez, Christian Portillo

Jens Solvkjar, Chosita Sribhibhadh

Faculty Mentor: Professor Stanley Grant, Ph.D

In Collaboration With Client Consultant: Richard Trembath, Trembath Consulting, Inc.

iLost -- Bluetooth Indoor Navigation System

Mon, 22 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Background: To create a low cost, low power consumption and high accuracy indoor navigation system – iLost that can guide customers from their current location to their destination in building.

Faculty Adviser: Prof. Pai H. Chou, Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science phchou@uci.edu

Vibro-Tone

Mon, 22 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Goal: To design a low-cost, multi-purpose audio device for people suffering from conductive hearing loss.

Introduction: Conductive hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the outer ear or the middle ear. This means that while natural hearing is impaired, the inner ear is still functioning, and it requires an external stimulus to process sound. Bone conduction is a technique often employed to provide this stimulus. Current bone conduction devices are costly or require invasive operations, so Vibro-Tone is our robust, user-friendly, and low-cost solution.

Julian Shur (EE), Ojan Negahban (EE), Michael Chao (EE), Ryan Mark Bendo (CpE)

Professor Pai H. Chou

Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Fuel Cell Data Center: Renewably Powering the Internet

Mon, 22 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Background: The ever expanding modern internet is stored on huge banks of hard drives called data centers. With the massive growth of data storage needs, a modern engineering challenge is to reduce the carbon footprint of data centers by powering them greenly.

Faculty Advisors: Dr. Jacob Brouwer - Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering jbrouwer@uci.edu

Fabrication of Nanopatterns on a Curved Polymer Cornea Device

Mon, 22 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Corneal afflictions may result in blurred vision, but in severe cases it can cause complete vision loss. In many cases, sight can be restored through a corneal transplant using donor tissues. The problem with transplantation by using donor tissues is the lack of cornea tissues available and a risk of rejection. NanoCurv Impressions has developed a one-piece state of the art artificial corneal device with nanopattern technology. Research is in progress to validate the efficacy of the nanostructures which should improve device integration and prevent infections.

Project Synapse: A Portable, Affordable, and User-Friendly EEG Device to Monitor and Study Neural Activity During Sleep

Mon, 22 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Background: EEG machines for sleep study are large and not accessible for home use. Collecting neural activity during sleep requires the patient to go to a specialized sleep study center for monitoring. For many people, a sleep study lab is not an ideal setting

for getting a typical night’s rest. As a Result, the data retrieved would not give an accurate representation of a patient’s neural activity during sleep. We aim to solve this problem by creating a low cost, portable EEG device that will connect to a user’s smartphone to process, log, and display data. Other companies have portable EEG devices that connect to smartphones, but they are typically not usable during sleep.

One device, the Emotiv, uses a hard plastic structure. This would be uncomfortable or perhaps unusable during sleep. We will use a comfortable and flexible headband. Other

portable EEGs that are usable during sleep are expensive (upwards of $1500). We aim to keep our product under...

AVA by Dispensus

Mon, 22 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Taking medication is an integral part of many people’s lives, yet medication as a concept is heavily stigmatized in society. Patients tend to shy away from taking medication in public in an effort to keep from appearing “sick” or “ill” and will oftentimes skip doses when they are outside the comfort of their home. Ava by Dispensus aims to eliminate the discomfort coupled with taking medication, with the ultimate goal of improving drug adherence, by creating a device that makes it convenient and inconspicuous to take medication publicly.

Faculty Adviser: Prof. Michelle Khine, Department of Biomedical Engineering mkhine@uci.edu

Craig Lauer

Samir Shreim, Lecturer, Biomedical Engineering sshreim@uci.edu

The Thumb Guys: Prosthetic Thumb

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This poster highlights the functional prosthetic device design for partial hand amputation coupled with highly limited wrist mobility and additional limb amputations. The 3D printed, mechanical, body-powered prosthesis is designed for a patient with disarticulation of the thumb and index finger at the metacarpophalangeal joint level, the third and fifth digits at the proximal level, and the fourth digit distally. The partial three remaining fingers demonstrate limited range of motion. The low-cost prosthetic device for the right hand features both a static prehension prosthesis and a manually adjustable supernumerary thumb, custom fit for the participant’s anatomical considerations. The prosthetic device utilizes a one-way bearing ratchet mechanism to actuate the prosthetic thumb with nearly infinite stopping resolution. Molded silicone adhered to the underside of the 3D printed prosthetic thumb allow enhanced gripping ability. The 3D printed arm cuff is secured to the forearm...

Pulse: An Implementation of Emotionally-Aware VR Gaming

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction and Goal: While virtual reality (VR) games offer players increased immersion over traditional games, they lack the ability to interface with a key driver behind perception and reasoning: emotions. This ability presents a barrier to maximizing the immersive potential of VR interactive media.

We sought to solve this issue by developing a biofeedback-enable emotion recognition system that empowers users to create and experience emotionally-adaptive VR games.

Pulseuci.wordpress.com

Faculty Adviser: Ahmed Ettawil, Ahmed Khosrshid, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Tantalum Coated Zirconia to Toughen Dental Implants

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract: Currently, around 50% (~178 million) of all Americans are missing at least 1 tooth, with 12% (~40 million) of Americans missing all of their teeth. Dental implants are a common solution to this issue; titanium is the leading material of choice. Zirconia ceramic dental implants are a suitable replacement for titanium, but are often criticized for their brittleness. By developing a tantalum functional gradient coating, we hope to increase the viability of zirconia ceramic materials for dental implants. Two sets of material were chosen to test the proprietary BruxZir tantalum ion solution: yttria stabilized zirconia (3Y-TZP) and alumina toughened zirconia (ATZ). Solutions with varying concentrations of 0%, 10%, 15%, and 30% weight percent tantalum were prepared, and the ceramic samples were coated and sintered. Each sample was analyzed through various characterization methods, including SEM, EDS, XRD, nanoindentation, and Raman spectroscopy to observe how the solution...

Krobohand: A 3D Printed Robotic Prosthetic Hand

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Background: The krobohand group recognized a significant gap in the upper limb prosthetic industry between cost and functionality of a prosthetic. Design: Kobohand is both cost effective, as well as functionally viable. Fabrication techniques, as well as unique designs yield an innovative upper limb prosthetic.

ttp://www.krobotech.com/

Faculty Adviser: Dr. David J. Reinkensmeyer, Anatomy & Neurobiology

Fluid Packs for Pediatric Intravenous Fluids

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Thousands of hospitalized children require constant intravenous (IV) fluid treatments. However, IV delivery tends to limit pediatric patients’ mobility. Current standards of care require an IV pole which can be cumbersome; it limits pediatric patient mobility and poses dangers of tripping and infection to the patient. These issues can take away from patients’ quality of life. There are currently no wearable inpatient fluid infusion systems specifically designed for pediatric patients. We have developed a portable and wearable system to administer IV fluids to pediatric patients while facilitating easier mobility both in hospital and home settings, without the use of a cumbersome IV pole. Key features of our product include safety guardrails for infusion rates, comfort and weight distribution for the patients, flow rate sensors, long battery life, and compatibility with currently used pump systems in the hospital. After interviewing pediatric nurses and the parents of pediatric...

Femoral Access Insertion Device for Aortic Sheaths

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract: The motivation behind developing a femoral access device is to optimize the entry, through the femoral artery, for transcatheter aortic heart valve (TAVR) procedures by minimizing push force and complications. Our femoral access device consists of a needle driver block which assists the physician in stabilizing the needle upon entry and an augmented reality system that uses ultrasound to find the current trajectory of the needle and guide the physician along the predetermined angle. The fabricated leg models with differing fat content including a peristaltic pump to mimic human blood flow will be used to validate the feasibility of this device. This differs from similar projects because it is made specifically with TAVR in mind rather than venous entry and is also significantly more affordable. The end deliverable is to create a functional device that uses ultrasound and augmented reality to find the ideal entry location, avoid incorrect puncturing of the femoral artery,...

ZotPonics 3.0: A Smart and Scalable Hydroponics Network

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

We are faced with a future where there will not be enough land to produce food for the entire population. By 2050, the world population is projected to increase to about 9 billion people. However, 50% of the world’s arable land may be unusable by then, as traditional agricultural practices in the last 50 years have left 60% of all ecosystems degraded. In an effort to mitigate these issues, producers are increasingly interested in controlled environment agriculture, especially in regions where there are concerns about soil and groundwater pollution. One promising solution is hydroponics, a highly productive, resource efficient, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional farming. ZotPonics aims to bring easy hydroponics into the everyday household.

Gamified Respiratory Therapy Device

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Respiratory therapy is often used to help patients with pulmonary illnesses, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma. Traditional therapies involve an incentive spirometer and breathing exercises to help promote deep breathing. However, this current method of treatment is painful, frustrating and tedious for the patient. As a result, there is a low patient compliance with therapy. This project (SPIRO) is designed to increase patient adherence to therapy with a wearable game-based respiratory device component. By adhering a stretch sensor to monitor chest wall movement, the user can interface with the game through respiration. The game is designed to mimic therapeutic respiratory maneuvers in a more motivating setting. This alternative can increase patient adherence and accountability as well as provide a method for therapists to monitor their patient’s progress.

Faculty Adviser: Dr. Michelle Khine

Waking Dead in Bed

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Overview: We want to wake people with type 1 diabetes to prevent dead in bed syndrome caused by alarm fatigue leading to the lack of emergency glucagon administration that prevents death.

HyperXite Winter Design Review Poster 2021

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract: The Hyperloop pod is a vehicle that is set to revolutionize the technological advancement of transportation systems. Like the bullet train, it is meant to transverse from point A to B at a tremendous speed, making it convenient for people that rely on transportation systems for traveling and commuting. However, the Hyperloop pod is designed to travel through a vacuum tube to negate air friction so that the pod can achieve high accelerations. Ideally, the concept compensates the practical modes of transportation by being relatively inexpensive compared to airfares and fast compared to public transportation methods. The HyperXite team has been building scaled-down prototype pods for the past four years with this Hyperloop vision in mind. After determining that building a full prototype pod would not be feasible for the team this year given the state of the competition and budgetary constraints, the team decided to move forward with a scaled down version of the pod with...

Groundwater Well and PFAS Treatment Facility

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Our poster describes the design of a well and PFAS treatment facility at the South Montebello Irrigation District (SMID). We must design a well, pump system, and PFAS treatment system that will allow SMID to serve their population water with PFAS concentrations below notification levels.

Walking Support for Improved Mobility and Independence

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract: The elderly commonly rely on canes and walkers for balance and gait support. Similarly, crutches are commonly used after injury. All of these devices are cumbersome, force unnatural gait patterns, and greatly limit our arms. The goal of this project is to design a passive assistive device that will provide moderate support to users during gait, while not restricting arm use. Several exoskeleton designs have been proposed in research, but they tend to be heavy and actively controlled (i.e. with motors). They also are difficult to don and doff, which does not make them very user friendly. Being heavy, bulky, and uncomfortable causes the user to expend more energy wearing the exosuit leading to more issues down the road. Passive exosuits using soft materials rather than rigid components have surfaced in the industry improving the mobility of the abled bodied user, but not the people who actually need such help. Our team believes we can implement semi-rigid passive exosuits...

Survivor Detection Location Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Survivor Detection Location Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (SDLUAV) will be used to locate survivors trapped beneath debris. Combining microwave Doppler technology and an autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle SDLUAV will detect heartbeats through various mediums in disaster situations.

Feminora: Redesign of the Vaginal Speculum

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract: The modern vaginal speculum is used in the field of obstetrics and gynecology in order to hold the vaginal walls open for the purpose of conducting pelvic exams. Routine pelvic exams are highly recommended for women above the age of 18 in order to screen for cancer and other infections of the female anatomy. The problems with the modern speculum deal with its form and function. The 2-billed design of the speculum is grossly outdated, and is often the source of pain and discomfort for patients as it pinches and contorts the vaginal opening. In terms of function, the modern speculum is difficult for physicians to use effectively as it severely limits their field of view into the vaginal cavity. The present research team proposes a redesign of the vaginal speculum that improves both form and function in order to provide a more comfortable experience for patients and increased usability for physicians.

2019 AIAA Design/Build/Fly

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Design / Build / Fly (DBF) is an annual and international remote controlled aircraft design competition that provides engineering students an opportunity to develop an aircraft that meets the competition requirements set by AIAA. This year’s competition requires teams to develop a short takeoff, carrier based aircraft with remotely folding wings and capable of carrying and releasing cargo. After analyzing the score analysis, our team determined that the highest scoring potential is to maximize the amount of stores carried while completing an equal number of laps within a 10 minute window. The team explored a wide range of options and finalized on an aircraft design that meets the given constraints while also excelling in mission performance. Our aircraft consists of a 75 in wingspan, an aspect ratio of 6.25, a maximum takeoff weight of 16 lbs, and a cargo capacity of 12 stores. Faculty Advisors: Professor Robert H. Liebeck; Advisors: Colin Sledge, Joseph Hsieh, Paul ParcelContact...

Smart Mirror RORRIM

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract: RORRIM is a smart mirror that hopes to encourage the incorporation of smart technology to promote a healthy lifestyle by displaying personal health information in plain view. The display shows health data including heart rate, step count, SpO2, and wrist temperature specific to a user in addition to information time and weather. To manage multiple end-users, RORRIM has a facial recognition feature which is primarily used to register or change users and switch between personalized profiles. Health data is measured and pulled from a Fitbit and noninvasive Arduino sensors. The user’s health information is stored both locally on the Raspberry Pi and also uploaded to a secure Firebase server. Through machine learning, this health information makes personal inferences about stress state at a 91% accuracy and recommendations to assist the user for living a healthier lifestyle. Advisor: Assistant Professor Salma Elmalaki Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Supported...

CanSat UCI: Winter Design Review 2019

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The CanSat Competition is an international design/build/fly engineering competition held yearly in Stephenville, Texas and provides students with an opportunity to design an aerospace system. It is designed to reflect a small-scale aerospace program and includes the project design life cycle from preliminary design review to post mission review. Teams of up to 10 undergraduate students build CanSats, which must complete a mission that changes every year. In this year’s mission, the CanSat will be launched to 700 meters using a high-powered model rocket, and must perform a controlled descent while transmitting data from its onboard sensors to a ground station computer. The CanSat consists of a container that must protect the science payload from damage during the launch and deployment. Initially, both descend under a parachute. At 400 meters, the payload is released and continues its descent using an autogyro propeller. The CanSat must be equipped with sensors for environmental...

Hyperxite: Changing the Future of Transportation

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Background:

Goals: To win first place at the SpaceX Hyperloop Pod Competition in both overall point total and speed. To accelerate the development of a fast, economical, and sustainable transportation system. Objectives: Design and build a 1:2 scale Hyperloop pod that utilize air based levitation and is optimized for a one mile test track. Educate and train students in simulation and advanced manufacturing. Collaborate with industry partners and students from many disciplines.

HyperXite.com

Primary Advisor: Roger Rangel, Secondary Advisors: Jack Brouwer, Kenneth Mease, Mahshid Fardadi, Khalid Rafique,Lorenzo Valdevit, Farzin Zareian, Manuel Gamero, Daniel Mumm, James Bobrow

Assistive Device for Floor-to-Wheelchair Transfer

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Floor-to-wheelchair transfers are one of the most challenging tasks for individuals with lower body injuries. With the average wheelchair seat height ranging between 18 and 20 inches, individuals often experience cuff tears, shoulder and wrist pain, and further progression of pre-existing injuries. The Assist Handle is a portable grab bar that can assist individuals using wheelchairs with various mobility tasks, such as floor-to-wheelchair transfers, crawling support, and opening hard-to-reach doors in a portable and independent manner. The Assist Handle can be disassembled and connected to the frame of the wheelchair through an interlocking mechanism, allowing versatile availability when necessary. Multiple rounds of voice-of-the-customer interviews were conducted to validate risky assumptions in regards to necessary device requirements. Through iterative rounds of usability testing, the device increases the maximum achieved hip height at a mean of 10 inches. Future rounds of...

Design and Development of AntSat 01’s 2U CubeSat Flight Subsystems

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract: University of California Irvine (UCI) CubeSat is a student engineering project team that aims to design, manufacture, and launch a 2U cube satellite (CubeSat), AntSat 01, to support UCI researchers in pushing the boundaries of spacecraft thermoregulation. AntSat 01’s mission is to be a platform to test two variable emissivity devices (VED) in low earth orbit, and to establish a CubeSat system architecture for future space-based research at UCI. This involves developing a standardized, modular, and scalable architectural design that can be reused as a foundation for a wide range of scientific, educational, and commercial projects. This architecture will provide a blueprint for designing and building CubeSats, thereby facilitating the development of space technology and fostering space-technology innovation at UCI. The development effort is separated into Avionics, Communications, Developer Operations, Payloads, Power, Ground Station Communications, Structures, and Systems...

Aquatic & Recreation Center Design

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This project consists of a recreational and aquatic center that will be located in the city of West Hollywood. Considering the vast number of residents the vision for this recreation center is to provide additional space for them to exercise, destress and develop a sense of community. The first floor is designated as the parking garage for the structure and will include an automated entry system. The majority of the second floor will serve as a 17,000 square foot multisport court namely for indoor basketball and volleyball. Within this area, no columns can be placed to meet the requirements for appropriate court standards. The following two floors will serve as viewing areas for the courts as well as storage. Lastly, the roof will have two pools; one of which is a junior Olympic-sized pool. This aspect makes the project especially challenging, because the pools will not have any supporting columns directly beneath them. Therefore, a system of steel trusses will be designed to...

Ground Water Well Design and PFAS Treatment

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Project Description: Group E2 is working with AKM Consulting Engineers to design a groundwater well to meet an increase in water demand for South Montebello Irrigation District. In addition, a Perfluoroalkyl (PFAS) treatment, will be added on-site to target and remove PROA and PFOs, which were found to be in the water supply during feasibility testing of the well site determination. Industrial Advisor: Zeki Kayiran, P.E. AKM Consulting Engineer

Renew 3D Print

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Background: The energy and environment costs of manufacturing, shipping, and discarding plastic products puts tremendous strain on the Earth’s biosphere. Personal 3D printing, in conjunction with in-house recycling of the plastics used, are poised to change the consumption patterns of the general public.

Faculty Adviser:

Mark Walter, Lecturer, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering

Jesse Jackson, Assistant Professor, Arts-Studio Art

Autoponics: An Automated Hydroponics System

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract: Autoponics is an automated hydroponic monitoring system that utilizes sensors such as pH, electrical conductivity, and water level sensors, along with a TFT-enabled LCD screen and a ESP32 microcontroller to make hydroponic farming accessible and scalable. It accurately outputs relevant metrics and can automatically adjust pH and nutrient solutions based on current readings from the system. Autoponics promotes sustainability and aims to spread hydroponic farming into households by breaking down the barriers to entry. Testing shows that the system performs well and accurately balances the system, while using under 10 watts of power.

Handheld Device for Skin Lesion Imaging on Any Portion of the Body for Dermatology Diagnostics

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Sun exposure, particularly unprotected, can cause damage to the skin and cancer. In equatorial climates, exposure to UV rays from the sun is higher than in polar climates. Due to this fact, inhabitants of equatorial climates are more susceptible to sunburns and development of skin cancer. Over 5 million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer annually, and this number is expected to grow by approximately 6% in 2021. Applying sunscreen is the number one way to prevent sunburn and subsequent damage to the skin. This project differs from others because our proposition will educate users and help prevent and detect skin lesions that can occur with exposure to the sun. The multipurpose device will detect skin lesions by allowing the user to scan their skin for any abnormalities, and simultaneously allow them to apply sunscreen anywhere on their body with ease. One of the fundamental steps needed to meet our clients' needs was to conduct market research. We developed and distributed...

No Tool Left Behind

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Our aim is to design a device that tackles the issue of surgical tools being left behind in a patient's body after an operation. Such objects are referred to as Retained Foreign Objects (RFO).

Unintentionally retained surgically placed foreign bodies have been associated with increased morbidity and mortality, as well as increased costs and medicolegal consequences.

Hence the need to develop a technology that can detect RFO's arises, since there is no room for error. Small pieces of magnets are attached to a surgical sponge (RFO). The magnets will help detect the sponges if they are left behind, by wrapping two mats around the patient securing them using a safety strap.

The tiles on the mats have magnetometers that detect the presence of the sponge in the patient's body. Two readings are taken using the mats. The first one is taken before the operation and the second one, after.

This allows us...

Rapid Hemorrhagic and Ischemic Stroke Evaluator (RHISE)

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction:

Stroke: 5^th leading cause of death and leading cause of long-term disability. Current diagnosis to distinguish between hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke with CT and MRI takes up to 6 hours. Project Goal: Design, build , and test first prototype of RHISE to detect distinguishing proteins present in early stages of stroke Solution Concept: ELISA immunoassay tests for: GFAP and NMDA NR2A GFAP: hemorrhagic stroke biomarker NMDA NR2A: ischemic stroke biomarker

Faculty Adviser: Frithjof Kruggel, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Biomedical Engineering

Automated Colorimetric Bioassay

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract: A Colorimetric ELISA Bioassay Platform Utilizing Low-Cost Components. We live in a period of unprecedented challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic that has demonstrated the importance of rapid health diagnostics. However, the healthcare disparity between wealthy and poor countries continues to grow every day. Our device, a low-cost automated colorimetric bioassay, will reduce the inequalities in health care by providing diagnostic tools to areas with limited resources. Low-cost components are utilized such as an Arduino platform, servo-motors, and readily available plastic syringes to run automated tests that can be performed not only in hospitals, but also in point-of-care settings. The cost of all dispensable components – plastic syringes, tubing, reagents – is only $2-3 per test. There are a wide variety of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) currently available, from dengue virus and malaria detection to COVID-19 testing. Our automated colorimetric ELISA...

MPOWRD 2.0 - Rehabilitation Wheelchair

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Background: The reason for the MPOWRD 2.0 project, or Mechanical Patient Operated Wheelchair Rehabilitation Device, is to provide third-world countries a modified wheelchair that would help coincide with patients that have suffered a stroke or with muscular dystrophies. This project entails designing and manufacturing of a cost-effective, lever-actuator wheelchair so that these patients can operate the wheelchair in a manner that provides rehabilitation, but also allows for ease of mobility for transportation needs. The motivation for developing and manufacturing this wheelchair at low-cost is to allow countries with little money contributed to healthcare to be able to provide rehabilitation for their stroke patients. Rehabilitation in the early stages after a stroke are key to gaining and restoring motor function back into affected side of the body because if patients are not provided proper physical therapy or rehabilitation, they start to neglect...

Materials Matter: Lower Embodied Carbon at the Beginning of a Carbon Lifespan

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract: Our project involves compiling and comparing sustainable building materials and structural concepts to then use in building assemblies in various combinations. The assemblies will be optimized through testing and redesign, and compared on their performance data in comparison to their sustainable characteristics. The end goal is to find the optimal combination of form, material, thermal performance, structural efficiency, and cost.

Vesta Imager: Handheld Imager for Rapid Burn Wound Assessment

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Primary methods to determine burn severity are visual observation and histology. Visual diagnoses are only 50% accurate.

Project Goal: We seek to develop a low cost, handheld imaging device for the rapid and accurate assessment of burn wound injuries. This device will be available at all types of health care institutions.

Faculty Adviser: Rolf Saager, Ph.D.; Anthony Durking, Ph.D

Agitation and Temperature Control Agitation and Temperature Control of Sample Wells in Bio-Layer Interferometry

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract: Agitation and Temperature Control of Sample Wells in Bio-Layer Interferometry In the United States alone, there are over 30 million COVID-19 cases and over 550 thousand deaths [1]. One of the tools used to slow the spread of the virus is testing. Currently, the two most popular test methods are antigen and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing. RT-PCR tests are sensitive and accurate but have a turnaround time of 48 hours [2]. Antigen tests are inexpensive and have a turnaround time of 15-30 minutes but are less sensitive and accurate. There is a need for an accurate, easily accessible test with rapid turnaround times and Siphox Inc. aims to meet this need by creating an affordable, accurate, efficient, at-home chip-based diagnostic device. The cost per test, ease of use, and the potential to test for thousands of bio markers from a single test differentiates it from competitors. This project will assist Siphox by creating an agitation and...

RoboEye: Robotic Guide for the Sight-Impaired

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Through extensive research and hands-on work, our team, The Four Horsemen, was able to construct a robotic guide to aid a visually impaired individual cross a light intersection. Known as RoboEye, it is an autonomous device equipped with an IR sensor, phone camera, and a pan and tilt system. It can detect and differentiate between the “walk” and ”stop” symbol at the light intersection as well as avoid obstacles along the pathway. Our team aims to reduce traffic incidents involving sight-impaired individuals and allow the transition between intersections to be easier, safer, and more efficient.

UCI Rocket Project

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract: The UCI Rocket Project is an undergraduate student team pushing the boundaries of collegiate rocketry through the design and fabrication of liquid-fueled rockets. Our project provides engineering students with the opportunity to work on complex systems within a multidisciplinary team. The systems are designed using professional modeling and simulation software, innovative manufacturing and fabrication solutions, and strict validation procedures. Project Advisor: Professor Mark Walter

HyperXite is FAST, The Future of Affordable and Sustainable Transportation

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Background: To win first place at the SpaceX Hyper-

Loop Pod Competition in both overall point total and speed. Design and build a 1:2 scale Hyperloop pod that utilizes air based levitation and

is optimized for a 1 mile test track.

Educate and train students in simulation and advanced manufacturing Collaborate with industry partners and students from many disciplines

Faculty Advisors: Roger Rangel rhrangel@uci.edu

Dr. Jacob Brouwer - Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering jbrouwer@uci.edu

Lorenzo Valdevit valdevit@uci.edu

Farzin Zareian zareian@uci.edu

Daniel Mumm ...

WALTER - Wireless Autonomous Litter Transportation Earth Robot

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Due to growing waste concerns worldwide, we present WALTER, a novel autonomous robotic system capable of detecting and removing trash substances from a local environment. We approach this project through deploying a real-time trash detection model utilizing a YOLOv4-tiny backbone on a Xilinx FPGA with serial communication between a Raspberry Pi and Teensy micro-controller for decision making and motor control. WALTER is assembled with various 3D printed interfaces and collects trash using refashioned drawer rails as arms. The final trash detection model achieves a 37.0% average precision (AP) and the quantized model, running on a FPGA, operates at 5 frames per second (FPS) when running stereo vision object detection. Furthermore, WALTER is able to collect a diverse set of trash items in both indoor and outdoor environments, and is able to support up to a 2 kilogram payload.

Flapping Wing Micro Air Vehicle

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Vibrational stability is a natural phenomenon where a system if vibrating at sufficiently high frequencies, can bring itself back into a stable state if perturbed. This is akin to the high frequency flapping that hummingbirds and insects employ to maintain a hovering position and fly. Micro Air Vehicles (MAV) are a subset of air vehicles that have a size restriction and are commonly used for commercial, military, and reconnaissance purposes where larger devices are not feasible. With the idea of combining vibrational stability with micro air vehicle restrictions, we aim to study and manufacture a mechanism capable of producing this flapping motion and conduct performance testing to compare a manufactured “quadflapper” with more conventional quadcopters/drones. Preliminary performance testing between a “quadflapper” utilizing a passive pitching, flapping mechanism found in a toy [insert name of toy] and a similar set-up that replaced the toy mechanism with...

Multifunctional Solar Updraft Tower

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract:

The Multifunctional Solar Updraft Tower is a prototypical tower that incorporates optimal environment for energy generation. The tower incorporates the solar updraft concept, which uses air movements to rotate turbines and generate energy. The tower utilizes a series of solar collectors, wind, oil pipes, and molten salt to produce energy.

Project description: the purpose of the project is to design a building structure that incorporates an optimum environment for energy generation. Our design incorporates the solar updraft concept, which uses air movements to rotate turbines and generate energy. By optimizing the surface area of the structure, the sun is then used to heat the air causing it to move upward at an increasing velocity therefore, turning the turbines and generating energy. The structure will act as a multifunction facility, consisting of wind turbines for energy generation and occupied space (i.e., research...

Project Seaweed Submersible

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Project Seaweed Submersible's goal is to create an inexpensive proof of concept system that can be utilized to create a submersible for farmers and kelp re-foresters.

Catalase: Breaking the Bad

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The objective of this experiment was to extract a whole cell protein from bacterial cells and perform affinity chromatography in order to characterize the reaction kinetics of a protein enzyme, β-galactosidase. This was performed by varying the volume of substrate and enzyme for each trial in order to study the effects on the reaction rate. The reaction rate is then analyzed using the Michaelis-Menten equation to determine the velocity of the reaction using enzyme concentration. Once the velocity is known, the equation can be linearized to determine the max velocity for the reaction for a given substrate concentration. It is expected that increasing the enzyme concentration or substrate concentration will give a higher reaction rate. As the substrate concentration decrease, the reaction rate will decrease as well. This is important in food industry in fermentation process to reduce lactose levels in dairy products for intolerant people.

Radblock: The Radio that Avoids Advertisements

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Radblock is a smart radio that uses machine learning to classify audio samples and then changes the radio station when an advertisement is detected.

Flapping-Wing Micro Air Vehicle (FWMAV)

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Despite mankind’s remarkable advancements in aerial technology, flying birds and insects still outperform the agility, maneuverability, and stability of man-made aircrafts. The purpose of FWMAV is to investigate the physical phenomena behind unsteady aerodynamics and nonlinear flight to achieve its aerial capabilities. Three main components are evaluated separately: (1) the non-linear flight mechanism, (2) the flow field, and (3) the force generated. The ultimate goal is to combine the accumulated data, extrapolate quantifiable results, and illustrate the high performance of FWMAVs. The team tackles problems to determine solutions that lie at the forefront of evolving flapping wing mechanics . Engineering a drone that flies utilizing four sets of flapping wings (known as a ‘quad-flapper’) stems from theories such as Kapitza’s pendulum, which demonstrates vibrational stabilization. Acquiring greater control over all aspects of the design provided opportunities for extensive research...

2021 UCI CanSat Winter Design Review Poster

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract: The CanSat Competition is an international event held annually that is focused around design/build/fly engineering. In this year’s mission, the team must design and build a CanSat which will be launched 700m high using a high-powered model rocket and then perform a controlled descent while transmitting data from its onboard sensors to a ground station computer. Initially, the CanSat descends under a parachute at 15 m/s. The first payload is released at 500m and the second payload will be released at 400m. The payloads are designed to function like maple seeds; upon deployment, they will auto-rotate and descend at a rate of 20 m/s. The CanSat must be equipped with sensors to monitor environmental conditions (temperature, pressure, GPS position, altitude) and system performance (orientation, battery voltage). It must be capable of transmitting telemetry in real-time to a ground station computer, which the team must also design and build.

UCI CANSAT

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Mission Summary: Launch & Ascent Phase: The CanSat is mission ready inside the rocket. It is launched to an altitude of 670-725 meters for the Deployment Phase to proceed. Deployment Phase: The rocket separates via ejection charges causing the CanSat and nose cone to fall out. Here, telemetry begins and the CanSat descends at 15 m/s. Descent Phases: 1. An altitude of 400 meters, a larger parachute is deployed to reduce the CanSat’s descent to 5 m/2/. 2. At 300 meters, the Cansat releases a tethered payload to a distance of 10 meters for 20 secs. Said payload will record via a camera oriented in the South direction at 45° downwards. Landing Phase: CanSat and all internal components must land safely intact for recovery.

HyperXite III

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Background: HyperXite is an undergraduate senior design team at the University of California, Irvine competing in the SpaceX Hyperloop Competition III in the Summer of 2018. Our pod will be a 1:2 scale hyperloop pod utilizing an electric motor, eddy current brakes, and a distributed control system to accelerate through a 1-mile vacuum tube reaching a maximum speed of over 300 MPH. Our ongoing goal is to educate and train our members in advanced analysis, design, and manufacturing methods and to collaborate with industry partners and students from many engineering disciplines.

Website: hyperxite.com

Patient Tracking and Following IV Pole

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract: Ambulatory pediatric patients can spend long periods of time in hospitals and one of the biggest struggles is having to maneuver IV poles wherever they go. IV poles can be heavy because they hold multiple infusion pump systems, intravenous fluids (IV), total parenteral nutrition (TPN), and more. Pediatric patients typically rely on nurses and parents to help them move around. Team Kaillou is creating a new IV pole device that will track patients, follow them, and allow patients, nurses, and parents to intervene more infrequently. We hope our device can empower pediatric patients with a stronger sense of normalcy, mobility, and freedom back in their lives.

Autonomous Boat Project

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Background: The MicroTransat challenge encourages teams to cross the Atlantic Ocean autonomously.

Innovation & Design Diesel Electric Cogeneration Thermoelectric couplers High Efficiency, lower CO2 emissions Autonomous software Links between software and hardware. Sensors on engine give feedback to computer.

Faculty Adviser: Professor David Reinkensmeyer

Project Trash Bandicoot

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract: We will be presenting the Automatic Trash Bin (ATB) for practical use. The ATB comprises multiple modules including ultrasonic ranging modules, servos, load cell, Pixy2 camera, and motor chassis, which are connected using the Arduino UNO Rev2 microcontroller board. The ATB detects the weighted volume inside. When the capacity determines that it is full, it will navigate towards the nearest emptying station. Using the Pixy2 Camera as a navigation system, it will empty itself with the pulley system. This allows for the ATB to transition between stationary, navigation, and dumping phase. The long-term goal is to reduce nonpoint source pollution through AI-driven self dumping.

Salus Security

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract—SALUS is an open-source security system that uses inexpensive, affordable hardware, specifically catering towards primary and secondary schools. Students, teachers, administrators, and parents have endured the reality of school shootings. SALUS’ intent is to alleviate gun violence on school campuses and keep the institutions safe. SALUS is easily activated and managed through a graphical user interface, and the system autonomously contacts faculty, administrators, and local law enforcement if a gun is detected on camera. The system was also designed to adhere to federal FERPA laws. The user-interface is created using QT creator, and the physical working prototype is made using a Raspberry Pi 4 and a Dorhea Raspberry Pi Camera. The Raspberry Pi uses UDP(User Datagram Protocol) to send images from the camera to the desktop server which detects motion using functions from the OpenCV library. Using YOLOv3 and Google Research’s Colab, motion detected images are processed and...