College - Author 1
College of Engineering
Department - Author 1
Biomedical Engineering Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Biomedical Engineering
College - Author 2
College of Engineering
Department - Author 2
Biomedical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 2
BS in Biomedical Engineering
College - Author 3
College of Engineering
Department - Author 3
Biomedical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 3
BS in Biomedical Engineering
Date
3-2021
Primary Advisor
Christopher Heylman, College of Engineering, Biomedical Engineering Department
Additional Advisors
Britta Berg-Johansen, College of Engineering, Biomedical Engineering Department
Abstract/Summary
The purpose of the Tierni Resistance Training System project was to design and construct functional workout apparel that has built-in resistance. For this product, the key customer requirements we set out to address were most importantly material comfort and functionality, followed by stylishness, lack of latex, safety for injured and uninjured users, and washer safety. To meet these customer requirements, we started by researching current resistance training technology, and used the findings as a springboard for our own design development. After initial brainstorming, engineering specifications were generated based on the customer requirements. These specifications revolved around the thermal insulation, pressure, tensile strength, aesthetic appeal, and melting temperature of the product and its components. The next phase of the design process involved drafting morphology sketches of the prototype, and ultimately narrowing down to a final morphology through concept evaluation. After a final design was agreed upon, a more detailed geometry was created by combining a SolidWorks drawing of the garment components with a lifesize physical mannequin onto which we could place and adjust our garments. Once the design was finalized, we moved forward with manufacturing, which was done primarily using a sewing machine to attach the patches and panels to a set of base garments.
After construction, testing was conducted on the final prototype to see how well it performed against the engineering metrics. Efficacy testing displayed that the resistance garments increased heart rate during lunges and pushups to a statistically significant degree. Furthermore, participant survey results ranked the garments as a 3.67/5 for style, a 4.5/5 for breathability, and a 4.17/5 for overall comfort, all falling within our target values. The results for the pressure testing were inconclusive due to testing equipment issues, however our comfort requirement was addressed in the participant survey. Finally, after reconsideration of our initial specifications for thermal insulation, it was determined that our garments met the breathability requirement. Based on the test results, we are confident that our prototype has the potential to advance further in the design process and ultimately become a marketable product.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/bmedsp/140
Included in
Biomedical Devices and Instrumentation Commons, Systems and Integrative Engineering Commons