sora

Problem Statement

For avid and seasoned climbers, minor injuries like scrapes and cuts are bound to happen. While these injuries are quite small, they do require treatment and care such as applying antibiotic ointments and sealing the wound. Currently, the only option for treatment and care requires the climbers to be on the ground as medical supplies are not available when climbers are on the wall. ​

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Project Concept

My project hinges on this idea by providing climbers with the ability to treat themselves immediately while on the wall, providing them with timely care while allowing them to continue on route. My product is a chalk bag that also has first aid supplies attached to the bag. It functions as a regular chalk bag with the added benefits of having necessary medical supplies to allow climbers to tend to their injuries themselves while on the wall. It contains an antibiotic ointment salve, gauze pads, finger tape, and liquid bandages.​

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Prototyping Techniques

• Soft good prototyping (sewing): for the construction of the chalk bag

• 3d modeling and printing: for the construction of the medical attachments (container for the ointment, dispenser for the finger tape, etc.) 

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Evaluation Outcomes

• Feasibility: Is the upcycled material/fabric durable and can it withstand continuous use and wear/tear while on the wall? Do the attached 3d components stay attached to the chalk bag without falling off?

• Usability: Is it easy for a climber to tend and provide medical care on themselves using the medical kit? 

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Implementation Plan​

• Soft good prototyping (sewing): I will use an old rain jacket that I have for the material for the outer lining of the chalk bag. The rain jacket is made of a nylon material allowing for a mostly water-proof outer lining while also providing flexibility and durability in the material. For the inner lining of the chalk bag which holds the chalk, I will use an old fleece vest I have. The fleece will catch the chalk dust, providing a ‘sticky’ material for the chalk to hold onto, ensuring that the particles don’t fly out of the bag. For the gauze pads and finger tape, I plan to house those items in a flap out pocket that is sewn to the side of the bag. They can be opened via a velcro attachment, allowing for easy access. 

• 3d modeling and printing: For the antibiotic ointment (i.e. neosporin) salve container, I want it to be easily accessible for the user. I plan to create a lip balm container where the user can flip open the lid and swipe their finger in the tub to remove the ointment. I will model a small rounded container with a tethered lid for this. For the finger tape, because I want the user to have the freedom to cut as big or little piece as they need, I want to make the tape in a dispenser with a razor blade attached to the end, like a scotch tape dispenser. Both the container and the dispenser will be modeled in OnShape and 3d printed using the Prusa Machines. 
   

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