Ideation Processurl_IPS/Ideation_Process.htm
Project Initiationurl_IPS/IPS/1_Project.htm
Project name:
Sound Therapy
Project timeline:
Expected Completion Date: Senior Design Day-April 2008
Project team:
Cindy Hlavacek
Noah Walcutt
Innovation Situation Questionnaireurl_IPS/IPS/2_Isq.htm
Brief description of the situationurl_IPS/IPS/21_Brief_descr.htm
The project will focus on an advanced prototype for the purpose of sound therapy.
Detailed description of the situationurl_IPS/IPS/22_Sys_App.htm
The underlying principle is that sound has the ability to change people consciously and physiologically. It is our impression that practitioners of Sound Therapy manipulate devices that control and intensify sound. These non-invasive devices are intended to produce positive changes in the overall well-being of a patient. Let us state that we are not experts in Sound Therapy. Further research and professional advising are necessary for a more comprehensive understanding of the effect of existing devices. This will be completed before the 2008 Spring Semester at Vanderbilt University.
The proposed prototype consists of a six foot diameter hemisphere made of wood. The dome acts as a soundboard for twenty strings, strung tangentially to the surface. The dome is supported by a four foot support so that a patient can stand or sit underneath the soundboard. According to George Gruhn, expert in stringed musical instruments, no similar device exists. Currently the prototype can be manipulated manually. Electronic operation is desirable for testing and trials.
Measurement of success will be quantitatively and qualitatively assessed by Sound Therapist Thomas Anderson, MA. More details of this will be discussed in further detail with the project advisor Thomas Anderson.
Supersystem - System - Subsystemsurl_IPS/IPS/221_Sup_Sub.htm
System name url_IPS/IPS/2211_System_name.htm
Sound Therapy Device and Enclosure
System structure url_IPS/IPS/2212_System_structure.htm
The system consists of a wooden dome that has twenty strings strung tangentially to the outside. The dome is supported by a wooden stand which elevates the sound chamber and allows a user to sit or stand inside. The strings are controlled by twenty guitar strings, which are in turn controlled by a laptop computer running LabView. The walls of the support stand are moveable to allow for the volume of the enclosure to be effectively "tuned" to resonant frequencies.
Supersystems and environment url_IPS/IPS/2213_System_environment.htm
The patient is enclosed in a wooden structure. The therapist operates the device from outside. The patient receives treatment from the inside
Systems with similar problems url_IPS/IPS/2214_Other_systems.htm
Therapists often use couches or chairs for patient use while they undergo interactive treatment.
Input - Process - Outputurl_IPS/IPS/222_In_Out.htm
Functioning of the system url_IPS/IPS/2221_Functioning.htm
The computer controls magnets which control the guitar strings. The guitar strings create vibrations which resonate throughout the dome. The dome acts as a sound board for the intensification of vibration inside the enclosure. The walls of the enclosure further intensify the sound.
System inputs url_IPS/IPS/2222_Input.htm
The Therapist programs an auditory composition in LabView.
System outputs url_IPS/IPS/2223_Output.htm
An intense auditory experience that possesses beneficial effects with respect to health and well-being.
Cause - Problem - Effecturl_IPS/IPS/223_Cause_Eff.htm
Problem to be resolved url_IPS/IPS/2231_Problem.htm
Create a functioning advanced prototype for the purpose of Sound Therapy.
Undesirable consequences if the problem is not resolved url_IPS/IPS/2233_Undesirable_consequences.htm
Conventional medicine may prescribe unnecessary surgery or medication
Other problems to be solved url_IPS/IPS/2244_Other_problems.htm
Finding a non-invasive treatment for various mental, emotional, and physiological problems.
Past - Present - Futureurl_IPS/IPS/224_Past_Future.htm
History of the problem url_IPS/IPS/2241_History.htm
The problem of healing people using sound is an ancient practice. Advancements have been made to improve the quality of sound; however, we offer a new approach that intensifies the experience in order to produce a more profound effect on the patient.
Pre-process time url_IPS/IPS/2242_Pre_proc.htm
The electronic control of the strings will allow for testing and trials.
Post-process time url_IPS/IPS/2243_Post_proc.htm
Testing and trial will be completed in cooperation with project advisor Thomas Anderson, MA.
Resources, constraints and limitationsurl_IPS/IPS/23_Resources.htm
Available resources url_IPS/IPS/231_Available_resources.htm
BME 272 Testing Lab.
Vanderbilt Library system for research materials.
Constraints and limitations url_IPS/IPS/233_Constraints.htm
The prototype must be completed by Senior Design Day-April 2008. The prototype must also be able to fit within the height of a standard room of 8 feet.
Criteria for selecting solution concepts url_IPS/IPS/234_Criteria.htm
We would like to work closely with our advisor, an expert in the practice of Sound Therapy, and also research the existing art to maximize the effect of the device. Keeping a low cost is also another constraint.
Problem Formulation and Brainstormingurl_IPS/IPS/3_Functional_Modeling.htm
Sound Therapydgr_<Sound Therapy_12607155736>_url_IPS/Diagram.htm
12/6/2007 4:24:04 PM.
Resolve the contradiction: The Therapist uses the device which provides Positive Change in the mental and Physiological state of Patient, is non-invasive and Inexpensive and re-usable and avoids Negative Change in the mental and Physiological state of Patient.dirtype_4
Find an alternative way to obtain Positive Change in the mental and Physiological state of Patient that offers the following: provides or enhances Constructive effect on well being does not require Surgury or Drugs and Patients physical functions are uneffected.dirtype_1
Find a way to eliminate, reduce, or prevent Negative Change in the mental and Physiological state of Patient in order to avoid Detrimental effect on well being and Patients physical functions uneffected under the given that a Trained Therapist uses the device.dirtype_2