BME Design Project: Assessment and Redesign of Mister Team Members: Craig Hewitt Chaz Hogancamp Advisors: Dr. Ed Stone Dr. Paul King

Humidification Air intake and output controlled by internal fan Humidification created by megasonic drive system using a piezoelectric transducer Measured using hygrometers and psychrometers

Results of humidity levels Extremely high humidity levels promote bacteria and mold growth Extremely low humidity levels damage vocal cords and sinuses –Makes body more vulnerable to respiratory illness –Unhealthy humidity levels occur below 40% humidity

Reason for mister Biological needs for humid environment –Applications to vocalists in dry air Prevention of ailments caused by dry air Comfort

Financial Considerations Prototype cost: $12,000 Desired unit cost: $2,000 Prototype cost is high due to unnecessary quality of parts

Market Feasibility Potential market is all of Las Vegas, Reno, etc. performers Would be purchased by performer Estimated market size 15,000 performers Total market value: $2,000 x 15,000 = $30,000,000

Mister Flow Chart

Flow Calculations Fan output is rated ft/min Output of standard 3” tube is 4 ft 3 /min Output of reduced 3/8” tube is ft 3 /min

Project Progress Assessment of mister performance Contact with Jim Campbell of Clean Air Solutions Created ideas for improvement Focused project goals Idea implementation Testing of redesign

What to do Make tubing inconspicuous and aesthetically pleasing Make breathability of mister comfortable to users Adapt output tube into microphone stand

How to do it Step output down to proper diameter –Bleed valve from output tube –Modify circuit board or fan Coating over circuit board Redirect condensation flow

Problems with plan Backup through fan opening –Creates condensation drip onto circuit board Flow through small hose diameter –Requires large power Difficulty breathing humidified air –Supersaturated air difficult to breath in already humid environment

How to fix problems Replace/modify fan Modify circuit board Protect circuit board Adjust condensation flow around board

Other potential uses Hospital room humidity regulation –Burn victim wards –Post pharynx surgery –Others possible through collaboration with Dr. Ed Stone/Vanderbilt Ear Nose and Throat Center –Non-microphone humidifier location