Testing Fixture for Fiber Optics Used in Sensors
Problem statement
The rise and rapid advancement of medical technology has been one of the leading contributors to the increasing average life expectancy of our population. Medical devices have had an impact on every person’s life, whether it be from a surgery, an insulin pump, or an x-ray. However, the potential for these medical devices to impact lives directly depends on how accurate these devices are. Medical devices have been under strict regulation by the FDA since 1976 in order to manage device inaccuracies and mitigate potential malfunctions [1]. In the medical field, all products need to be tested in accordance to these FDA and other company guidelines to ensure quality and accurate medical results. Boston Scientific adheres to these strict FDA guidelines in order to produce their medical equipment. One specific product, which utilizes a fiber optic sensor, follows these guidelines, but the testing procedure to ensure accurate readings for this product has been deemed inefficient and costly. One proposed solution to this inefficiency was to utilize a temporary fiber optic connection, however, there is no temporary fiber optic connection technology yet commercialized. Boston Scientific needs a fixture that can temporarily connect 3 fiber optics in order to test the functionality of an attached sensor. [1] “The FDA and the Regulation of Medical Device Innovation: Wharton Public Policy Initiative.” [Online]. Available: https://publicpolicy.wharton.upenn.edu/issue-brief/v4n2.php. [Accessed: 01-Oct-2019].
Team members
Rob Geissler – leader
Joe Geissler – communicator
Jake Duerst – accountant
Reed Doud – admin