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Transcript of Solving Hearing Problems1
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Facultatea de Design de Produs si Mediu
LUCRARE DE LICENTA
Absolvent: Rus Alexandru
Program de studii: IDP (lb. eng)
Conductor tiinific:
Prof. dr. eng. Anca BARSAN
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Contents
I. Documentation on hearing problems ................................................................. 3
Persona ..................................................................................................................................................... 6
Problem area ............................................................................................................................................ 7
Types of hearing aids ................................................................................................................................ 8
User requirement specification ............................................................................................................. 10
Types of solutions .................................................................................................................................. 11
Design arguments on esthetics, ergonomics and functionality ............................................................ 12
Environment context of use ................................................................................................................... 15
II. Product development .......................................................................................... 16
Product usability ..................................................................................................................................... 17
Design for manufacture and assembly .................................................................................................. 18
Product function ability system ............................................................................................................. 20
User testing ............................................................................................................................................. 23
III. Manufacturing final shape ................................................................................ 25
Evidence of prototype development considering aesthetics ................................................................ 27
Product aesthetics regarding color ......................................................................................................... 28
Failure mode and effects analysis ........................................................................................................... 29
Task analysis ............................................................................................................................................ 30
Product comparison ................................................................................................................................ 31
Life-Cycle Assessment ............................................................................................................................. 33
Exploded view of pillow ......................................................................................................................... 36
Technical 2D drawing .............................................................................................................................. 37
Finite element method ........................................................................................................................... 38
Instruction manual .................................................................................................................................. 39
Bluetooth T transmitter ......................................................................................................................... 42
Product design specification ................................................................................................................... 44
Risk assessment ...................................................................................................................................... 47
Sales ......................................................................................................................................................... 48
Market plan ............................................................................................................................................. 49
Intellectual property and community rights .......................................................................................... 50
Copy right and trademark ....................................................................................................................... 51
IV. Conclusions and personal contribution ....................................................... 52
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Exploded view of pillow
I. Documentation on hearing problems
Hearing loss, or other derivatives like deafness, hard of hearing is when a person loses
the ability to hear. If a person is usually born with a hearing problem is going to be hard or
impossible for him to develop he's language or can cause work related difficulties for adult, or
socializing problems for elderly.
Many factors can cause hearing problems, factors like: age, genetics, the country you live in, the
job, illness, chemicals and physical trauma. There are many test that should be done when
hearing is lost so that doctors can determine how severe the hearing loss is. the results usually
generated are expressed in decibels. Hearing loss is usually acquired by a person who at point
had no hearing impairment.
Causes of hearing problems
Usually as people grow elder they start
losing the ability to hear any high
frequencies. Men have a lead in the
bad way because the can start having
problems usually at the age of 25
while woman can start having hearing
problems at the age of 30, but may
young people are also affected, so we
can easily say that it does not matter
the age, nationality, or sex as long as
you are predispose to live in a bad
environment. Although genetically
variable it is a normal concomitant of
aging and is distinct from hearing
losses caused by noise exposure,
toxins or disease agents.
There are many ways you can prevent hearing
loss and in includes avoiding chemical agents,
loud noise, Preventing or taking care of the
hearing problem affects more than 10 percent of
the population. It caused moderate to severe
disability in 124 million people as of 2004
(108 million of whom are in low and middle
income countries). Of these 65 million
developed the condition during childhood.
Physicians are generally presented to cases
where people suffer for hearing problems all
across the world . Many people who have
hearing problems consider that it is more a
condition, not an illness. Treatments such as
cochlear implants have caused controversy in the
deaf community.
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Men are more likely than women to report having hearing loss.
One in eight people in the United States (13 percent, or 30 million) aged 12 years or older has
hearing loss in both ears, based on standard hearing examinations.
About 2 percent of adults aged 45 to 54 have disabling hearing loss. The rate increases to 8.5
percent for adults aged 55 to 64. Nearly 25 percent of those aged 65 to 74 and 50 percent of
those who are 75 and older have disabling hearing loss.
The NIDCD estimates that approximately 15 percent of Americans (26 million people) between
the ages of 20 and 69 have high frequency hearing loss due to exposure to noise at work or
during leisure activities.
Roughly 10 percent of the U.S. adult population, or about 25 million Americans, has experienced
tinnitus lasting at least five minutes in the past year.
Among adults aged 70 and older with hearing loss who could benefit from hearing aids, fewer
than one in three (30 percent) has ever used them. Even fewer adults aged 20 to 69
(approximately 16 percent) who could benefit from wearing hearing aids have ever used them.
Quick Statistics
Compiled by the
National Institute on
Deafness and Other
Communication
Disorders (NIDCD).
About 2 to 3 out of every
1,000 children in the
United States are born
with a detectable level of
hearing loss in one or
both ears.
More than 90 percent of
deaf children are born to
hearing parents.
Approximately 15% of
American adults (37.5
million) aged 18 and
over report some trouble
hearing.
In conclusion according to the National Institute of Deafness and
Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) America has a huge
number of people who suffer from hearing disorder and as shown
above in every year because of the sound pollution. A solution for
hearing lost are hearing aids they help in 94% of the cases as
shown in the pie chart. Most of the hearing aids in nowadays come
in many shapes that act with different types of frequencies.
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Epidemiology
Disability-adjusted life year for hearing loss (adult onset) per 100,000 inhabitants in 2004.
Because global hearing loss affect about ten percent of the population that means that
approximately 120 million people suffer from hearing problems. Globally hearing loss
affects about 10% of the population to some degree. It caused moderate to severe disability in
124.2 million people as of 2004 (107.9 million of whom are in low and middle income
countries). Of these 65 million acquired the condition during childhood. At birth ~3 per 1000
in developed countries and more than 6 per 1000 in developing countries have hearing problems.
It has been shown that as a fact the older you get you are more likely to suffer from hearing aid.
We have here a table that shows different jobs that can affect hearing.
Hearing Loss by Profession
no data
700
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Knowledge
Scial ComputerIncome levelTehnical knowledge
0246
Jan
Feb
Mar Ap
May Ju
July
Au
gSe
pt
Oct
No
vD
ecOut of the house
days
Persona
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Problem area
The result of the test show that, for most hearing
disabled individuals in the general population the common
hearing disabilities concern television and radio and general
conversation. The former is important from the standpoint of
planning services, particularly for the elderly hearing disabled,
for whom a grater orientation toward environmental aids
(assistive listening devices) is indicated . Such devices are
cheap, easy to install and are sometimes used by the oldest
groups instead of personal hearing-aids, whereas in others
they complement the use of personal hearing aids.
Environmental aids also have a unique role in helping
individuals having difficulties with telephone conversation,
telephone bells and doorbells.
On the left side we can see a chart made out
with the help of 12 people of different ages to see how
there herring on TV/ radio is affected. A number of other
specific complaints were reported similar to those found
in previous studies with the 'Problems Questionnaire'.
Age, social class, general health, smoking and the
individual's attitudes were found to influence the
pattern of response.
The Cardiff Health Survey included a question asking
whether the respondents had any difficulties with their
hearing and, if so, to specify the biggest difficulty. This self-
completed questionnaire was administered to 4,266
individuals randomly sampled from the electoral register of
Cardiff in 1986. 14.7% of those responding indicated a hearing
disability; and the main specific disabilities listed are
described. The commonest complaints were of difficulties
hearing the television and radio, and with general
conversation.
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Types of hearing aids
Type of users Advantage Disadvantage
BTE( Behind the ear) Is good for mainly all
the hearing problems
It is very durable
Batteries that have a
long life
Easy to use and
maintain
It can be seen
It is very
uncomfortable for
people who use sun
glasses
Mini BTE High frequency
hearing loss
Different models to
choose from
Easy to use
Can be use for any
other variations of
hearing aids
It can be seen
ITE ( In the ear) Mild - high
frequencies hearing
problems
One piece device
Easy to fit
Not very accurate at a
high frequency
ITC( In the canal) Mild to moderately-
hearing problems
Almost invisible for
the naked eye
Small scale hearing
aid device
Hard to control
because many people
with arthritis can't
operate it
CIC (Completely in
canal)
Moderate hearing
problems
Almost invisible for
the naked eye
Small scale hearing
aid device
Hard to maintain and
clean
Batteries have a short
life
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Common misconceptions about a hearing aid
Although awareness of the importance of hearing is growing, more people have difficulty in
perception of sounds in difficult acoustic environments, from an early enough age. Only a third
of the population is affected by hearing loss retirement age. Most patients are in school or
employed and nearly half of those hard of hearing are under 55 years old.
A hearing aid is a bad investment
Hearing aids are included in more modern segments prices and can meet the needs and budgets
of all patients. More importantly, considering the negative economic consequences of hearing
loss psychosocial and indirect costs of hearing loss are infinitely greater than the cost of a device
that will be used for years and can compensate for these effects.
A hearing aid "whiz" and is noisy
It is true that a hearing aid that provides sound amplification can cause feedback. However, due
to the elimination of feedback algorithms, modern digital cameras can provide a level of
amplification without that annoying feedback. In addition, DSP modes (Digital Signal
Processing) not only amplify sound, but the environment and adapts the listener is. These lead to
a better understanding in difficult conditions, at a hearing in noisy environments comfortable and
good sound quality when listening to music.
A hearing aid is large and unsightly
Hearing aids modern digital ergonomically designed and are available in several models, as
shown above. The latest models have various colors and can be matched with discreet hair color
or the user. Sound is transmitted to the ear through a thin tube and almost invisible.
General problems
Difficult to operate volume button because it's small
and some people have arthritis or have bad eye sight
and can't see the volume number settings. The off button witch after use many users forget to
turn it off and the battery runs of
Cheap models have an universal ear tube and most of
the time is vey uncomfortable and if the ear tube is
made so it can suit your ear perfectly it's expensive
Battery may be forgotten in the apparatus and
it can drain which will make the apparatus not
work any longer
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User requirement specification
User needs and wants are often expressed in a way that need some interpretation before being
useful Requirements are cataloged for primary(A) to secondary(B) to optional (C). The aim is to
convert these non-technical, non-quantified user needs and wants into a new set of products that
accomplish all the need of a consumer. Requirements can be defined in terms of objectives and
constraints (achievements and limitations). An objective is a requirement written in un-quantified
terms and a constraint is a requirement written in quantifiable terms
-A type requirement that are a must in a new design
-B secondary requirement in a new design
-C type are optional requirements for the new device
Light weight
Ergonomic shape
Good design
Comfortable to use
Not visible for other people
Easy to clean
Long time life batery
Easy to opperate
Working for all kinds of frequencies
A
B
C
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Types of solution
Ear ring with speakers Hat with speakers inside it Airplane pillow with
speakers
Ear ring with
speakers
Hat with
speakers inside
it
Airplane
pillow with
speakers
Product features 4 2 5
Product Overall Performance 2 4 5
Products Durability ,Construction and
Workmanship
4 2 2
Product performance claim 2 5 4
Operating instructions 3 3 5
Product ease of use 4 4 5
Safety hazards 4 2 4
Final score 23 22 30
Scale will be from 1 to 5 :
-1 will be minimum;
-5 will be maximum
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Design arguments on esthetics, ergonomics and functionality
Chose the most adequate shape user testing
Comfortable 5 3 5 4
Price 4 5 4 4
Easy to clean 5 4 4 4
Total nr of points 14 12 14 12
Scale will be from 1 to 5 :
-1 will be minimum;
-5 will be maximum
When we talk about ergonomics on pillows it's safe to say that memory foam is the best material to use. Memory foam was designed by NASA in 1965 for the airplane seats. Memory foam has the capacity to adapt to the to the pressure and heat that has been applied to it. The memory foam offers a comfortable stay and molds to the shape of the neck as you are watching television, and the big advantages is that is easy to clean by hand.
Specifications
Bluetooth stereo head set lets you listen to music or answer phones calls wirelessly.
A light weight and comfortable design for all day listening. High- quality speakers deliver crisp and rich sound. Speaker impedance: 32 ohm Transfer distance: 10M
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Implementing the best solution
The solution is to focus on the mail area of the problem as shown in the Cardiff chart and we can
notice that hearing problems start at the age of 40 and can affect anyone and it aggravates when
you are 60 or over. The mail problem occurs it the TV area , radio and door bell. We can create
a pillow that has already speakers incorporated so that the user can listen the TV throughout his
pillow while he is comfortably staying in his bed/sofa/chair. The pillow is going to receive
signal throughout a Bluetooth device inside it which is activated by a pressure button when the
user is fitting the pillow on his neck the pressure button activates and it automatically connects
to the Bluetooth on the TV and it start emitting sound in to the year of the user.
A charger is needed because the Working Time of the speakers 5 hrs. it's a simple way to charge you aid pillow while you are sleeping eating or doing any other activities except watching the television.
Bluetooth transmitter for TV
Audio Interface: 3.5mm/0.14in
Working Distance Range: approx 10m/33 feet
Enable you to enjoy music and voice in the Bluetooth-enabled
multimedia or music player wirelessly with a companion
Bluetooth Stereo headset
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The pillow will be made out of the following items:
- a Bluetooth device that will connect to the television,
-a smart TV that will have a compatible Bluetooth,
-a depositing space for the remote control
-2 fully functional HD speakers
-ergonomic features
-A charging device
-Long lasting batteries
-Pressure activation button
Final render
Ergonomic shape to support
the neck
Bluetooth device to receive
signal from the TV
High quality speakers for best
sound quality at all frequencies
Extra depositing space for
remote control
Pressure button to active
the speaker
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Environment context of use
Physical:
Visual conditions: Normal, the product in being used in the house where the illumination
conditions are good;
Auditory conditions: Normal, product is being used in the house the noise will affect the
performance of the product;
Thermal conditions: Normal, product being use in the house where the humidly is in the normal
parameters;
Vibrations: Will not affect the product, because vibrations are not a factor while using the
product;
Layout: The user will test the product only staying in a couch of other furniture which involves a
holding stance like chairs, beds, sofa, etc.
Social:
Social interaction is going to occurs when the pillow will be used in the room with other people
or when it will be used to communicate with other people throughout: Skype, Messenger,
telephone, etc.
Presence of other people will be reduced ;
Culturally: the product should not have a negative perception;
Privacy: Most of the action performed while using the product will be done in isolated places;
Status: The product will be used by one individual at a time.
Goals and Concerns
Goals:
To make the product easy to understand;
Take the user only 2-3 minutes to put in function the device;
Make the device easy to connect to the TV;
Make the pillow as comfortable and ergonomic as possible ;
Concerns:
Will the user understand the product?
What will be the most effective instruction to give before using the product written, audio, video
or photographic?
Will they manage to turn on the device and pair the television with the headphones?
Will the product be comfortable ?
Will it be easy to charge?
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II. Product development
Generic development process
Plan=> Concept Development=> System-Level design => Detailed Design=> Testing and
Refinements=> Launch product
Process involved in developing the product:
It goes from marketing and thinking if there is a safe market for the product, in my case
the product has a huge range of users because the pillow can be used in home for watching TV
to use as a hearing device for a telephone conversation, used in the car as a new product that can
replace the head rest to configure it so that the user can take telephone calls and/or listen to
music as he wishes.
The product in my case the speaker pillow must be made ergonomically for the user and have an
appealing color and an attractive design
Manufacturing is easy because the pillow needs only to be fitted, adapt speakers at the certain
position and stitch the velour cover of the pillow
Working from the initial sketches to advanced and rationalize prototypes
The initial sketch had 2 speakers a per formant
Bluetooth device to capture signal from over 10
meters a ergonomic pillow and a special pocket for
the TV remote control. After analyzing and user
testing the product the special pocket for the remote
was not necessarily, because in makes the pillow
heavier and is hard to fit and does not look right. The
2 speakers that initially were in the design where
changed with a Bluetooth headset , which made the
product easier to manufacture and more ergonomic
and lighter. The pillow from the initial design had
also had a pressure button inside the pillow which I
had removed it and attached a turn on/off button
which has LED lights green/red to help to understand
when the speakers are on, and in makes a double beep
son as well when you turn it in, and It's a big button
so it can be user friendly for the people who suffer
from arthritis .
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Product usability
The idea of a pillow with speakers it's a great way to implement functionality in many
environments and surroundings.
The pillow can be implemented and have many benefic function from using it in hospital to
using it in a room with other people when you don't want to disturb other persons, in a cinema, in
a game simulation room, in wheel chairs for people who have disabilities. It can be used in many
locations for different activities offering users a better stance and a better sound quality.
It can be implemented in chairs to
assure people a ergonomic stance
while working at the computer with
the help of the ergonomic shaped
pillow. The Bluetooth system and the
headphone connection will help while
having a conversation throughout
different social communication
applications like: Skype, Messenger,
Facebook, etc. (fig 1)
Fig 1
The pillow can also be implemented in the
headrest of a car without obligating the drivers
who want to talk on the phone. A Bluetooth ear
device can be unbearable after a certain point and
you have to look all the time for it to assure the
fact that you are not forgetting it and it cannot be
used by other people because it is not hygienic.
From the new shape of the pillow it will assure a
better stance for the driver and a better support for
the neck in the case of a lateral collision (Fig. 2).
And another advantage is that the Bluetooth
pillow will not need batteries because it can get
charged directly from the battery of the car.
Fig 2
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Design for manufacture and assembly
DFMA is a technique in nowadays to help create and launch a product in the marker, to improve
any cost and efficiency. Studies related to DFMA provide guidance to the design team and
simplifying the product structure, to reduce manufacturing and assembly cost, and to do quality
improvements and include any other improvements that are needed. Attention to detail is going
to affect the total cost of the product, not implement a new design if the functions of the product
have to suffer. It is important to understand that a new design must be compared to the existing
products.
An design engineers job is to understand DFMA and its effects on :
-creating a product easy to understand
-cost reduction, less parts to manufacture, receive and design
-more energy efficient regarding the fact that there are less parts to manufacture
-easy to assemble, reducing the total nr of hours for the assembling workers
-get the best price without losing quality
Porposed design
Establishing manufacture cost
Reduce cost of assembly/components/production
Consider the modification to not affect the intial design
Recompute de cost
Aproval
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1) Estimate manufacturing cost
Cost must include raw material, purchased components, employs effort, energy, equipment.
One ergonomic pillow will cost 10 euro, 2 speakers with Bluetooth will cost around 20 euro,
charger is going to cost 5 euro and manufacturing of the product is going to take 4 hours to adapt
the speakers in the pillow, do all the right stitching, test the product before being lunched, test
quality of the speakers, and pack the product .
A Bluetooth adaptor system for the television is 25 euro. Other cost including shipping differ
from where the product is to where the product needs to be shipped.
The total cost of the system is 80 euro for the TV pack , and for the normal pack for only the
pillow will cost 55 euro.
2) Reduce the cost of the components
Redesign components to eliminate processing steps: reducing the number of processing steps
generally results in lower costs too. Choose appropriate economic scale for part process. Reduce
the product that are not needed. Standardize components and processes.
Manufacturing system
Equipment Information Tooling
Raw
Materials
Labor
Purchased
Components
Finished Good
Energy Supplies Services
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3) Reduce cost of assembly
Design for assembly (DFA) is a well-known subset of DFM that involves minimizing the cost of
assembly, for most products, assembly contributes relatively small fraction of the total cost.
However, DFA yields strong indirect benefits.
Maximize ease of assembly
-Parts are going to be self align the pillow with the speakers
-pars don't need specific orientation because they are going to fix specifically in there one place
-product needs only 2 processes that is introducing the speakers and stitching the pillow
-assembly needs no special tools except a sticking machine
-customer does not need to assemble anything .
4) Reduce the cost of supporting production
Minimize systemic complexity: a tally of complexity drivers can be produced scoring various
design options, with drivers including: number of new parts, new vendors, custom parts, new
major tooling, new production process.
5)Impact on the product after DFM decisions
The product must maintain at the best quality it's functions and not diminish the design, function
ability and ergonomics of the product. And it is important to know that the workers jobs are easy
and have simple steps in creating the product so that it will reduce the time of manufacturing
which will enable them to manufacture more products at the same high quality standards. And
the packaging would be doe as well in an eco friendly appealing box that will minimize the
handling of the product as much as possible.
Product function ability system
Bluetooth technology :
Bluetooth wireless technology (BWT) was developed in 1994 by Ericsson in Sweden. The
original purpose of BWT was to eliminate the need for proprietary cable connections between
devices such as PDAs and notebook PCs. Although infrared communication existed at the time,
it required line-of sight contact. Therefore, Ericsson chose to use an inexpensive, low-power
radio built into each device, making it possible to wirelessly connect devices through walls and
other nonmetallic materials. After Ericsson began work on BWT, the concept blossomed into a
radio technology that simultaneously connects several devices in a wireless personal area
network (WPAN).
BWT-enabled devices operate in the unrestricted 2.4-gigahertz (GHz) Industrial, Science,
Medical (ISM) band. The ISM band ranges between 2.400 GHz and 2.483 GHz. BWT-enabled
devices use seventy-nine 1-megahertz frequencies (from 2.402 to 2.480 GHz) in the ISM band as
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21
shown in Figure 1. BWT-enabled devices use a technique called frequency hopping to minimize
eavesdropping and interference from other networks that use the ISM band. With frequency
hopping, the data is divided into small pieces called packets. The transmitter and receiver
exchange a data packet at one frequency, and then they hoop to another frequency to exchange
another packet. They repeat this process until all the data is transmitted. BWT devices randomly
hop between frequencies up to 1600 times per secondmuch faster than other types of devices
that use the ISM band. This means that if another device, such as a 2.4-GHz cordless phone,
interferes with a BWT network at a particular frequency, the interference only lasts for about
1/1600 of a second until the BWT devices hop to another frequency. This gives BWT networks a
high immunity to interference from other 2.4-GHz devices. There are three classes of BWT radio
devices, each with a different maximum range: Class 1 (100 meters); Class 2 (50 meters); and
Class 3 (10 meters). HP notebooks feature Class 3 BWT radios, and HP printers feature Class 1
radios.
BWT network topologies BWT-enabled devices form network topologies called piconets and
scatter nets. A piconet consists of up to eight BWT-enabled devices (Figure 2). When a piconet
is established, one device sets the frequency-hopping pattern and the other devices synchronize
their signals to the same pattern. The device that sets the frequency-hopping pattern is called the
primary device and the other devices are called secondary devices. Each piconet has a different
frequency-hopping pattern to differentiate its signals from the signals of other piconets.
A scatternet is formed when two or more piconets are linked by a common BWT-enabled device
(Figure 3). When a device is present in multiple piconets, it synchronizes to the master of each
piconet with which it is currently communicating and sets the hopping pattern of the piconet in
which it is the master.
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Establishing BWT connections This section describes how to establish BWT connections using
your notebook PC, iPAQ Pocket PC, printer, and cellular phone. The first step is to activate
BWT functionality on each device. Then, you can select the services (profiles) that your device
will make available to other BWT-enabled devices. If you decide to operate your device in
secure mode, you must pair the device with another BWT-enabled device before they can
interoperate.
Pairing is a bonding procedure that allows you to avoid entering access information each time
two devices establish a connection. If Secure Connection is enabled, devices will pair
automatically the first time they connect (a password, or passkey, must be successfully
exchanged). When you pair two devices, they generate and store a common link key so that you
do not need to enter the passkey. Paired devices exchange encrypted data that cannot be
deciphered by unauthorized devices. The devices remain paired even when One of the devices
is not powered on. A service connection is interrupted or the service is stopped. One or both
of the devices are restarted. You can manually pair your device with another connected device by
right-clicking the device icon in My Bluetooth Places and selecting Pair Device from the shortcut
menu. To unpair a device, rightclick the device icon in My Bluetooth Places, and then select
Unpair Device from the shortcut menu. For my project I will need a Bluetooth transmitter type
V3.0 to assure that the sound from the television is transmitter so that the headphones can
capture it. like in the figures shown bellow.
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23
User Testing
What is user testing?
As the scientist Nielsen J. said:" Usability testing is a technique used in user centered interaction
designed to evaluate a product by testing it on users. This can be seen as a irreplaceable usability
practice, since it gives direct input on how real users use the system. "
Why is it useful?
User testing is really useful because it lets the designer to figure out the problems that a product has in
order for us to improve product usability. Usability consist in effectiveness, efficiency, satisfaction of
the user.
One of the biggest benefits of user testing is that you can see where your users encounter
problems and get stuck. For example: Confusing or misleading navigation; Problems signing in
or creating an account; Buttons dont work on mobile devices; Inaccurate search results;
As Michael McWatters said, Actual humans will expose problems youve failed to identify during your design and development process. Even the best teams cant predict every possible pitfall.
Keep in mind that your real users will be using your product on different devices, while theyre distracted, multi-tasking, and on the go. So the way they interact with your productand the problems they encounterwill be different from the issues youll find when you test it on your own, with your team, in your office.
In the first graphic the users where challenged to do a series of tests in order for me to
understand what are the flaws regarding my product, all the users had problems paring the
Bluetooth device, turning it on and off and charging it was impossible as the confirmed. On this
chart 100 means easy to use and understand , and 0 means impossible to understand operate.
In order to verify if the product is: easy to understand, desirable, and functional; you need to test
the product. The purpose of testing the product is to evaluate a product by the target consumer
and improve the product. The users had ages between 22-81. In all the cases the product was
tested and the results where diversified. All the users said that the product is comfortable but the
sound is not received directly in the ear earphones are not at the same level as their ear. Other
problems include the fact that the pillow was ergonomic but not ergonomic enough. Esthetically
taking the color of the pillow is not attractive, not even the shape it is a normal airplane pillow
"U" shaped it does not motivate them to give any attention to but the pillow. Another problem
was that the on/off button was inaccessible, and the headphones could not be adjusted for
different types of persons.
After finding out that the users had so many problems in so many levels I was required to change
the product drastically, so that they can actually use the product.
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User 1
User 2
User 30
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Paring Bluetooth
Turning On/Off Charging Waching Tv
Taling on the phone
User 1
User 2
User 3
The height of the pillow does not allow the headphones to
be at the proper height so it can adjust to the ears The end of the headphones is not visible so that the
headphones do not emit high quality sound and the buttons
for : volume, forward, backwards, on/off are not visible , and
the headphones cannot be adjusted.
The color is not adequate because it is not an eye ketches
that was the main argument brought. So that the new pillow
will come in different color varieties.
The photos here show
how 2 out of the 3 users
tested the product while
talking on the phone,
and watching TV, and
other tests that include
necessary activities in
order to understand the
product activities like:
paring the Bluetooth
device, Turning on/off
the headphones,
charging the batteries.
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25
III. Manufacturing final shape
Taking in consideration that the product need sever transformation I took in consideration all the
aspects regarding the ergonomics functionality, usability, desirability and created a new design
that will guarantee more satisfaction to the user. From the initial pillow I had to do some
adjustments so that the pillow is going to be offer a better neck support. So the pillow was
trimmed( as you can see from image 1 to image 2) and inside of it was created a space that will
fit the headphones. After the headphones were fitted into the pillow (Img.3) the first part of the
manufacturing the product was completed.
In order to complete the pillow I had to buy another pillow so that I could create a higher pillow
that will offer a better neck support. And after putting them one above another(Img.4), the final
step was to fit the pillow with a organic material that has an eye catching color(Img.5). In order
to make the product more appealing the protecting sponge of the headphones was fitted with the
same material as the pillow so that it would stand out (Img6).
After the product was finished all the improvements could be easily noticed. Now the
earphones: can be charged(Img.7) , are adjustable(Img.8) and can be manipulated (Img.9).
Product improvement
After the user testing was done, the product needed to be drastically modified from the initial
shape to a new one.
Img 1. Img 2. Img. 3
Img 4. Img 5. Img. 6
Img 7. Img. 8 Img. 9
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26
As we can see all the main activities where understood and where easy to do this time because
the product was reshaped in a way that it can be fictional, usable and desirable. So that activities
like watching the TV, charging, talking on the phone, pairing devices, and turning it on and off
can be possible.
0102030405060708090
100
User 1
User 2
User 3
Initial design Second design Final design
The new product went again through
the same new tests and the results where
drastically changed. The user said it offers
more comfort and is more ergonomic. The
sound quality is better than before. Other
comments included facts like: the product
now has a better design, is more appealing.
The product now is easy to operate and
manipulate. At the second user testing the
tester did test the product while watching
the TV, listening to the radio and having a
telephone conversation. The product had a
good feedback, the users where completely
pleased with the product.
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27
Evidence of prototype development considering aesthetics
When the first product was done it was more efficient if you take in consideration the labor that
you put in to create the product, but if had to many down sizes like ergonomics, color,
functionality, usability. It was impossible to operate the initial headphone(fig.1) so on the new
product(fig.2) we can see that the pillow is fully operable and the headset is visible so it can be
fully operable. So it is a bigger investment but now we have a fully operable product, which is
functional, usable, desirable.
After user testing I had found out that they don't
want something that scream out. The users want a
ergonomic pillow and the only preferences they have
is when is related to the shape of the pillow and the
variety of colors the come in. I had came up with a
large variation of colors and materials for the cover
and a more balanced look on the pillow so that it will
fit the user's needs. And from the shown image we
can see that is important that a product has the
following three characteristics: Functionality,
usability and desirability.
Desirable
Usable
Functional
(Fig1) Usable , Functional (Fig2) Usable , Functional, Desirable
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28
Product aesthetics regarding color
The products aesthetics needed to have range of variation when talking about colors, so I created
using Photoshop a range of colors that can be suitable for the pillow. I used standard colors that
will make the product fit in the room and suit with the rooms design. Due to user feedback it was
necessarily to create different colors for the product, and here is a list of the colors that will be
adequate for the product.
Light green Yellow Orange
Magenta Bright Red Purple
Light Blue Baby Blue Blue
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29
Failure mode and effects analysis
The process helps identify potential areas of failure in a potential product (concept), existing
product or one in development (design) and a manufacturing process (process). It then allows
these potential failures to be ranked in terms of the severity of failure, likelihood of failure and
how easy or difficult it is to detect the failure.
Three types:
-Functional;
-Design;
-Process;
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30
Task analysis
People interact with products to achieve their goals in this case the gold is to watch the television
and hear what is transmitting through a pillow . Users achieve their goals with products through
performing a number of interactions. Each interaction the user performs with a product can be
referred to as a task. It is the experience of performing these tasks in relation to the desired goal
that mostly determines the success of your design.
A task analysis allows you to systematically identify the range of interactions required by the
intended users in order to achieve their goal with your product this is useful as:
- Helps to identify aspects of a product that may be difficult/problematic to use;
- Helps to identify where use error may occur;
- Helps to identify where interactions can be enhanced to ensure the desired design intent /
experience of using the product is achieved.
An extra step is to charge the device after a day of use the battery will las normally from 9 to 12
hours.
To many steps in a product might make it hard to understand for the user also making the
product hard to understand. My product has 9 steps, which have a chronological order, so it will
make it easy for the user. The fewer the task steps, and the lower the demand/effort required so
the easier the product will be to use
Open content
Press start button on pillow
Plug in bluettoth transmiter to TV
Before
Pull pillow under neck
Adjust spekers
Watch TV
During Remove pillow from
neck
Press stop button
Turn of television
After
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31
Product comparison
In nowadays designers have created a product for mainly any problem that occurred to the
human in its existence and now we are only trying to improve the initial design, and remake and
innovate products. I searched the internet and found products that had similar functions and
purpose. I had made some assumptions regarding the pillows that are already on the market
based on the comments and the feedback I received from user testers. I had used the Benchmark
test and the comparison test in order to get a realistic result.
1 2 3 4 5
Product
features
Product
overall
performance
Product
durability,
construction
workmanship
Product
performance
in different
situations
Operating
instructions
Ease of use
Safety
hazards
Price
Total 31 24 27 26 17
The stars where accorded to the pillow based on the description of the product on the internet.
My pillow (1) has an ergonomic shape a 3.0 Bluetooth which can transmit to over 15 meters, the
batteries last for 4 to 8 hours, it is easy to operate, you need to know only 2 commands. The
price is 50 euro.
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32
The second pillow contains two built-in 3 inch speakers, with a visco-elastic foam interior and
plush micro-suede exterior to place to cradle your neck. It uses an AC adapter or six D batteries.
iPillow also has a special pouch to hold your mp3 player, and a large rotary volume control on
the side.
Price is $75 at Brookstone.
The third pillow (3) features:
1. Bluetooth Pairing
2. Pick up/end call
3. Volume control
4. Mute
5. Redialing
6. 8 hrs talk time
7. 300 hrs standby
8. LED indicators for operating/charging status and Bluetooth
9. Microphone
10. Loudspeaker
11. Ergonomic shape
12. Washable coat
13. Inner rechargeable battery with 220 volt charging unit
14. Size: 54 x 33 x 13 cm
The "PurCushion" can already be pre-ordered from Urban Tool for 349 Euros (about $531
USD).
The forth pillow (4) is called the "Neck pillow speakers" and it features Materials: Toweling,
Lycra, Polystyrene, Polyester & ABS Dimension: 29cm x 33cm x 10cmPacking window fabric
bag Color: Grey * micro beads filling* 2 x speakers* plug & play with iPod, MP3, laptop/PC
and others audio devices.* no batteries required FREQUENCY RANGE 150-16kHz, VOICE
COIL IMPEDANCE 8ohm MAX, SOUND PRESSURE 2W + 2W RMS, CABLE LENGTH
120cm, AUDIO PLUG DIAMETER 0.35cm. Price is 22.50 USD.
The fifth pillow (5) has a built-in speaker allows you to listen to music in bed without disturbing
your partner. An embedded speaker produces crisp, clear sound that's only audible to the person
lying on the pillow. The speaker is virtually undetectable inside of the pillow to ensure a
comfortable sleeping surface. The pillow's 46"-long stereo cord connects to an iPod, Smart
Phone, or any device with a 3.5 mm audio port. The pillow has a smooth 180 thread-count 100%
cotton cover and soft hypoallergenic polyester fill. Spot clean. 26" L x 20" W x 4" D. (1 1/2 lbs.).
Price 29.95 USD.
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33
Life-Cycle Assessment
Life cycle analysis is a system which analyses the products emissions within its life time, from
raw materials, manufacture, use and disposal. Within each stage energy is used to product a
material, need for transportation, manufacture of the product etc. The overall emissions which it
will create are not environmentally friendly, this will be a ending factor which will happen for
every product as its impossible to produce a item without using energy. However it's possible to
reduce the factors which add up emissions such as CO2, NO2, SOX and other, by using eco
friendly and sustainable methods, that can reduce the overall pollution.
As stated in the Product Design Specification, my product will follow all the regulations, this
will ensure the product is safe to discard and parts can be replaced or used for different purposes.
Logistics
Term used to apply more to the military: organising services & supplies to complex operations
Now an alternative name for supply chain management
Reduce cost, time, and inefficiencies at each stage in the supply chain
Newest developments include lean supply chain management doing more with less and increasingly of late lean & green supply chain management
1990 1195 19961197
19981999
20002001
2002
Transport via pipeline
Tubes and trams
Taxis & minicabs
Railways
Buses and coaches Water transport
Road freight Air transport
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
millio
n t
on
nes o
f carb
on
dio
xid
e e
qu
ivale
nt
date
transport type
Carbon Dioxide emissions from UK transport industryCarbon Dioxide emissions from Romania's transport industry
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34
Transportation:
In order to transport a product we need to understand all the possible solutions and adopt the
most appropriate one.
My product will require materials to be produced in other countries due to being cost effective
and being faster to make. China is the main country which produces cheap and efficient products
these days, this is due to low labor cost. Producing abroad saves time and money in mass
production scales. My product will require materials to be produced in USA, China and EU, all
to be assembled in China and sent back to the EU for sale. The miles which each transport trip
are kilometers.
-China to Romania 8.230 km;
This distance depends on the companies which I decide to manufacture from and what facilities
they have for the sake of argument materials produced in USA, Germany , Denmark may be the
Bluetooth headphone and the fabric in Romania. It would be cost effective to send those pars
directly to China for assembly to be made and then sent back to Romania. This will save money
and cost for shipping if the bulk of material is sent to the location directly. The method of
shipping may change due to the type of product which is manufactured, if a prototype is shipped
it would be shipped by flight due to being cheaper than a ship. The same goes for large amounts
of products, they would be shipped by a shipping gate to be more efficient in cost.
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003
Mopeds & motorcyclesCivil aircraft
RailwaysShipping
BusesLight duty vehicles
International aviationInternational shipping
HGVsPassenger cars
0.0
100.0
200.0
300.0
400.0
500.0
600.0
700.0
800.0
em
issio
ns b
y t
ho
usan
d t
on
nes
year
vehicle type
Emissions of Nitrogen oxides by transport type (UK)
Nitrogen Oxide emissions from Romania's transport industry
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35
In order to create a efficient product in must have the four R's.
-To recycle the product in any method and way, this will reduce the need to manufacture new
parts for a product and save material and cost while manufacturing a new product.
-To repair the product if broken or damaged if possible, this will save the product from being
thrown away and to be re-used again.
-To reuse the product in any other manner when broken, relating to my product the user is able to
use the pillow as a standard pillow.
-To rethink the product and make it more sustainable and friendly manner of designing the
product if it reduced the emissions it's creates then it makes it a better product for the
environment.
My design will flow these four R's when manufactured for the public it will dramatically decrease
the cost for material and will make the product more sustainable. For my product I will list down
the energy CO2, NoX, SoX which my product may produce, this will include transportation of the
materials to assembly points around the world such as China to Romania.
Materials Weight Energy Co2 No2 So2
Pillow ( Memory foam) 0.245 kg 21.02 0.9 1.2 0.87
Headphone
support(ABS)
0.112kg 18.43 1.1 1.3 0.95
Wire(Copper) 0.010kg 0.088 7.2 6.8 7.9
Packaging (PVC) 0.3 19.3 3.1 2.8
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36
Exploded view of pillow
An exploded view drawing is a
diagram, picture, schematic or technical
drawing of an object, that shows the
relationship or order of assembly of various
parts.
It shows the components of an object slightly
separated by distance, or suspended in
surrounding space in the case of a three-
dimensional exploded diagram. An object is
represented as if there had been a small
controlled explosion emanating from the middle
of the object, causing the object's parts to be
separated an equal distance away from their
original locations.
The exploded view drawing is used in parts
catalogs, assembly and maintenance manuals
and other instructional material.
An exploded view drawing is a type of drawing,
that shows the intended assembly of mechanical
or other parts. It shows all parts of the assembly
and how they fit together. In mechanical
systems usually the component closest to the
center are assembled first, or is the main part in
which the other parts get assembled. This
drawing can also help to represent the
disassembly of parts, where the parts on the
outside normally get removed first.
Exploded diagrams are common in
descriptive manuals showing parts placement,
or parts contained in an assembly or sub-
assembly. For my project is shown how the top
pillow goes on top of the headphones and the
headphone go on the second pillow and after
that the pillow is covered in material.
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37
Technical 2 D drawing
There's no surprise that drawing in 3D is used more commonly these days. 3D is much easier to
get started with, and more user friendly for people who might not have a deeper knowledge of
drawing in 2D or know how projection lines should align in the different views. Still 3D isn't
always the easiest and quickest way forward.
Sometimes simple 2D schematic plans or drawings say everything you need to know. Moreover,
AutoCAD has wonderful and easy to use features that enable you to quickly get the job done by
hide/show, lock different layers or use standard patterns and components specific to the industry
you're working in.
With the support of major industries, like civil and electrical engineering, drawing 2D is
definitely in the scheme for years to come.
I created with the help of the program CATIA v5R19 a 2 D technical drawing that is normally
supposed to be on a A0 page so that the drawing can be on 1:1 scale. I have attached a Bottom
view, a left view and a front view. There was no need for a right view cause it's the same with
the left view and a top view was not necessarily cause on the front view were dimensioned each
and every point of the product. All the dimension are clearly defined.
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38
Finite element method
The only product that will be put
under stress is going to be the
headphones, at each and every
use the will have a stress applied
in order to fit them to the ears. In
order to analyze the stress I had
created a replica of the
headphone respecting the
dimensions of the actual
headphones and the material
used in order to create the real
headphones. I did in Catia a
series of tests in order to find out
if the headphones will resist
under pressure. I have applied a
force of 500 N which is equal to a
force of 50 kg of pressure for
each part of the headphone, in
order to demonstrate that the
product will resist in time. In fig
1 was realized a Von Misses
analysis which shows a scalar
stress value and the red surface
area shows where the stress gets
to the maximum point, for a 500
N pressure. In figure 2 we have a
new displacement representation
called a traditional displacement.
And in the third representation
we have a estimated local error
figure.
fig 1
fig 2
fig 3
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39
Instruction manual
When a product in launched in the open market it needs to have an instruction manual which will
be easy to understand, a website where you can get additional information and if possible video
clips to show how the product can be used and show all its functions. The manual should also be
written in all the languages, so that it could be understood by all the buyers from around the
world.
The led indicator will show:
a) Charging status
Led indicator Status of the headset
Red led is on Charging
Red led is off Finished charging
b) In use
Led indicator Status of the headset
Red and blue led blink alternately Pairing
Blue led blinks every 3 second Non-conversation
Blue led gradually turns on and off Conversation
1: Retractable string
2:""Key: Next song
4: Led indicator
5: " " Multifunctional Button (MFB): answer, end reject call,
pause and play
6:"-" Key, volume down
7:"+" Key, volume up
8: Charging port
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40
How to use
Listen to music, TV, radio:
A: Switching on/off headset:
Switch on: press and hold MFB for 5 seconds, blue led light is on for 1 second, you can hear
"Do" tune
Switch off: press and hold MFB for 5 seconds, red led light is on for 1 second, you can hear
"Do" tune
B: Pairing the headset with Bluetooth devices:
a) how to enter paring mode
Be sure BHT-201 is in power status firs, press and hold the MFB for 5 seconds, till red and blue
led blink alternately, or if you hear the indication of the sound "DO DO" twice, then release the
MFB button, then the unit will pair.
b) Pairing the headset with Bluetooth devices :
Make the headset enter into pairing mode( please refer to "how to enter paring mode").
After searched, select "BTH-201" in the device list
According to indication, enter the password "0000" if needed. And press "connect" when
successful connecting, the red led from the headset will quickly blink twice, then the green led
lighting every 4 seconds.
Remark: Make sure that your devise has Bluetooth function.
Answer Calling
Switch on the headset and make sure in the well connection with mobile phone. Here is the table
for operations.
Function Status of headset Operation
Answer calling Ringing Short press MFB
Volume up Conversation mode Short press or long
Press "+" key, when the
volume is adjusted to
Maximum, you will hear an
indication tone
Volume down Conversation mode Short press or long press "-"
key, when the volume is
adjusted to Minimum, you
will hear an indication tone.
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41
How to wear the headset:
The string of headset is retractable, please adjust according to your comfortable size, logo "L"
means left ear and "R" means right ear.
Charging the headset:
Insert the USB charging cable into port of PC.
Connect charging cable with the charging port of headset.
When the red light is on, the headset is charging.
When the red light is off, the headset is charging fully.
Re-connecting the Bluetooth device
A) Automatic connecting
Every time the headset is switched on, it will connect to the nearest and the las connected device
automatically.
When the headset is in standby mode and doesn't connect to any device, short press MFB button,
it will connect to last connected device automatically.
Specification
Bluetooth version V3.0+EDR
Support Bluetooth profile HSP,HFP,A2DP,AVRCP
Standard battery Build in rechargeable 300 mAh lithium
battery
Music play time Max 10 hours
Standby time 250 hours
Charging time 3 hours
Talk time 10 hours
Dimension 14.5*10*6 cm
Weight 112 g
Operating range 10 meteres
Frequency 2429 MHz-2480MHz ISM Ban
Microphone specification -42dB
Input Dc 5V
Accessories User manual and USB cable
Warning
Read Safety instructions before making volume changes
Safe use depends on exposure time and volume levels
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42
Bluetooth T transmitter
Getting started
1. Parts Checklist Check the contents of the box the device should contain: Bluetooth transmitter, AC Charger, RCA Cable & User Manual
2. Charging the Bluetooth T transmitter
The device comes with a built-in rechargeable battery. Before using it for the first time, it is
recommended to charge the battery fully. When the device is low on power, the red LED will
flash. This will be the time to recharge the battery.
Connect the charger to a standard power outlet and the charger connector to the charging jack of the device. The Red LED will be on during charging. It takes about 3 hours to charge the battery fully. When charging is complete, the red LED will be off. You can safely leave the power supply plugged into the device at all times so there is no need to re-charge. Note: Please dont attempt to take the battery out of the device as this may damage the device. Warning:
1)The battery is recyclable.
2)Do not dispose of the battery in fire, as it may cause explosion.
3. Attaching the device to your Television or Primary Device Before attaching to your device, refer to the device user manual for information on the audio output jack. The device must be connected to an analog audio out jack. Attaching to a 3.5mm Headset Jack: Plug the 3.5mm plug into the 3.5mm Headset Jack on located on your TV. Refer to your TV User Manual for location of the headset jack. The volume of the headset jack will be controlled by the TVs volume control unless the TV has independent controls for the headset jack.
1. About the Bluetooth T transmitter The device is a Bluetooth stereo transmitter. The music from your MP3, PC and other devices can be transmitted wirelessly to your Bluetooth stereo receiver with it.
The device has built-in rechargeable battery and can be used for 9-10 hours on a fully charged battery. You can safely leave the power supply plugged into the device at all times so there is no need to re-charge.
2. Overview
1)LED indicator
2)3.5 mm audio in plug
3) Charging jack
1
2 3
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43
Attaching to an Analog RCA Audio Out Jack on the primary device that is connected to your cable (cable box, DVD player or TV itself): 1. Connect the red and white connectors of the RCA cable to the red and white jacks on the TV or primary device. 2. Connect the 3.5mm plug of the device into the black 3.5mm jack on the RCA cable. Attaching to your MP3 player or other Sound Output Device Plug the 3.5mm plug into the 3.5mm Headset Jack on your audio device. The device is designed to be used with STEREO devices. If you are attaching the device to a mono audio device, you must use a 3.5mm mono-to-stereo adapter. After the Bluetooth T transmitter connects to a Bluetooth stereo receiver, you can enjoy audio wirelessly. Before pairing, please make sure your Bluetooth stereo receiver supports Bluetooth A2DP profile. The pairing steps are as follows:
1) Make sure the Bluetooth T transmitter is off, otherwise switch it off; 2) Keep the Bluetooth T transmitter and your Bluetooth stereo receiver within 5 feet; 3) Switch on your Bluetooth stereo receiver and make it enter pairing mode; 4) Press and hold the Bluetooth T transmitter MFB for 79 seconds and release it when
the red and blue LEDs flash alternately. At this time, the Bluetooth T transmitter has entered pairing mode;
5) The Bluetooth T transmitter will automatically search for the Bluetooth stereo receiver and finish the connection;
6) After successful connection, the blue LED of the Bluetooth T transmitter flashes once or twice every 4 seconds.
Care and maintenance: Before using the Bluetooth T transmitter, please read the following recommendations, it will help you to enjoy the product for many years.
Do not expose the product to liquid, moisture or humidity to avoid the products internal circuit being affected.
Do not expose the product to extremely high or low temperature as this will shorten the life of electronic devices, destroy the battery or distort certain plastic parts.
Dont use abrasive cleaning solvents to clean the product. Dont dispose of the product in a fire as it will result in an explosion. Dont expose the product to contact with sharp objects as this will cause scratches and damage.
Dont let the product fall down onto the floor. The internal circuit might get damaged
Specifications:
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44
Product design specification
A product design specification (PDS) is a statement of what a not-yet-designed product intends
to do. It is aimed do ensure that subsequent design and development of a product meets the
need of the user: Product design specification is o of the elements that is necessary in creating a
proper product lifecycle management of the product to ensure costumer demands .
The PDS acts as an initial boundary in the development of the products.
1) Performance :
-What exactly is your product going to do?
The whole concept of the product is to help people who have hearing problems, especially older
people cause they usually have hearing problems that are usually related to watching television,
listening to the radio, having a telephone conversation, etc.
-Under what circumstances?
Assuming the fact that the hearing problem occurs the while watching television or having a
telephone conversation the pillow has a volume setting button that will go up to 70 decibel
-For how long?
The product is designed so that the user can utilize the product while staying in the bed and
watching TV or while sitting in the sofa and having a telephone conversation, while driving the
car and listening to music/ or having a telephone conversation etc. The product runs on batteries
that have a lifecycle of 8 hours which is enough to support any tipe of activity during the day
time and at night the can be recharged.
2) Economy
Specify a high performance product is one thing. Paying for it, is another. Can the performance
you desire be realized at a reasonable cost?
The product should offer its maximum performance at a reasonable cost without other additional
costs. The product cost on the super market should be around 50 euro. Which is a reasonable
price considering that is a high tech device that uses Bluetooth technology, headphones, speakers
and has many uses . The product is economical because it has many uses and you don't need to
buy an individual headphone connection for every activity that you do, because the product
incorporates many activities as mentioned above.
3) Target production cost:
Realistically what will be the cost of the product?
-The product has a simple design to implement, two "U" shape pillows and a inside Bluetooth
headphones and a material to cover them. The total cost of the pillow material will be of 7 euro
the headphones will cost 10 euro the cover material will cost 3 euro + manufacturing. The
product cost will be of around 25-30 euro am should go to sell in a supermarket or a pharmacy or
a specialized store for 50 euro.
4) Quantity:
How many units are to be produced?
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45
The number of products should be in a very large scale cause from my research around 20
percent of the population haze at one point a hearing aid problem, so that users are always there
to be interested in the product .
5) Customers:
Understanding customers need and preferences can greatly increase your product's chance of
being successful. From my research regarding people who suffer from hearing aids, I found out
that the major problems are related in the whacking TV area and telephone conversation . This is
a great solution in solving those problems at a reasonable price. The product will be primary
aimed for the elderly population, but not only, cause hearing aids can affect any person without
taking to consideration age, race, religion. It can also be appealing to people that drive because it
offers a great support for the neck and it does not involve wearing a Bluetooth device in your ear
all the time .
6)Size
The size of the pillow is going to be universal but in can also be customized depending on how
long the neck of the customer is.
7)Maintenance
The product might need maintenance if the headphone get damaged. The product Comes along
with 6 months guarantee change if the product comes along any technical difficulties with the
speakers or the Bluetooth or the batteries.
8)Materials
The product is made out of numerous materials from cotton, to foam, polypropylene , aluminum,
circuit board, aluminum, fabric, beryllium, ceramic. If the product is going to be recycled it
should be recycled in a special recycling center.
9) Ergonomics
The product has been tested and improved for a better ergonomic stance for the user. The surface
of the foam will adapt to the shape of the neck and head and with the extra top pillow is going to
assure a better stance. The product has dents at the top shape for a better support of the neck, and
the "U" shape pillow at the base to assure the neck has a ergonomic position.
10)Finish:
The finishing details should be the costumers choice: color, material of pillow, shape of the
speaker, Bluetooth version.
11)Weight:
The weight of the product was at the firs initial development of 200 grams, but after some
changes done to the product weighs 290 grams.
12)Packing :
The hearing aid pillow doesn't require a specific type of packaging as the product is going to be
easy to pack. The package should be made out of recycling material and should be lightweight
and not take more then 10-15 seconds to pack.
13)Product life span:
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46
Assuming that the product will be used in a daily base, It will last anywhere from 1 year to 5
years. The product life span depends on the usability of the product and the conditions it is going
to be used in .
14)Time scale
The time scale can differ from company to company but it won't be a big relevant difference. It
will need a special path way for the headphones and adjusting the covering material to the
pillow, this will take in the assembly line about 1 to 3 minutes depending on the number of
people that are working.
15) Company constrains
The only staff that the company will need is a quality engineer and a , 3-4 workers, an
economist. So that the company will not need a lot of staff members in order to produce the
product and assure a high standard while creating it .
18) Shipping
Shipping cost of the product is based on where is the factory based and where does the product
need to be shifted to. The product will be mainly produced in a factory in china because they
have all the necessary material and the qualified personnel who can assure low price product
with a high quality. So shipping the product from China to Romania with a logistic specialist
company if the product is going to be mass produced. If not it can be assembled in Romania.
And from there shipped to where ever it is necessarily.
19) Disposal
In order not to create environmental problems we should take it consideration the fact that the
product haze many different materials and the prefer way to recycle is by doing it at a special
electronic recycling center. Electric and electronic equipment included batteries contains
materials, components and substances that can be hazardous to you health and the environment,
if the waste material is not handled correctly. Electric and electronic equipment and batteries are
marked with the crossed out trash can symbol. This symbol signifies that electric and electronic
equipment and batteries should not be disposed of with other household waste, but should be
disposed of separately. As the end user it is important to submit your used batteries to the
appropriate and designated facility. In this manner you make sure that the batteries are recycled
in accordance with legislature and will not harm the environment . All cities have established
collection point, where electric and electronic equipment and batteries can be either be submitted
free of charge at recycling stations and other collection sites, or be collected from the
households. Additional information is available at the technical department of your city.
20)Competition
There are several companies who make ergonomic pillows but none of them have a pillow with
Bluetooth speakers and a microphone adapted. The most advanced technology at the moment
involves a pillow that has Bluetooth speaks but is not agronomical and it uses wires in order to
receive sound, which is an inconvenience.
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Risk assessment
The following list shows the possible risk outcomes of the product, this is rated from 1 5, 1 being l safe and 5 possible death. The list below shows the possible risks which my product
could have.
No Possible failure Likelihood Outcome Risk Action Total
Risk
1 Swallow product 1 5 4 Perform the
Heimlich
maneuver
5
2 Scratch
themselves while
using product
2 1 1 Disinfect
wound
1
3 Might eat parts
of it
1 2 1 Take adequate
medications
2
4 Allergy from
material
1 1 1 Take
anti
inflammatory
1
5 Product might
snap and get
burned
4 1 2 Take
anti
inflammatory
1
6 Overload and
brake while using
it
2 2 2 - 1
7 Get burned 1 3 1 Use the fire
extinguisher
8 Get electrocuted 1 4 1 - 6
9 Get strangulated 1 5 1 - 7
Product is unlikely to produce any serious death causing problems the only health problems it
can cause are superficial. This chart was created to show that we as designers take in
consideration any type of possible action that might occur while launching a new product.
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Sales
We can define the sales as a transaction from both sides with certain aspects which
convey a certain amount of value from the seller to the buyer. A sale is exchange of a product,
service, action in return for money of other selling transactions that might occur in the process.
The products can be used by any user in almost any condition for different uses. It can be used
by any type of person, but especially by people who have hearing aid problems. With a great
range of variation regarding color, comfort, and high tech technology that including Bluetooth
3.0 and a microphone, for a reasonable price, selling the product will not be a problem, as long
as the product is promoted properly. In order to sell the product I need to take in consideration
the 4 P's:
-Firs "P" is Product:
My product is a product which is easy to use, serves for multiple tasks, uses high quality sound
system , and is easy to take care of. Comes with a 2 year guarantee, if the headphone support
might get damaged.
-Second "P" is Price:
The price of the product is low, compared to the market where other products that have similar
capabilities regarding the technology of the product cost more than 500 euro, the price will range
from 50 euro to 100 euro depending on factors like how many of them are made, where are they
produce, how much does the maintained cost of the company going to be etc. In today's marked
products that have similar functions but don't have a Bluetooth technology or a microphone
adapted to them, cost around 30 euro.
-The third "P" is Place:
-The forth "P" is Promotion:
Promotion of the product should be done mainly by other people who tried the product. Another
method should be by paying a company to promote the product throughout the internet, banners,
television, radio etc.
The product can be sold all over the planet
because it can be used in many
circumstances and in many places and
hearing aid affects a big part of the
population, mainly the elderly people. The
product not being necessarily to the user
like: water, food, etc. comes as a second
need and the main countries that it can be
sold are high economically developed
countries like EU, North America, Australia,
etc.
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Market plan
For a good understanding of product and how to market it properly, I am going to use the Ansoff
matrix.
The Ansoff Matrix is a toot that is generally needed in order to plan and analyze new businesses
and other growing product development alternatives. The Ansoff Matris is generated by existing
markets, new markets and a combination of new products and services as a growing potential for
new business and development of products.
First category is for existing products in existing markets. This approach is called Market
penetration.
The second one is for existing products in New markets. This approach is called Market
Development.
The third category is for new products in Existing Markets. This approach is called Product
Development.
The forth category is for new products in New Markets. This approach is called Diversification.
My product is categorized in the approach called Product Development. If a product is going to
penetrate this market is going to need heavily investments in innovation creativity and usability.
This strategy involves high-cost, high-risk strategy especially if the product needs to be patented.
The product should aim for a product mix that is going to fit all costumer need. If the product is
going to be sold on a opened market it should be diversified in creating new markets so that
clients will have costumer support and maintenance, to assure top quality of the product .
Developing a product that is going to share the same market needs to be cost-efficient like my
product is, I managed to reduce 10 times the initial price of a similar product. As the product
popularity is going to grow, sales will increase and the cost of the product will go down, but the
market is going to copy the idea and the product needs to offer better offers which can be widely
available.
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Intellectual property and community rights
Patents for my product have not been made due to the fact that my product is a new product in
the market, and it will be patented when it will be officially launched on the market. By the
simple fact that this type of product with this kind of shape it has never been on the market it can
be easily patented.
For example US patents as different form the EU patenting system. In the USA, the method of
ruling is a first invent rule, if you invent the product in a working condition and can prove the
design from paper and drawings, it's your patent. In EU its a filing system, first come first served. If you patent and file in your design, it's yours. There are no patents required for the
mechanical part as the product its created only in one peace made of polycarbonate.
The manufacturing of my product will be done in China where the labour and the materials are
cheap, this will make the products Potential manufacture of this product will be a national
network as producing raw materials to the final design will be cheaper abroad.
Memory foam material, ABS pellets, ISO 9001:2008, ROHS, SGS (Manufacturer China
(Mainland))
Design right is a sui generis intellectual property right in British law There are two types
of design rights: the registered design right (Registered Design Act 1949) and the unregistered
design right.
The unregistered design right is similar to copyright in that it subsists automatically when a new
design is created. However, its length is much more limited, since it only lasts for 15 years. It
was introduced into EU law by the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988(the 1988 Act).
Design right protects the shape of a three-dimensional design. It subsists if the design is recorded
on paper, or if an article has been made according to that design. It does not subsist in designs
made before the commencement of part of the 1988 Act relevant to design right. It has rules on
qualification for protection by both citizenship of the designer and place of the designing.
Qualifying countries include the United Kingdom, the rest of the European Economic
Design right does not subsist in parts of a design necessary to connect to another article, to
surface decoration, to methods and principles of construction or to those parts of a design which
are dependent on the appearance of another article, where that article and the article that design
right applies to is an integral part of the second article. Design right also does not apply if a
design is not original, and a design is defined as not being original if the object so designed is
commonplace in the field when designed.
For a product to be recognized as having design rights it must be aesthetic and my design has all
necessarily shape to be considered aesthetic. Regarding to the shape my product its made out of 2 unique shaped pillow , they will create a great ergonomic position for the user and inside of
them is a headphone system that uses Bluetooth technology in order to receive sound.
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Copy right and trademark
Copyright is a legal concept, enacted by most governments, that grants the creator of an original
work exclusive rights to its use and distribution, usually for a limited time, with the intention of
enabling the creator of intellectual wealth (e.g. the photographer of a photograph or the author of
a book) to receive compensation for their work and be able to financially support themselves.
Copyright is a form of intellectual property (as patents, trademarks and trade secrets are),
applicable to any expressible form of an idea or information that is substantive and discrete. It is
often shared, then percentage holders are commonly called rights holders: legally, contractually
and in associated "rights" business functions. Generally rights holders have "the right to copy",
but also the right to be credited for the work, to determine who may adapt the work to other
forms, who may perform the work, who may financially benefit from it, and other related rights.
World Intellectual Prop