Major Project
Technological Warm Up & Stretch Band [Read more]
Technological Warm Up & Stretch Band to prevent internal-sports-related injuries
In an attempt to prevent internal-sports-related-injuries through improper and insufficient warm-up routines before starting exercises/ dancing, a technological adjustable band is designed, that can inform the user whether their muscles are warm enough, active or have any dysfunction. Also, whilst the user is stretching, the device measures and tracks the distance between the users’ ankles, and follows their personal progress in terms of groin flexibility.
This is designed to detect electrical activity of certain muscles during warm-up by using the EMG system and via bluetooth connection, the display of the EMG signals will be shown on the users’ phone or device at the product’s Mobile App.
Many people are unaware and inconsiderate of whether their body is prepared to exercise or not.
Dancing has a wide range of physical and mental benefits for people of all ages as it increases muscular strength, endurance, flexibility and improves psychological well-being. However, many people suffer from injuries while dancing as they are unaware and inconsiderate of whether their body is prepared to exercise or not. These injuries does not only force quitting dancing; but can also cause severe cases that lead to permanent disabilities and damage to important muscles and ligaments. Performing a proper warm up activity before any type of physical activity is very important to prevent injuries by increasing the body’s core and muscle temperature.
Users can check the “dancer” App through their phones or devices to learn the status of their muscles.
In the Mobile App, there are a plethora of tutorial videos about warm up routines for specific muscle areas and about the usage of the product. The system will be activated when the user strap the band and switch the on button. If the user does not wear the band correctly, the EMG signals will not be activated on the display and the user will be informed to adjust the band tightly. When the users strap the band and start their warm up routines, they will be informed by a vibration and a light indicator on the band when their muscles are active and warm enough to start dancing. Also, users can check the “dancer” App through their phones or devices to learn the status of their muscles. When the muscles are warm enough, “Not Ready” notification, and when they are warmed up; “Ready” notification will be seen on the screen.
On the App, users can follow their leg/groin flexibility progress daily, weekly and monthly. The app will show how much the user flex their groin muscles and compare the results with the previous recordings in centimetres.
The LED display and the switch button are located on the upper part of the band to be seen easily by the users.
When the user fastens the bands accordingly to his/her body part, then press the button to turn it on and the product will automatically connect to the“Dancer” application via Bluetooth. The LED screen on the band displays the measurement of the tape and indicates green light when the muscles are ready.
After receiving some feedback from the potential users of this product, light indicator and vibration sensor have been added into the band.
Whenever the users’ muscles are active and the EMG signals are not low during warm up, the light will come on and in addition to that the vibration sensor will be activated to notify the user. These features were added for people who do not want to bring their phones to the dance studio with them. Therefore, users can learn their results from the product instead of checking their phone’s screens.
The EMG electrodes are re-usable and do not require gel on the skin to measure.
In order to notify the user whether their muscles are ready or not, the software will be following the frequency and consistency of the EMG signals. The muscle activities will be monitored at least for 10 minutes and if the signals are steady, the software will consider “not ready for exercise”; i.e. not count the activity as a warm up.
According to the international EMG application standards of SENIAM, Tibialis Anterior Muscle, Quadriceps Femoris, Biceps brachii, Trapezius , Multifidus areas were chosen to be detected by this product.
The attachment detail of the bands
The attachment detail of the 2 bands is developed that will be used during the stretching. Therefore, the user can tie the 2 parts easier and faster.
The EMG location is emphasized
In order to point out the location of the EMG electrodes to the users, an ellipse shaped rubber part is added onto the external face of the band which also reduces the risk of damaging the EMG by hitting it to hard surfaces.
Yaprak Cakin
I believe design is a way of finding innovative, aesthetical solutions and making a better environment by combining creativity and progressive technology
I have a desire to combine my art background with technological innovations to create a product or a system for people to make their lives easier while also satisfying them aesthetically. I have completed my bachelor's degree in Interior Architecture and improved my design ability conceptually, visually, and functionally. I learned to look at the world in different perspectives and in my internships, I experienced the whole process of my design from a sketch to a construction and a product. I developed a keen interest in industrial design and want to pursue a career in this direction. My core competencies are doing a comprehensive research; using CAD programs; exploring new opportunities; finding potential problems of a product's usability; user centered design and marketing of a product. I have strengths in creative thinking; working with a team; having leadership abilities; and communicating and adapting to people from different cultures.
Major Project
Technological Warm Up & Stretch Band
Awards
In 2008, when I was in middle school, I was awarded "first place" in METU College Sciences Competitions based on design. I designed a electronic baby diaper which warns the parents when the diaper is wet, and in this way, skin chafing will be prevented and the parents will understand the problem faster. A humidity sensor was used in this project. It was embedded in a diaper to detect the wetness without touching the baby's skin.
In 2018, my group was awarded a "second place" in Yacht Design at Bilkent University and received a certification by academician Siniša Prvanov.
In 2018, I received "Design Innovation and Strategy" certification by academician Michele Giacopuzzi from IED.
In 2019, I received "Design and Sustainability" certification by Professor Carlo Branzaglia from IED.