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The overall objective for HyperXite 9 was to design and build a more robust, and reliable pod, capable of proving the feasibility of a high-speed transportation system. We are working to improve a linear induction motor as the pod's propulsion system. We are also designing and implementing a thermal cooling system to actively dissipate the heat generated by this propulsion system. Our team is comprised of the following 7 subteams: Static Structures, Braking & Pneumatics, Dynamic Structures, Propulsion, Power Systems, Control Systems, and Outreach.

Approximately 10 million people in the United States suffer from domestic violence annually, with 4 out of 10 cases affecting people of color. Traditional coloration guides remain the primary forensic strategy to evaluate bruise injuries, which are highly subjective and inaccurate for monitoring bruises. Additionally, this approach fails to consider bruise pigmentation in darker skin tones, and the results of this qualitative method vary by the medical professional conducting the inspection. There is a need for reliable, quantitative bruise information across all skin tones that can be utilized in both medicine and justice. DermaVision aims to address this need by designing a portable multi-spectral camera to quantitatively analyze bruises in diverse skin tones. By correlating the reflective spectra of a bruise with its age and healing progression, our camera will provide an accurate timeline for when bruises occur irrespective of patients’ skin color. This technology will assist forensics and medical professionals in improving their analyses and treatments and can provide valuable, admissible evidence in courts. For Validation purposes, a prototype imaging device has been developed to gather preliminary clinical data in collaboration with the University of California, Irvine Trauma Center. The team remains motivated to build a secure and reliable imaging tool that can serve the diverse population of domestic violence survivors. Faculty advisor Professor Elliot Botvinick

In the realm of high-speed transportation, HyperXite introduces its environmentally friendly and cost-effective Hyperloop pod as a revolutionary mode of travel. Emphasizing crucial factors such as speed, cost-efficiency, and passenger comfort, our innovative approach centers on the development of the HyperXite Hyperloop Pod's propulsion system. The Powers team is dedicated to crafting a custom three-phase variable frequency drive to power a linear induction motor, while the Controls team focuses on precise signal control for optimal inverter performance. Together, these subsystems within HyperXite's electronics team work together to enhance the overall reliability and efficiency of the Hyperloop pod's propulsion system, contributing to the evolution of high-speed transportation. Faculty advisor Professor Keyue Smedley

Approximately 1 in 6000 newborns are born with congenital ear deformities, which disproportionately affects Hispanic, Native American, and Asian-Pacific Islander communities. Children born with outer ear deformities are at a higher risk of experiencing psychosocial distress later in life. To non-surgically correct these deformities, diagnosis and treatment within 2-6 weeks of birth is crucial. This narrow time window provides a significant barrier to treatment for underserved communities. Additionally, these devices must be paid for out-of-pocket and are often aggressive, not customizable to each patient, difficult to use, and costly. To address these issues, we are developing a customizable 3D-printed ear mold to non-surgically correct outer ear deformities in neonates within 2-6 weeks of birth. Our ear mold is customized based on three-dimensional scans of each patient’s ears. After 3D-printing and assembly, it will be shipped directly to the parents, who will be able to apply the mold without the assistance of a medical practitioner. Through this method, we aim to reduce manufacturing time and costs while maximizing comfort and efficacy.

The Human Powered Vehicle Competition (HPVC) at UCI, for the first time ever, designed and manufactured a durable, compact, and ergonomic electrically-assisted recumbent trike capable of navigating rough terrain, hairpin turns, and slaloms. The vehicle, reaching theoretical top speeds of 30 mph, features a custom 10-bar indirect steering mechanism designed and manufactured at UCI and a rollover protection system handling a top load of 900 lbs and a side load of 450 lbs. In April, the team is set to compete in their very first West Coast eHPV Competition, hosted by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) at Boise State University (BSU). Beyond the competition, the project aims to explore alternative modes of transportation and inspire the next generation of engineers because we believe green engineering is the future. Furthering interest and experience on designing electric vehicles for everyday use will greatly reduce the average person’s carbon footprint. This project presents the opportunity to get one’s foot in the door as electric bikes become more commonplace. Faculty advisor: Professor Copp; assistance and support from Tyler Schult, Jake Chutney, and Patrick Jerome Smyth.

The Virtual Reality (VR) Haptic Feedback Matrix, abbreviated as the “Matrix”, leverages magnetic actuators to create a compact, versatile, and scalable system to deliver touch (haptic) feedback in VR applications. By mapping movements from a virtual environment onto an arm-mounted two-dimensional array of magnetic actuators, the system dynamically mimics realistic tactile sensations at specific pressure points. The Matrix holds potential for numerous applications such as enhanced immersion for VR games and physical therapy for patients.Faculty advisors: Professor Camilo Velez Cuervo, Professor Rainer Doemer

This project focuses on the development of a human-aware advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) that helps promote safe driving based on a driver's biometrics and driving behavior. The system uses biometric signals from the driver using BioHarness Belt and Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) sensors to monitor the driver's heart rate, breathing rate, ECG and GSR signals. These sensory information are then analyzed by machine learning models to determine whether the driver is stressed or drowsy. The project extended the current state-of-the-art driving simulator CARLA to not only include the driver's brake intensity, speed, throttle and steering but also the driver's biometric state. The vehicle controls and biometrics are then plotted and analyzed for correlations that could imply a driver is driving aggressively, assertively, or defensively. Based on these correlations, the driver will be displayed a warning on the simulation which advises them to drive carefully. The output from this project is an extension to the CARLA tool that developers can use to design and simulate human-aware solutions for ADAS.Faculty Advisor: Professor Salma Elmalaki

This experiment looked at the effectiveness of different process controllers (PID) in maintaining the liquid level of a tank that undergoes disturbances. Properties of proportional (P), derivative (D), integral (I), and combinations of these controllers were investigated when exposed to a set point change. Furthermore, the impact of tuning on the PID controller was studied using the Ziegler-Nichols optimization technique. The team concluded a tuned PID controller is an ideal process controller and should be implemented to maintain process operating conditions. They put their theory to practice at the UCI Infinity Fountain.

Overview: We want to wake people with type 1 diabetes to prevent dead in bed syndrome caused by alarm fatigue leading to the lack of emergency glucagon administration that prevents death.

Abstract: Ambulatory pediatric patients can spend long periods of time in hospitals and one of the biggest struggles is having to maneuver IV poles wherever they go. IV poles can be heavy because they hold multiple infusion pump systems, intravenous fluids (IV), total parenteral nutrition (TPN), and more. Pediatric patients typically rely on nurses and parents to help them move around. Team Kaillou is creating a new IV pole device that will track patients, follow them, and allow patients, nurses, and parents to intervene more infrequently. We hope our device can empower pediatric patients with a stronger sense of normalcy, mobility, and freedom back in their lives.

Abstract: University of California Irvine (UCI) CubeSat is a student engineering project team that aims to design, manufacture, and launch a 2U cube satellite (CubeSat), AntSat 01, to support UCI researchers in pushing the boundaries of spacecraft thermoregulation. AntSat 01’s mission is to be a platform to test two variable emissivity devices (VED) in low earth orbit, and to establish a CubeSat system architecture for future space-based research at UCI. This involves developing a standardized, modular, and scalable architectural design that can be reused as a foundation for a wide range of scientific, educational, and commercial projects. This architecture will provide a blueprint for designing and building CubeSats, thereby facilitating the development of space technology and fostering space-technology innovation at UCI. The development effort is separated into Avionics, Communications, Developer Operations, Payloads, Power, Ground Station Communications, Structures, and Systems Engineering subsystems. Each subsystem has a team of UCI students, who are progressing towards developing flight hardware, software, and integration methods using a combination of specially designed algorithms, microcontrollers, analysis, and data visualization tools. Current progress includes creating preliminary designs for the onboard battery array, power distribution, solar panel deployment, antenna deployment, printed circuit board (PCB) systems, and an online dashboard for ground-to-satellite communication that enables real-time monitoring and control of the satellite. Future work for UCI CubeSat includes manufacturing flight hardware, integrating subsystems, and conducting pre-flight testing before launching AntSat 01 into space.

Abstract: Anteater Baja Racing completed their first design of Rogue in the Spring 2022 Quarter. After finishing the Winter 2023 Quarter, the project was able to present their prototypes of the third design iteration of UCI's first all-wheel drive off-road vehicle. The project collected data to verify our design and move forward towards a completed vehicle for the SAE Oregon 2023 Competition.

Abstract: Despite mankind’s remarkable advancements in aerial technology, flying birds and insects still outperform the agility, maneuverability, and stability of man-made aircrafts. The purpose of FWMAV is to investigate the physical phenomena behind unsteady aerodynamics and nonlinear flight to achieve its aerial capabilities. Three main components are evaluated separately: (1) the non-linear flight mechanism, (2) the flow field, and (3) the force generated. The ultimate goal is to combine the accumulated data, extrapolate quantifiable results, and illustrate the high performance of FWMAVs. The team tackles problems to determine solutions that lie at the forefront of evolving flapping wing mechanics . Engineering a drone that flies utilizing four sets of flapping wings (known as a ‘quad-flapper’) stems from theories such as Kapitza’s pendulum, which demonstrates vibrational stabilization. Acquiring greater control over all aspects of the design provided opportunities for extensive research and development to supplement the solidification of the Beta Drone’s flight potential. From the motor, to the crank-and-flapper system, the most efficient combinations were examined from thrust and lift data gathered from the load cells. Alongside these drones, the team strives to find different methods of replicating naturalistic flapping motion observed in nature.

Abstract: Autoponics is an automated hydroponic monitoring system that utilizes sensors such as pH, electrical conductivity, and water level sensors, along with a TFT-enabled LCD screen and a ESP32 microcontroller to make hydroponic farming accessible and scalable. It accurately outputs relevant metrics and can automatically adjust pH and nutrient solutions based on current readings from the system. Autoponics promotes sustainability and aims to spread hydroponic farming into households by breaking down the barriers to entry. Testing shows that the system performs well and accurately balances the system, while using under 10 watts of power.

Abstract: We will be presenting the Automatic Trash Bin (ATB) for practical use. The ATB comprises multiple modules including ultrasonic ranging modules, servos, load cell, Pixy2 camera, and motor chassis, which are connected using the Arduino UNO Rev2 microcontroller board. The ATB detects the weighted volume inside. When the capacity determines that it is full, it will navigate towards the nearest emptying station. Using the Pixy2 Camera as a navigation system, it will empty itself with the pulley system. This allows for the ATB to transition between stationary, navigation, and dumping phase. The long-term goal is to reduce nonpoint source pollution through AI-driven self dumping.

Abstract: The elderly commonly rely on canes and walkers for balance and gait support. Similarly, crutches are commonly used after injury. All of these devices are cumbersome, force unnatural gait patterns, and greatly limit our arms. The goal of this project is to design a passive assistive device that will provide moderate support to users during gait, while not restricting arm use. Several exoskeleton designs have been proposed in research, but they tend to be heavy and actively controlled (i.e. with motors). They also are difficult to don and doff, which does not make them very user friendly. Being heavy, bulky, and uncomfortable causes the user to expend more energy wearing the exosuit leading to more issues down the road. Passive exosuits using soft materials rather than rigid components have surfaced in the industry improving the mobility of the abled bodied user, but not the people who actually need such help. Our team believes we can implement semi-rigid passive exosuits into the elderly community creating a more comfortable experience while still maintaining proper gait and balance.

Despite mankind’s remarkable advancements in aerial technology, flying birds and insects still outperform the agility, maneuverability, and stability of man-made aircrafts. The purpose of FWMAV is to investigate the physical phenomena behind unsteady aerodynamics and nonlinear flight to achieve its aerial capabilities. Three main components are evaluated separately: (1) the non-linear flight mechanism, (2) the flow field, and (3) the force generated. The ultimate goal is to combine the accumulated data, extrapolate quantifiable results, and illustrate the high performance of FWMAVs. The team tackles problems to determine solutions that lie at the forefront of evolving flapping wing mechanics . Engineering a drone that flies utilizing four sets of flapping wings (known as a ‘quad-flapper’) stems from theories such as Kapitza’s pendulum, which demonstrates vibrational stabilization. Acquiring greater control over all aspects of the design provided opportunities for extensive research and development to supplement the solidification of the Beta Drone’s flight potential. From the motor, to the crank-and-flapper system, the most efficient combinations were examined from thrust and lift data gathered from the load cells. Alongside these drones, the team strives to find different methods of replicating naturalistic flapping motion observed in nature.

Our poster describes the design of a well and PFAS treatment facility at the South Montebello Irrigation District (SMID). We must design a well, pump system, and PFAS treatment system that will allow SMID to serve their population water with PFAS concentrations below notification levels.

We are faced with a future where there will not be enough land to produce food for the entire population. By 2050, the world population is projected to increase to about 9 billion people. However, 50% of the world’s arable land may be unusable by then, as traditional agricultural practices in the last 50 years have left 60% of all ecosystems degraded. In an effort to mitigate these issues, producers are increasingly interested in controlled environment agriculture, especially in regions where there are concerns about soil and groundwater pollution. One promising solution is hydroponics, a highly productive, resource efficient, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional farming. ZotPonics aims to bring easy hydroponics into the everyday household.

Visually impairment is an essential issue in the world that many people are trying to solve. Our project aims to help visually impaired people know what is happening around them. Therefore, we made a pair of camera glasses that can describe the scene in front of the user with sound. The describing sentences are generated by deep learning. We trained our own image caption models and found that VGG 19 as the neural network model with Flickr8k as the dataset performed best. The hardware includes a camera, an earphone, a glass frame, an LCD touch screen, batteries, and a Raspberry Pi 4. With our project, visually impaired people can truly “see” and engage with the world around them.

This poster highlights the functional prosthetic device design for partial hand amputation coupled with highly limited wrist mobility and additional limb amputations. The 3D printed, mechanical, body-powered prosthesis is designed for a patient with disarticulation of the thumb and index finger at the metacarpophalangeal joint level, the third and fifth digits at the proximal level, and the fourth digit distally. The partial three remaining fingers demonstrate limited range of motion. The low-cost prosthetic device for the right hand features both a static prehension prosthesis and a manually adjustable supernumerary thumb, custom fit for the participant’s anatomical considerations. The prosthetic device utilizes a one-way bearing ratchet mechanism to actuate the prosthetic thumb with nearly infinite stopping resolution. Molded silicone adhered to the underside of the 3D printed prosthetic thumb allow enhanced gripping ability. The 3D printed arm cuff is secured to the forearm using a BOA dial system with a custom-made 3D printed dial top.

Project Seaweed Submersible's goal is to create an inexpensive proof of concept system that can be utilized to create a submersible for farmers and kelp re-foresters.

Thousands of hospitalized children require constant intravenous (IV) fluid treatments. However, IV delivery tends to limit pediatric patients’ mobility. Current standards of care require an IV pole which can be cumbersome; it limits pediatric patient mobility and poses dangers of tripping and infection to the patient. These issues can take away from patients’ quality of life. There are currently no wearable inpatient fluid infusion systems specifically designed for pediatric patients. We have developed a portable and wearable system to administer IV fluids to pediatric patients while facilitating easier mobility both in hospital and home settings, without the use of a cumbersome IV pole. Key features of our product include safety guardrails for infusion rates, comfort and weight distribution for the patients, flow rate sensors, long battery life, and compatibility with currently used pump systems in the hospital. After interviewing pediatric nurses and the parents of pediatric patients, we formed our design criteria and manufactured our final prototype by sewing the backpack with a wipeable, medical grade fabric and constructing the housing for our IV bag, tubing, and pump components. Verification and validation tests were conducted to ensure hardware and software components met the predetermined design criteria. Our final product is unique as it seamlessly works in both inpatient and outpatient settings, such that nurses can easily operate it and program the necessary medications and fluids for their pediatric patients in the hospital and parents can be trained to operate it at home.

After successfully constructing a breadboard prototype of the Mouse Glove that allows our hand to operate a cursor in the previous quarter, we designed a PCB, containing all the necessary and improved hardwares but in a more compact form. Instead of using the Arduino Nano and a bluetooth module, we chose the MDBT42Q-512KV module that contains the Nordic nRF52832 microchip to increase the speed and minimize the size of the circuit. The PCB also has a buck converter to reduce the input voltage from the battery, a charger, a power switch with an anti-bouncing circuit, UART bridge to program the microcontroller, and the 6DOF IMU that controls the mouse’s cursor. The flex sensors are each attached to a finger responsible for left clicks, right clicks, and for enabling scrolling. Due to the failure in the power system, however, the converter generates extreme heat, causing a short in the PCB. This led to use of a prefboard with the exact micro-controller for the final version. The components are soldered onto a perfboard instead of using a breadboard to reduce the size and weight. We also optimize our software by removing the Python program and instead using the BLE HID library in the Arduino IDE. This results in smooth cursor’s movements with almost zero delay. Lastly, the left click, right click, and scrolling up and down functionality work properly with ease of use.

Diabetes has become more prevalent over the years and the need for insulin has increased along with it. Because insulin is a protein, it requires host organisms such as E.coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae to produce it. Furthermore, it is imperative to perfect the conditions set for cells to thrive and produce the highest titers for things like insulin production. With these experiments, it was hypothesized that cells will grow at a slower rate as temperatures stray away from the optimal temperature of 37 C. This is due to the fact that E.coli exists naturally at body temperature in the intestines of both humans and animals. Additionally, it was hypothesized that aerobic conditions will demonstrate better growth rates since it is able to extract more energy from their environment. Although these hypotheses are widely supported by the scientific community, the data obtained from these experiments were not in agreement. This could have been due to many things such as inconsistent independent variables, poor sterile technique, and an incomplete understanding of the entire lifetime of the E.coli strain used. Additionally, the total diabetic population in Irvine, CA, was estimated using published statistics of the population. By utilizing the 37 C aerobic data obtained, an array of eight batch reactors, running four times a day, was designed to meet the insulin demand in this city.

This project consists of a recreational and aquatic center that will be located in the city of West Hollywood. Considering the vast number of residents the vision for this recreation center is to provide additional space for them to exercise, destress and develop a sense of community. The first floor is designated as the parking garage for the structure and will include an automated entry system. The majority of the second floor will serve as a 17,000 square foot multisport court namely for indoor basketball and volleyball. Within this area, no columns can be placed to meet the requirements for appropriate court standards. The following two floors will serve as viewing areas for the courts as well as storage. Lastly, the roof will have two pools; one of which is a junior Olympic-sized pool. This aspect makes the project especially challenging, because the pools will not have any supporting columns directly beneath them. Therefore, a system of steel trusses will be designed to efficiently transfer the heavy loads of the pools to the columns. All beams and columns within this building are reinforced concrete with exception to the pool deck which will include steel beams. There are two sets of staircases on opposite sides of the structure that run through each floor. Elevators are also included on each floor to meet accommodation requirements. The first floor is a 16 ft tall, parking garage. The columns in the garage are spaced to provide adequate room for an entrance/exit, elevators, stairs, and parking spaces. Most of the second floor was designated for the sports courts and bleachers. The 15 ft tall columns were placed outside of the courts to avoid interference with the courts while also providing structural support for the upper floors. The third floor follows a similar layout to the second floor in order to accommodate the sports courts. This floor is 11 ft tall and primarily consists of a lounge along with other storage facilities.The 4th level is designated for the operation of the two swimming pools. This floor consists of a huge open span designed to accommodate the two pools, a floor space to house the necessary equipment for operation, and pathways for maintenance. The pools are supported by two types of steel trusses which will then transfer the force to either the adjacent column, the concrete core, or the concrete beams. Four 10’ steel trusses will support two sides of both pools while 4’ steel trusses. 4’ o-c, will act as the load bearing element for the midspan of the pool. The floor plan utilizes a one-way slab design, where concrete beams are placed 8’ apart. The outer perimeter columns are to be concrete and will transition to steel for the inner columns. The 5th level contains the pool deck, a bleacher area, and a balcony. We are currently in the process of including sustainable design options such as recycled building materials as well as striving to incorporate components from the living building challenge.

Floor-to-wheelchair transfers are one of the most challenging tasks for individuals with lower body injuries. With the average wheelchair seat height ranging between 18 and 20 inches, individuals often experience cuff tears, shoulder and wrist pain, and further progression of pre-existing injuries. The Assist Handle is a portable grab bar that can assist individuals using wheelchairs with various mobility tasks, such as floor-to-wheelchair transfers, crawling support, and opening hard-to-reach doors in a portable and independent manner. The Assist Handle can be disassembled and connected to the frame of the wheelchair through an interlocking mechanism, allowing versatile availability when necessary. Multiple rounds of voice-of-the-customer interviews were conducted to validate risky assumptions in regards to necessary device requirements. Through iterative rounds of usability testing, the device increases the maximum achieved hip height at a mean of 10 inches. Future rounds of usability testing will be conducted to make further improvements on the specifications and requirements of the device.

The objective of this experiment was to extract a whole cell protein from bacterial cells and perform affinity chromatography in order to characterize the reaction kinetics of a protein enzyme, β-galactosidase. This was performed by varying the volume of substrate and enzyme for each trial in order to study the effects on the reaction rate. The reaction rate is then analyzed using the Michaelis-Menten equation to determine the velocity of the reaction using enzyme concentration. Once the velocity is known, the equation can be linearized to determine the max velocity for the reaction for a given substrate concentration. It is expected that increasing the enzyme concentration or substrate concentration will give a higher reaction rate. As the substrate concentration decrease, the reaction rate will decrease as well. This is important in food industry in fermentation process to reduce lactose levels in dairy products for intolerant people.

Project Description: Group E2 is working with AKM Consulting Engineers to design a groundwater well to meet an increase in water demand for South Montebello Irrigation District. In addition, a Perfluoroalkyl (PFAS) treatment, will be added on-site to target and remove PROA and PFOs, which were found to be in the water supply during feasibility testing of the well site determination.Industrial Advisor: Zeki Kayiran, P.E. AKM Consulting Engineer