This project focuses on the development of a novel surgical tool designed to facilitate internal tissue closure in minimally invasive surgery, specifically targeting mesenteric defect closures during Gastric Bypass procedures. The tool incorporates innovative staples and barbed sutures, distinct from conventional methods and existing market tools. The surgical tool features optimized staples made from biocompatible NiTinol, with dimensions of 1.5 x 5.5 x 0.5 millimetres, facilitating tissue penetration while minimizing tissue squishing. The barbed sutures, composed of PBT with dual-cut barbs in alternating tri-radial rows, provide a secure closure mechanism. The applicator, with a diameter of 9 mm and usable length of 35 cm, enables single-handed operation with right- and lefthanded use. The cartridge consists of 80 staples and 30 centimetres of barbed suture, enough to close an entire defect. The tool’s design and functionality aim to enhance the efficiency of internal tissue closure procedures, reducing time, physical exertion, and cognitive load for surgeons. The project follows a systematic and iterative design approach, best represented by the triple diamond method. A first phase involved extensive literature and market research, exploration and observations in the operation room. In a second phase, various methods such as brainwriting and CAD design are employed to generate ideas and models. Then in a final phase, through comprehensive testing and evaluation, a first version of the device called StapleStitcher, has been established, serving as a solid foundation for future iterations. The evaluation of the proposed surgical tool has yielded overall positive feedback from bariatric surgeons. This was conducted through a questionnaire. They recognised its innovativeness and some explicitly expressed interest in further development. Additionally, a risk analysis was conducted to identify potential hazards associated with the use of the surgical tool. The analysis addressed factors such as mechanical failure and user-related issues. Mitigation strategies derived from the analysis and feedback from surgeons informed recommendations for further research, collaboration, and development to optimize the surgical tool for clinical implementation. In conclusion, the development of the novel surgical tool presents an opportunity to simplify and enhance internal tissue closure procedures in minimally invasive surgery. By incorporating innovative staples and barbed sutures, the tool offers potential improvements in surgeon comfort and efficiency. However, further research, collaboration, and refinement are necessary to fully harness the StapleStitcher’s potential and ensure successful integration into clinical practice.

Sherpa Space Inc., a South Korean startup located in Daejeon, aimed to develop an innovative home appliance capable of growing high-quality medicinal and edible plants by combining aeroponic agriculture with their own patented lighting technology. To do so, they envisioned a whole service behind the device, which included supplying consumers with newly germinated seedlings and specific nutrient combinations to ensure the best taste and quality of the vegetables. Under this context, Sherpa Space offered me to collaborate with them by developing a complete concept proposal targeting the European market, including also the analysis and selection of its intended market and final target group. Consequently, the aim of this graduation project is two-sided: first of all, comprehend European markets to define a target group that values a device like this, and secondly, to develop a solid concept proposal including both aeroponic agriculture as well as the lighting technology developed by the company.

The Philippines is a country where most of the human settlements are on the coast. Rapid urbanisation caused by economic development and annual population increment affects the housing situation in the country. In addition, climate change has increased the prevalence of natural disasters, such as floods, typhoons, rising sea levels, tidal movement, and heavy rainfall. In the city of Hagonoy, citizens struggle with the effects of natural disasters, particularly in housing conditions. Typically, locals employ ad-hoc solutions suchlike raising the dwelling one floor higher every few years, which is a costly and inefficient solution in the long term. The Filipino society is a close-knit ecosystem formed by different stakeholders with contrasting interests and needs. When combining the stakeholders with the increasing environmental pressures, it becomes an even more complex problem. This thesis presents an exploration in implementing long-lasting solutions in coastal rural areas to form resilient communities in the light of the arising problems. A holistic approach is necessary to generate a neighbourhood that corresponds to the living conditions and resists natural hazards. Firstly, literature and historical research were done to study the events that generated the current society. Secondly, participatory design sessions involved the end-user in the designing process and explored their daily needs. Then these insights were brought together in a system map of people, elements and spaces, and a city map, visualising locals' desires for the future community and analysing the solution space. Finally, the co-design of a floating neighbourhood was conceptualised based on an existing pilot floating home and the required living conditions. The generated hybrid neighbourhood shows potential to create a resilient neighbourhood where the citizens' desires are placed in the middle of the community planning. Accessibility, sociability and incrementality attributes were perceived as vital to ensuring social acceptance. The neighbourhood extension illustrates the community's possibility to grow and increment in a non-invasive manner while respecting the dynamics of the existing city. On this basis, the concept of co-creating a hybrid neighbourhood should be considered when designing resilient communities in coastal rural areas in the Philippines and countries under similar circumstances

Currently, Quooker is Europe’s market leader in boiling water taps. Although initially Quooker taps were focused on providing boiling tap water in standard households, nowadays an increasing share of Quooker B.V.’s turnover is represented by taps being sold in professional markets from which the office and food & beverages (F&B) markets are biggest. The main objective of this report is to develop a product that fits with the needs and desired of the F&B user which can help Quooker to increase sales in this market.

Almost every adult human being is drinking coffee, a caffeine rich, bitter drink to get through the day. To top up caffeine levels during a short break at work or to authentically enjoy the distinctive taste and aroma of freshly milled coffee beans. To sweeten up the coffee, milk and milk alternatives are added to counter the bitterness by adding sweetness and fluffy texture. Before the milk can be poured over the coffee it needs to be prepared, from cold storage, it needs to be heated and aerated, also known as frothing. Quooker, a company that developed and sells a water tap, which can serve cooled, carbonated and boiling water, without any hassle. The innovative mindset from the start of the company is ever so present and is therefore looking into opportunities to broaden its kitchen portfolio. During this project the possibilities for a new type of milk frother is explored that makes use of the existing boiling water ecosystem. Which will theoretically provide several key benefits when competing with regular milk frothers. In the first phase of the project the coffee context is researched, and existing solutions are studied. A list of requirements are drawn up to set specifications for the novel design. The technical specifications could be easily set, however the expected coffee quality is a highly subjective topic. Even with professionals the perfect cappuccino does not exist. With the gathered knowledge solutions that incorporate the potential benefits of the integration with the Quooker reservoir are explored. Resulting in three potential concepts that are evaluated with potential consumers. There could be concluded that certain aspects of all the concepts would form a promising combination of solutions. The optimized concept is further developed to prove its life worthiness as a product. A high-fidelity integrated prototype was created to show the feasibility of the solutions and to gather opinions of the frothing principle, aesthetical language and interaction. Giving a head start for further future development if the need for a milk frothing addition is deemed necessary.

As the automotive industry advances towards greater autonomy, the landscape of car travel is evolving. The integration of reclined seating within vehicles, made possible without major alterations to traditional layouts, presents a promising avenue for enhancing passenger experiences. This shift, however, comes with unique safety challenges due to the changed seating dynamics. Research, including insights from General Motors, Volvo & Volkswagen emphasizes the need for innovative safety solutions for reclined seating. Simulations comparing three-point and four-point seat belt configurations, in both upright and reclined positions, reveal advantages for the latter at higher speeds. This configuration produces a more balanced force distribution during impacts, away from vital areas. While the potential of a four-point restraint system is evident, implementation hurdles arise. Addressing both safety and comfort, a study assesses the user experience for both systems. Building on these insights, a convertible restraint system is proposed, seamlessly transitioning from a three-point to a four-point configuration based on passenger position. This adaptable design merges safety and comfort effectively. The proposed design requires the redesign of certain components of the seat back & headrest. These are provided as recommendations.

Temporary tram and bus stops can be seen as an overlooked structure in the city. While permanent stops are getting are improving greatly, temporary tram and bus stops are being left behind. Gemeente Amsterdam has the goal to make every stop in the municipality accessible to all users, including people with disabilities. This report explores a potential new temporary tram/bus stop.

As the automotive industry advances towards greater autonomy, the landscape of car travel is evolving. The integration of reclined seating within vehicles, made possible without major alterations to traditional layouts, presents a promising avenue for enhancing passenger experiences. This shift, however, comes with unique safety challenges due to the changed seating dynamics. Research, including insights from General Motors, Volvo & Volkswagen emphasizes the need for innovative safety solutions for reclined seating. Simulations comparing three-point and four point seat belt configurations, in both upright and reclined positions, reveal advantages for the latter at higher speeds. This configuration produces a more balanced force distribution during impacts, away from vital areas. While the potential of a four-point restraint system is evident, implementation hurdles arise. Addressing both safety and comfort, a study assesses the user experience for both systems. Building on these insights, a convertible restraint system is proposed, seamlessly transitioning from a three-point to a four-point configuration based on passenger position. This adaptable design merges safety and comfort effectively. The proposed design requires redesign of certain components of the seat back & headrest. These are provided as recommendations

This master thesis elaborates on the development of a assistive cycling ankle-foot orthosis for Charcot-Marie-Tooth patients. Study the influence of assistive torque on the kinematic analysis of the knee and ankle joints of a CMT patient on an ergometer bike.