Biomeon
Embodiment
Sensors
Design a biosensor for ex-colorectal cancer patients
Biomeon is a reusable biosensor designed for ex-colorectal cancer patients to monitor their health from home. Typically, these patients need to visit the hospital every 3 months for checkups, which can be stressful. Biomeon allows home monitoring, and it stands out as the first reusable device of its kind, unlike single-use options. The goal of this project was to create a prototype that was functional and serve as a starting point for an product that could be further manufactured.
Project
Team of 518 weeks
Awards
James Dyson AwardRunner Up
Client
TU Delft & Erasmus MCYear
2024Research
In the first weeks, research was conducted to identify stakeholders and understand their needs through literature review, interviews, and initial user tests. The findings centered on three main areas:
Usability
User feedback highlighted concerns about visibility and comfort, leading to a refined design with softer edges and flexible materials for daily wear.
Functionality
Unlike competitors focusing on cardiac patients, Biomeon was designed specifically for ex-colorectal cancer patients, filling a crucial market gap.
Sustainability
Doctors and researchers pointed out the lack of reusable solutions. Making Biomeon reusable would reduce waste and save the production of 11 single-use devices.
Shape
Shape Ideation
After the research was completed, the ideation phase began. The shape of Biomeon was based on our research into the likely size of the electronics and the optimal distance between ECG patches. Additionally, several moodboards were created to align with patients' preferences for the type of device they would feel comfortable wearing. Eventually users chose the final shape we continued with as it was playful and fitted well with the body's contours.
Interior
Electronics Design
To ensure the device was functional, we focused on the necessary electronics and sensors to monitor patients' general well-being. This included an oximeter (SpO2), IMU (Accelerometer and Gyroscope), ECG (Heart rate), and RTD (Temperature). We started with an Arduino-based prototype and eventually transitioned to a PCB design.
Prototypes
Validation
To validate all the steps we had performed, in the project a lot of prototypes were created. The process started with fairly basic prototypes and we ended with very detailed enclosures that were close to the final CAD version including the PCB and sensors.
Exterior
Embodiment and Durability
Since Biomeon is a reusable biosensor, durability was key. We combined a custom TPU gasket with a PP/ABS composite enclosure, avoiding glue and using screws to keep the interior accessible. This design allows the device to be reused up to 12 times, cutting CO2-equivalent emissions by over 90%. The only disposable parts are the ECG patches that stick to the user's body.
Exterior
Integration & Risks
This project involved a constant balancing act between aesthetics and usability on one hand, and durability and regulation on the other. Medical devices carry significant responsibility, leading to stringent regulations. As a result, risk and requirements management played a crucial role throughout the process.
