Week 8

This week we worked on sewing the LED strips to a bandage.  While the current design requires 2 Amps of current, a large amount, we decided that it is best to focus on the physical rather than electrical design so we can run tests sooner.

The original plan called for using a sewing machine to stitch the LED strings to the bandage, but it was quickly discovered that the sewing machine would not work.  As it turns out, the plate that holds down fabric on the machine did not leave enough clearance for the LEDs.

Luckily, we were able to hand sew the strips to the bandage.  Figure 8.1 below shows Brandon getting comfortable with the stitch.

Figure 8.1 - Brandon sewing a strip of LEDs to an bandage

A little perseverance went a long way and the major sewing was finished within 24 hours.  Figures 8.2 below shows all of the sewn strips.  

Figure 8.2 - The LED matrix sewn to a bandage

In an attempt to organize the ends of the thread, Becky pushed each end through the bandage in organized rows.  This not only looks much cleaner, but makes wiring the matrix much more manageable.  Figures 8.3 and 8.4 below show Becky at work as well as the finished product.  

  Figure 8.3 - Becky organizing the loose ends of the thread

Figure 8.4 - The final LED matrix mounted on a bandage

Hopefully this design will stand up to testing!  We look forward to testing the light output of the matrix!

-The team