Fall 2023 Tech Symposium

Portable Ruggedized Urinometer for Combat Casualty Care | It is estimated that, in modern combat, 1 in 4 injuries is a burn-related injury, and the evolving dynamics of future battlefields indicate a heightened risk of burn injuries. Monitoring urine output (UO) is a reliable method for assessing effective fluid resuscitation in patients with substantial burn injuries. UO, a dependable indicator for effective fluid resuscitation, assists in critical fluid management for patient survival in the acute burn phase. However, existing digital urine management solutions are designed for stationary settings, rendering them unsuitable for battlefield conditions. In addressing this need, 2XTech has developed a portable digital urinometer designed for combat casualty care. This innovation introduces a solution tailored to track UO in life-threatening trauma cases within the combat context. By enhancing urine output monitoring, this device fills a crucial gap in battlefield medicine, ultimately contributing to improved survival rates among combat casualties.

Sponsor: U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research

Low profile PEG/G Tube Conversion System | Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy/Gastrojejunostomy (PEG/G) tubes provide enteral feeding to patients unable to ingest sustenance orally, facilitating direct access to the stomach for long-term nutritional support. Currently, patients with standard PEG/G tubes encounter complications: buried bumper, jejunostomy burns, leakages, and dislodgement. Patients often seek to replace standard PEG/G tubes with low-profile systems; however, this procedure is costly and invasive. There is a need to convert from a standard PEG/G tube into a low-profile, low-cost system where patient comfort is prioritized and maintained. The team’s approach includes creating a minimalist feeding tube adapter system with low-cost, flexible, and durable material.

Sponsor: Dr. Jorge Lopera

Aeroaid Response  | The need for a universal drone delivery system for Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) is developed from the time-sensitivity of cardiac arrest situations. Current AEDs are not always available in all locations, especially in rural or remote areas, where response times are often hindered. Hence, the development of a simple kit to equip common drone types with AEDs aims to provide rapid and life-saving access to AEDs in hard-to-reach locations, ultimately increasing the chances of saving lives in cardiac emergencies. Thus, identifiable problem is the limited availability of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in remote or inaccessible locations, posing a critical challenge in delivering timely life-saving interventions during cardiac emergencies.

Sponsor: Dr.Ryan Bierle

Soft Tissue Anchor | Pes planus, or flatfoot, affects approximately 20-30% of the population, with over 3 million cases annually. Currently, corrective procedures focus on rehabilitating the damaged posterior tibial tendon by targeting the flexor digitalis longus (FDL) tendon. This transfer procedure utilizes soft tissue anchor sutures to secure the FDL to the navicular bone. However, these techniques often lead to complications such as anchor pullout and inaccurate suturing. Our goal is to develop a plate-like device that securely fixates the FDL to the navicular bone and other anatomical locations while preserving tissue integrity, thus offering a more reliable and effective surgical approach.

Sponsor: NVision

Fixation Device for Percutaneous Fluid Drainage | Individuals who experience urinary retention, blocking of the bile duct, or other disorders related to the liver and kidneys may require long-term catheterization. The percutaneous drainage system requires external fixation of the tube to the body, and usage of existing stabilization devices often causes problems such as infection, dislodgement, patient discomfort, and bulky device designs. To address these concerns, VitalSolutions Engineering has identified a need for the development of a device for biliary and urinary drains which aids in catheter fixation and aims to improve upon the functionalities and mechanisms of existing devices.

Sponsor: University of Texas Health San Antonio

A Implantable Superior Vena Cava Blood Filter for Upper Extremity Venous Thrombosis in Patients with Contraindications to Anticoagulation | In individuals with upper extremity venous thrombosis, the risk of pulmonary embolisms (PE) is elevated, especially for those with contraindications for systemic anticoagulation. According to the CDC, PE affects 300,000-600,000 Americans annually with a growing incidence in the upper extremities. This creates a demand for an implantable blood filter device positioned within the superior vena cava (SVC). Existing filters in other locations encounter issues such as mechanical reliability, migration, and venous wall puncture. The proposed device aims to overcome these challenges through an integrated meshing property and a unique structural design required for the anatomically different vena cavas.

Sponsor: UT Health

Mechanical Intraoperative Ultrasound Stabilization Apparatus  | In the rapidly evolving landscape of modern healthcare, precision and efficiency are paramount. Our product addresses this demand for a low costs bedside ultrasound probe apparatus that will allow a surgeon to use both hands during an ultrasound guided surgery. Designed for versatility, our mechanical intraoperative ultrasound stabilization apparatus combines precision, adaptability, and affordability to set a new benchmark for medical equipment used in ultrasound guided procedures. It empowers medical professionals to perform with confidence, ensuring the best possible outcomes for their patients while being financially astute.

Sponsor: Ut Health

PDFlow | Peritoneal dialysis is a vital medical procedure for patients with kidney dysfunction by filtering waste and excess fluid. In 2021, 2,736 patients received this treatment, and the market is projected to reach 6.1 billion USD by 2025. We found that there is a need for a peritoneal dialysis catheter that reduces the risk to patients. We aim to maintain a stable drainage flow rate while ensuring the absolute flow rate does not increase. This procedure allows patients to lead more regular lives, enhancing their independence and overall quality of life.

Prothrombin Time Test Device | Introducing the Prothrombin Time Analyzer, a groundbreaking biomedical device that utilizes light refraction technology to redefine coagulation analysis. A small blood droplet, obtained using a lancet, is carefully drawn into an optimum specialized capillary tube. The capillary tube is then inserted into the designated port on the device. Using a laser diode and camera, as the refractive index changes between that of standard blood to that of clotted blood, the device will provide real-time measurements of prothrombin time and international normalized ratio levels. This user-friendly device is critical for adjusting blood-thinner medication dosages effortlessly, accessibly, and precisely.

Sponsor: Mrs. Charissa Barnes

Heart Suspension Device to Increase the Viability of Transported Donor Hearts | Worldwide, the demand for compatible donor organs alarmingly exceeds availability, especially in hearts. To combat this dilemma, organ transport companies including Vascular Perfusion.Solutions have developed ground-breaking devices to preserve and extend the time an organ has to arrive viable. In addition to these factors, managing the mechanical forces experienced by hearts is also of interest. Sudden changes in direction during transport can cause sudden and extreme strains on blood vessel connection points. This may lead to additional organ swelling and damage. Our device aims to minimize these mechanical risks by providing additional organ support and quantifying the heart’s state.

Sponsor: Vascular Perfusion. Solutions

Dental Caries Detection Device | There is a pressing need for individuals to monitor their oral health between dental visits. As with most chronic diseases, early detection is vital in the prevention of permanent damage. The proposed design aims to provide a risk assessment of dental caries for at-home use. The process of use is easy to follow and the numerical results are simplified to a risk scale. This proposed design does not replace the dentist but will serve those who need to monitor their caries progression.

Device to Autonomously Diagnose Diabetic Retinopathy via Machine Learning | Diabetic Retinopathy is a noninflammatory disease of the retina involving blood vessel damage in the light sensitive tissue influenced by diabetes. Of those that possess type I or type II diabetes, between 35-40% develop diabetic retinopathy and experience vision complications. The standard diagnostic procedure involves an optometrist or ophthalmologist directly viewing the vasculature of the retina for examination. The goal is to develop a fast, cost-effective, and accessible diagnostic device to screen for diabetic retinopathy. The device may take advantage of a machine learning algorithm, thereby expanding the possibilities of detecting various other ocular disorders in the future.

Sponsor: Mr. Polo del Barrio

Senior Design Project | CO2 is responsible for the greenhouse effect that causes global warming and climate change. As these concerns grow, engineers have been tasked with providing innovative processes to reduce carbon dioxide emissions through carbon capture techniques. This project will demonstrate the process of the separation of CO2 from incoming flue gas and then the conversion to a useful product in the Chemical Industry. The separation of CO2 from flue gas will proceed through an absorption process. The separated CO2 will then be used to produce methanol through hydrogenation. Methanol will then be utilized to produce a specialty chemical that can be sold to offset the cost of the CO2 capture process.

CO2 Capture for DME Synthesis | CO2 is a harmful greenhouse gas that is constantly being emitted into the environment as waste from chemical processes.  In the ZGM refinery, a significant amount of CO2 is produced in the combustion of methane gas, which is not able to be vented due to Environmental Protection Agency regulations.  Therefore, this research will focus on decreasing CO2 from a chemical plant by means of using the CO2 to create a chemical for profit.  Through feasibility analysis, the particular chemical chosen to be produced is dimethyl ether.  

Greenhouse Gas Utilization | As the world has continued to grow, the greenhouse gas production has continued to grow with it. Transportation, industry, commercial, residential, and electricity generation are different sectors of civilization that heavily rely on the use of chemicals that produce greenhouse gases. Through time, the impact on the environment has been severe and the production of green house gases has shown no signs of slowing down. L.A.N.D. Renewable Resources has taken the responsibility of utilizing the greenhouse gases to minimize the environmental impact and create products that serve a cleaner purpose. L.A.N.D. Renewable Resources will capture greenhouse gases and produce DMC for lithium-ion battery manufacturing, biodiesel production, and as a fuel additive. This green reagent production design will be centered around maximizing efficiency and minimizing waste through our closed loop system. This allows the design plant to keep environment impact low, sustainability high, and profitable. 

The Flue Fighters | Our team has been tasked with providing an innovative process to make a profit from an existing plant that results in separate effluent streams of flue gas and unused methane. This analysis will provide an overview of the potential product pathways that utilize the given conditions for a financial gain. 

Project Ether: Sustainable Dimethyl Ether Synthesis from Flue Gas | Greenhouse gas emissions have come about as a primary result of human activities and natural processes. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is crucial to mitigating negative impacts and slowing the rate of global warming and climate change. The design project explores CO2 sequestration via conversion to dimethyl ether (DME). DME was chosen as the specialty chemical produced primarily from CO2 in this design project based on the comprehensive economic assessment of the markets for DME, ethylene, propylene, hydrogen, and any other products of significant economic value.  DME serves as a clean-burning fuel and chemical feedstock, offering energy density, clean combustion, and compatibility with existing infrastructure. The CO2 is sourced from flue gas generated from a methane gas heater. The design places particular emphasis on the bi-reforming pathway for carbon capture, given the production of methanol and H2 as byproducts and targeted H2/CO ratio. Ongoing research are vital for optimizing this technology and addressing greenhouse gas emissions on a larger scale.

DME PLANT DESIGN PROJECT | This research project explores the production of Dimethyl Ether (DME) from CO2 in flue gas, focusing on its potential as a sustainable and economically viable product in response to global warming and the need for decarbonization. The study evaluates various DME production methods, with an emphasis on membrane-assisted bifunctional catalysts in a packed bed reactor. These systems show promising results in terms of cost reduction, energy efficiency, and reduced CO2 footprint. The project also analyzes cost projections and break-even points, suggesting DME to become a viable candidate for carbon capture and product utilization, aligning with global decarbonization priorities and regulations.

TxDOT Low Water Crossing Bridge Project | The project intent is to replace an existing culvert at a low water crossing on FM 1341 (Cypress Creek Road) with a bridge. This project scope includes but is not limited to civil engineering components such as hydrology, structural design, traffic, roadway, and environmental consideration. Our team has been working on this project for the past two semesters and have a complete design for a bridge construction project. We designed based on TxDOT manuals, AASHTO standards, and multiple local engineering firm’s guidance.

Transmission Impossible Auto parts Store | Transmission Impossible Auto Parts Store Project is a comprehensive construction design endeavor that integrates land design, water, sewer, and utility design, along with geotechnical analysis, structural design, and transportation planning. This multifaceted project aims to create an efficient and sustainable facility for the retail of auto parts. The site layout and utility design ensure optimal functionality, while transportation and structural analysis guarantee stability. The project embodies innovative approaches in transportation design, making it accessible and convenient. By seamlessly combining various design aspects, it promises to set new standards for auto parts store construction while respecting environmental and engineering considerations.

HEB Sunset Trails Recreation and Parkway | We are designing a recreational center and parkway for HEB for employees to use and events to take place their

New Beginings - San Antonio | New Beginnings San Antonio is a housing and counseling facility for homeless young adults who are coming out of the foster care system. It is anticipated to consist of a two-story building with office and open space on the first floor, and 16 dormitories on the second floor. The proposed development is located on Loop 1604 & Hwy 151 along Rogers Road in Bexar County, Texas.

Medical Rehabilitation Center | Our engineering team is designing a one-story outpatient physical therapy center that will accommodate those who need physical and occupational therapy, of all severity levels.  The center will be demonstrate the design process in areas of land development, structural, transportation, utilities and drainage/stormwater plans, all in accordance with the legal codes required.

Richland Hills Multi-Story Office Building  | Our project includes the civil design for a multi-story office building in San Antonio, Texas. The project will consider the various Civil Engineering aspects to developing a site and building a structure on it. The project will include the following components of the design: grading plan, drainage analysis, survey and platting, environmental impact, traffic analysis , driveway and parking lot design, utility design, soil analysis, structural design and analysis of the foundation and structure building, and the production of construction documents and various exhibits.

Cabo Bob's Burritos  | F.A.M.E.D. Engineering is committed to the successful development design of the proposed Cabo Bob's Burritos restaurant on the tract of land located at 1420 SW Loop 410 Access Road, in San Antonio, Texas. The choosing of this location is due to the number of residential areas around the location, the moderate competition of restaurants/cuisines with the same purpose of the project, and the adequate size of land. The building should include a kitchen area, dining area, restrooms, and an outdoor patio.

Bridge Construction West Schaefer Road | My design team's goal is to design an elevated roadway using a bridge in order to solve the current roadway which is identified as a low water crossing and located in the flood zone. My team will be constructing a three span bridge estimated at about 200 feet in length in order to solve this low water crossing safety issue. My team will also be designing for the possibility of future development to tie into our project limits using a shared use path for connection into the nearby park from local neighborhoods.

Roadrunner Executive Tower | Roadrunner Executive Tower is a new construction project located in San Antonio, Texas, near the junction of UTSA Boulevard and University Pass. The main structure is a 180ft x 220ft two story building that is steel framed and supported by a suspended reinforced concrete foundation. The first floor will be occupied by study areas and conference rooms available for the public to rent and access, while the second floor will be offices reserved for businesses to lease (as tenants). The project also includes a parking lot and detention pond. 

Lonestar Lavish BBQ | Senior Design Project involving the land development project involving the construction of Lone Star Lavish BBQ: a restaurant and live music venue. The project is planned to be built on the property located at 14515 Vance Jackson Rd. This project will consist of a very open floor plan design for the restaurant while allowing for ample outdoor seating and entertainment. The primary building will host the kitchen, bar, and some indoor dining areas, while the rest of the property will consist of outdoor seating arrangements and a venue for live music. The project plans to incorporate a large amount of greenery and natural elements into our design to allow for a nice and elegant outdoor dining experience for our patrons. The project also includes the addition of a detention pond that will be used as a reusable water source for other LID developments around the property.

Muscle Rehab - Indoor Sports Facility  | A civil engineering project centered around the proposal of a commercial (C1) development - an indoor sports facility - to serve the area just outside city limits, and near Marbach Road and Highway Loop 1604.

The facility will include indoor pickleball courts, workout equipment, spaces for other recreational activities, as well as a lobby with a rest area, and is intended for public use. The proposed development will include aspects of:

-Land development engineering (Utilities and Site Drainage)

-Hydrology and hydraulics analysis (Culvert Analysis)

-Structural and geotechnical analysis (Building and Foundation Design)

-Traffic and transportation analysis (TIA Report and Overall Traffic Control)

uTurbine  | The United States Department of Energy is dedicated to advancing wind energy research to enhance electricity generation for the benefit of our citizens. As part of this mission, our team, Gustbusters, has been enlisted in the Collegiate Wind Competition (CWC) by our sponsor HatchTank to develop an efficient and dependable wind energy turbine known as the uTurbine. This project aims to contribute to the ongoing progress in wind energy technology, optimizing its efficiency and reliability to meet the growing energy demands of our nation.

Sponsor: HatchTank

Search and Rescue Platform for Optical Target Recognition (SPOTR) | This project is an autonomous waterproof object detection device that will be used to assist with the search and rescue of astronauts after re-entering Earth’s atmosphere and landing in water. The design includes, a Go-Pro video camera, Raspberry Pi micro-controller, Pelican waterproof case, a secondary laptop, and a tripod. The Go-Pro will provide clear HD video and water resistance, while the tripod will ensure stability. The secondary laptop will provide a GUI for the user to interact with and the Raspberry Pi will handle object detection by using Python, OpenCV, and the YOLO algorithm while being mounted inside the Pelican case.

Metal Detecting hexapod robot |  The Mineral Detecting Hexapod represents an experimental robotic system equipped with six legs, purposefully engineered to navigate treacherous terrains and identify valuable mineral resources in the most demanding and isolated landscapes. In a world grappling with depleting mineral reserves, this autonomous innovation supersedes the necessity for human-operated vehicles. During exploration missions, it offers real-time tracking and video feeds. Additionally, with increased investment, the potential to employ Ground-Penetrating Radars (GPRs) for comprehensive underground mineral mapping is within reach. In the interim, our product serves as a proficient metal detector.

Sponsor: Johnathen Kammer

HEB HEPA Filter Monitoring System | The HEPA filter monitoring system operates seamlessly through a sensor governed by a PLC, gauging the differential air pressure within the filtration setup. When the pressure deviates from the specified range, signifying a saturated filter, the system promptly transmits this data to the human machine interface (HMI), triggering an alert for the user. This proactive mechanism guarantees that users are promptly notified of necessary filter replacements, optimizing air quality and prolonging the effectiveness of the filtration system in any setting.

Sponsor: HEB - James Lussier

USAISR - Portable Pneumatic Tourniquet | Partnering with USAISR, our team aims to develop an automated pneumatic tourniquet to improve survival rates for trauma patients suffering from severe extremity bleeding. Pressure sensors within the device will detect hemorrhaging through blood pressure changes and automatically inflate a compact cuff to stop arterial flow. A self-tightening algorithm allows the tourniquet to apply calibrated, consistent pressures reducing tissue damage around the extremity. Our prototype will integrate the sensors, algorithm, and pneumatic system powered by a 24-hour battery with an efficient controller. This portable device promises to advance hemorrhage management capabilities for secondary medical care, ultimately saving lives.

Sponsor: United States Army Institute of Surgical Research

Autonomous Mechanical Tourniquet | The Autonomous Mechanical Torniquet is a modern solution to stop hemorrhages during high-stress situations. A torniquet is a crucial tool used to stop arterial hemorrhage, however incorrect placement and overtightening cause challenges that prevent successful bleeding cessation. A microcontroller-controlled tourniquet utilizing motorized tightening components and integrated sensors for real-time blood pressure monitoring, will effectively halt a hemorrhage using the sensor data to ensure that the tourniquet is only tightened until hemorrhage is stopped. Intelligent tension adjustment mitigates the risk of unnecessary nerve damage and decreases unnoticed hemorrhage recurrences. This solution will make tourniquet application faster, safer, and more effective.

Sponsor: United States Army Institute of Surgical Research (USAISR)

Photo Tracking Garge Opener(PTGO) | The Photo Tracking Garage Opener (PTGO) project is committed to revolutionizing the garage door opening and closing process. This endeavor underscores the demand for a highly sophisticated image recognition algorithm capable of precisely detecting and tracking vehicles as they approach and depart from the garage door. Leveraging advanced camera systems, object detection, user recognition, and seamless integration with smart home systems, PTGO aims to enhance the efficiency and safety of garage door operations. Moreover, through automated vehicle detection, this innovative solution offers a secure and intelligent system that can distinguish between authorized users and potential intruders or wildlife, ensuring a comprehensive and reliable garage access experience.

Mr. Ohm Educational Robot | The Mr. Ohm project is an educational robot initiative under the BetterBots program, designed to assist teaching coding concepts to high school students. Triple-B is focusing on optimizing the triode mixer circuit integral to the Mr. Ohm’s LIDAR sensor. Triple-B aims to significantly enhance the conversion gain, thereby amplifying the strength of the output signal derived from the two input signals. To achieve this, advanced simulation tools including LTSpice and Easyeda-(PCB) will be deployed for refining the existing circuitry. Subsequently, rigorous hardware testing of these improvements will be conducted.

Sponsor: BetterBots

Portable Ruggedized Fluid Pump | The Portable Ruggedized Fluid Pump, is a compact and durable medical device designed to save lives by swiftly delivering volumes of vital fluids at a configurable flow rate in critical situations. It's specifically crafted for battlefield and pre-hospital care, where time is critical. The PRFP is user-friendly, offers remote control for precise operation, and complies with medical standards. It addresses the urgent need for efficient fluid infusion in extreme conditions, benefiting military healthcare providers, combat medics, and paramedics. Our project's mission is clear: enhance patient care, reduce resource strain, and support those on the front lines of emergency medical response.

Sponsor: United States Army Institute of Surgical Research

ArteryMark: Virtual Histology Optical Coherence Tomography (VHOCT) Plaque Characterization Software | The ArteryMark Dev team is developing ArteryMark, an arterial plaque characterization tool. ArteryMark allows researchers to develop a database of annotated artery CT scans for use in training an AI model for autonomous feature recognition. Through ArteryMark’s GUI, researchers import CT scans as images, perform several basic automatic transformations, including edge detection and conversion to a radial coordinate system. Then, researchers manually adjust detected borders, create specific feature regions, and finally export the image as a feature map. ArteryMark replaces the currently available software tool to provide a more streamlined experience, more universality between operating systems, and improved annotation detail.

Sponsor: Clayton Foundation for Research

CivicCapture | This versatile camera device, ideal for personal safety during solo or outdoor activities, utilizes a Raspberry Pi and camera module for dependable video capture. Thereby, acting as credible evidence for personal protection, false accusations, or legal disputes. With a user-friendly design, the device features a detachable clip-on attachment, rechargeable battery for sustained use, and external video storage capabilities. This combination provides a reliable, user-friendly solution for enhanced safety and security through video documentation across various scenarios. Through its thoughtful design, this device guarantees reliable documentation when needed most.

HEB Bulk Tank Level Monitoring  | This senior design project endeavors to revolutionize the operational efficiency of HEB's dairy plant through the development of an automated fluid leveling system. Currently, the plant's system relies on manual operation, presenting challenges related to overflow management. Our proposed solution integrates cutting-edge sensors and a sophisticated programmable logic controller. This integration not only provides real-time data visualization but also ensures precise control of chemical tank levels. The system orchestrates seamless communication with diverse controls responsible for managing chemical flow, thus optimizing productivity and averting operational disruptions. Ultimately, this innovation showcases a pivotal advancement in enhancing the fluid management processes within the dairy industry.

Sponsor: H-E-B

Acoustic Material Manipulator | The Acoustic Material Manipulator represents a groundbreaking application of vibrational frequency science, employing a unique approach to reshape and modify material temperatures. Diverging from conventional devices like microwaves, this product ensures a radiation-free operation. A pivotal aspect of the project involves the integration of four square plates adorned with a total of 256 individual speakers each, configured in a cube formation. This innovative arrangement facilitates the alteration of the material's temperature and endows the capability to manipulate the material itself, introducing a new dimension to material science and technology.

ECMO Heater/Cooler Exchange | Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is a life-saving technology used to support patients with severe respiratory or cardiac failure. The ECMO circuit consists of a mechanical blood pump, a membrane oxygenator, and a heater-cooler exchange device. This device, characterized by its lightweight and compact nature, regulates water temperature during medical procedures that require precise thermal control. Additionally, this device integrates a user-friendly interface, providing real-time data on water flow and temperature, thereby improving the overall system efficiency. In essence, this advancement stands to significantly enhance patient care by improving their quality of life.

Sponsor: The Institute for Extracorporeal Life Support

AI Desktop Robot | The AI desktop assistant is a robot that will notify the user if they have been sitting for too long. Its purpose is to help work efficiently by notifying you when you haven’t moved for extended periods of time and remove cellular distractions. The AI desktop assistant is a voice activated robot that calculates basic math and has the ability to connect to a phone using Bluetooth. The AI desktop will be able to access the user’s phone to display weather information, play music, record to notes, and interact with user’s calendar. The AI desktop assistant is designed to detect certain voice commands to provide features tailored to the user’s order. 

Dell Trusted Execution Environment | The escalating use of AI applications on edge devices, such as smartphones and IoT devices, has given rise to critical privacy concerns, particularly regarding the potential leakage of sensitive data through Membership Inference Attacks (MIAs). This research addresses these challenges by demonstrating an innovative solution: a secure facial recognition application on the Jetson Orin Nano. This approach integrates DarkneTZ, a sophisticated framework leveraging ARM TrustZone Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) technology. By strategically partitioning Deep Neural Networks (DNN) model layers, with sensitive layers executed within the device's TEE and others in the untrusted operating system, a robust privacy shield is established.

Sponsor: Dell

BRISK | Battlefield Ready Innovative Suction Kit, or B.R.I.S.K., is a multidisciplinary engineering design project between the electrical and computer engineering (ECE) program and the mechanical engineering program. The goal of the project is to create a portable suction device that effectively clears airway obstructions—blockage of respiration due to foreign body, trauma, or infection. Through a minimally invasive procedure, a tube is inserted into the patient's throat and negative pressure is used to draw obstructions from the patient’s airway. The ECE design team is tasked with developing the electrical system that is composed of two subsystems: a low-power(5V), and high-power(12V). The low-power subsystem will include the microcontroller, which will function as the “brain” of the device and the user interface(LED indicators), which comprises the hypoxia timer, battery-life indicator, and a clog warningdetection. The high-power subsystem will provide power to the pump motor. Lastly, the user will be able to regulate the suction speed. The two-subsystem setup will allow the device to provide a comprehensive and intuitive user-interface.

Sponsor: Dr. Hood

Temperature Transducer Test Bench | This project entails the development of an automated temperature transducer test bench, specifically designed for Navistar, a leading manufacturer of class 6 through 8 vehicles, with a focus on zero-emission solutions and environmentally friendly manufacturing practices. This project efficiently validates Navistar’s temperature transducers by autonomously recording temperatures and implementing a correction factor for malfunctioning probes. This device will replace Navistar’s current testing method, which is labor-intensive and time-consuming. The cornerstone of this project is the utilization of a Raspberry Pi to control the parameters of a heated oil bath, where transducers will be submerged for testing. The test bench will identify dysfunctional transducers and notify the user of the results through email.

Sponsor: Navistar

Smart Well | Many residential water well systems suffer from outdated and problematic mechanical control systems. The Smart Well system is designed to eradicate the issues inherent in traditional water well control systems by replacing mechanical components with cutting-edge digital solid-state solutions. Through this upgrade, the system eliminates common points of mechanical failure. The integration of a micro-controller enhances the system's capabilities, preventing specific motor failures while also enabling continuous monitoring for potential leaks and burst pipe conditions. By embracing digital technology, the Smart Well system ensures a more reliable and efficient operation, safeguarding residential water supplies.

Navistar Flowmeter Test Bench | Our project aims to create a specialized Flowmeter Test Bench for Navistar, a prominent manufacturer of trucks and diesel engines. This innovative test bench integrates flow meters to meticulously evaluate the functionality and precision of vehicle flow meters, that are used for measuring flow rates of diesel and gas. The project's primary objective is to optimize Navistar's vehicle testing and operational procedures, resulting in significant time and cost savings. Compared to current existing solutions, our product stands out for its exceptional cost-effectiveness, precision, efficiency, and user-friendly design, making it an invaluable addition toNavistar’s operations.

Sponsor: Navistar

Hands-Free Dental Loupe with Spectrally-Tunable Light | The Hands-Free Dental Loupe with Spectrally-Tunable Light project is sponsored by Rancho El Toston, LLC, with the aim of developing an advanced dental loupe integrated with a customizable lighting system. Current lighting solutions necessitate physical contact for operation, and the manipulation of physical light color filters can pose challenges during various surgical procedures, heightening the risk of cross-contamination in clinical settings. The project focuses on implementing a touchless interface utilizing time-of-flight sensors to facilitate seamless switching of light presets. This innovation empowers users to adjust light color presets through a dedicated smartphone application, thereby effectively mitigating the risk of cross-contamination.

Sponsor: Rancho El Toston, LLC.

The Material Reuse Project: Connecting San Antonio's Salvaged Building Materials to New Purposes | The city of San Antonio is leading the way in sustainable construction practices with its new ordinance to deconstruct existing buildings. This forward-thinking policy is reducing waste and providing salvaged building materials for reuse. The Material Reuse Project, a website-based inventory system, was created to connect these repurposed second-hand construction materials with new projects/purposes across the city. This innovative platform allows anyone with an internet connection to view and acquire materials diverted from the landfill. As San Antonio builds a more circular economy, the Material Reuse Project facilitates the redirection of salvaged goods to new construction projects and more.

ES Lab | The ES Lab is a lab management system that allows students to sign in to lab sessions, record their progress, and signal for assistance using a USB dongle and a set of workstation buttons. The system is designed to streamline the lab experience by automating record-keeping and reducing the need for physical interaction with instructors. With the creator access, lab administrators can easily create and edit lab sessions and exercises, while students can sign in, select their lab exercise, and request assistance through the workstation buttons. The system aims to improve lab efficiency and student experience while reducing administrative workload.

Sponsor: Johnathan Votion

VivoVision | Conventional methods are ineffective at identifying medical implants once they're positioned in vivo. Addressing this significant gap, the Vivovision project, supported by Nvision, introduces a pioneering software designed to not only identify millimeter diameter rods from x-ray images, but decode information contained in the micrometer variations of groove width. This capability not only ensures patient safety and regulatory compliance but also enhances operational efficiency and clinical decision-making. As both the medical sector and the FDA emphasize the need for a unique device identification (UDI) for implants, Vivovision's software utilizes state-of-the-art image processing techniques to precisely extract the UDI from x-rays, unveiling crucial details like manufacturer, date, model, and batch/lot.

Sponsor: Nvision Biomedical Technologies

Optimized Meal Assistance Robot (OMAR) | The Optimized Meal Assistance Robot (OMAR) is an assistive robotic arm that enables physically impaired individuals the ability to feed themselves without the assistance of caregivers. The OMAR is designed to grant independence to physically impaired persons, and relieve the caregiver from performing feeding tasks, which alleviates Caregiver Stress Syndrome (CSS). CSS is characterized by an increased risk of stress, depression and anxiety. CSS may affect disabled people by limiting the caregiver’s ability to provide adequate care, which may lead to cases of neglect and mistreatment. The OMAR features facial tracking software, customized utensils, user buttons, and a mobile application.

OPENFC |  Openfc represents an accessible flight computer ecosystem tailored to empower small fixed-wing aircraft pilots. These features encompass data logging capabilities, safety enhancements, remote control functionality, and precise tuning options. The design is affordable for beginner hobbyists. Openfc's cost-effectiveness is achieved through meticulous selection of cost-efficient components and materials. Openfc thrives within a vibrant open-source community, ensuring an intuitive user experience while granting access to invaluable resources. Aspiring pilots gain entry to an affordable, yet feature-rich flight computer ecosystem.

Trailer- Mounted Telescoping Camera Tower | A telescopic tower, operated via a hand-crank mechanism, was designed with the purpose of elevating a high-speed camera to a height of 60 feet, enabling the capture of the desired field of view for crash testing. This tower was designed to be capable of tilting and compatible with a trailer for effortless mobility. Additionally, a camera focusing system was integrated into the design, eliminating the necessity for an additional manlift to adjust focus. The project also incorporates a remote control system for precise control over the camera's tilt, pan, and rotation, as well as a separate remote control system for lens adjustments.

Sponsor: Allen Beavers 

Cobra LPG Pressure Regulator | EControls currently produces two similar versions of a LPG pressure regulator under the IMPCO brand. The “J” Series and “Cobra” series regulators originally represented two different quality levels at different material cost / sales price points, however they now generate unnecessary manufacturing cost and quality risks that outweigh the benefit.
Lunar Stake | This is a proof of concept lunar stake device created to discover more about regolith. It must be a self assembled telescoping mechanism where a push of a button will release a spring to elongate the stake and lock it into place without retracting. It will be fitted with accelerometers, magnetometers, short radio frequency, DAQ, battery, and microphone all powered by an arduino board. These components will help evaluate the underground and communicate its findings. The results should provide seismic measurements and give a more detailed description of the lunar environment.

Vibrational Energy Harvesting | In this Senior Design 2 project, we aim to develop a sophisticated vibrational energy harvesting rig leveraging piezoelectric materials to convert mechanical vibrations induced by a mechanical shaker into electrical power. The project involves the design and construction of a highly efficient system that harnesses vibrational energy, focusing on the principles of piezoelectricity. Our objective is to maximize energy conversion efficiency while ensuring the rig's reliability and adaptability for various applications. This endeavor represents an innovative approach to sustainable energy generation and reinforces our commitment to advancing the field of energy harvesting through cutting-edge engineering.

Sponsor: Dr. Cody Gonzalez

Ion Exchange Resin System | Currently, unused whole blood can only be stored for a maximum of 35 days by refrigeration and no single system exists to conduct blood preservation treatment processes with ease.​ Our project aims to develop a new housing device that aims to aid in the testing of resin and its impact of the shelf life of whole blood cells. Assuming all ideal conditions the system will pass blood through the canister while removing calcium thus, making sure the blood does not coagulate.

Sponsor: United State Institute of Surgical Research

Pressure Sensitive Ankle Brace | This project focuses on the development of a Pressure Sensitive Ankle Brace equipped with a pressure sensor insole and a microcontroller with Wi-Fi connectivity capabilities. The brace aims to provide ankle support, real-time monitoring of pressure changes, and seamless data transmission for improved user well-being. Through design, testing, and adherence to safety standards, this product seeks to address the demand for a reliable and effective solution to aid individuals in enhancing their ankle health and rehabilitation. 

Exerg Engineering | The purpose of this project is to research, design and fabricate a magneto-mechanical-electric (MME) energy harvester rig that can convert mechanical vibrations into electrical power that can be put to practical use. The harvester rig will be designed to have a high-power generation capacity and efficiency to make it practical for use in real-world applications. The aim is to make use of the automatic rig to automate the process of data collection, thereby reducing errors and improving the accuracy of acquisition, minimizing human input when compared to the manual energy harvester, and lowering the workload and man-hours required for operation.The significance of this project lies in its potential to provide a source of scavenged magnetic field AC current and offer an efficient source of energy. The energy harvester can be integrated into various electronic devices and systems to power them. It can also be used in remote locations where there is no access to a conventional power source. Additionally, the energy harvester can play a crucial role in reducing energy costs and reducing the carbon footprint by reducing the dependence on conventional energy sources.

Sponsor: Dr. Cody Gonzalez

Beverage Dispensor Automated Test Stand | The Beverage Dispenser Automated Test Stand is intended to automate the labor-intensive data collection process of validating soda fountain units. This system is a portable cart that can be brought up to a unit under test  and communicate with the customers test administrator software. This system will handle placement of sensors, movement, weight, and disposal of cups for tests that must be reliable and able to handle quick cycle times for tests that may last for up to 7 hours.

Sponsor: Lancer Worldwide

Mechanically-Assisted Weight Machine | The Mechanically-Assisted Weight Machine was designed by SA Premier Engineering to enhance workout quality and save time in the process. Utilizing a trailer jack for vertical motion and a sliding rail system for horizontal motion the machine brings the weights to the height of the barbell, greatly reducing expended energy by the user when changing weight sizes between workouts. From initial design drafts, to engineering analysis, to creating a final drawing package and creating and performing a testing plan/report, the machine has been designed with functionality and safety in mind leading to a quality product that many will find beneficial.

Sponsor: Chad Webster

Workspace Refrigerant Leak Detector | The objective of Ode to Code's Workspace Refrigerant Leak Detector was to address the issue of false refrigerant leak alerts in H-E-B stores. To achieve this goal, our team opted for a dual authentication system, which we consider the most effective approach. This system comprises an ultrasonic sensor to detect sound waves generated by rapid refrigerant gas evacuation from the piping and an air quality sensor for contaminant detection. These sensor selections were made based on their cost-effectiveness.

Sponsor: H-E-B

Super Sonic Nozzle | Southwest Research Institute has hired our team to design and manufacture an interchangeable nozzle; that would be secured into their existing wind tunnel structure. The nozzle will be a convergent-divergent design and reach a minimum speed of Mach 2. The inlet diameter of the nozzle will be 6 inches and an outlet diameter of 2 inches. The nozzle will be made interchangeable by resting inside thewind tunnels pipe between two flanges, with an orifice plate being used to secure the nozzle to the wind tunnel. To handle the change in piping from 6 inch nominal piping to 2 inch nominal piping, a custom flange will be used on the outlet. This custom flange will be a 6 inch blind face flange, with a 2 inch diameter hole bored through the center.

Sponsor: Southwest Research Institute

Thermoelectric Generator | Product will use heat to convert into electricity utilizing the properties of a semiconductor. As the heat travels through the semiconductor, electrons are excited creating a voltage and through system current is created and converted into watts. This is done through the seebeck effect. At the bottom of the project is a heat sink to create a cool side. The top of the project has a heat lamp to create a hot side. Specific material that met all requirements was selected throughout the process.

Sponsor: CoEvo Energy

Furnace Monitoring System | The goal of this project is to enable the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) to present video footage of their fire test results to clients. A live view inside the furnace not only facilitates communication between SwRI and its clients about their products but also presents results more effectively than mere data. It would be beneficial to incorporate a wider field of view, covering a significant portion of the chamber.

Sponsor: Southwest Research Institute

Revolutionizing ECMO Support: Lightweight, Cool, Sterilizable | Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is a life support mechanism that can support the function of the heart and lungs if either fail. The blood is sent outside the body to an oxygenator and cooler-heater to ensure the blood enters the body at an acceptable temperature. The current ECMO cooler-heater used weighs up to 76 lbs when full, is bulky, uses ice to cool, cannot be sterilized, and doesn’t monitor the temperature of the blood. The redesign will seek to reduce weight and size while improving cooling and sterilization capabilities. This is a project that crosses department lines and has senior design students in Electrical and Software

Sponsor: ECMO Institute

Oil Refiltration Cart | This system is innovated to provide cost saving oil refiltration for a dairy manufacturing plant. The purpose of the oil is to lubricate gears if blow molders and other hydraulic function. The requirements is less than 3 microns of particulates in order for the machinery of the plants to work efficiently. Thus, Team ORCA came up with a 3 part filtering process to eliminate water, metals, and other debris.

Sponsor: HEB

Flow Rate Transducer Test Bench | The Flow Rate Transducer Test Bench is a closed-loop recirculating fluid system that will be used to verify the operational integrity of turbine-style flow rate transducers at Navistar Inc.’s Advanced Technology Center in Elmendorf, Texas. Surefire Engineering is collaborating with Horsepower Engineering, a capstone team from the Electrical/Computer Engineering Department at UTSA, to complete this project. Surefire Engineering has been responsible design of the structural and piping systems, and Horsepower Engineering has been responsible for the design of the user interface and control/data acquisition systems.

Sponsor: Navistar