Independent Component 2

Literal

(a) Statement saying: “I, Kenji Karuhaka, affirm that I completed my independent component which represents 30 hours of work.” 

(b) For my independent component, I decided to complete tasks that require some kind of technical or mechanical work. I looked at circuit boards and soldered off components such as diodes, resistors, and capacitors of different sizes. My father also taught me about how to remove and replace components without damaging the traces in the board. I also have had problems with my laptop and replaced the LCD monitor and d/c input jack for the charger. While I was replacing the monitor, I originally thought it was a bad connector, however, after testing a new one, I realized the LCD was damaged. I also worked on my R/C car. At my service learning, I was told that it is good for biomeds to have hobbies such as R/C since it teaches about basic electronics as well as allowing you to practice different skills. This caused me to get back into R/C and learn about all the different components and how to replace worn or damaged parts.

Interpretive

It shows 30 hours of work because as I was doing the different tasks, I also had to learn about what I was doing. I had to look up instructions on how to complete tasks the right way as well as plan what I had to do. The task itself would also at times be hard, due to losing of components, not being able to locate a certain part, or just figuring out how to attack the problem. The work was time consuming and sometimes caused me to work in my room for a few hours at a time, but it would be fun.

Applied

It helped with my original EQ of what is most important for success as a biomedical engineer because I was able to use skills usually used by engineers of different fields. My new EQ, "What is most important when creating prosthetics using biomedical engineering?" was helped because I got to work with different mechanical systems that use motors and pulleys with my R/C car which can be used in robotic prosthetics.

Independent Component 2 Plan Approva

CONTENT:

 (1) Write a description of what you plan on doing for your independent study component

For my independent component, I am deciding whether to do extra hours at San Dimas Community Hospital or do something very focused and allows me to practice a skill. I was thinking of taking circuit boards from medical equipment and identifying all the components and dissecting the boards. This will give me an experience with electronics and can be very useful in engineering fields.

(2) Describe in detail how you think your plan will meet the 30 hours work requirement.

The circuit boards will take a long time to dissect and organize due to the many components on a single board. Extracting the board from medical equipment also takes some time. I hope to be able to dissect, and then reassemble parts of a board by studying schematics for available equipment.

(3) How does your independent study component relate to your EQ?   

As of now, I felt that having experience with technology at the component level is a very valuable skill. My service learning has told me that many biomeds don't know the basics about circuit boards which results in longer time to repair a certain piece of equipment because they need to send it to another individual who then fixes the tech. This is very time consuming and inefficient and can be avoided with basic knowledge of schematics and components.

Independent Component 1

Literal

I, Kenji Karuhaka, affirm that I completed my independent component which represents 30 hours of work.

While working at San Dimas Community Hospital under Winston Gotte, I have learned about some of the basics of being a Biomed. I have helped repair and maintain different equipment during "Preventative Maintenance" or PM's. I have also taken apart and put back together several defective medical equipment in order to get used to taking things apart, the layouts of common equipment, and get an intro to electrical engineering.

This is where I work when in Biomed and taking things apart.



This is used to test patient boxes which are used to monitor patient vitals.



These are also used with the above monitor and can simulate different situations.



This is an analyzer that Winston had me take apart and pointed out different parts of the circuit board.






Interpretive

I worked at the hospital in the Biomed department during my service learning. I feel that since my topic is Biomedical Engineering, this is very relevant. I am also learning about hospital layouts, basic skills for a Biomed, the different equipment within a hospital, and how different departments associate with Biomed. Much of my service learning, is spent shadowing and assisting in little jobs with Winston. However, when we have free time, he shows me different things that he feels is important to know or does things that he usually does with trainees, such as taking apart medical equipment. 

This is an IV pump which I also got to take apart when I started. This is one of the most common pieces of equipment in a hospital.

 I also took apart this recorder for practice.


Applied

I feel that it helps answer my EQ because hospital equipment is essential and makes a job a lot easier if you know what everything is. There were times where I had to pick up a piece of equipment from a department. I would use the exact name for whatever I had to pick up, however, sometimes people would get confused as to what I was asking for. However, if it was a new piece of equipment to me, I had no way to explain it. This resulted in the errand taking longer than it had to. 

Communication is also very important because sometimes, you are asked a question by a patient and you need to assist as much as possible. Or when, like mentioned before, you are talking to hospital staff and can not get a message across. I have also seen this with Winston when someone asks about "defective" equipment, and he has to explain that it was just a small error. It can sometimes be irritating, however, you must always remain patient and collected. 

Simplicity is a big thing for Biomeds. This is because sometimes, the problem is so small and there is no need to over complicate things. Time wasted on something is time that could have been used more efficiently on another item. Winston told me that one thing he feels is essential is do to repairs, even if you have to do it on your own time. He said that he likes to tinker with different things in order to learn their layouts. "PM's rot your brain" is the reason why he suggests doing full repairs and tinkering in order to stay used to the technology.

Independent Component 1 Plan Approval

1) I plan on doing extra community service hours at San Dimas Community Hospital for my independent Component.
2) I believe it will meet the 30 hour requirement because I will be keeping a record as well as having my supervisor signing off on my hours. I am currently on a 2 hour/ week schedule and am planning to increase it to 4 or 6 hours per week.
3) My independent component relates to my topic because I will be working in the hospital with a biomedical engineer. I will be able to see and learn how he does his work and what method seems to be the more efficient. I will also get to see how he improves himself as well as the technologies that he is required to maintain in the hospital.