Joel Kiernan -

Mechanical Engineering

Mass-Optimized Scissor Lift

For ME104, I worked in a team to create a mass-optimized and efficient scissor lift. We conducted a variety of calculations to ensure our design was as optimized as possible. I enjoyed using my additive manufacturing knowledge to create hollow beams without internal supports. In the end, our design successfully raised 15 lbs 6 inches in 5 seconds.

Processes Additive Manufacturing

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Image 1: Photo of our final assembly
Image 2: CAD of our final assembly
Image 3: The mass-optimized beam I helped design
Image 4: A cross section of the mass-optimized beam
Image 5: The mass-optimized base I designed

Research

128

Reaction Time with Different Types of Stimuli

Reaction Time with Different Types of Stimuli

Inspired by previous work, I designed a study to measure the reaction time impact of mixing audio, visual, and haptic stimuli.

(Image: A table of the different combinations of stimuli tested. Combinations of types of stimuli and intensities would play together.)

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In the results of the previous study, we noticed that the intensity of vibration received appeared to affect subjects’ reaction times. I was intrigued by this and wanted to conduct a study to determine if this was true, and also explore how adding other types (auditory and visual) of stimuli would affect reaction time. I took full ownership of designing this study. I personally conducted a literature review, finding that the proposed aim was indeed novel and of interest to the haptics community. I modified the app I had created for the previous study on distraction to now provide combinations of visual, auditory and haptic stimuli. We found that higher intensities of stimuli and additions of stimuli both decrease reaction times. Interestingly, subjects tended to prefer lower-intensity stimuli. This paper informs design of human-computer interactions, especially in systems that seek to reduce reaction times. I am also the co-first author on this paper, and it was presented at the 2023 World Haptics Conference.

A box-and-whisker plot of the results of the study, which shows that as intensities of stimuli are increased, and types of stimuli are added, reaction time decreases.

Research

136

Distraction and Haptics

Distraction and Haptics

We demonstrate that a phone app can be effective in testing responses to haptic stimuli.

Research Question How can haptics be used to communicate orientation to blind users?
Date September 2022 - February(?) 2023

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Haptics is the study of communicating information via the human sense of touch. Haptic stimuli are used in a variety of real-world scenarios, such as through collision-avoidance systems in cars, in robotic surgery, or through video game controllers. In all of these scenarios, the stimuli are provided while the user is distracted. By better understanding how people respond to haptic stimuli while distracted, lab-developed haptic devices can be better adapted for real-world applications. We used a smartphone as the platform for this study. We aimed to prove smartphones can be used as a reliable base for haptics studies. Using smartphones to run studies could open up haptic studies to a much larger, and more diverse population.

A phone case covered in heat-sensitive paint to find ergonomic finger placement

3D-printed phone case for standardized finger placement

Research

138

Wearable Compass for Blind Navigation

Wearable Compass for Blind Navigation

Research Question How can haptics be used to communicate orientation to blind users?

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Inspired by a lunchtime conversation with a friend who is blind, I designed and built a wearable “bracelet” that could tell a user where north is. Using this, a blind person could passively get orientation directions to navigate a new environment.

I tested this device with my blind friend. I led him around a patch of grass in the shade (a particularly hard environment to get orientation in) until he lost his sense of orientation. He then used my device to navigate back to where we started.

I’m currently working on miniaturizing my device and making it more ergonomic.

Teaching

153

Summer Science Program in Astrophysics

Summer Science Program in Astrophysics

During the summer of 2023, I served as a Teaching Assistant and Resident Mentor for the Summer Science Program (SSP) in Astrophysics. SSP is a six-week-long residential summer program for high schoolers. SSP is centered around giving high-achieving high schoolers first-time experience in conducting original research.

Date June-August 2023

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In the astrophysics program, students determine the orbit of a near-Earth asteroid using data they personally collect. To achieve that goal, students learn advanced math, programming, and astrophysics, attending six hours of lectures a day. I personally attended SSP in high school. SSP was my first time experiencing an academically intensive environment; it inspired me to apply to Stanford. Returning to staff the program that shaped my life trajectory was incredibly meaningful. Over the summer, I helped explain difficult astrophysics concepts to the students. I supported their learning, sitting with a student sometimes for an hour to guide them through a tricky physics problem. I counseled students through their first experience in such an academically challenging environment. I lived in the dorms, coordinating social events, encouraging work-life balance, and creating a positive dorm community. I also willingly mentored the students. I told them about my journey through engineering and of the importance of collaborating with others, among many other meaningful conversations over late-night asteroid observation sessions.

Mechanical Engineering

173

Mini Curling

Mini Curling

Growing up in Wisconsin, I played curling in high school. I miss the sport, and wish I could play it and share it with those around me. So, I decided to make a mini curling set. Throughout this project, I thought carefully about manufacturability and tolerances in mechanical interfaces.

Processes CNC Milling, Powder Coating

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I made a jig to powder coat the handles and mask the press fits.