Alta is a portable hyperbaric chamber for use in high altitude by those who experience the effects of High Altitude Illness (HAI) including High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE). Use of a hyperbaric chamber increases the partial pressure of oxygen, thus the amount of oxygen available to the brain and throughout the body. This simulates a descent of 1500 to 2500m which mitigates the effects of HAI and minimizes the likelihood of death.
The objective of this project was to design an effective, lightweight, portable hyperbaric chamber to be used by recreational mountaineers in the field. The project was completed over nine weeks by ten 3rd year product design students and encompassed extensive research, expert interviews, ideation, prototyping, and testing as well as the production of a final working prototype.
Team Members: Clarissa Martins, Camille Dansereau, Huixian (Nimi) Chen, Mike Clarke, Xavier Drysdale, Naji Kaddoura, Leah Katz, Morgan Munro, Yasmin Sirton, Birk Zukowsky
