One of the constraints of this project was to design a low-cost device for DFU detection, including other constraints (e.g., Portability, Robustness, Safety, etc.).

In this section, an estimation of the component costs has been attempted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This cost-estimation has been done based on the prices mentioned in MOUSER Electronics, Sparksfun and Amazon.

Note that some prices are estimated in this case and might change in the future. But a significant change is not being expected.

Some prices are unknown since it was done for free by technical members in QU or personally. But it will be insignificant in mass production.

Shipping cost was calculated in this case, only component and service costs. Software costs (e.g., MATLAB) were not also included. Nevertheless, the aim of this cost estimation is not to justify the device for mass production rather to compare the raw price of the device to the products available in the market, some of which literally cost like 20000 USD or above.

The lion’s share of the cost (around 65%) actually goes to the FSR. Other force sensors e.g., graphene based force sensors or even optical (force + temperature) sensors could be alternatives to FSRs.