TEAM MENYANG!!!



 "The pen is mightier than the sword, but without a hand to wield it, it is as useless as an unstrung bow—full of potential yet powerless. Today, we gather not just to hold the pen, but to write the future."


About Jamyang

  • 12-year-old student from Mongar Middle Secondary School
  • Birthday: August 30, 2012
  • Parents: Pema Yangki & Tempa Dorji 
  • Language: Tshangla(Sharshop)
  • Hobbies: Playing Mobile Games

    • Jamyang's Challenges

  • Cerebral Palsy (CP) – Contracture of hands & legs
  • Limited Mobility – Uses a wheelchair, struggles with posture
  • Weak Fine Motor Skills – Writing is slow & difficult
  • Speech Challenges – Struggles with clear communication

    • About Mendrel

    12-year-old student from Changangkha Middle Secondary School
    Birthday: April 16, 2012
    Parents: Tshewang Choden & Tashi Tshering
    Language: Dzongkha 
    Hobbies: Drawing, Playing mobile games

    Mendrel's Challenges

  • Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis
  • Fine Motor Difficulties
  • Weak Grip Strength
  • Uncontrollable Hand Movements

    • Subject/Need(s)

                            
    • Problem Statements

    Mendrel Sherab Selden

    Mendrel tends to experience finger strain while writing and completing daily tasks. She needs assistive tools that would help reduce this discomfort, helping her write and independently engage in activities like drawing.



    Jamyang Lody Drukpa

    As Jamyang struggles with writing, speaking, and independent mobility, he needs devices that are suited to his challenges, which include muscle coordination and discomfort while writing. Supporting these areas will help him independently carry out these activities.

    Idea(s)


    Idea-1

    For Jamyang: Pencil Gripper and Paper Holder
    - His situation was similar to Mendrel's in 2024; discomfort while writing.

    Our Idea;
  • Facilitates writing and drawing by allowing the user to hold the paper in place while writing.
  • Materials used: 3D Printer, PLA filament, TPU filament.

    • Idea-2

    For Mendrel: Finger Cushion
    • A cushioned grip that reduces pressure on fingers.
    • Materials used: Modelling Dough, Silicon, PLA filament, 3D-Printer.

    Idea-3

    For Both: Table
    • Slightly slanted tables as it allows better muscle alignment. 
    • Materials used: CNC Machine, Plywood.

    1st Prototyping





    For Idea-1

    Pencil Gripper
    • Initially, we fabricated a pencil gripper with standard measurements.
    • Jamyang found this model to be tight, so we scaled the size as per his requirements.

    Paper Holder
    • We started by drawing rough sketches and printed out a holder similar to that of Mendrel's in 2024.

    For Idea-2

    Finger Cushion 
    We created a draft finger cushion using TPU, and during testing, she noted that it had reduced finger discomfort but was a bit uncomfortable. 
    • We tested using a clay sample. 


    For Idea-3

    Adjustable table
    • We began with draft sketches, gathered input from both parents, and finalized the design. 
    • The table parts were then CNC-cut and assembled.
    • DXF file for CNC cutting using a 14 mm board and 3mm square head endmill.

    2nd Prototyping


    For Idea-1

    Pencil Gripper/Finger Cushion
    • After scaling up, Jamyang mentioned his discomfort while using the gripper,  so we decided to create a finger cushion like Mendrels.

    Paper Holder
    • After measuring the adjustable table, we finalised the design and started printing our final prototype. 

    For Idea-2

    Clay Mold
    • In order to get a smooth fit, we modelled Mendrel's fingers using clay, and then left that to cast using liquid silicon.

    Plastic Mold
    • As an alternate, we also modelled a plastic finger mold using CATIAV5, and set some liquid silicon overnight.

    For Idea-3

    Adjustable Table
    • After the table was assembled, both Jamyang and Mendrel tested out the table, and they were both happy with the results. 
    • However, Mendrel mentioned that the table was a bit too large for her tastes. 

    Result(s)

    Both the need knowers have claimed to feel more comfortable while writing. These products will be further modified in the future to meet their personal requirements, and may be altered accordingly to anyone that requires so.

    Future Prospect(s)





                                      FUTURE PROSPECTS

    Finger Cushion

    • In the future, we'd like to personalise the finger cushions as far as possible in order to improve the overall user experience, as well as improving on the durability of the finger cushion.

    Paper Holder

    • Adjustable to different tables by adding a clamp mechanic.
    • More efficient paper holding mechanism.

    Adjustable Table

    • To improve on the user friendliness and mobility of the table, we plan on making the table attachable to a wheelchair when required. 
    • As Mendrel mentioned, we also plan on optimising the size of the table.