About the Need Knower

Basic Information

  • Name: Anukala Rai
  • Age: 33 years old
  • Background: Born in Khotang, Studied arts, Trained as a Beautician, Avid Sports Woman
  • Interests: Beautification, Lawn tennis, Swimming (Can't Pursue)
  • Strengths: Resilient, Resourceful, and Independent
  • Social Role: Motivation for the Society

    • Medical History

    Disease: Transverse Myelitis
    Clinical Manifestation: Laxmi Puja, 2071 BS
    Hospitalization Duration: 2 years
    Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation: 3 years  
    Additional Info: Made many friends facing similar cases, found supportive community after reaching SIRC-Nepal. 

    Problem Statement

    Problems/Issues

    Mobility: Limited to wheelchair access
    Transport: No scooter modified for carrying wheelchair
    Physical: Paraplegia (Below Neck: No Mobility & Sense, Left Hand: Decreased Mobility)
    Daily: Cannot open and close shutter, Difficulty in moving sloppy plane
    Work-Related: Inability to reach higher height

    Solutions

    • Design Gripper Cane to grab things on higher heights
    • Design Rope Puller & Wheelchair Uplifter  to move wheelchair on sloppy plane by self
    • Design Tie Band to hold legs while riding scooter
    • Design Screw Jack + Gear to operate shop shutter

    Conceptualization Phase


    Gripper Cane (Initial Concept)

    Modelled a 2D sketch with hexagonal shaped model using Complaint Mechanism
    Ideated a solid rod to power the device
    Designed push-pull-lock-unlock mechanism at the end of the cane handle for applying effort
    Complaint Mechanism

    Shortcoming: 
    Failed at utilizing concept of Complaint Mechanism

    Gripper Cane (Final Concept)

    Used simple model of Complaint Mechanism
    Added Rack & Pinion Mechanism for applying supposed bidirectional effort on Complaint Mechanism
    Redesigned the handle with Lever Mechanism
    Replaced rod with rope for feasibility and availability
    Gripper Claw Mechanism

    Tie Band (Initial Concept)

    Discussed to use Locking Mechanism and then, to use Screw Type model
    Finalized to go with bottle cap model
    Customized the tie-band strip holder
    Twisting Lock Mechanism
    Bottle screw lock

    Design and Prototyping: Gripper Cane


    Prototype: Gripper Cane (Initial Phase)

    Directly produced the model in slicer software
    Applied 15% infill content
    Printed 3D rack and pinion, and the complaint mechanism separately
    Used for initial testing to determine usefulness

    Shortcomings:
    Larger pinion than idealized model
    Lacking strength

    Design: Gripper Cane (Final Phase)

    Rack
    Pinion
    Cane/Stick
    Base
    Pin Cap
    Gripper Arm Assembly

    Prototype (Failed): Gripper Cane (Final Phase)

    Designed the part double gear mechanism for the rack
    Added the base part for the gears
    Added bearing and pins
     
    Shortcomings:
    Limited motion due to rigid structure
    Less teeth distance to catch or hold large things
    Misplaced rack model on the complaint mechanism

    Final Prototype: Gripper Cane (Final Phase)

    Directly modified the model from slicer software from initial design
    Successfully made functional 3D printed model of 'gripper' part

    Design & Prototyping: Tie Band - Clip Buckle


    Design: Tie Band (Initial Phase)

    Initial M-Mate for Tie Band
    Initial FM-Mate for Tie Band
    Initial Hook Space
    Corrected M-Mate
    Corrected FM-Mate

    Prototype: Tie Band (Initial Phase)

    Applied 15% infill content

    Shortcomings:
    Found faults in thread tolerable design
    Couldn't scrap out the support infill because of narrow and small tie-band strip holder
    Wearability and screw clearance issues

    Reconceptualized:
    Decided to use Clip Buckle model instead 

    Conceptualization & Design: Modified Clip Buckle-Final Phase

    Clip Buckle Fabia taken as reference
    M-Mate of Clip
    FM-Mate of Clip
    Used examples from the internet to collect sample and used clip buckle as reference along with dovetail joint connection
    Designed the clip buckle female and male mate parts
    Clip Buckle
    Dovetail Joint

    Final Prototype: Modified Clip Buckle

    Used ABS, TPU, and PLA filaments for 3D printing
    Applied 15% infill content for initial testing
    Applied 30% infill content for the final product
    Successful 3D printing of Usable Clip Buckle

    Testings

    • Modified Clip Buckle was found to be successfully working
    • Need Knower was very satisfied with the Modified Clip Buckle model despite its tightness in functioning
    • 3D printed Gripper Cane model required other unprinted parts to be printed for full testing.

    Results

    The printed Gripper Cane and Modified Clip Buckle models successfully performed controlled grasping and releasing of objects with precision. For actual use, working of the printed models were tested and obtained necessary feedback from the need knower.

    Conclusion

    The 3D printed Gripper Cane and Modified Clip Buckle models were found to be functional, reliable, and adaptable for different applications. They enhanced automation by improving handling efficiency.

    Future Prospects

    • Integration with robotic arms for industrial automation.
    • Implementation of advanced control systems for precision.
    • Development of lightweight and efficient designs for various applications.