Name: Nimali Bandara

She wants to be independent in eating. As she is a housewife, she loves to prepare meals for her family.

Diagnosis: Left-hand crush injury with thumb and little finger amputated. Limited finger flexion, with the index finger being most functional. Wrist flexion/extension possibly present. No sensation on the palmar surface. Flap graft done, and a pressure garment applied. Communication is verbal.

She is very comprehensive and motivated.  She is worried about being unable for doing her household work and selfcare works. Her family is very supportive.

Reasons: The thumb and little finger are amputated. So she can't grasp objects. Limited movements in the remaining three fingers due to muscle stiffness.

By considering the overall scope we came up with a concept.
Based on the following factors, we decided to take another approach.

• complexity & Feasibility of design
• Limited time
• Resources
• Cost 

Using the multi-criteria decision-making concept we got a rating for factors (qualitative) and we considered design feasibility. In here we gave more weight to customer opinion as the voice of customer is more important.

In concept selection, we identified the best concepts.

Mapped customer requirements to technical specifications when designing the product and then rated the relationship between the voice of  customer and design requirements on a 1-9 scale.

Complex geometry in the hand (palmar surface) and no uniform dimensions. So, we need  3-D scanning facilities. Unfortunately, we cannot develop this concept and time limitation. 

Software - SolidWorks , UltiMaker Cura , Bambu Lab  

Prototype – According to her actual situation we got exact and comfort dimension. Target the middle and index fingers. By getting her feedback we identify the index finger is more suitable for this concept.

PLA 

Simple 

•   Gripping part for easy handling
•   Customizable length and shape as required
•   The Index finger is prioritized over the middle finger for better usability

 

PLA

•  simple mechanical movement device  

•   Easy to use
•  Low manufacturing cost 
• Portable
• Lightweight
• The blade can be replaced easily

• Provide the required force with minimum effort, therefore palm stand is designed
• Maintains the forearm hand in a neutral position 
• Ability to operate the machine by standing position
• Pressing mechanism should not force wrist extension or flexion beyond 15°

 

• The second test revealed that the shape of the stand did not fit well on her finger. We plan to adjust and improve the fit.

We were trying to come up with a design that could do the cutting using her palm. We decided to come up with the spring effect. Also, our device can fixed to a table.

• Life-cycle assessment (LCA) for filaments

• Openshaw, S. and Taylor, E. (2006). Ergonomics and design : a reference guide. New York: Diane Publishing.
• Rishi Kumar et al. / Procedia CIRP 107 (2022)

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