MedRamp - Terra Touch

Created Date: 2025-02-21/ updated date: 2025-02-24
Owner & Collaborators
License
MedRamp - Terra Touch by FablabShinagawa, Upenya, Ashmini, Dinithi, Rash, Kaveeshamiyu is licensed under the Creative Commons - Attribution license.
Summary
This project aims to develop a 3D-printed assistive hand for Ajith, who lost four fingers in an accident. He lost his job after the accident. He used to do farming, so now that he has lost his job, he is pursuing farming as his career. The device will restore hand functionality, helping him regain independence in daily tasks, especially in farming.
The assistive hand will feature functional components to support tool handling, carrying objects, and precise movements. 3D printing ensures a cost-effective, customizable, and ergonomic design that enhances comfort and usability. Overall, the project strives to improve Ajith’s quality of life.

Materials

    Tools

      Blueprints

        Making

        • The need knower

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          Name - Mr.Ajith Nihal
          Age - 55 years old
          Ajith is a dedicated  farmer

          Comments

            • About need knower

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              Mr. Ajith Nihal has lost four fingers in his left hand due to a factory accident. Even though he does not have four fingers he is doing his primary work alone from his dominant hand. Mr. Ajith wants to contribute in his day to day activities especially in farming using both hands

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            • Challenges Faced by the Need Knower

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              ·        Difficulty performing farming tasks with one hand including,
              •  Using a mammoty for digging and soil preparation.
              •  Operating a grass-cutting machine.
              •  Cutting branches while climbing trees.
              • Tying strings and handling small objects.

              Comments

                • Physical limitations

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                  •   Shaking hand(injury hand)
                  •    Limited movement of the little finger.
                  •    Restricted wrist mobility

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                • Requirements of the need knower

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                  • Should look like a real hand to avoid the need to hide it.
                  • He needs to get support from his left hand when holding tools with his dominant hand while farming.
                  • Easy to wear and remove independently.

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                    • Ideas

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                      Comments

                        • 1.Spring-Based Finger Bending System

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                          A design uses a spring mechanism to bend the fingers of the prosthetic hand. Each finger has two hinges and bending the fingers using strips, but since we faced issues where to place springs , So we moved to another mechanism.

                          Comments

                          • 2.Hinged Finger Mechanism with Direct Bending

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                            Design a three-fingered hand with a palm, featuring three hinges per finger for natural movement. The user can manually bend the fingers at the hinges, enabling various grip positions to support the dominant hand.

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                            • Mechanism

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                              • Two mechanical hinges per finger for natural flexion.
                              • Manual Bending- User applies force directly to bend fingers.
                              • Grip Control- Manually positioned fingers offer stable object support.

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                              • Issue

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                                Since the hinges are not stably positioned when in a gripping we moved to another mechanism

                                Comments

                                • 3.Twine-Based Flexible Finger Bending System With Hinges

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                                  Twine strips are integrated into the fingers to provide flexibility. Each finger has two hinges, and when tension is applied to the twine from other hand by pulling the strip, the fingers bend directly at the hinges to grip objects.

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                                  • Mechanism

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                                    • Two hinges in each finger provide direct bending.
                                    • Twine strips are placed inside the finger.
                                    • By pulling the straps causes fingers to bend the desired level user can grip objects.
                                    • All the straps are connected to the forearm proximal to the wrist.

                                    Comments

                                    • Issues

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                                      After we did the 3D printing of hinges and finger digits, we tried to assemble the fingertips using hinges, but there, some hinges and finger digits were broken when we tried to send hinges through the finger digits and assemble the fingertips.

                                      Comments

                                      • Mechanism

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                                        • The two zip lines in each finger connect the finger digits and allow direct bending.
                                        • Twine strips are placed inside the finger.
                                        • By pulling the straps causes fingers to bend to the desired level so the user can grip objects.
                                        • All the straps are connected to the forearm proximal to the wrist.

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                                      • Prototyping

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                                        Comments

                                          • Phase 2- Twine Strap Input for Finger Control

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                                            Input twine straps through hollow finger sections. Extend twine outwards to control finger bending and straightening. Pulling the twine should mimic natural finger curling. Use a simple pull-and-release mechanism for ease of use. Choose strong, weather-resistant twine for outdoor durability.

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                                            • Phase 3 - 3D printing the palm

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                                              Designed a robust, ergonomic palm structure using TPU to support finger attachment.  Palm include secure slots  for zip lines . Ensure a cushioned or shaped inner surface for comfort. Provide sufficient surface area for a firm grip on tools like a mammoty or grass cutter.

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                                              • Phase 4: Designing the Back Arm Guard

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                                                Provide stability and support for the prosthetic hand using lightweight, TPU 3D design. Designed a mesh-like arm guard for comfort and efficiency. Cover the forearm with adjustable strapping. Forearm plate with velcro strap control and ensure protection from friction and pressure.

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                                                • Phase 5 - Designed a Thread bob

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                                                  The threaded bob secures the twine strap, ensuring stability and precise finger movement. It allows tension adjustments, improves grip control, and distributes force evenly, enhancing durability and reliability. 

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                                                References

                                                  Usages

                                                    • Gripping Tools- Holds farming tools like a mammoty and grass cutter.
                                                    • Cutting Branches-Stabilizes small branches while cutting.
                                                    • Farming Tasks- Aids in digging, weeding, and planting.
                                                    • Household Help- Assists with holding utensils ,light objects.
                                                    • Supports contribution to home and farm work.

                                                  Project comments