156A Week 10
Overview of Status of Analysis, Design, Fabrication, Tests, etc
Gabriela's muscle strength is weaker than previously assumed
Any solution must be very light (can hold about ~0.5 lbs at wrist and ~1 lbs at elbow)
Realized some ideas will not work (ie. elbow actuated hand)
She is unable to bend her elbow through the use of muscular force
Most likely can’t do a fully mechanical solution
Exoskeleton idea is probably undesirable as it would be too big/restrict her already limited movement/too complex to put on/off (major requirement)
Accomplishments from Previous Week
Took measurements of individual components of her hand/arm
Sized up her muscles
Understood how much she could lift from different points of her arm
Researched various 3D Printing filament plastics. Optimized for lightness, strength, and availability.
Goals for Next Week (list names after each item). Use specific and measurable objectives.
Individual component analysis/risk reduction ideas
Types of motors
weight/power/stall torque/locking mechanism
actuation ? strings etc. maybe here
Different microcontrollers
Power consumption
Enough pins to control necessary actuators
Complexity to develop (code wise)
Sensors
Force sensor
EMG sensor (for possibly actuation)
Buttons of appropriate size/strength/etc.
Materials
Prosthetic Body (3D printed)
Light (low density - most important
Strong (high yield strength for high impact applications)
Availability (how fast can we procure it/ how many options exist)
Cost
Finger Grip Pads
Light
replaceable?
High Friction (i.e. Soft silicon, rubber, etc.)
Compatible with touch screen? Typing? (possible functionality requirements)
Easy On/Off mechanisms
Quick release (toggle clamps/ ski boot clamps)
Suctionned (molded to her arm)
Elastic bands
Sponsor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
(All in person)
Overall priority: greater independence. This shifted our focus from improving her lower limb orthotics (which is already a functionable, although imperfect, solution) to creating new upper limb orthotics to allow her to go to the bathroom by herself (arguably most sensitive/pressing activity) and possibly change her clothes by herself.
What we make must be able to be easily removed/put on by Gabriela with her limitations -> focus on quick release, non precise on/off mechanisms
Anything new that accomplishes some task is awesome (Dad’s words)
Instructor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
Work on individual component analysis (in person)
Gained direction in final design and have figured out what the key components will be so an ind. Analysis (research) can be started
Do not out rule anything at this point (in person)
Decided to go with the more challenging design, (Bionic) Hand
Risks and Areas of Concern
Really weak arms
Really low flexibility/range of motion in arms
Putting on/taking off
Resources or Information Required but not Available
Access to higher quality 3-D printers
location of which
Availability
Price/terms of use
3-D scanner
Schedule
Work on Risk Reduction for (03/20)
Research individual components for analysis (04/06)
Update Gantt chart
Budget (list amount spent and amount remaining)
Amount spent: $0
Amount remaining: $1,200+