Olivia Rutherford

3D Printed Prosthesis Capstone

For my capstone project, I designed a 3D printed prosthesis. I choose this project because I am interested in majoring in biomedical engineering in college, and I knew I wanted to learn more about that field. When I was thinking about different possible ideas for a capstone with the help of some friends, I came up with the concept of 3D printing a prosthesis, and I instantly fell in love with the idea.

Research

I started my project by researching the basic anatomy of the hand. I had to learn about the different types of tendons, ligaments, and joints. This research was important because I had to understand each part's job and structure so that I can recreate and design it so it could later be 3D printed. After researching this, I created a basic outline of the bones of the hand out of paper, and then took the next step and did it again with clay. After these two steps came the most challenging part of the project, which involved the computer designing of the 3D prosthesis. I did not have much experience using the software, so I spent some time making simpler objects. I also researched other designs to find ideas that I liked to incorporate into my design. I also had to do some calculations to make sure everything would proportional and fit together.

My Design

My design is similar to the basic structure of the hand. The most complicated part of it would be the tunnel-like structure where the wiring would go, which would allow the fingers to be able to bend. The wire would go through the fingers and palm and then be glued into the small box. I would then glue this box into place into the other box-like structure on the arm. The separate pieces of the fingers and hand would then be screwed into place, and the model would be complete.

My Experience

This experience was fun and rewarding, but it definitely had its challenges. Participating in this program has taught me a lot about hard work, dedication, and determination. Even though there were plenty of struggles and obstacles, I continued to work through them until I was happy with my work product. Doing a capstone will definitely help me later in life since it taught me how to take on a challenge and work independently without a teacher guiding the entire process.

Obstacles

I would say my most notable obstacle in this project would be Covid. It was a lot harder to access the materials and sources I needed since the school was online. I was not able to have access to the 3D printer for the majority of my project. That led to the one significant change of my project, which was focusing more on the designing aspect instead of the printing. While I was not able to print my design if I was able to finish the project I would probably look like a combination of the three designs on the right.

Impact

While this project might not have an impact on the larger community right now, designs like this can make a massive difference in some families' lives. During my research, I have learned about a couple of different organizations that make simple 3D prostheses like these for people who can not afford them. Especially for younger children because they need to get new ones frequently. After learning about this, I decided first to make my model child size. I also planned to research more about these organizations and to learn more about their impact.

Advice For Juniors

I would say to go for it. It is such a fun experience, especially if it is something that you are passionate about. That would be my one piece of advice, make sure you pick something that you will really enjoy and not just something that you think will look good on a college application or appease your parents.

Next Steps?

Since we were not able to finish the 3D printing, my next step would be to finish that. Then I would want to test the effectiveness of my model and print it again.

Citations

Anatomy Resources

Anatomy, Hand. "Hand Anatomy". Ypo.Education, 2021, https://www.ypo.education/orthopaedics/hand-wrist/hand-anatomy-t191/video/. Accessed 10 Jan 2021.

The Anatomy and Mechanics of the Human Hand | O&P Virtual Library

"The Anatomy And Mechanics Of The Human Hand | O&P Virtual Library". Oandplibrary.Org, 2021, http://www.oandplibrary.org/al/1955_02_022.asp. Accessed 10 Jan 2021.

Anatomy of the Hand

"Anatomy Of The Hand". 2021, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/anatomy-of-the-hand. Accessed 10 Jan 2021.

Other Models

CYBORG BEAST HAND

"CYBORG BEAST HAND". Enabling The Future, 2014, http://enablingthefuture.org/current-design-files/cyborg-beast-hand/. Accessed 10 Jan 2021.

The UnLimbited Arm v2.1 - Alfie Edition by Team_UnLimbited

"The Unlimbited Arm V2.1 - Alfie Edition By Team_Unlimbited". Thingiverse.Com, 2021, https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1672381. Accessed 10 Jan 2021.

Instructables.Com, 2021, https://www.instructables.com/Streamlined-3D-Printed-Prosthetic-Hand/. Accessed 10 Jan 2021.

3D Printing Resources

The Basics Of 3D Printing Prosthetic Hands

"The Basics Of 3D Printing Prosthetic Hands". Print Your Mind 3D , 2021, https://www.printyourmind3d.ca/blogs/articles/94969286-the-basics-of-3d-printing-prosthetic-hands. Accessed 10 Jan 2021.

What is 3D printing?

"What Is 3D Printing?". Makerbot, 2020, https://www.makerbot.com/stories/engineering/what-is-3d-printing-2/. Accessed 10 Jan 2021.

3D Printed Prosthetics Where We Are Today - Amputee Coalition

"3D Printed Prosthetics Where We Are Today - Amputee Coalition". Amputee Coalition, 2019, https://www.amputee-coalition.org/3d-printed-prosthetics/#:~:text=A%20prosthetic%20hand%20can%20cost,However%2C%20this%20will%20soon%20change. Accessed 10 Jan 2021.

3D-printed hands are impractical in developing countries

"3D-Printed Hands Are Impractical In Developing Countries". Engineering For Change, 2016, https://www.engineeringforchange.org/news/3d-printed-prostheses-may-not-be-practical-in-developing-countries-yet/. Accessed 10 Jan 2021.

Enable (Charity)

Enabling The Future

"Enabling The Future". Enabling The Future, 2021, https://enablingthefuture.org/. Accessed 10 Jan 2021.

Images

Enabling The Future

"Enabling The Future". Enabling The Future, 2021, https://enablingthefuture.org/. Accessed 10 Jan 2021.

3D Printers for Educators & Professionals | MakerBot

"3D Printers For Educators & Professionals | Makerbot". Makerbot, 2021, https://www.makerbot.com/. Accessed 10 Jan 2021.

3D-printed hands are impractical in developing countries

CYBORG BEAST HAND

"CYBORG BEAST HAND". Enabling The Future, 2014, http://enablingthefuture.org/current-design-files/cyborg-beast-hand/. Accessed 10 Jan 2021.

3D Printed Prosthetics Where We Are Today - Amputee Coalition

"3D Printed Prosthetics Where We Are Today - Amputee Coalition". Amputee Coalition, 2019, https://www.amputee-coalition.org/3d-printed-prosthetics/. Accessed 10 Jan 2021.

Bodleian Libraries | 3D printed prosthetic hands created at the Radcliffe Science Library

"Bodleian Libraries | 3D Printed Prosthetic Hands Created At The Radcliffe Science Library". Bodleian.Ox.Ac.Uk, 2021, https://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/news/2016/mar-04. Accessed 10 Jan 2021.

Martin, K. and Martin, K.

Martin, Kelly, and Kelly Martin. "Hand X-Ray". Healthpages.Org, 2021, https://www.healthpages.org/health-a-z/hand-x-ray/. Accessed 10 Jan 2021.