Conclusion and Future Work

By utilizing previously researched finger motion analysis, we were able to develop a model that mimics finger trajectory very well. We learned that slots for sliding motion are difficult to manage on a small scale. Additionally, it was very beneficial to build the model slightly bigger than the final product to help us understand it. It was challenging to develop a concept to drive this mechanism but we feel that actuation from the palm was a very unique solution. The only problem we foresee is in the area of gripping. Though this mechanism is built to assist with minor day to day gripping needs, it may not be able to work with large objects, as the input arm may get in the way. The tip of our final model is also slightly bulky, so future work will be done to slim this down since this mechanism needs to be used for typing. More consideration should be given to the springs used for the return mechanism, as they may be too tight on the user’s palm currently.

From a manufacturing perspective we were able to prove that a 3D printing is a feasible way to build a working and aesthetically pleasing prototype. However, a different manufacturing method will be required to give this product better functionality on a daily basis and for possible mass production. Rapid prototyping using 3D printing gave us a significant advantage when creating and testing concepts and then adjusting those prototypes within the small time frame we had. We recommend all future design adjustments be tested this way as well.

Further development will be done in the Rewire laboratory, with the next step being testing the existing prototype on the patient.