Adam M. Krajewski

MId-Term Poster presented at a local CONFERENCE

ABSTRACT

Our goal for this project is to improve the quality of life for people affected with congenial disease or injury that results in loss of digits on the hand. A hand implant is our solution to assist these patients with everyday functions. The design is composed of a shaped plate placed on the forearm and a “thumb” digit extending from the wrist area of the plate. There are no moving parts, designed this way to increase durability and longevity. The shape of the forearm plate was based on a 3D scan personal to our model’s arm and hand. Polymer materials common in basic additive manufacturing were compared for their strength, sterilizability, and cost for the prosthetic. Based on the results of data analysis and testing, PC was selected for the prototype material. A simple device manufacturing process was carried out using the CWRU Think[Box] to produce multiple prototypes. In the future, a free, online DIY step-by-step tutorial for consumer use will be developed to provide the patients along with the prototype model for future designs and production.