I’m trying to learn 3D design, but I know it’s going to take a while before I gain any proficiency. So I’ve been looking at various prosthetic designs for ideas.
I just got diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis (turning 40 was not a good move). My hands have been basically useless since mid-August so I’ve had to rely in my husband for all those little things…. Picking up the coffee pot, cutting up my food, opening containers, etc. Sometimes I can’t even touch a screen to scroll.
I’m trying to figure out something I could wear that would allow me to do something. I’ve considered a multi tool style gauntlet with pop out hooks to carry grocery bags or maybe convert a closet broom holder into a way for me to actually hold a broom to sweep.
The elbow controlled flexing fingers might be nice. I’m a printmaker and can’t carve or roll out ink anymore. Really any functionality would be better than now.
Any thoughts on how to piece together some sort of prosthetic for a person with hands would be greatly appreciated,
Other common tasks that are well represented include zipper pulls, turning keys, plug and cord grips, can openers, button aids, every type of door and appliance knob out there. Saw a few good ideas for seat belt buckles (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3167036) and some mechanisms for light switches that might come in useful if you have any gangs with multiple switches in a row (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1215328)
Keep in mind that items designed for a function might be lacking in the fit and fashion departments. For your wrist idea, I would look at various wrist brace designzs, since they're made with long term wear in mind - you won't want to use something with sharp edges or bad ergonomics that gets uncomfortable after a minute of using it. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1105307
Also, pro tip for using Thingiverse (or any of the 3D file repositories): keep your search queries simple, one word if possible. It means a lot of search results, but it also means LOTS of results! Some terms I'd suggest starting with:
dexterity, arthritis, assistive, adaptive, mobility, grip, grasp, prosthetic, accessibility, occupational (as in occupational therapy), OT, eNABLE
Best of all, they have absolutely AMAZING step-by-step instructions with pictures, explanations, suggestions, modification ideas, tips, the works - they put a lot of effort into making sure anyone can build their designs. Afterall, what good is an assistive tool if you can't figure out how to put it together?
Those are really cool. Thanks. A couple might be useful. Unfortunately I have the type where my hands get swollen and burn so I can’t move them at all or it makes it way worse. I need to bypass my hands completely.
I’m trying to learn 3D design, but I know it’s going to take a while before I gain any proficiency. So I’ve been looking at various prosthetic designs for ideas.
I just got diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis (turning 40 was not a good move). My hands have been basically useless since mid-August so I’ve had to rely in my husband for all those little things…. Picking up the coffee pot, cutting up my food, opening containers, etc. Sometimes I can’t even touch a screen to scroll.
I’m trying to figure out something I could wear that would allow me to do something. I’ve considered a multi tool style gauntlet with pop out hooks to carry grocery bags or maybe convert a closet broom holder into a way for me to actually hold a broom to sweep.
The elbow controlled flexing fingers might be nice. I’m a printmaker and can’t carve or roll out ink anymore. Really any functionality would be better than now.
Any thoughts on how to piece together some sort of prosthetic for a person with hands would be greatly appreciated,
Others Makers to reach out to: @MakersMakingChange @HumanLabSP @ALTYLab @Rehab-Lab Kerpape @AccessWoodWorx
Some inspirational starting points, in addition to what I've previously posted, addressing challenges you listed in your original post:
Coffee pot:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3640252
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3931038
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1987554
Perhaps also a cup holder to hod your cup while you're pouring the coffee:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2456408
Cutting up food:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3851962
https://www.myminifactory.com/object/3d-print-knife-guide-arthritis-aid-77506
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1046447
Opening containers:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1735651
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3043598
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4056925
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4080120
Scrolling touch screen:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1319883
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4852006
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1315004
Carry grocery bags:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1871831
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1104573
Hold broom to sweep:
Work off something like this concept to hook in your elbow (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:245843)
Flexing fingers:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:420421 and optional https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3115816
Other common tasks that are well represented include zipper pulls, turning keys, plug and cord grips, can openers, button aids, every type of door and appliance knob out there. Saw a few good ideas for seat belt buckles (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3167036) and some mechanisms for light switches that might come in useful if you have any gangs with multiple switches in a row (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1215328)
Tools to trick out your utility gauntlet
Brushing teeth: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1936150
Pen holder: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4178663
Being a badass: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5021423 (hey, why not?)
Keep in mind that items designed for a function might be lacking in the fit and fashion departments. For your wrist idea, I would look at various wrist brace designzs, since they're made with long term wear in mind - you won't want to use something with sharp edges or bad ergonomics that gets uncomfortable after a minute of using it. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1105307
Big thing is to be open minded and think outside the box, what other situations do people with hands need to do something without being able to use their hands?
SCUBA drivers https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1457646
Mechanics https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2766429
Pokemon players https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1672141
Cooks and medical professionals come to mind, and I'd suspect there's lots of things for winter folks wearing gloves out there too!
Pandemic also brought about a lot of "no-touch" and "hands-free" innovation, mostly using your forearm instead, like to pump soap (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4223780) water coolers (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1102524) drawers (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4255186 https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4445698 ) and, of course, to open doors (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:640852 https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4229224 https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4305208 https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4237788 https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4445698)
A few other things that caught my eye:
Pill grabber: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1151612
Fridge door assist: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5312498
Handle for square things: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:687790
Dressing tool: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4336051
Hands-free memo holder: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:13719
Also, pro tip for using Thingiverse (or any of the 3D file repositories): keep your search queries simple, one word if possible. It means a lot of search results, but it also means LOTS of results! Some terms I'd suggest starting with:
dexterity, arthritis, assistive, adaptive, mobility, grip, grasp, prosthetic, accessibility, occupational (as in occupational therapy), OT, eNABLE
And don't forget, Thingiverse isn't the only one out there!
https://www.myminifactory.com/search/?query=arthritis
https://www.printables.com/search/models?q=arthritis
Check out @Volksswitch, they focus on adaptive/assistive 3D printing! www.volksswitch.org
Their Cuff Stylus (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3490198), 6th Finger Stylus (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3483326) and Cuff Tool Holder (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3492411) immediately come to mind, and they've got a slew of other Things as well.
Best of all, they have absolutely AMAZING step-by-step instructions with pictures, explanations, suggestions, modification ideas, tips, the works - they put a lot of effort into making sure anyone can build their designs. Afterall, what good is an assistive tool if you can't figure out how to put it together?
There are also some prototype designs that were uploaded last spring (https://www.thingiverse.com/groups/assistive-technology/forums/general/topic:54329) by a user facing similar challenges with less-than-functional hands. That group isn't active, unfortunately, but it might be worth trying to message @DarkRubyMoon directly.
You should check out Sonoko's designs: https://www.thingiverse.com/sonoko/designs. She might have something that could help you.
Those are really cool. Thanks. A couple might be useful. Unfortunately I have the type where my hands get swollen and burn so I can’t move them at all or it makes it way worse. I need to bypass my hands completely.
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2362148
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4032239