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Makers

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2 views

Makers

Uploaded by

harshaltalasila
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 6

Here's a revised version with a similar word count and structure, tailored to

the prosthetic hand project in Makers Lab:

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Problem Statement:

In many parts of the world, individuals with limb loss face significant
challenges due to the lack of affordable and effective prosthetic hands.
Prosthetics, while life-changing, are often costly, uncomfortable, or
ineffective in daily activities. This creates a need for an innovative,
accessible, and reliable solution to provide functional prosthetic hands that
improve the quality of life for individuals with limb impairments. The
challenge is to design a prosthetic hand system that is not only affordable
but also provides users with a realistic, functional, and comfortable
experience.

Objectives:

1. Design a Functional Prosthetic Hand: Develop a prosthetic hand that


mimics natural hand movement, allowing users to perform everyday tasks
such as gripping, holding, and manipulating objects.

2. Ensure Accessibility and Affordability: Create a prosthetic hand that is


affordable and easy to fabricate, accessible to a wider demographic,
especially in low-income regions.
3. Enhance Comfort and Usability: Ensure that the prosthetic hand is
comfortable to wear, lightweight, and provides adequate strength and
dexterity for practical use.

Methodology:

Our task was to design a prosthetic hand using open-source hardware such
as Arduino microcontrollers, motors, and sensors. The idea is to create a
system where the prosthetic hand is controlled by either muscle signals or
motion sensors, enabling the user to grasp and hold objects with ease. The
design process involved selecting the materials, building the structure,
integrating motors, and coding the Arduino to control the device. The goal is
to develop a practical system that is both functional and cost-effective.

Observation and Findings:

1. User Needs: Observations showed that individuals with prosthetic hands


often struggle with fine motor control, especially when performing tasks like
holding small objects or buttoning clothes.

2. Current Limitations: Existing prosthetics are often too expensive, heavy, or


limited in functionality, making them inaccessible or uncomfortable for many
users.

3. Technological Gaps: Advanced prosthetic solutions tend to be complex and


costly, limiting their widespread adoption, particularly in lower-income
regions.
Resources:

1. Materials for Design: Lightweight, durable materials such as 3D-printed


components or flexible plastics to build the prosthetic hand.

2. Arduino Microcontroller and Sensors: For controlling the prosthetic’s


movement and responsiveness.

3. Motors and Actuators: Used to drive the movement of the prosthetic joints
and fingers.

4. Power Supply: Rechargeable batteries or other sources for powering the


prosthetic hand.

5. Programming Tools: Software to program the Arduino to handle sensor


inputs and control motor outputs.

6. Expert Advice: Consultation with healthcare professionals and prosthetic


designers to ensure that the prosthetic is both functional and comfortable.
7. User Feedback: Input from prosthetic users to refine the design and ensure
it meets their needs.

Challenges and Limitations:

The design and development of the prosthetic hand present several


challenges, such as ensuring that the hand is strong enough for practical use
but remains lightweight and comfortable. One key limitation was ensuring
that the electronics (sensors, motors, etc.) fit within a compact design
without sacrificing performance. Another limitation was creating a user-
friendly control system that enables accurate and intuitive hand movements.
Environmental factors, such as cost and availability of materials, also posed
constraints on the project.

Skills Used to Complete the Task:

1. Engineering: Designing and assembling the mechanical and electrical


components of the prosthetic hand.

2. Programming: Writing and debugging the code to control the prosthetic


hand's sensors and actuators.

3. Electronics: Working with sensors, motors, and microcontrollers to create


an effective, responsive system.
4. Mechanical Design: Designing the hand's structure, ensuring it is
functional, durable, and comfortable for the user.

Alternative Ways to Complete the Task:

1. Myoelectric Prosthetics: Using electrical signals from the muscles to


control the prosthetic, which allows more natural hand movements.

2. Body-Powered Prosthetics: These prosthetics are operated through


movements of other parts of the body, such as the shoulder, to control the
hand.

3. 3D-Printed Prosthetics: Utilizing 3D printing to create custom prosthetic


hands that are tailored to an individual’s needs at a lower cost.

4. Modular Prosthetics: Developing prosthetic hands with interchangeable


parts, allowing users to switch components for different tasks or needs.

Suggestions and Recommendations:

1. User-Centered Design: Prioritize the specific needs of the prosthetic users,


focusing on comfort, functionality, and ease of use.
2. Affordability Focus: Design affordable prosthetics that can reach a larger
audience, particularly in regions with limited access to medical resources.

3. Continuous Improvement: Regularly test and improve the design based on


user feedback and advancements in technology.

4. Expert Collaboration: Work closely with healthcare professionals and


prosthetic specialists to ensure the device is safe, comfortable, and effective

Conclusion:

The development of an affordable and functional prosthetic hand represents


a significant challenge, but it holds the potential to greatly improve the lives
of individuals with limb loss or impairment. Combining open-source
technology with user-centered design, we aim to create a prosthetic hand
that meets the needs of users in a practical, cost-effective way. While
challenges remain, including ensuring adequate grip strength, comfort, and
ease of use, the development of such prosthetics will help bridge the gap
and enhance the quality of life for many individuals.

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This version mirrors the original word count and structure while focusing on
the prosthetic hand project at Makers Lab.

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