Developing 3D Printable Prosthetics to

ReNeu Robotics Lab

Assist in Writing and Drawing Rehabilitation and Neuromuscular Robotics

Afeef Sheikh, Ashley Yang, Sachin Kasetti, Travis Arnold, Dr. Ashish Deshpande

Introduction Proposed Solutions

● Current 3D printable prosthetics are stiff The Calligrapher The Mod
Set screws
and serve little function. used to tighten Writing
● A 3D printable tool built utensil ● A modification for the 3D printed
● 10 million amputees across globe, the pencil
inserted here
specifically for writing. holder Phoenix Hand.
185,000 amputations annually in U.S.
● Inspired by the style that ● Inhibits back two digits, creates three
● 30-50% of handicapped persons do not
calligraphers use to write. Upper limb finger tripod.
use prosthetics regularly. rests here

Benefits Benefits
Goal: To develop an effective 3D
● Simplistic and intuitive design. ● Easily detachable from the Phoenix
printable prosthetic or tool that enables
● Quick build times and limited Hand.
hand amputees to write or draw.
assembly. Inhibits middle and ● Not much materials required to
pointer digits from
● Able to accommodate a variety make this modification.
Methodology of forearms.
fully closing
● Easily transportable.
● Judged each prosthetic hand based on
material, technique, moddability, and Limitations Limitations
ergonomic design. ● Has no other intended function ● Awkward grip and writing style.
● Phoenix Hand was the most simplistic, besides writing. ● Can only be used when hand is
durable, and modifiable. ● Awkward shape, could be Pinky and ring digits closed. Wrist-intensive.
wrap around this
● Used analysis of Phoenix Hand to guide difficult to transport. portion
our project. ● Possible adjustment period.
● Lead to creation of Calligrapher, Mod
and Mold. Conclusion Future Research

● Both designs provided two different
Phoenix Hand
solutions for two different cases of
inability to write.
● The Calligrapher provided a robust
immobile solution.
● The Mod gave a mobile extension of a
previous hand.
● Our current solutions are proof-of-concepts that will be expanded upon in
the future.
● Next step: develop the “Mold” model: a 3D printed part capable of holding
a pencil that can be easily gripped by the Phoenix Hand.
● Continue to refine our existing proposals.
● Have the various solutions tested by amputees and utilize their feedback
to guide our project forward.
● Release the various models on an open source website such as eNABLE.

Special Thanks: Dr. Carolyn Seepersad, Dr. Sheldon Landsberger, Dr. Ashish Deshpande and the ReNeu Research Lab, Grad Std. Kevin Warburton, Inaya D’Souza, and the Longhorn Makerspace.