【3D Printing Applications】3D Flexible Fingers: A "New Hand" for a New Life!
New year, new progress – a good omen for 2020! The development of medical prosthetics has continuously advanced from merely simulating appearance to integrating rehabilitation functions. Now, with 3D printing technology, these medical aids can be custom-made to suit individual differences. A new sensing system will combine with 3D printed components to offer patients more detailed functions:
Medical myoelectric prostheses can effectively assist in rehabilitation and are also very suitable for adults whose muscles are fully developed. However, for toddlers under 3 years old who are still developing, bulky prosthetics can increase the difficulty of use. Each type of prosthesis has a specific purpose, and if it doesn't match the patient's individual differences (e.g., height, weight), it can become a physical burden.
If young children do not wear prostheses from an early age, incorrect gripping methods can affect the development of motor nerves. The University of Lincoln in the UK has developed a new approach for 3D printed prosthetics for toddlers under 3 years old.
The prosthesis shown below was 3D printed using an Ultimaker S5 with ABS filament, and an ergonomic children's myoelectric prosthesis (SIMPA) was created using a 3D scanner combined with an electromyography (sEMG) system (a technology that places electrodes on the skin to detect muscle activity). This makes the rehabilitation process for young children easier and more comfortable, and the earlier the prosthesis is used, the greater the chance of full recovery.
This 3D printed prosthetic arm is equipped with sensors that detect muscle activity, allowing for natural arm elevation, free finger movement, and gripping functions. It prevents other growth problems caused by incorrect muscle use, such as asymmetric posture, musculoskeletal pain, etc.
At the same time, using a 3D scanner can quickly simulate or measure the size of the prosthetic arm, allowing for customized adjustments according to patient needs and replacing the discomfort of traditional plaster molding. 3D printed prosthetics are relatively low-cost and fast, offering the potential to develop more medical devices in the future, while also enabling lower-income countries to adopt new assistive devices.
With the rapid development of 3D printing, in addition to general industrial applications, it is also creating new value in the medical industry, helping more students and patients regain a new life and bringing them new possibilities. (Further reading: Smart Assistive Robot Wins "Million Makers" Championship!)
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