Grasping Tool
Author: Rodolfo Antonio Salido Benítez
Completion Date: Sep 1, 2015
Software: Autodesk Fusion 360, Simplify 3D
Place of Creation:California Institute for Biomedical Research. (Calibr)
Techniques: Computer aided design & manufacturing, rapid prototyping, and additive manufacturing.
Materials: Polylactic Acid (PLA), Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE), nylon fishing lines.
The grasping tool project features a personally manufactured 3D printed prosthetic hand, designed by Gyrobot Ltd, that utilizes both rigid and elastic 3D printable materials to create a functional biomimetic grasping tool. The design, known as Flexy-Hand 2, effectively leverages additive manufacturing technologies to produce an organic-looking prosthetic hand, enabling the user to grasp various irregular objects. Flexy-Hand 2 is part of the e-NABLE community's repertoire of wrist-powered devices available for individuals with upper limb mobility needs. Unlike other popular 3D printed prosthetic hands, Flexy-Hand 2 features organic contours and a highly biomimetic shape, in contrast to the sharp geometric corners and exposed mechanical components of designs like the Cyborg Beast or Raptor Reloaded. It is important to note that the highly geometric designs have been optimized for a wide variety of 3D printing platforms, minimizing overhangs and favoring flat surfaces that can be easily printed on a flat print bed.
Flexy-Hand 2 uses thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) hinges in all joints to allow finger and wrist flexion. Biological wrist movements power flexion, transferred via nylon fishing line tendons to each finger. The flexible hinges favor an extended position when resting, and their resistance to flexion can be adjusted by modifying 3D printing parameters, with increased plastic density resulting in more resistance. The tension of each finger tendon can be adjusted by tightening screws located in the wrist gauntlet.
image courtesy of 3dprint.com
All printed components were manufactured on a RepRap Kossel 3D printer using PLA and TPE. All models were sliced using Simplify 3D at a 200-micron layer resolution. Components were printed without supports or a raft. Flexy-Hand 2 components were downloaded from this repository.
The product is cost-effective and easily reproducible with minimal technical skill, but its functions are limited to simple grasping gestures with no adjustable finger positions or finger isolations. It can potentially be modified into a cheap functional cosmesis with careful material selection and the addition of detailed cosmetic features using airbrushing techniques.
This project was my first major 3D printing endeavor, motivated by personal academic goals. It catalyzed a deep interest in prosthetics by demonstrating my capability to be an independent yet active participant in their research and development, with access to the necessary tools, resources, and platforms to make an impact in the field.