Short answer

When designing for users with limited motor control, consider incorporating or developing assistive tools that stabilize or position the body part during data acquisition or fabrication processes.

Field: Modelling
Source: Applied Bionics and Biomechanics (2017)
Method: Design and fabrication of a physical prototype, followed by testing and evaluation.
Evidence: Strong effect

A 3D printed support can significantly improve the accuracy of 3D hand scans for custom orthotics by immobilizing the hand and maintaining an optimal open position, crucial for individuals with impaired motor function. This modelling research insight is drawn from a 2017 study published in Applied Bionics and Biomechanics. Using Design and fabrication of a physical prototype, followed by testing and evaluation., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing for users with limited motor control, consider incorporating or developing assistive tools that stabilize or position the body part during data acquisition or fabrication processes.

Study

ModellingHigh ImpactStrong effect

3D Printed Hand Support Enhances Scan Accuracy for Custom Orthotics

Applied Bionics and Biomechanics · 2017

Key Findings

01A 3D printed support can effectively immobilize the hand during 3D scanning.
02The support helps maintain an open hand position, counteracting spasticity and involuntary movements.
03The device is adaptable for both left and right hands and comes in multiple sizes.
04The design is suitable for both palmar and dorsal hand scanning.

Application

Design takeaway

When designing for users with limited motor control, consider incorporating or developing assistive tools that stabilize or position the body part during data acquisition or fabrication processes.

How to apply

Develop and test a custom jig or support to stabilize a body part during 3D scanning or measurement for any design project requiring precise anatomical data from individuals with movement challenges.

Project actions

01When planning your 3D scanning or measurement, think about how you will keep the object or person stable.
02Consider if a simple, fabricated support could improve the quality of your data.

Method & Evidence

AimTo design and evaluate a 3D printed support that aids in obtaining accurate 3D scans of hands, especially for patients with conditions affecting limb functionality, to facilitate the creation of customized orthoses.

MethodDesign and fabrication of a physical prototype, followed by testing and evaluation.

ProcedureThe researchers conceptualized and designed a 3D printed support intended to immobilize a patient's hand during 3D scanning. The support was fabricated using FDM additive manufacturing with ABS material. Its design aimed to keep the hand open and in a stable position, addressing issues like involuntary movements and hypertonicity. The device was tested for its efficacy in facilitating palmar and potentially dorsal hand acquisitions for custom orthosis realization.

ContextMedical device design, rehabilitation engineering, additive manufacturing, orthotics.

Variables

IVPresence/design of the 3D printed hand support.

DVAccuracy and quality of the 3D hand scan.

CV3D scanning technology used, environmental conditions, type of pathology (implicitly, as the support is designed to address specific issues).

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Addresses a specific, practical problem in medical device design.
+Utilizes additive manufacturing for the solution, aligning with modern production techniques.

Limitations

The study focuses on hand scanning for orthotics; its applicability to other body parts or scanning technologies might differ. The material choice (ABS) and fabrication method (FDM) might influence the support's properties.

Reliability & validity

The study's validity relies on the functional testing of the designed support. Reliability would be assessed by repeated use and consistent performance across different subjects or scanning sessions.

Think critically

How might the principles of designing this hand support be adapted for other assistive devices or data acquisition methods where user stability is a concern?

Design Principles

"Design assistive tools that enhance data acquisition accuracy by addressing user-specific physical limitations."

Accurate 3D models are foundational for creating effective custom orthotics. This research highlights how a simple, fabricated aid can overcome common challenges in data acquisition, particularly for patient populations with involuntary movements or spasticity, leading to better-fitting and more functional assistive devices.

What This Means for Your Design

This study shows that a special 3D printed holder can help keep a person's hand still and in the right position while it's being 3D scanned. This is really important for making custom braces (orthotics) for people who have trouble controlling their hand movements, like those with spasticity, because it makes the scan much more accurate.

How to use in your project

1.Reference this study when discussing the importance of accurate data acquisition in your design process, particularly if you encounter challenges with user stability or positioning.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

The development of a 3D printed hand support, as demonstrated by Baronio et al. (2017), highlights the critical role of assistive modelling aids in achieving accurate 3D data acquisition for customized product realization. Their work illustrates how a fabricated support can immobilize a user's hand and maintain a specific posture, thereby overcoming challenges posed by involuntary movements or spasticity, which is essential for the precise geometric capture required for custom orthotics.

Source

Applied Bionics and Biomechanics

Concept and Design of a 3D Printed Support to Assist Hand Scanning for the Realization of Customized Orthosis

journal · 2017

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about 3d printed hand support enhances scan accuracy for custom orthotics?: When designing for users with limited motor control, consider incorporating or developing assistive tools that stabilize or position the body part during data acquisition or fabrication processes. Evidence: Applied Bionics and Biomechanics (2017).
Why does "3D Printed Hand Support Enhances Scan Accuracy for Custom Orthotics" matter for design?: Accurate 3D models are foundational for creating effective custom orthotics. This research highlights how a simple, fabricated aid can overcome common challenges in data acquisition, particularly for patient populations with involuntary movements or spasticity, leading to better-fitting and more functional assistive devices.
How can designers apply this research?: When designing for users with limited motor control, consider incorporating or developing assistive tools that stabilize or position the body part during data acquisition or fabrication processes.
What were the main findings?: A 3D printed support can effectively immobilize the hand during 3D scanning.. The support helps maintain an open hand position, counteracting spasticity and involuntary movements.. The device is adaptable for both left and right hands and comes in multiple sizes.. The design is suitable for both palmar and dorsal hand scanning.
What research method was used?: Design and fabrication of a physical prototype, followed by testing and evaluation..
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2017 journal from Applied Bionics and Biomechanics.
What should I do differently in my next project?: Develop and test a custom jig or support to stabilize a body part during 3D scanning or measurement for any design project requiring precise anatomical data from individuals with movement challenges.
What are the limitations?: The study does not detail the quantitative improvement in scan accuracy or the specific range of pathologies addressed. The effectiveness across a wide variety of hand shapes and sizes beyond the four provided dimensions is not explicitly stated.