CLASS PROJECTS
FOREFINGER AND THUMB PROSTHETIC DESIGN
Skills Developed: Autodesk Inventor, Dynamic Simulation, Design Drawings, Gear-Train Design
This design project consisted of designing a low-cost gripping apparatus for an advanced prosthetic. The intended use for the mechanism will be to act as a right hand prosthetic. The design will consist of a single motor with an input speed that connects to a gear train that reduces the input speed to a final output speed. The output speed will reflect the opening and closing of the finger and thumb portion of the mechanism. Three main landmarks are identified to base the design off from. Landmark 1 is represented by the motor’s axis of rotation where it translates as the wrist of the right hand. Landmark 2 is represented by the rotation of the forefinger as it translates at the joint between the forefinger and hand. Landmark 3 is represented by the rotation of the thumb and it is translated by the alignment of the joint between the thumb and hand. The goal of this project is to create a proof-of-concept device to effectively simulate the forefinger-thumb portion of the right hand prosthesis.
The design consists of spacial and speed constraints. The spatial constraints consist of two basic requirements, one being that the whole gear train assembly fits within the given chassis, and that the forefinger and thumb meet within a specified 30mmx30mmx18mm area. The midpoint of the area is located 65 mm directly below the index finger axis of rotation. The speed constraint is that it must have an input speed of 305.5 rpm to an output speed of 9 rpm while ensuring the forefinger and thumb are rotating in different directions.
Project done with: S. Al-Saadi, J. Finch, N. Ifraimov
DOOR OPENER DEVICE
Skills Developed: Design Drawings, Prototyping, Problem-Solving
A door-opening assistant device was designed for a client who is unable to open doors while seated in wheelchair. The device hooks onto the door handle and uses the power of the wheelchair to open the door. Using this method, it makes the task easier for people with Myotonic Dystrophy by reducing the strain on their muscles when they need to open a door. The materials used in the construction of the design were chosen to make the device lightweight and low-cost, while also being very strong and durable.
Project done with: J. Simeonov, L. DaSilva, P. He
HIGHEST FORCE TO MASS DOME DESIGN
Skills Developed: Autodesk Inventor, FEA, Design Iterations, Problem-Solving
This project was to design a dome that had the highest force to mass ratio. Over 5 sets of design iterations were made to find the best design. Different shapes extruded through the dome was done to experiment the best choice. Triangles were found to be strong; however, they would allow forces to be concentrated at the 3 end points. It was concluded that the best shape was a circle because the force would equally distribute around the extruded figure.
Project done with: C. Boucher, T. O,Olomi, E. Kuo