00.
PROJECT DETAILS
Tools/Skills
Product Sketching
CAD Modelling
Parts Assembly
Autodesk Fusion 360
3D Printing
CAD Modelling
Parts Assembly
Autodesk Fusion 360
3D Printing
Timeline
Nov. 2020 - Jan. 2021
Team
Independent Project
01.
CONTEXT
I began this project to explore computer-aided-design (CAD) and its applications in biomedicalengineering, more specifically in the development of 3D-printed prostheses and implants. Through this3-month, self-initiated challenge, I was able to broaden my knowledge in product sketching, iterativedesign, and rapid prototyping.
02.
SKETCHING
03.
CADÂ MODELING
2D Sketching
Extruding & Refining Edges
Assembling Partial Hand
04.
PROTOTYPING
Before printing the entire hand, I tested individual components, primarily focusing on the knuckle and spherical joints given their sensitivity to sizing errors and specific fit tolerances.
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Alterations made after prototyping:
The lack of flexibility in the polycaprolactone (PCL) filament used to print the hand prevented the "ball" component of the spherical joint from fitting into the "socket" when printed separately.
With limited access to different types of 3D printing filament, I had to modify the design of the wrist to avoid printing errors that could potentially arise from printing the two components as a whole, an anticipated error being the ball and socket being melded together.
Taking the design process step-by-step, I decided to focus on implementing the ability of the wrist to bend along one axis using a hinge joint:
The lack of flexibility in the polycaprolactone (PCL) filament used to print the hand prevented the "ball" component of the spherical joint from fitting into the "socket" when printed separately.
With limited access to different types of 3D printing filament, I had to modify the design of the wrist to avoid printing errors that could potentially arise from printing the two components as a whole, an anticipated error being the ball and socket being melded together.
Taking the design process step-by-step, I decided to focus on implementing the ability of the wrist to bend along one axis using a hinge joint:
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05.
FINAL ASSEMBLY
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06.
REFLECTION
Proud Accomplishments:
- Achieving a balanced weight distribution in the hand to allow the figure to stand on its own
- Successfully designing interlocking parts that can be printed separately to minimize supports and simplify the resolution of errors in individual section
- Developing my first model with the Fusion 360 CAD software
Future Steps:
- Implement limitations in the joints' range of motion to accurately represent the degrees of flexibility in the real human hand
- Further develop the wrist to enable rotation along the vertical (distal-proximal) axis
