DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF A PROTOTYPE OF A LOW-COST HAND PROSTHESIS IN A 3D PRINTER

Abstract

This study aims to present the design and implementation of a low-cost prosthesis prototype that covers the basic movement needs, built using 3D printing. The development of this prototype, in particular, focuses on low-income people, especially children with some amputation or malformation in their upper extremities. First, an electromyograph was developed to capture the electrical signals produced by the muscles of the body as they move and to amplify them for further processing by an Arduino development board that works as the central system of the prosthesis. With the electromyograph designed and built, we proceeded to design the mechanical part of the prosthesis in SolidWorks software and prototype it in a 3D printer. The first tests conducted with the finished prototype yielded various data regarding the treatment of the signals used to make modifications and reach the necessary performance. With this work, it is possible to develop a basic prosthesis prototype that helps low-income children who are victims of amputations or malformations to meet their basic motor needs and demonstrate once again that the implementation of engineering provides solutions to local and global problems. Keywords: Electromyograph, Signals, 3D Printer, Hand Prosthesis, Electrodes DOI： https://doi.org/10.35741/issn.0258-2724.58.3.20