Prosthetic Finger Design
UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
Course Code: BME 411
Course Title: Biomaterials
Department of Biomedical Engineering
DESIGN REPORT
Design of a Prosthetic Finger
Designed by:
Name: AMOO BASIRAT OMOWUNMI
Matric Number: 18/30GP016
Submitted to:
DR. ENGR. SULEIMAN ABIMBOLA YAHAYA
ON
Friday, 17th February, 2023
ABSTRACT
This project is in accordance to the instruction given by Head of Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Ilorin, and Lecturer of Biomaterials (BME 411),which required all students offering Biomaterials to design a prosthetic finger, capable of replacing the original anatomical component using materials which are readily available.
My prosthetic design is a gelatine-glycerine-based prosthetic finger, which is designed to be attached to an amputated finger using a biocompatible material with properties that are adherent for the intended purpose.
The benefits of using simple materials are numerous includes the following: simple, time saving and cost effective. The following section comprise all the prosthetic device design elements described in the report:
An explanation of the features of the support structure.
An explanation of the intended functioning of the machine design.
An account of all assembly and manufacturing concepts.
cost analysis of all parts, components and structures involved.
The ultimate outcome proved that the proposed design challenge was feasible and all desired functionality and project requirements were achieved through an assessment of costs, benefits, and performances in relation to the given criteria.
Table of Contents
3.3 Manufacturing Procedures 7
CHAPTER 1
Introduction
This report comprehensively covers the design challenge proposed by Dr. Engr. S. A. Yahaya for the BME 411 course at the University of Ilorin. It details how the design challenges and client needs were addressed, and includes an introduction to the design requirements, target specifications, and project objectives. The report's main body focuses on the chosen prosthetic device design, outlining its features, components, operating principles, assembly processes, and costs. In conclusion, the report summarizes how all of the client's design objectives and requirements were fulfilled.
1.1 Customer Needs
As part of our Biomaterials course, we were tasked with coming up with a plan for a prosthetic finger that could serve as a replacement for someone who had either lost their finger or was born with a finger abnormality. Our goal was to use readily available materials found in our surroundings to create a product that was both cost-effective and had innovative features to make it the best possible prosthetic finger.
My design is intended to eliminate complexity which is usually found in marketed prosthetic finger devices and was made using simple, available and cheap materials which are effective for carrying out the tasks in which they were used for in each of the components.
In addition, it was necessary for us to satisfy the following design standard:
Guarantee the stability and dependability of the assembly mechanism’s durability and stability.
Design something that is cost efficient based on the expenses of the materials used.
Furnish an elaborate account outlining the materials and component that are needed.
Create and present a preliminary mode of the device.
1.2 Target Specifications
To Identify the necessary device requirements, the first step was to evaluate the product needs. The specification for the target device were developed based largely on the information provided by the client’s requirements.
Simplicity
Availability of Materials
Cost of Production
Structural integrity of device
Aesthetics of design
Final report with specifications
Requirement to meet deadlines
Mobility function
1.3 Project Objectives
To identify the necessary device requirements, the first step was to prioritize and evaluate the product needs. The specifications for the target device were developed based largely on the information provided by the client’s requirements. After establishing the requirements and specifications of the customers, a set of extra design goals were formulated, comprising of the following:
To The objective is to offer appropriate finger substitutes that are made of harmless and biocompatible substances.
Creating a prosthetic finger that is both visually appealing and user-friendly in terms of comfort.
CHAPTER 2
Design Materials Selection
The selection of materials for the prosthetic finger design took into account its functionality, prioritizing lightweight and durable components. As a result, the following materials and tools were chosen for the manufacturing process:
2.1 Materials Used
The material used for the design includes:
Glycerine
Silicone
Petroleum jelly
Gelatine powder
Water
Brown powder(for skin coloration)
2.2 Tools Used
Spoon
Wooden turning stick
Pot
Plastic container
Source of heat(gas cooker)
Latex gloves
CHAPTER 3
Design Methodology
The project was carried out utilizing Product Development processes:
The process of identifying and examining an issue.
Research
Brain-storming
Risks and Constraints involved
Procedures
Implementation
Feedback
3.1 Problem Identification
To undertake this process, one must comprehend the prospect and determine the necessity for developing the product.
Most finger amputations that happen in certain regions of the world are usually caused by accidents that involve dangerous environments, machinery, or power tools. Alternatively, finger amputations may also result from illnesses such as diabetes. These amputations can severely impair hand function and can lead to physical and mental distress as patients attempt to adapt to their new disability.
Many solutions have been created in the prosthetics field to assist patients, but the majority of prosthetic finger devices are costly due to the incorporation of advanced materials and technologies in their development.
In order for a prosthetic finger to adequately address the patient's requirements, it ought to be crafted from lightweight substances, simple to wear and operate, visually appealing, capable of compensating for impaired hand functionality, and reasonably priced.
3.2 Innovation Thought Process
The process entails devising an innovative solution to meet the required demand, while also taking into account the cost and simplicity of production principles. The sequence of events includes the creation of a prototype, conducting experiments, and filtering the best options.
After considering all essential elements and standards, a model was made to fit the missing finger comfortably.
However, it does not entirely substitute the natural abilities of a finger.
3.3 Manufacturing Procedures
1. Apply petroleum jelly on the finger to be used as a pattern. This is to minimize the
corrosive effect of the tiler's silicone on the skin. It also aids the removal of the mold
from the finger.
2. Using the spatula, apply silicone on the finger in layers, gradually, until a thickness of
about 3mm is achieved. The individual applying the silicone should protect his/her
hands with latex gloves to prevent them from being corroded by the silicone.
3. Wait for the silicone to dry, to a jelly-like consistency. This should take about thirty
minutes.
4. Carefully remove the silicone mold from the finger, taking care not to fold the mold.
5. Mix gelatin, glycerin and water in the ratio 2:2:1 respectively in a pot.
6. Using low heat from the camp gas, heat the gelatin, glycerin and water mixture to
remove lumps and bubbles.
7.While heating, turn the mixture thoroughly. If it becomes dry, add a little water and
mix properly.
8. Add poster color to obtain a shade similar to that of the human skin.
9. The resulting mixture should be lump-free, bubble-free, moderately viscous and able
to flow from the spoon.
10. Pour in the mixture into the silicone mold to form the cast and leave it in for twelve
hours to solidify.
11. Separate the mold from the cast. If the cast cannot come out with ease, use a razor
blade to cut the mold away.
12. A pair of scissors can be used to trim the cast to a desired length.
13. The resulting cast is a prosthetic finger.
CHAPTER 4
Costs of Production
We were instructed not to exceed the maxim
um limit of five thousand Naira in the expenses involved in the production of the prosthetic finger.
·Tiler’s Silicone N1700
·Gelatin N700
·Latex gloves N100
·Water N20
·Glycerine N700
·Petroleum jelly N200
Brown Powder Free
Total Cost 3420
Kindly Note: That the materials can be used to produce more than one prosthetic finger
CHAPTER 5
Conclusions and Limitations
5.2 Conclusions
The most essential aspect of product design is determining the issue that your product must address, and all other components of the product design procedure hinge on that problem. Following that, the preparation phase commences, where the products is being built,simulated and tested.
The prosthetic finger that I created satisfies the criteria set by my course lecturer which is the design of a prosthetic finger within the given budget, making it a triumph.
5.2 Limitations
The design process is restricted by the constraints of having limited access to information about finger amputations.
My design was limited by the Inability to move joints together with the rest of the fingers and also the skin irritation caused by the tiler’s silicone used for the mold.
REFERENCE
Biomaterials (BME 411) Lecture Slide (2022)
Biomedical Engineering Design (BME 403) Lecture Slide (2022)
Engineering design report guide
