The Delft Pro Simulator

An accessible and 3D-printable prosthesis simulator to simulate transradial limb absence

Master thesis (2021)

Authors

M.A. Sinke Mechanical Engineering

Contributors

G. Smit Medical Instruments & Bio-Inspired Technology - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering (supervisor 1)
A. Sakes Medical Instruments & Bio-Inspired Technology - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering (supervisor 2)
P. Breedveld Medical Instruments & Bio-Inspired Technology - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering (supervisor 2)
Faculty
Mechanical Engineering
Copyright: © 2021 Maaike Sinke
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Published Date

25-05-2021

Language

English

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Faculty

Mechanical Engineering

Abstract

Introduction: Prosthesis
simulators are essential tools for research and rehabilitation. They can be
used to increase the amount of participants in research studies or to assist in
rehabilitation. The main goal of this master thesis is to design a functioning
prosthesis simulator, which can be used with commonly used terminal devices. A
second goal is that the design needs to be accessible for multiple research
groups and rehabilitation centers. The last goal is that the design needs to
solve the problems that currently exist with prosthesis simulators: sub-optimal
position of terminal device and lack of restriction of degrees of freedom of
intact arm. Methods: The design requirements were based on the goals and a function
analysis which included the state of the art of prosthesis simulators. Based on
these design requirements the final design of The Delft Pro Simulator was
developed. The design method that was used was a combination of the basic
design cycle and the Fishtrap model. Results: The Delft Pro Simulator is a
novel 3D-printable design that is accessible for multiple users. The design
consists of only 14 parts and weighs 356 grams. The design is minimal-assembly
and the material cost is low. The simulator is able to constrain pro- and
supination of the intact arm. It can be worn on the left or the right arm. The
socket can be used with all terminal devices with the American standard bolt
(1/2"-20) and the European standard bolt (M12x1.5). A user tested the
functional performance of the design with two standardized tests, the Box and
Blocks Test and the Nine Hole Peg Test. Discussion and conclusion: This report
presents a novel prosthesis simulator design. The goals have all been achieved.
The design can be used with all commonly used terminal devices. Use with a
myoelectric device has not been tested, but should be possible with minor
adaptations. Most parts of the simulator can be 3D-printed except for some
parts which are very accessible. The design can be used with two possible
orientations of the terminal device with respect to the intact hand (dorsal and
palmar). The simulator is able to accurately simulate transradial limb absence
by constraining pro- and supination of the intact arm, while leaving flexion and
extension free.