Authors (including presenting author) :
Lee FL (1), Ng HK (1), Wan KY (1)
Affiliation :
(1) Occupational Therapy Department, Maclehose Medical Rehabilitation Centre
Introduction :
The use of 3DP had been explored to simplify fabrication process and resolve design flaws of OT device. Wheelchair cane holder and handspan were chosen for application of 3DP technology to replace existing manufacturing process. Cane holder is usually not available locally as an add-on item for standard wheelchairs. OTs used to fabricate cane holders for patients-in-need. Previous design was made of stainless steel and the fabrication process involved welding and drilling that had to be carried out by trained OTAs with license on metal work machine operation. Handspan is commonly applied to patients with hand spasticity to maintain hand flexors lengthening for preventing contracture. Previous handspan was made of acrylic plate involving metal work process. The fixation of hand over handspan was always difficult due to dominated finger flexors. The positioning of fixation straps relies on availability of proper attachment and therefore we need a design of handspan with such adaptability.
Objectives :
1) To allow customization of device for individualized needs: The new wheelchair cane holder consists of two parts: a cup and two ‘clips’. The dimension and position of ‘clips’ can be adjusted in order to fit into different wheelchair frames without the need of drilling holes. The new handspan can be modifiable in dimension and strap position for different levels of hand spasticity. The material density can also be changed for accommodating comfort perspective. 2) To reduce the workload of staff: Adjustments and re-fabrication of devices are frequently encountered when patient’s condition has changed. 3DP allows quick modification and changes based on the available prototypes, instead of fabricating the device starting from scratch. The time cost and workload can be greatly reduced. 3) To replace manual work skills and minimize OSH issues: The previous fabrication process mainly involved metal work skills of cutting, drilling and welding. Assistants with metal work certificates were required to spend several hours to work on a device which was time-consuming and labour intensive. The 3DP technology replaces the manual work skills required and all staff can learn to use within a short period of time.
Methodology :
1. A project team was formed: The drawbacks of the manufacturing process of different assistive devices in our department were explored and analysed. After repeated correction and refinement, the 3DP prototypes of printing various assistive devices had been developed and completed for use. 2. Staff were trained for 3D printer operation: The responsible occupational therapists and the supporting staff attended the related workshops to acquire the knowledge and skills in 3DP. They then trained more staff on the set-up and operation of the 3D printer.
Result & Outcome :
Preliminary results: 1. 3DP prototypes developed for easy customization and modification to fit patients’ needs: In 3DP, dimension, material density and position of different parts can be modifiable in the design process for accommodating the different needs of patients. 2. Alternative fabrication process to ease the workload and labour cost: The fabrication time of the previous wheelchair cane holder and the previous handspan had been 6 and 4 hours respectively. With the 3DP prototypes, staff can set-up the printing process within half an hour. The cost of each wheelchair cane holder and acrylic handspan was around $320 and $200 respectively. The cost of each 3D-printed cane holder and handspan is just $20. In January 2021: - Prototypes of wheelchair cane holder and handspan have been in use for repeated production - 10 3D-printed wheelchair cane holders had been fabricated - More than 20 3D-printed handspan had been prescribed
