Here are a few shocking statistics: The majority of people in need of upper limb prosthetic devices live in developing countries. Only 2% of those needing prosthetic care have access. These are statistics that 3D printing technology can help turn around. The Victoria Hand Project (VHP) wants to help increase access to upper-limb prosthetics in developing countries through the use of additive manufacturing technology and a network of partners all over the world to help deliver their prosthesis arms where they are most needed. VHP not only uses 3D printers to manufacture their prosthetic devices, but their team also designs and develop the prosthetics themselves.
Their Victoria Hand prosthesis is a mechanical hand that also features a harness, a wrist, and a socket. Because of the way it is manufactured, it is inexpensive to make, and it functions very similarly to standard, high-priced prosthetic devices. Like the average, non-3D printed mechanical hand and lower arm, it has a custom fit socket and a uniquely designed wrist system, but it is a fraction of the cost of a standard prosthetic arm.
Key components and features of the Victoria Hand prosthesis:
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The prosthesis is designed to mimic the anatomical appearance of a natural forearm/wrist/hand.
• The 3D printed socket is specified to the anatomy of the amputee, since this is the part of the prosthetic that comes into direct contact with them and that is often a source of discomfort in traditional prosthetics. 3D scanning allows for the most precise fit possible, and if it doesn’t fit the first time it is inexpensive and easy to rescan and 3D print it over again.
• The hand can be locked around the object that the hand is grasping using the back-lock mechanism.
• The Victoria Hand features a Ball and Socket wrist that allows users a full range of wrist motion and to easily position and lock the hand in most positions.
• A 120-degree rotating thumb makes it easy for users to perform simple tasks like typing, carrying grocery bags or holding a knife and fork.
• To assist in grasping odd sized or shaped objects engineers and designers developed the adaptive grasp feature that allows the fingers to conform around whatever the hand is grasping.
The prosthesis is designed to mimic the anatomical appearance of a natural forearm/wrist/hand.• The 3D printed socket is specified to the anatomy of the amputee, since this is the part of the prosthetic that comes into direct contact with them and that is often a source of discomfort in traditional prosthetics. 3D scanning allows for the most precise fit possible, and if it doesn’t fit the first time it is inexpensive and easy to rescan and 3D print it over again.
• The hand can be locked around the object that the hand is grasping using the back-lock mechanism.
• The Victoria Hand features a Ball and Socket wrist that allows users a full range of wrist motion and to easily position and lock the hand in most positions.
• A 120-degree rotating thumb makes it easy for users to perform simple tasks like typing, carrying grocery bags or holding a knife and fork.
• To assist in grasping odd sized or shaped objects engineers and designers developed the adaptive grasp feature that allows the fingers to conform around whatever the hand is grasping.
The Victoria Hand Project hopes to help improve the lives of millions of people in developing countries by giving them access to traditionally out of reach prosthetic devices. Not only will the Victoria Hand improve employment opportunities for many of these amputees, but it also will likely improve their quality of life. The Victoria Hand Project is about to launch their project on Indiegogo, so watch for their campaign to begin and contribute if you’re interested in helping out.
