Session: 06-05-01: Biomedical Devices, Sensors, and Actuators

Paper Number: 145563

145563 - Towards Natural Movement: Integrating Sustainable Materials With Hybrid 3d Printing Techniques and In-House-Developed Smart Sensors 

The global demand for prosthetic limbs is increasing due to the growing number of amputations, with around 185,000 procedures carried out annually in the United States. Leveraging its ability to create intricate structures with reduced pre and post-processing requirements, 3D printing presents a cost-efficient solution for precise prosthetic design and manufacturing, customized to meet the unique needs and preferences of individual patients. Despite ongoing efforts to utilize 3D printing for prosthetic fabrication targeting particular mechanical or electrical characteristics, there remains a noticeable absence of a cohesive approach aimed at achieving specific mechanical properties alongside smart sensing capabilities.

This paper endeavors to transform the production of prosthetic fingers by integrating hybrid materials and various advanced 3D printing methodologies. The primary objective is to assist the mechanical properties of 3D printed parts and optimize the PDMS (PolyDiMethylSiloxane) material for a better 3D bio-printed in-house sensor. The research will investigate the utilization of bio-inspired geometric configurations within the prosthetic finger design to achieve adaptable mechanical properties. Furthermore, the selection of materials will prioritize the integration of sustainable hybrid material-based solutions. Specific regions of the design, delineated by mechanical, sustainability, and smart sensing requirements, will be manufactured using hybrid materials through various 3D printing techniques. As a demonstration of the feasibility of this research, a fresh prosthetic finger design inspired by human finger anatomy will be introduced and manufactured. In-house development of low-cost and highly sensitive smart sensors, based on the piezoelectric transduction principle, will be integrated into the prosthetic finger to measure force and provide feedback to generate the prosthetic finger motion according to situational demands. Experimental data will be gathered, scrutinized, and juxtaposed with desired benchmarks. Through the amalgamation of these pioneering components, the aim is to create prosthetic fingers that closely emulate the natural movement and sensory responses of human fingers, thereby improving the quality of life for individuals enduring limb loss.

The advancement of prosthetic finger technology carries substantial benefits for those experiencing limb loss, providing enhanced dexterity, comfort, and functionality during everyday tasks. By replicating the electromechanical attributes of natural fingers according to user specifications, along with the proposed fabrication method, there is significant potential to elevate life quality and reinstate autonomy for millions globally. Moreover, the incorporation of hybrid materials and various 3D printing methods in prosthetic production signifies a notable stride in manufacturing efficacy and personalization, facilitating the development of more accessible and cost-effective prosthetic alternatives.

Presenting Author: Jun Han Bae Rochester Institute of Technology

Presenting Author Biography: Jun Han Bae is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Technology, College of Engineering Technology at Rochester Institute of Technology. He received his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering at Yonsei University (South Korea), a master's degree in mechanical engineering technology at Purdue University, and a Ph.D. in Technology at Purdue University. His main research focus is in robotics, especially in field robotics, bio-manufacturing, and transportation engineering.

Authors:

Ahasan Habib Rochester Institute of Technology
Krittika Goyal Rochester Institute of Technology
Salman Pervaiz Rochester Institute of Technology of Dubai
Jun Han Bae Rochester Institute of Technology