Meeting Time:
Thursday 5:30-6:45pm
Project Description:
e-NABLE is a global nonprofit organization that provides 3D-printed prosthetic hands to individuals in need, offering an affordable and accessible alternative to traditional prosthetics. This project focuses on improving the CAD design, mechanical testing, and aesthetics of an e-NABLE prosthetic to enhance functionality and user satisfaction. The community partner that we are currently working with is John Hodge of the Louth Rotary, an organization that aims to connect and engage in local community projects to promote and support health. Structural integrity and mechanical efficiency are key priorities, with testing aimed at optimizing string durability. During Fall 2024, the e-NABLE Prosthetics Design Team worked on completing a needs assessment of the clients; analyzing the deficiencies of the first prototype by conducting mechanical testing. In Spring 2025, the e-NABLE Prosthetics Design Team aimed to improve the current design of the e-NABLE prosthetics by making edits to the STL files to replace certain features and introduce additional parts to the prosthetic to allow for improved mobility, and develop an outer covering to match the aesthetics of the real hand, with the aim of reducing social stigma. In Fall 2025, a completed Phoenix v3 hand was built and is ready to be shipped to the client, along with the Unlimbited Arm v2.1, which extends the length of the arm to provide greater strength and functionality. For Spring 2026, we aim to solve the shipping problems for the arm and reiterate testing to see if there are any design improvements to be made.
Relevant Skills: CAD, Solidworks, Fusion