Design and Prototyping of an Early Prototype of a Small Hand Prosthesis
摘要
This study presents the design, fabrication, and preliminary testing of a low-cost, 3D-printed upper-limb prosthetic hand prototype tailored for children aged 5–10 years or users with small hand anatomy. Motivated by the limited availability and high cost of pediatric prosthetic solutions, the early prototype was developed. The prosthesis integrates four microservo-actuated fingers (index to little) and a mechanically compliant thumb to enable basic opposition and grasping functions. The mechanical structure was modeled via CAD software and fabricated using a hybrid approach combining Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) with resin-based stereolithography (MSLA) printing. PETG for rigid components and the engine compartment, and TPU was chosen for the compliant mechanisms. A web-based user interface allows configuration and recall of predefined finger positions. Initial tests confirmed the device’s ability to perform cylindrical and pinch grips, although limitations in grip force and internal space optimization remain. The estimated material cost of the prototype is under USD 500, offering a potentially accessible option for early-stage prosthetic rehabilitation. Future work will focus on improving actuation systems, miniaturizing electronic components, and integrating sensor-based or myoelectric control to enhance functional performance.