A lightweight, 3D-printed grabber made from hypoallergenic PLA, designed to offer a comfortable and practical solution for individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis.
The RA Grabber was designed with the specific needs of individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis in mind. This 3D-printed tool features a lightweight, ergonomic handle and a simple trigger mechanism, offering ease of use and comfort. Crafted from hypoallergenic PLA plastic, it ensures safety while providing a practical alternative to traditional grabbers. The design emphasizes portability and functionality, addressing the challenges of limited joint mobility while integrating seamlessly into everyday tasks.
Ideation
The RA Grabber evolved through the creation and evaluation of eight different prototypes, each featuring various design elements. By refining these iterations and focusing on ergonomic and practical features, the final product delivers a comfortable and intuitive solution for those with joint movement challenges.
Final Concept
Designing Prototypes
Prototype 1
Prototype 2
Prototype 3
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a debilitating autoimmune and inflammatory disease that significantly affects joint movement and can take a toll on a person's emotional well-being and mental health. This limitation in joint mobility creates a stark contrast to one’s original dexterity. To address this issue, we developed an accessibility tool specifically designed for individuals with RA: a 3D-printed alternative to traditional grabbers.
This solution is low-cost and lightweight, making it an accessible option for those who cannot obtain a standard grabber. The design allows for easy handling with one hand, quick extension, and simple triggering, improving upon the functionality of conventional grabbers.
The handle of the grabber is made from PLA plastic, which is lightweight, durable, and recyclable. Using this material results in a comfortable grip, and the device is easy to operate—pulling the trigger causes the grabber to clinch.
It is important to note that some individuals with RA may have allergies or sensitivities to the PLA plastic used in 3D printing. Therefore, selecting hypoallergenic and non-toxic filaments is crucial to prevent any adverse reactions. Beyond this consideration, there are minimal downsides to our solution.
This product offers a competitive alternative in the grabber market by retaining the essential features of mass-produced grabbers while boasting advantages such as a lightweight design. This can inspire other designers to explore different material choices and quality improvements in their own products.
Printing
After encountering challenges with the initial printing, I decided to split the design file into two separate parts. I then used hot glue to securely join these pieces together, which helped me resolve the printing issues I faced. This adjustment was vital in refining the design and ultimately led to the functional and effective RA Grabber you see today.
The grabber can withstand multiple drops of 1.5 meters onto solid concrete, demonstrating the durability of the 3D printing filament. On the left, you can see a simulation of our test on concrete, although, in reality, the floor was much larger.