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
Prototype 1
Prototype 2
Prototype 3
Printing
After facing a challenge with the initial printing, I decided to split the design file into two separate pieces. I then used hot glue to securely join these parts together, which allowed me to overcome the printing issues. This adjustment was crucial in refining the design and ultimately led to the functional and effective RA Grabber you see today.
The grabber is able to resist 1.5m of drop on solid concrete multiple times, which is a testament to how the 3d printing filament can withstand drops.
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On the left is a simulation of the test we did on concrete, except the floor was much larger.