ENGS 89/90 Reports

Year of Graduation

2025

Project Advisor

Britt Goods

Instructor

Solomon Diamond

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

2025

Abstract

Current rehabilitation devices, such as splints and therapeutic gloves, aid spastic hemiparetic patients but are often impractical to don independently due to constant muscle contraction. Therefore, hemiparetic patients need a user-friendly method of extension in their affected hand to improve motor coordination, prevent contracture, and maintain muscle balance. The purpose of the device is to make hand expansion technology available to a wider range of individuals. We achieve this by creating a customizable device which both simplifies the donning process, and effectively expands the customers contracted hand. The device uses a base for stabilization, and a detachable cone. The cone gradually expands the hand to the width of the main component, while simultaneously guiding the fingers and thumb to their desired position. This system allows the customer to have full control and don the device fully independently. As the customer slides their hand onto the main component, their thumb is caught by an adjustable thumb anchor which keeps the thumb extended by the desired amount. Once the customer has successfully donned the main body, the cone can be quickly removed. Subsequently, the device is secured in place using a custom easy-on, easy-off strap. The strap is further secured by an end cap which provides additional stabilization and support. Once the device is donned, an adjustable hinge can be used to further expand the hand using a series of adjustable wedges. The overall design consists of streamlined and durable parts, providing the customer with a solution which is built to last.

Download

Restricted

Available to Dartmouth community via local IP address.

Share

COinS