Custom, rapid prototype thumb prosthesis for partial-hand amputation: A case report

Background: Due to advancements in three-dimensional printing, custom-made prostheses are becoming more viable options for persons with difficult cases of prosthetic management. The purpose of this article was to develop a custom voluntary-closing, body-powered thumb mechanism for a partial-hand amputee who had amputations of the index finger and thumb on the left, non-dominant hand. Case description and methods: The prosthesis model was manufactured using rapid prototype technology and was developed to provide greater force and functionality, and to decrease overall size compared to traditional hand prostheses. Findings and outcomes: Following device iterations and occupational therapy sessions, the patient achieved higher functionality in performing daily tasks such as cooking and cleaning, and in completing the Box and Blocks test, though some limitations still precluded full acceptance of the device. Conclusion: This case study represents a unique approach in the development of custom-made devices that may increase prostheses acceptance rates among partial-hand amputees. Clinical relevance Many partial-hand amputees report experiencing trouble in finding a device that fits their needs. This study highlights the potential of using rapid prototyping technology to design a prosthesis that meets a user’s specific desires.

Design of Extended-Range Electric Vehicle Integrated Control System Based on Rapid Prototype Technology

Based on Motohawk rapid prototype development platform and “Development to Production (D2P)”development process, an integrated control system has been built, adapting to the principle and configuration of extended-range electric vehicle. This control system integrated traditional vehicle controller, drive motor controller, APU controller, engine controller and generator controller. The development of this control system is based on ControlCore underlying operation system and designed by Simulink/Stateflow software. Production-level automotive ECU has also been used as the hardware platform. This development method can significantly simplify the topology structure of control system, decrease the develop cycle of extended-range electric vehicle, and reduce the cost in development, production and aftermarket maintenance.

Research of Blades of Complex Surface Construction Based on Laser Rapid Prototyping

There are a lot of faults in making complex surface parts (especially 3D curved blade) as designing difficultly, processing complexly, low production efficiency and so on. In this paper, it integrates the computer aided design and manufacturing, layered manufacturing and increase material molding technology. They are based on the pro/E 3d surface modeling and rapid prototype technology. The technology can put the blades of irregular surface processing into simple graphic processing. We can make complex plane quickly, make the development cycle of new products shorter and reduce the development cost by selected material curing. Thus it can make the enterprise have higher product development capacity and market competitiveness.

A New Incremental Sheet Forming Process Based on Layer Manufacture

Sheet dieless digital forming is a new sheet metal dieless forming technology. This paper introduced the fundamentals of the Sheet dieless digital forming process. Based on the principle of “layered manufacture” in rapid prototype technology, this process resolves the intricate three-dimensional geometry information of the workpiece into a series of two-dimensional data, which can be used by an NC system to control a forming tool to make a curvilinear movement over the raw sheet metal layer by layer until the component wanted is formed. This paper introduced the Sheet dieless digital forming system and metal digital forming technology.

FEM Analysis of Sheet Incremental Forming Process

Sheet incremental forming is a new sheet metal dieless forming technology. This paper introduced the fundamentals of the sheet incremental forming process. Based on the principle of “layered manufacture” in rapid prototype technology, this process resolves the intricate three-dimensional geometry information of the workpiece into a series of two-dimensional data, which can be used by an NC system to control a forming tool to make a curvilinear movement over the raw sheet metal layer by layer until the component wanted is formed. This paper introduced the sheet incremental forming system and metal digital forming technology. An FEM model of the incremental forming process is established, and a typical process is analyzed to instruct the parameters selection and the optimization of the forming tracks.

Energy production and sanitation improvement using microbial fuel cells

This study builds on the previous work of urine utilisation and uses small-scale microbial fuel cells (MFCs), working both as individual units in cascade or collectively as a stack, to utilise artificial urine. Artificial urine was prepared at concentrations typically found in real human urine with peptone employed as a surrogate proteinacious component. MFCs were constructed from Nanocure® polymer using rapid prototype technology. The anode and cathode electrodes were made of 15 cm2 carbon veil, folded down to fit in the 1 mL chambers. Eight MFCs were inoculated using activated anaerobic sludge; after 17 days of fed batch mode they were switched to continuous flow, initially at 0.09 mL/h and subsequently at 0.43 mL/h, resulting in HRT of 12.69 minutes/MFC. MFCs showed stable performance following the maturing period and produced, under polarisation experiments, peak power levels of 117 μW, corresponding to 962.94 W/m3. Continuous flow experiments data showed higher power production, increasing with the concentration of the carbon/energy source within artificial urine. The work demonstrates that artificial urine of varying composition can be successfully utilised for the production of energy and concomitant cleanup of organic waste. Finally, in line with the practical implementation and robotics work in our group, the small-scale MFCs were configured into a stack and directly energised electronic devices.

Experience with the Use of Prebent Plates for the Reconstruction of Mandibular Defects

Bending of large titanium plates for mandibular reconstruction is a tedious task. This is usually done by trial and error over an intraoperatively bent template. By means of rapid prototype technology, accurate three-dimensional models can be obtained. Using these models, it is possible to design, obtain, and adapt custom hardware for individual surgical cases. Reductions of operating room time when using this technology have been reported from 17% to 60%, with an average of 20%. This translates to reduction of cost and risks, improving the overall surgical outcome. The purpose of this article is to establish the indications and contraindication for the use three-dimensional models and prebent plates. We present our experience with five cases in which prebent reconstruction plates were used for mandibular reconstruction. No significant complications occurred, and satisfactory results were achieved in all cases. We found that the models required to obtain the hardware are extremely accurate, have multiple reported applications, and represent a valuable surgical tool in the planning and execution of reconstructive surgery.