Switch That Can Be Fastened to the Palm and Pressed with Little Force (SI-05)

For (With Whom)

A person with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) who needs to operate an information and communication device with a switch, but whose finger strength is very weak.

Why

The user travels outdoors by operating a power wheelchair. At such times they could not use a smartphone, so they had trouble being unable to contact anyone when out.

How

First, we evaluated the posture for operating the power wheelchair. Because the joystick is operated with the left hand, we found that the switch could be operated using the movement of the right thumb. We therefore prioritized being able to fix it to the right palm and being operable with very little force. We made, with a 3D printer, a base that can be fastened with a hook-and-loop strap (Velcro-type band) and an extension of the lever that is easy to press, and repeatedly modified the size and shape until the operation felt better.

Outcome

By extending the switch lever and giving the base a slope, switch operation with the right thumb became possible. As a result, even when using the power wheelchair, the user can now press and hold the switch while stopped and control Siri by voice.

Materials Used

TPU

Approximate 3D Print Weight

4g

Print Settings Overview

Nozzle diameter=0.4mm,Layerheight=0.15mm,Infill=20%,Temp=210°C,Speed=50mm/s,Support=None

Accessories and Everyday Items Used

Micro switch (ultra-miniature basic switch 5A hinge lever type 0.16N [SS-5GL-F]) Hook-and-loop strap (Velcro-type band), hook-and-loop fastener