Extended Switch Utilizing Remaining Finger Function (SI-08)

For (With Whom)

A person with spinal muscular atrophy who can make only slight finger movements and has difficulty with key-binding operations.

Why

The person pressed a switch with the left index finger to perform left and right clicks, but while using applications such as Illustrator could not press the Shift key partway through an operation, so there were tasks they could not do at their employment support workplace. Being unable to do this operation narrowed the range of work available to them.

How

Since left and right clicks are performed with index finger movement, we checked which finger movements could be made without interfering with that. Bending the left ring finger worked best. So we made a switch to be worn on the left ring finger and operated by bending it. We made a cover so that the micro switch lever does not hurt when it touches the finger, and set the length so that it is easy to press.

Outcome

Being able to press the Shift key freely during work improved their figure drawing and also widened the range of work they can do.

Materials Used

Body: PLA, cover: TPU

Approximate 3D Print Weight

5g

Print Settings Overview

Body: nozzle diameter = 0.4mm , Layer height = 0.15mm, Infill = 20% , Temp = 210°C , Speed = 50mm/s, Support = None Cover: nozzle diameter = 0.4mm , Layer height = 0.1mm, Infill = 20% , Temp = 225°C , Speed = 40mm/s, Support = None

Accessory Information

The micro switch lever is fitted in after applying adhesive.