Abstract:
Daily operations for lab technicians with chronic and degenerative conditions can be difficult and time consuming without the help of engineered equipment. Our sponsor, a student researcher with CIDP, experiences tremors in the hands that inhibit his ability conduct routine plant dissections in the biology lab using forceps. There are few support devices for handheld lab equipment available on the market, and none that integrate forceps. Team 1501 has designed a flexible support arm device that will improve stability and fine motor skills in disabled lab technicians. This device reduces tremor motion and improves dexterity so the user can perform precision tasks under a microscope. The microscope rests upon the device’s base, and the flexible arms protrude from the sides, allowing the forceps to be held in a stable position while they are manipulated. The flexible arms dampen the transfer of tremor motion from the hands to the forceps and reduces the strength required to hold the tweezers in place. Other types of precision tools can be integrated with the device with minor modifications, which allows our device to be used in other industries, including beauty and medical fields. This ergonomic device is a versatile solution that will allow disabled individuals to complete fine motor skill-based tasks with ease.