Authors:

David Botana

Date Created:

Not specified

Course Title:

Professor:

Not specified

About Paper:

This study aimed to develop assistive devices to assist individuals with decreased manual dexterity and strength to engage independently in wet lab work across various lab settings. Individuals with disabilities frequently utilize assistive technology and accommodations to achieve equity in higher education while maintaining autonomy. However, a lack of accessible devices in labs may force them to depend on peers for assistance, which may subject them to discrimination. Therefore there is a significant need for replicable, inexpensive, and adaptable devices for individuals to utilize in these settings. The study observed an individual with limited hand mobility and strength. An antique fractal vise design released by Mantle & Co in 1922 was adapted to be fully 3D-printable and adjustable to stabilize lab glassware. Additionally, a 3D-printed gear system was developed to enable index finger flexion to replace the thumb opposition of a micropipette. Functional performance tests will be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of these devices. The study will observe if the user can more efficiently and for longer durations complete wet lab tasks using the fractal vise and micropipette adapter. Multiple trials of cell media changes will be conducted without devices, with only the vise, with only the adapted pipette, and both devices together. Significance will be assessed through t-tests, with each test separated by a one-hour rest period. These devices can be 3D printed and adapted with CAD parameterization to fit the user's needs, providing a low-cost and adjustable method for individuals with disabilities to engage in lab work independently.

Source:

Purdue University / 2023

Topics:

No topics listed

Co-authors:

David Botana