Publication Date
Fall 12-13-2019
Document Type
Final Report
Embargo Date
12-13-2019
Problem Statement
The violin bow-hand prosthetic aims to mimic the natural hold and motion of a violinist’s bow-hand. The prosthetic is for a violinist who is missing the majority of their hand, but still has full range of motion in the wrist. Focusing on maintaining a natural playing style greatly influenced the design of the device to be user safe, durable, comfortable, easy to use, inexpensive, and practical. Many of these features were achieved by using 3D printed plastic and foam composites. These materials were selected based on strength and deflection analyses of 3-D simulations performed in SolidWorks and the ease of manufacturing. With the materials selected, patented designs for similar products were reviewed to produce a conceptual design that consisted of an elastic, adjustable sleeve coupled with a clamping mechanism. 3-D printing the clamps allowed for the design of the prosthetic to attach closer to the user’s hand. This provided a wider range of motion in the wrist while maintaining a fixed relationship between the hand and the bow. To ensure safety, professional codes and standards for external limb prostheses and toy safety were implemented. As a result of these processes, the prosthetic exceeded all performance goals and improved on the design of the user’s current prosthetic.
Class Name
Mechanical Engineering Design Project (MEMS 411)
Recommended Citation
Hayes, Ron Jr; Cook, KC; Lobban, Romario; and Drexler, Muriel, "Violin Bow-Hand Prosthetic" (2019). Mechanical Engineering Design Project Class. 116.
https://openscholarship.wustl.edu/mems411/116