RAPID PROTOTYPING PROJECTS
BACKGROUND
A large part of my role in the Dewald Lab is coming up with fast solutions to problems, using the materials that we have. Often that involves rapid prototyping utilizing SolidWorks and our 3D printer. Furthermore, when relevant, I try to mentor the students and other research staff on how to use CAD and proper usage of our printer.
PROJECT EXAMPLE - BABY SEAT INSERT
I was approached by a couple of the professors in our department on whether I could aid their students on the development of an insert that could attach to an off-the-shelf baby chair such that a toddler with low muscle tone could sit in it and have back support; the goal is that he would be able to sit in the baby chair and be able to participate more in activities like feeding himself or playing with his siblings.
The physical therapy students designed a low-fidelity prototype with foam and cardboard, and then I taught them how to draw an engineering sketch of that model. After that, I made changes to the their design in order to make it fit into our 3D printer bed, and also make it somewhat interchangeable to accommadate the toddler as he grows.
The project was a huge success and the end product was presented at a major physical therapy conference in 2017.
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