First Prototype Construction

First Prototype

Machining processes:

• 3D printing for rapid prototyping

• Laser cutting of acrylic

• Sewing and hot gluing to attach Velcro strap for hand interface

• Hack sawing for wooden dowels

What didn’t work:

• Our wedge activation device was not held in place well

• Cams were not “grippy” enough to hold ropes

• Motion of the links was not smooth

• Velcro strap was not secure

Figure 7: The first prototype complete with 3D printed base plate, cams, and wedge activator, acrylic links, wooden dowels, Velcro strap, and string thumb loop. 

Figure 8: Close up view of the laser cut acrylic, press fit to the 3D printed piece with a woodel dowel.