3D printed assistive device for animal

• Main Author: Ang, Jovian Guohao
• Other Authors: Yeong Wai Yee
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2016
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/68642
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

3D Printing has progressed by leaps and bounds in recent years. The benefits that ensued occurred in various applications and practices. Development of medical devices was one of the areas that has prospered with the advent of 3D printing. Besides complex implants that have been designed to be fitted into humans, there have been widespread growth of less complex projects that has improved the lives of people born with deformities. Open-source platforms with downloadable Computer Aided Design (CAD) files of prosthetic hands (from E-NABLE and Open Bionics) were the first of its kind to be established. With access to the internet and a 3D printer, an individual born without hands can now conveniently print a new hand which provides the basic functionalities of moving and gripping. This project aimed to create a similar impact but on a different species – Dogs. The goal of this project was to develop a design that improved on existing ones through capitalising the benefits of 3D printing such as unique designs, improved convenience and lower cost as determined in this project. The area of design interest was wheelchairs for dogs. Existing wheelchairs for dogs in the market do not provide dogs’ the option of lying down when it feels like resting. Instead, the owner would have to aid in the dismount before a dog can rest. Often, pet owners are unable to determine when their dog needs to rest due to the inability to comprehend their thoughts. A final design was selected from an initial size of eighteen designs through detailed selection procedures. Upon fabrication of the prototype, several changes were made to improve the performance of the design. The study and success of this design mechanism will aid future efforts in implementing an open-source platform that can change the way dogs use a wheelchair that will be cheaper and better.