Economic Potential for Distributed Manufacturing of Adaptive Aids for Arthritis Patients in the U.S.: Difference between revisions

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Source

• Nicole Gallup, Jennifer K. Bow, and Joshua M. Pearce. Economic Potential for Distributed Manufacturing of Adaptive Aids for Arthritis Patients in the U.S. Geriatrics 2018, 3(4), 89; https://doi.org/10.3390/geriatrics3040089 open access
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Abstract

By 2040, more than a quarter of the U.S. population will have diagnosed arthritic conditions. Adults with arthritis and other rheumatic conditions earn less than average yet have medical care expenditures that are over 12% of average household income. Adaptive aids can help arthritis patients continue to maintain independence and quality of life; however, their high costs limit accessibility for older people and the poor. One method used for consumer price reduction is distributed manufacturing with 3-D printers. In order to assess if such a method would be financially beneficial, this study evaluates the techno-economic viability of distributed manufacturing of adaptive aids for arthritis patients. Twenty freely accessible designs for 3-D printable adaptive aids were successfully fabricated on low-cost desktop 3-D printers and performed their functions adequately. The financial savings averaged >94% compared to commercially-available products. Overall, twenty adaptive aids were printed for US$20 of plastic; while on average, each adaptive aid would save over US$20. As printing a tiny subset of the adaptive aids needed by a single patient would recover the full capital and operational costs of a low-cost 3-D printer, it can be concluded that there is considerable potential for distributed manufacturing to assist arthritis patients.

Keywords

distributed manufacturing; additive manufacturing; 3-D printing; consumer; economics; open-source; arthritis; adaptive aid; economics; motor skills; person–environment interaction; cost-effective

Gallery

Click on the hyperlink below the image to download the stl for printing and the CAD for customization.

• Arthritis Adaptive Aid
• 

  Vehicle Transfer Handle

• 

  jar opener

• 

  Arthritis Drawer Handle With Can Tab Starter

• 

  car seat unbuckle tool

• 

  Easy Grip Customizable Cup

• 

  Light Switch Extension Lever

• 

  Sock Assist

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  Knife Guide

• 

  Cell phone holder

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  Zipper Aid

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  Knitting Aid

• 

  Pen Holding Arthritis aid

• 

  Nail Clipper Holder

• 

  Arthritis Aid for Scissors

• 

  Arthritis Aid - Easy Eye-Dropper

• 

  Cane Holder for Arthritis patients

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  Arthritis shoe aid

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  Peeling Aid for Arthritis patients

• 

  Key Turner Aid

• 

  Arthritis Typing Aid

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  Easy Automotive Handle

• 

  Pop Can Opener

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  Arthritis Assist Dog Leash Snap

• 

  Doorknob Extender

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  Gas Cap Wrench

• 

  Easy Out Tube Squeezer

• 

  Light switch extension

• 

  Arthritis Handle Adapter

• 

  Arthritis Toothbrush Grip

• 

  Fishing Reel Aid

• 

  Vegetable Peeling Plate

• 

  CamScan Doc stand

• 

  Pill Splitter

• 

  Peeler for Arthritis

• 

  iPhone 7 case with handle/stand

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  Gas Cap Wrench

• 

  Second Knife Handle

• 

  Shower Bottle Opener

See also

• Emergence of Home Manufacturing in the Developed World: Return on Investment for Open-Source 3-D Printers
• Life-cycle economic analysis of distributed manufacturing with open-source 3-D printers
• Distributed Manufacturing of Flexible Products- Technical Feasibility and Economic Viability
• Impact of DIY Home Manufacturing with 3D Printing on the Toy and Game Market
• Quantifying the Value of Open Source Hardware Development
• Open-source, self-replicating 3-D printer factory for small-business manufacturing
• Distributed manufacturing with 3-D printing: a case study of recreational vehicle solar photovoltaic mounting systems
• Global value chains from a 3D printing perspective

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Other aids

• https://www.pinterest.com/pin/565272190720481686
• https://www.pinterest.com/couragekennyAT/

In the News

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• Long Room

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