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==Abstract==
==Abstract==
This page is dedicated to the design and development of an open-source Hands-Free Crutch for the developing world. All components are designed with open-source software. OpenSCAD, FreeCAD and/or Blender have been utilized for digital file generation (STL). All components have been printed on a [http://www.appropedia.org/Athena_Build_Overview MOST - Athena Delta Printer]. While [http://www.spinlife.com/images/product/4026.jpg standard crutches] are produced between $10.00 and $120 [https://www.google.com/search?q=standard+crutch&biw=1439&bih=738&tbm=shop&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj5v5jO-93QAhUrw1QKHZQQBfcQ_AUICCgB&dpr=1#spd=0 ref]. This OSAT aims to decrease the overall cost of a standard crutch and to penetrate the specialized market by providing a 3D printed alternative by simultaneously allowing for customization based upon a user / patients condition and size (height, weight, leg size, etc...)
This page is dedicated to the design and development of an open-source Hands-Free Crutch for the developing world. All components are designed with open-source software. OpenSCAD, FreeCAD and/or Blender have been utilized for digital file generation (STL). All components have been printed on a [http://www.appropedia.org/Athena_Build_Overview MOST - Athena Delta Printer]. [http://www.spinlife.com/images/product/4026.jpg Standard crutches] are produced between $10.00 and $120 [https://www.google.com/search?q=standard+crutch&biw=1439&bih=738&tbm=shop&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj5v5jO-93QAhUrw1QKHZQQBfcQ_AUICCgB&dpr=1#spd=0 ref]. This OSAT aims to decrease the overall cost of a standard crutch and to penetrate the specialized market by providing a 3D printed alternative by simultaneously allowing for customization based upon a user / patients condition and size (height, weight, leg size, etc...)


<gallery caption="Assembled Hands-Free Crutch">
<gallery caption="Assembled Hands-Free Crutch">

Revision as of 21:17, 5 December 2016

Hands-Free Crutch

Project developed by [[[User:JLaureto|JLaureto]] (talk) 07:27, 17 November 2016 (PST)]

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Abstract

This page is dedicated to the design and development of an open-source Hands-Free Crutch for the developing world. All components are designed with open-source software. OpenSCAD, FreeCAD and/or Blender have been utilized for digital file generation (STL). All components have been printed on a MOST - Athena Delta Printer. Standard crutches are produced between $10.00 and $120 ref. This OSAT aims to decrease the overall cost of a standard crutch and to penetrate the specialized market by providing a 3D printed alternative by simultaneously allowing for customization based upon a user / patients condition and size (height, weight, leg size, etc...)

Bill of Materials

All printed component files and design source are available on YouMagine:

  1. Printed Components
    1. 1x 60mm Threaded Rod Support Filename:
    2. 1x 58mm Female-Threaded Height Adjustment Filename:
    3. 1x Threaded Bottom Foot Filename:
    4. 1x Leg-Rest (Front - Knee) Filename:
    5. 1x Leg-Rest (Rear-Ankle) Filename:
    6. 2x Secondary Support Rods Filename:
    7. 2x 40mm Threaded Knee Rest Rod Filename:
    8. 2x 38mm Threaded Knee Rest Height Adjustment Filename:
    9. 1x Knee Rest Filename:
    10. 1x C-Clamp Filename:


  1. Secondary Components
    1. 2x M6 X20mm Socket Screws (LINK)
    2. 1x M6 X90mm Socket Screw (LINK)
    3. 4x ~6mm ID Washers (LINK)
    4. 3x Nylon Insert Locking Nut (LINK)

Tools needed for fabrication of the OSAT

  1. MOST Delta RepRap or similar RepRap 3-D printer
  2. 6mm Hex Wrench (Application: Tightening M6 Bolts)
  3. 10mm Wrench (Application: To fixture nylon nut while tightening)

Skills and Knowledge Necessary to Make the OSAT

  • The significant design considerations to allow this part(s) to be printed with minimal support have already been accounted for in the provided files. Thus, any 3D printing operator with sufficient machine (~>3 months) experience should be able to successfully print these parts without trouble.
  • Useful tools that may help an un-experienced user:

Technical Specifications and Assembly Instructions

  1. Print all printable parts from Bill of Materials. Printing time will be approximately 49 hours 41 mins.
  2. Insert the tongue on the knee side of the leg into the groove of the ankle side of the leg rest. Press firmly until the internal faces of the two parts are flush.
  3. Insert bolts into the tabs on the sides of the leg rest piece, beginning on the side closest to where the knee will rest and exiting on the side where the ankle will rest.
  4. Thread nuts onto the nuts and finger tighten. Use a wrench to tighten further, being careful not to tighten fr enough to damage the plastic.
  5. Thread the central threaded rod into the threaded cylinder located on the bottom of the legrest piece. Continue to thread until the support rod stops, lying flush with the bottom of the leg rest piece.
  6. Thread the foot onto the adjustable adapter for the bottom of the main support. Hand tighten until there is no longer movement.
  7. Thread the adapter to the main support onto the main support. Adjust as needed to fit the height of the subject.
  8. Thread both vertical supports into the slots on the top of the leg rest piece. Hand tighten until there is no longer movement.
  9. Secure the thigh rest on top of the two vertical threaded rods.
  10. Thread desired straps through the slots on the top side of the leg rest.
  11. Assembly time will tke approximately 10 minutes.
Example video summary of textbook
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Common Problems and Solutions

  1. Ensure you do not apply excess force in tightening the bolts. These should tighten just until strain is felt on the wrench, no further.
  2. If threads do not fit correctly, an x-acto blade can be used to clean up any defects that are visible. Otherwise, the provided OpenSCAD includes parameter "tolerance", which can be increased or decreased s needed.

Cost savings

  • If your solution is not a low cost one then it is not really appropriate.
Estimate your costs Commercial equivalent link/Cost US$ Approximate Savings in US $ and % savings
$23.57 [1] [2] $149.99

or [3] $ 149

$ 125.43 and 84.18 %

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