Industrial - Bachelors

F L E X TENSION

trophy Awarded

This is FLEXTENSION, a passive flexion and extension glove for people suffering from hand hemiparesis or similar conditions. Current market products are bulky, expensive and independence limiting or ineffective and confusing. FLEXTENSION effectively and accessibly reduces phalangeal joint spasticity, aiding blood flow and the return of sensory and motor function.

Nicolas De-Vitry

THE TOPIC: HEMIPARESIS REHABILITATION

• 1 in 4 people will have a stroke in their lifetime
• Most common complication is hemiparesis
• Loss of strength on one side of the body
• Regaining function possible with rehabilitation
• Recovery done with exercises, devices and O.T.
• Patients visit an O.T. 4+ times a week
• Hands usually the most affected
• Rehabilitation is time intensive and independence limiting

RESEARCH

• Two occupational therapists and two hemiparesis patients interviewed and observed during sessions
• 118 minutes of audio and video were analysed
• Participants desired improvement in hand hemiparesis rehabilitation accessibility
• Desire for improvement in functional, psychological, monetary and independence areas as devices are inaccessible

THE PROBLEM

• Current products are:
• Immobile or Ineffective
• Intimidating or Confusing
• Expensive
• Independence Limiting
• This all Results in POOR ACCESSIBILITY!

There is significant, life changing potential for accessible hemiparesis hand rehabilitation

Occupational therapist (30 years of experience)

DESIGN PROCESS

IDEATION

Alongside primary research, extensive research was done into relevant medical literature and market products. Days were spent exploring a plethora of thoughts and technologies, with just a few including soft actuators, muscle wire, linear actuators, motors, compliant mechanisms, finger traps, inflatable elastic resin, electrical muscle stimulation, origami inspired artificial muscles and much, much more – I explored deep down every avenue. Here are some of the very early sketches and ideas!

Prototypes

THE SOLUTION – f l e x Tension

• Affordable
• Effective and Portable
• Comfortable and Attractive
• Independence Enabling
• Combines Flexion and Extension
• GREAT ACCESSIBILITY!

FEATURES

• FULL Fist Flexion/ Extension
• Gradual Flexion/ Extension
• Alternating Thumb Flexion Improves Effectiveness
• Effective for Similar Conditions
• One Handed Operable and Easy to Put on and Off
• Hand Washable
• Tear Resistant Lower, Breathable Upper
• Secure Wrist Strap Minimizes Migration
• Colour Coded Straps and Bar Guide User Interaction
• Seamless Finger Pulls Blend into Glove

MANUFACTURING

• Effective Market Products >$800 AUD
• FLEXTENSION Material Cost <$15 AUD
• FLEXTENSION Potential MSRP ~$80
• Affordable for Low-Income Patients
• High Quality Sewed & Bonded Construction
• Precise Laser Cut Components

ERGONOMICS

• Small + Medium + Large Sizes
• 3 Sizes Fits 99%
• Comfortable Inner Lining
• High-Stretch Fabric
• Breathable Fabric

Nicolas De-Vitry

Nicolas loves practical and effective product design. With a background in electronics engineering and a focus on medical design, he has multiple products about to revolutionize accessibility of care in their respective sectors, while maximising impact and value for customers and companies. From problem to product, Nicolas can do it all.