Assessing the Mobility of a Prosthetic Hand Featuring Soft Silicone Joints for War-Wounded Children: A Case Study

This study introduces a prosthetic hand specifically designed for children affected by war, featuring silicone joints that replicate the natural mobility of a human hand. The design builds upon previous advancements in prosthetic limb construction and silicone joint integration. Conducted as a case study, the project unfolded in three key phases: (1) an analysis of existing research, (2) the creation of a prosthetic hand using 3D modeling, printing, silicone molding, and Arduino-controlled servo motors, and (3) an assessment of the hand's range of motion in comparison to a typical human hand. Findings indicate that the silicone joints mimic the natural hand's movement in both open and closed positions, supporting prior insights on the effectiveness of silicone-based joints. This research contributes by evaluating the prosthetic hand's functionality, and pinpointing strengths and limitations. Key challenges included sourcing appropriately sized servo motors and developing a joint mechanism that balances reliability and precision.