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An Undergraduate Engineering Service Learning Project Involving 3D-Printed Prosthetic Hands for Children

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Conference

2019 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Location

Tampa, Florida

Publication Date

June 15, 2019

Start Date

June 15, 2019

End Date

June 19, 2019

Conference Session

Perspectives on Service Learning: Challenges, Successes, and Opportunities

Tagged Division

Community Engagement Division

Tagged Topic

Diversity

Page Count

10

DOI

10.18260/1-2--32085

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/32085

Download Count

428

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Paper Authors

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Shannon M. Kellam

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Guthrie J. Boleneus Eastern Washington University

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Guthrie Boleneus is a senior at Eastern Washington University, currently pursuing a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Manufacturing who expects to graduate in December of 2019. His background is in agriculture and he still works seasonally on the family farm. He is currently the Design Lead for the team of engineering students developing a 3D printable prosthetic arm utilizing Top Down Design methodology. Additionally, at Eastern Washington University, he is the president of EWU’s SAE Motor Sports club and a student member of both SME and ASME.

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Jacob Stewart

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Donald C. Richter P.E. Eastern Washington University

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DONALD C. RICHTER obtained his B. Sc. in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from The Ohio State University, M.S. and Ph.D. in Engineering from the University of Arkansas. He holds a Professional Engineer certification and worked as an Engineer and Engineering Manger in industry for 20 years before teaching. His interests include project management, robotics /automation, Student Learning and Air Pollution Dispersion Modeling.

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B. Matthew Michaelis Eastern Washington University

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Matthew Michaelis is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering Technology at Eastern Washington University in Cheney, WA. His research interests include additive manufacturing, advanced CAD modeling, and engineering pedagogy. Before transitioning to academia, he worked for years as a design engineer, engineering director, and research scientist and holds MS and PhD degrees from University of CA, Irvine and a B.S. degree from Walla Walla University.

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Robert E. Gerlick Eastern Washington University

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Dr. Gerlick is Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering Technology at Eastern Washington University. He teaches courses in the areas of Robotics, Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Fluids, CAD, and Capstone Design.

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Abstract

This paper describes a service-learning project in our mechanical engineering program in which students 3D print and build prosthetic arms and hands for children in need within the community. Three engineering students worked with three faculty members to adapt 3D models currently available through the E-NABLE organization’s website. The children involved typically have a limb missing either below the wrist or below the elbow. The 3D printed device provides a low cost prosthetic with functional fingers for gripping that are actuated by wrist or elbow movement. The educational goals were to provide learning opportunities in the areas of community engagement, project scope definition, advanced CAD modeling and design, 3D printing, and project management. The project also helps teach the students that as engineers, we should try to give back to the community using our skills. Project outcomes and perspectives from the children, students, and faculty are presented in this paper.

Kellam, S. M., & Boleneus, G. J., & Stewart, J., & Richter, D. C., & Michaelis, B. M., & Gerlick, R. E. (2019, June), An Undergraduate Engineering Service Learning Project Involving 3D-Printed Prosthetic Hands for Children Paper presented at 2019 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition , Tampa, Florida. 10.18260/1-2--32085

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