London, December 22: The nature has given us a thumb four fingers which makes our hand. The human thumb has a really dynamic movement; the opposing movements working together make the thumb more functional than a single finger. But imagine if one attaches an extra thumb to your hand then? You will be surprised to know that a student has designed and created ‘The Third Thumb’ to make that happen.
Dani Clode, designer of this innovation says that The Third Thumb investigates the relationship between the body and prosthetic technology in new ways. It is part tool, part experience, and part self-expression; models by which we better understand human response to artificial extensions. It instigates necessary conversation about the definition of 'ability'.
The Third Thumb replicates these movements by using two motors pulling against the natural tension of a flexible 3d printed material. The motors are controlled by two pressure sensors retrofitted into your shoes, under your toes, and communicate to the thumb via Bluetooth connection. The foot control is inspired by products that help to develop the already strong connection between our hands and our feet. For example driving a car, using a sewing machine, or playing a piano.
The base working model design of the Third Thumb is made of three main 3d printed parts. The structural cover for the hand and wrist cover for the motors are both 3d printed in the rigid, smooth formlabs grey resin. The main part, the thumb is live-hinge based design, 3d printed out of the tough, 85a shore flexible filament, Ninjaflex.
These parts are all connected via a bowden cable system, similar to a bike brake, made of teflon tubing and wire. 3d printing is perfect medium for this project, as it enables quick prototyping, customised designs for various hand sizes and one-off production.