“Our final design is very durable and allows for a wide range of finger positions in order to maximize function.”
A Kennesaw State University engineering professor and her team of students have developed a new finger support that could ultimately help those suffering from finger deformities regain motor function.
Simin Nasseri, who teaches mechanical engineering in the Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology, said finger deformation is very common among people who struggle with arthritis, Dupuytren’s contracture and mallet finger, among other ailments.
While there are supports available to help slow the onset of finger deformation, the devices had limited capabilities that rendered them unwieldy and uncomfortable, according to Nasseri. Additionally, many supports cannot be adjusted to fit different finger sizes and positions.
“Our support was designed to be used in ‘functional positions,’ meaning that you are able to slip it over your finger and perform normal tasks with your hands without difficulty,” said Nasseri, who will be completing the project this semester alongside student Shanice White. “Our final design is very durable and allows for a wide range of finger positions in order to maximize function.”
Nasseri started by conceptualizing designs of her own and soon began to recruit some of her undergraduate students in order to introduce them to the intricacies of engineering research.
Since spring 2017, five students have played roles in writing literature reviews, perfecting the design, running simulations, fabricating and conducting mechanical testing on the finger support. As a team, they have co-authored two journal papers and presented their findings at a regional conference.
White, who is conducting a directed study with Nasseri this semester, will complete further testing and hopes to present her discoveries at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research to be held at KSU in April.
Visit https://news.kennesaw.edu/stories/2019/finger-support-mechanical-engineering.php to learn more.
