Custom, height adjustable and 3D printable keyboard holder for desk mounting

thingiverse

The Problem The student is limited in his locomotion and various functional movement patterns due to a cerebral movement disorder with the neurological manifestation form of spasticity. He uses an e-wheelchair for independent locomotion. In addition, based on the pronounced spasticity in the form of a strongly changing muscle tone, the upper extremities are restricted to such an extent that the hands can only be used to a limited extent. This results in slowed and jerky movements when moving the arms and hands, which leads to difficult pencil as well as keyboard use. Because of these limitations, he uses a keyboard that he can operate with his lips to compensate. Thus, the student has developed a functional replacement strategy to compensate for the functional limitations of the arms in relation to writing. However, due to the present cerebral movement disorder, the movement towards the keyboard is also further complicated by a permanently increased muscle tone. Since the keyboard is usually placed on the student's legs or on the table, this results in motor difficulties, increased physical effort, and negative physical reactions in the form of overexertion and pain in the back and neck muscles. The goal of the Challenge is therefore to facilitate keyboard use by providing a custom-fit support that has an equally positive effect on overall muscle tone. Our solution A board is attached to a stable laptop holder, which can be attached to the side of the table and individually adjusted to the required height of the learner. The printed keyboard holder can now be screwed onto this board, which allows the learner to use the keyboard in a less strenuous way.