PIEBAND armband system for limb difference accessibility and creativity

thingiverse

We designed this for individuals with limb differences who yearn to wield a pencil or strum a guitar without being encumbered by cumbersome prosthetic devices. Our initial prototype was crafted for an artist in Cambodia and refined with the input of Pie, a creative girl already playing the guitar with a pick attached to a fabric armband. The Pieband is a sleek wristwatch-like band that features a socket accepting various attachments: a guitar pick holder, pencil holder, utensil holder, or toothbrush holder - all included in the files. We aim to develop more attachments and enhance the design based on feedback from Pie and other users. This band comes in two versions: version 1 is based on a Fitbit band (thing:506469) remixed in Tinkercad, while version 2 was entirely created in Tinkercad and requires straps. We employed 3D universe 12"x 1" velcro straps but offer many other options. Version 1 offers two sizes, and we'll add more as needed based on user feedback. Both bands are printed in TPU flexible filament, making the attachment snapping easier. Many attachments were created using Volksswitch's excellent Customizable Universal Cuff Utensil holder: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3492411 We added a rotating connector to the attachments in Tinkercad. With Pie's assistance, we're already conceptualizing version 2 and improvements. She desires a stiffer pen holder, and if you want increased friction in the ball joint, printing the Pie band 5% smaller or using a harder material can resolve the issue. A video featuring Pie is available at: https://youtu.be/-LBE88yw81k