Prosthetic Hand to Rope Adapter

thingiverse

This prototype attachment and prosthetic hand adapter were designed in the engineering department at Seattle Pacific University. The primary goal of this piece is to facilitate single-directional movement of a climbing rope, thereby assisting users when belaying with a Grigri or similar assisted belay device. An assisted belay device will help distribute stress evenly; however, as a 3D printed part, it's only suitable for demonstration purposes. The hexagonal base of the adapter is securely positioned at the bottom, allowing the orientation of the top to enable rope movement across the palm and between the thumb and finger. The teeth inside the tube where the rope is inserted are angled in such a way that they allow the rope to move one direction but catch if it moves the opposite way; one side is slanted while the other is flat. If used on the break hand, the piece should slide freely towards the belay device and catch as it's pulled away. It's worth noting that with PLA these teeth wear down rapidly.