touchscreen typing cuff stylus rev 2

thingiverse

This adaptive typing cuff was engineered as assistive technology for individuals struggling with fine motor control in their fingers, and functions seamlessly with capacitive touch screens like iPads, iPhones, and Android tablets. It also proves to be a versatile tool for typing on standard keyboards, phones, calculators, and other devices. The cuff is crafted from conductive PLA, and the one I printed is made with Protopasta's advanced materials. To enhance responsiveness, a conductive foam tip has been installed at the end. For this purpose, I used a small piece cut from a fresh ScotchBrite sponge, but any conductive sponge will serve the same purpose. Once the typing cuff is printed, it can be tailored to fit an individual's unique needs by heating it up with a heat gun and making necessary bends. Revision 5 boasts a thicker design, addressing issues with layer delamination along the length of the stylus and finger cuff breakage. I strongly recommend printing with at least 40% infill to ensure stability. For more information on assistive technology, visit http://www.rehabengineer.com or our agency's website at http://rehab.alabama.gov/ . Print Settings Printer Brand: LulzBot Printer Model: TAZ 5 Rafts: No Supports: No Resolution: Normal Infill: 20%, but can be increased for added stiffness. Notes: We discovered that conductive PLA tends to stick too well to the heated print bed in some areas, while lifting off in others. To facilitate removal, we've been printing on painters tape. Post-Printing Conductive foam and shaping Conductive foam is essential for optimal performance with touch screens. I find that the blue Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge works exceptionally well, provided it has never been used before. Once used, its effectiveness diminishes. Any other conductive sponge will also serve the purpose. To install the sponge, I cut a piece approximately 1/4 inch square and an inch long to insert into the tip. After installation, I trim it so that about 1/8 inch protrudes from the end. Following installation of the sponge, I use a heat gun to shape the cuff, finger cuff, and stylus to the desired form. This process only takes a few seconds, as the PLA heats up quickly enough to mold into place. How I Designed This Based on standard typing splints This design is inspired by the traditional typing splints that patients have relied upon for years. It has been modified to accommodate touch screen devices and can be easily customized to fit an individual's unique needs. The stylus can also be shaped and bent to suit the user's preferences.