Helping Hands: Engineering Solutions for Multiple Sclerosis
Students work collaboratively to create a low-cost, easy-to-use device that helps individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) securely hold a pencil, addressing difficulties with fine motor skills. After learning about MS and discussing how biomedical engineers develop assistive devices, students establish criteria and constraints for their designs. They brainstorm, sketch, and select materials, then build and test their prototypes within a set time. Following testing, they evaluate and improve their designs, ultimately presenting their final devices to the class.
A student testing their device.Copyright Erin Messerly
Biomedical engineers design assistive devices to improve the quality of life for people with medical conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Biomedical engineers use the engineering design process—defining problems, establishing criteria and constraints, brainstorming, prototyping, testing, and refining—to create solutions that address the specific physical challenges patients face.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Design and prototype an assistive device to help MS patients hold a pencil and write.
- Apply the engineering design process, including brainstorming, testing, and iterating their designs.