Proposal: Modified Plan to Disseminate NIOP Device Know-how to the Community

This formal proposal to deploy the NIOP Technology to the e-NABLE community is a modification of a draft discussion posted several weeks ago.  Based upon feedback from that discussion, and a general re-thinking of the best way to proceed, changes to the strategy were made. The original 3-stage plan was a series of physical workshops combined with videos and other collateral materials.  However, in order to cost-effectively communicate the NIOP system to as many volunteers globally as possible, it was decided to focus on a detailed multi-part series of videos, eliminating the workshops, with an attendant lower cost.

 Accordingly, here is a restatement of the background and explanation of the NIOP system of devices, together with the modified 2-stage plan, cost and logistics.

 On July 21st of this year, the e-NABLE community unanimously approved a proposal written by Nate Munro to develop 12 different NIOP devices.  The majority of those devices are part of a modular series of trans-humeral and trans-radial prostheses designed around the Kwawu arm by Jaq Buchanan.  They accommodate a number of terminal devices designed to accomplish a variety of functions. The monies granted totaled $6,000 that supported Nate and the NIOP team for the required thousands of hours of design work, coordination and project management.

 On December 5th, Nate presented the NIOP team’s completed work to the SPC at their regularly scheduled meeting, a video of which is available to anyone in the community on the e-NABLE Hub.  The results are astounding, with virtually all goals completed.  What has become quite apparent is the effort that will be required to disseminate this innovative and highly versatile system to the community.  All NIOP designs are currently being registered as official devices on the e-NABLE device list, and it’s important to understand how different components suit recipient’s needs.( See diagram below. Full screen view here.)

We anticipate a considerable learning curve for all the elements, sizing, fabrication, assembly and fitting.  In addition, a small amount of continued design work is anticipated to incorporate and adapt feedback from the community on devices, the full documentation, OpenSCAD tools for device scaling, assembly videos, etc.

 Nate will take responsibility for completing any necessary revisions to the 12 NIOP Phase 1 devices, and drafting all documentation for the 4 main NIOP arm configurations (trans-radial long residual, trans-radial short, trans-humeral long, and trans-humeral short).  

SPC member Bob Rieger and experienced volunteer Shawn Mathiesen will  lead the effort of video preparation and product introduction to the community following the completion of Nate’s work.  Additionally, Jeremy Simon has offered to perform the actual video shooting and post-production. Jon Schull will play the role of maker-advocate, reviewing all materials for readability, buildability, learn-abilty, etc.   Nate requires additional funding to complete development of the Kwawu Bionic arm, create documentation, and make modifications based on feedback. In addition, there will be travel and logistics costs for the video preparation and travel.  It is anticipated that all these activities can be initiated in the first quarter of 2020.

Accordingly, here is the 2-stage plan for your consideration:

 Stage 1: NIOP Completion - Documentation, OpenSCAD Sizing, and Prayer Hand Device 

Time Frame:  2 months, January & February 2020      Requested Funding: $4,000

• Documentation including simple graphical step-by-step Instruction Manuals with pictures and OpenSCAD Sizing files for parametric  sizing, printing and building the four basic types of devices to fit transradial and transhumeral recipients with long or short residual limbs. 

• Continuous support for questions and any necessary design revisions to the NIOP designs from Phase 1

• Software coding for selecting multiple grip patterns with a smartphone, and further development with the Kwawu Bionic hand and arm.

• Development of the Prayer Hand wrist-driven device, with a thermoformed palm, customizable to any combination of partial fingers via OpenSCAD menus (each finger can be toggled among natural, missing one digit, missing 2 digits, or absent, for use by that makers without prior CAD skills).  Additionally the OpenSCAD system will allow the palm to be parametrically sized to accommodate for unusual proportions or shapes in the hand. 

• Funding will cover Nate's personal expenses for two months so he can continue working solely for e-NABLE.  

Stage 2:  Production of Videos and other Collateral Material

Time Frame:  February/March 2020                  Requested Funding: $2500 for travel and video and production costs

•       A 2-3 day visit to both Nate’s workshop and Jaq Buchanan’s maker space in Colorado by Bob Rieger, Shawn Mathiesen, Earl Mathiesen and Jeremy Simon.  Task is to thoroughly review all NIOP system components, learn assembly and technical details, and shoot the necessary raw video.

•   Prior to the trip, a detailed plan of the video series will be made

• Jeremy Simon will shoot the video, and perform all post processing

Therefore, the total amount requested for finishing the NIOP work and producing the videos is $6500.

 The overall timetable is to begin posting finished videos in the series to the e-NABLE Hub by the end of April, 2020