Art Kit for Artrithis Patients

Arthritis is a disease that causes inflammation in the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling, which can affect mobility [1]. Although it is often associated with age, its causes can also include genetic factors, previous injuries, and autoimmune diseases. However, anyone can develop this condition [1].

Post-traumatic arthritis is a specific type that develops after a joint injury, such as fractures, dislocations, or repetitive impacts [2]. This form of arthritis can appear years after the initial trauma and may gradually worsen over time.

Treatment options for arthritis vary depending on the severity and type of the condition, but they generally include physical therapy, pain relievers, and, in some cases, surgery to preserve joint function. These approaches aim to reduce symptoms, improve mobility, and enhance the patient’s quality of life.

Art is a powerful form of expression that enables people to share their ideas, emotions, and creativity. However, for individuals living with arthritis, taking part in artistic activities can be difficult due to the stiffness, pain, and limited hand mobility that often come with the condition.

This project aims to design and develop an adapted art kit for patients with arthritis, offering tools that are easy to use and encourage participation in creative activities. It seeks to enhance access to art, promoting inclusion and personal growth.

Keywords: Artithis, Art, Accesibility, Assistive Technology.

References

[1] NIAMS, “Artritis reumatoide”, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, 30-nov-2014. [En línea]. Disponible en: https://www.niams.nih.gov/es/informacion-de-salud/artritis-reumatoide.

[2] ¨Hasta 40% de mexicanos con artritis reumatoide padecen incapacidad laboral”, Forbes México, 15-jul-2021. [En línea]. Disponible en: https://forbes.com.mx/noticias-40-mexicanos-artritis-reumatoide-incapacidad-laboral/?utm.

By: Thomen Roldan Sofia and Mercedes Guadalupoe Zurita López

1. Bambu Lab X1 Carbon

In order to 3D Print the adapters.

1. PLA Filament

We chose PLA because it is affordable, safe, and easy to 3D print, which makes it perfect for creating custom, ergonomic adapters for our user with post-traumatic arthritis. Its smooth, non-toxic surface is gentle on the skin, and the lightweight material improves grip without requiring extra effort. Since PLA is biodegradable, it also supports our goal of making the design sustainable and inclusive.

1. Compression Springs – Ø0.8 mm wire, Ø10 mm outer diameter, 35 mm length

When designing the scissors, we came up with a design that requires a spring in order for the product to function properly. It is an important component to take into consideration when creating the CAD model.

To start a 3D model, it’s important to establish the project’s foundation—understanding the users’ needs and how the product will be adapted. This helps us gain a complete understanding of what we are designing. A sketch is a crucial first step, as it gives us a vision of what we can model, what might need to be adjusted, and the challenges we will face. Since we are designing assistive technologies, it’s essential to consider common art supplies in terms of measurements and functionality. This enables us to design appropriate adapters for patients with arthritis.

Then we determine that we are designing five different adapters for various art supplies

1. Pencil/Paintbrush Adapter
2. Scissors Adapter
3. Ruler Holder
4. Paint Palette Holder
5. Easy-to-Hold Chalk

2.1 Pencil/Paintbrush Adapter

For this adapter, we decided to design a structure that goes through the utensil while significantly increasing the thickness of the grip to allow the patient to hold a pencil, crayon, or paintbrush more easily. We took the user's needs into consideration, making the grip much more comfortable. The design consists of an inner diameter—which can be adjusted to fit different writing or drawing tools—and an outer diameter based on ergonomic grip specifications.

2.2 Scissors Adapter

While sketching the scissors, we realized that a spring is needed for the product to work properly. The spring allows the blades to return to their open position automatically after each cut, improving both functionality and user comfort. It’s an important part to consider when working on the CAD model, since its position, dimensions, and type will directly affect the performance and assembly of the final product.

This model consists of two handles joined by the previously mentioned spring, which is attached to the lower part of a regular pair of scissors.

2.3 Ruler Holder

This model needed to be able to hold a ruler without affecting its functionality, which led to several ideas during the design process. In the end, we decided on a single handle attached to a slider-shaped part that allows the ruler to be inserted securely. The design makes it possible for the ruler to lie flat on a surface, making it easy to draw straight lines and take measurements.

The added handle provides extra grip and control, which is especially helpful for users who may have difficulty holding standard rulers, such as children or individuals with reduced hand mobility.

2.4 Paint Palette Holder

This adapter was a simple alternative to the uncomfortable grip of a traditional painting palette. We designed a piece in which the palette fits perfectly, taking into account the user’s palette measurements. Then, we added a handle or holder specifically designed to improve grip and make it more comfortable to use.

2.5 Easy-to-Hold Chalk

Similar to the pencil/paintbrush adapter, this design consists of a larger, pencil-like thick holder. At the tip, there is a stopper where the chalk is inserted, keeping it securely in place while allowing the user to write or draw comfortably. The thicker grip improves control and reduces hand strain, especially for users with limited fine motor skills or reduced hand strength.

This design also helps prevent the chalk from breaking easily, as it stays protected inside the holder. It’s especially useful for children or individuals in rehabilitation settings, as it allows them to use chalk in a more stable and ergonomic way.

Once we had all our designs, we started the 3D printing process. As mentioned before, we used the Bambu Lab X1 Carbon, which allowed for high-quality and precise prints. We printed each model one by one to monitor the process closely and ensure everything came out correctly. After printing, we evaluated the functionality of each piece, checking if they fit properly with the intended utensils and if the ergonomics were as expected. We also focused on detailing and finishing each part, sanding where necessary and making minor adjustments to improve comfort and usability. In some cases, we identified small design flaws that led us to reprint or slightly modify the CAD models before the final version.