A Semi-Automated 3D-Printed Chainmail Design Algorithm with Preprogrammed Directional Functions for Hand Exoskeleton

Abstract

The problem of computerising the design and development of 3D-printed chainmail with programmed directional functions provides a basis for further research, including the automation of medical devices. The scope of the present research was focused on computational optimisation of the selection of materials and shapes for 3D printing, including the design of medical devices, which constitutes a significant scientific, technical, and clinical problem. The aim of this article was to solve the scientific problem of automated or semi-automated efficient and practical design of 3D-printed chainmail with programmed directional functions (variable stiffness/elasticity depending on the direction). We demonstrate for the first time that 3D-printed particles can be arranged into single-layer chainmail with a tunable one- or two-directional bending modulus for use in a medical hand exoskeleton. In the present work, we accomplished this in two ways: based on traditional programming and based on machine learning. This paper presents the novel results of our research, including 3D printouts, providing routes toward the wider implementation of adaptive chainmails. Our research resulted in an automated or semi-automated efficient and practical 3D printed chainmail design with programmed directional functions for a wrist exoskeleton with variable stiffness/flexibility, depending on the direction. We also compared two methodologies of planning and construction: the use of traditional software and machine-learning-based software, with the latter being more efficient for more complex chainmail designs.