Enhanced-Precision Ergonomic Scar Tissue Scraper

BIOENG 1160, Senior Design, is a semester-long team project that takes an unmet clinical need from ethnography through early prototyping. Our team focused on scar tissue scrapers, the metal tools physical therapists use to break down scar tissue after injury or surgery. Through ethnography with therapists, students, and patients, we found that the tool slips in clinicians’ hands when emollient is applied, and that students struggle to hold it at the correct angle and pressure. In response, we are designing an Enhanced-Precision Ergonomic IASTM Tool: a 3D-printed grip with finger grooves and built-in force and angle sensing.

Ethnography

Survey ethnography and sketching

Tool participatory activity

Consulting PT

Exploring PT environment

Low-Resolution Prototyping

Medium-Resolution Prototyping

I sketched and built foam core grip concepts to test finger placement and hand position before moving to CAD

I designed the grip in CAD, prepared it for TPU printing, and supported the wiring of the Arduino with the angle sensor