Wrist Loader

Project Overview

As an engineering summer research student in The Human Biomechanics Laboratory, I designed and prototyped a device to position and statically load the human wrist while it was being imaged with a 4D Computed Tomography scanner. The device could accurately position the wrist within its full range of motion and apply a tensile or compressive force that mimics an act of daily living. It was composed of custom 3D-printed parts, laser-cut acrylic, and off-the-shelf components with some being machined as required.


CAD Design




3D-Printed Parts


Handle to put the wrist in tension.


Handle to put the wrist in compression.

Wheel to position the rotation of the wrist in 15° increments through the mating of a ball-nose spring plunger with the handle notches.

Armrest to ensure forearm remained stationary.



Handle guide to position the flexion-extension or radioulnar deviation of the wrist in 15° increments.




Part & Assembly Drawings

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Physical Implementation