Orlando Ely, the acclaimed winner of Innovate UK’s 2023 Young Innovators award, is on the brink of revolutionizing stroke and cognitive impairment recovery through 3D printing technology. Ely, an entrepreneur driven by personal experience, is collaborating with the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) to develop a cutting-edge therapeutic device named Blossom.
Inspired by the rehabilitation needs of two family members who suffered strokes, Ely conceived Blossom to enhance fine motor skills and cognitive function in a creative and engaging manner. The project has received substantial support, including £15,000 in funding from Innovate UK.
Blossom is a handheld device featuring three modular flowers, each designed to progressively challenge users’ fine motor abilities. The device incorporates various petal configurations and exercises, including 16 distinct pinch and grasp movements. This nature-inspired tool not only facilitates motor skill practice but also offers cognitive and sensory stimulation through its intricate design.
The development process involved rigorous collaboration with NMIS, which operates under the University of Strathclyde and is part of the High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult. The NMIS team provided critical support, including detailed 3D modeling and material selection. After evaluating manufacturing methods such as injection molding and additive manufacturing techniques like Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) and Material Extrusion (MEX), PBF was chosen for its ability to produce robust and complex components with a textured finish, enhancing the device’s functionality.
NMIS also introduced design improvements, such as a dimple fastening system, to enhance the sensory experience of the device. The team’s work has enabled Ely to conduct extensive user testing, refine the design, and select the most suitable manufacturing processes.
Ely expressed enthusiasm about the progress, stating, “The support from NMIS has been instrumental in positioning Blossom for large-scale production. Our next steps involve refining the design, improving its aesthetic appeal, and expanding its therapeutic applications.”
Highlighting Blossom’s uniqueness, Ely emphasized its departure from conventional therapy tools, which often appear simplistic. The device integrates the beauty of floral patterns and phyllotactic arrangements to provide both cognitive and sensory stimulation, which can activate brain regions associated with reward and encourage consistent use.
Pritty Mathew, assistant design engineer at NMIS, praised the collaboration, noting, “Orlando’s project demonstrates the transformative potential of combining innovative ideas with advanced manufacturing technologies. Our support has been crucial in transitioning Blossom from a concept created with a home 3D printer to a product ready for commercial production.”
Mathew added that such projects highlight the practical benefits of modern manufacturing techniques and their potential to significantly improve patient recovery solutions.