Creating Tools for Confidence and Independence
“People with disabilities can always keep up, just as anybody else can. You just find a way to adapt.”
– Brenda Guevara, Navy Veteran
Meet Navy Veteran, Brenda Guevara.
Just like many other young women, Ms. Guevara feels that putting on makeup is an important part of self-care and expression. It makes her feel good about herself. But her disability made it difficult for her to hold her brushes steady and apply her makeup on her own.
Concept
The makeup brush holder project began as a concept at the DOD. Originally conceptualized on a small scale, it was then expanded by OAM engineers with collaborative input from Ms. Guevara. The work began with a digital computer design that was sent to a 3D-printer.
Material
Each Assistive Technology (AT) device that is 3D-printed is printed with the material best suited for its use. In this case, it was PA 12 nylon printed on a selective laser sintering (SLS) machine. SLS is an additive manufacturing (AM) process that uses a high-power laser to bind thin layers of polymer powder.
Process
Slices are layered and the process repeated to create the parts. Numerous parts can be printed at the same time. The result is a big brick of powder. The items are then broken out of the powder and separated. The leftover powder can be reclaimed and mixed with new powder to be used again.
Usability
The make up holder's round carousel design allows the patient to store more brushes and have better access. Rather than using an off-the-shelf Lazy Susan-style base, which would spin too fast and raise material costs, a slew bearing was designed. This solution uses cylinders instead of ball bearings and moves the carousel more slowly, which is easier for the Veteran to manage.
Collaboration
Kelly Saleguero, an OAM clinical rehab engineer, worked closely with Ms. Guevara on getting this make up brush holder just right. She says, “My favorite part about my job is getting to interact with Veterans, having that patient care experience, and being able to see my designs come to life.”
Completion
The final part of the solution is the AT device that holds the brushes themselves. The Makeup Brush Holder keeps the brushes sitting upright in the stand and helps the patient grasp the brush and keep it steady for use.
Summary
Developing a 3D-printed solution is an iterative process. It takes different steps and prototypes to get to the end. The version on the left represents an early prototype. On the right is the current version. We can see that Ms. Guevara has filled it with her brushes, ready to help her start her day.
If you’re a clinician and your patient has an unmet need that can be fulfilled by an Assistive Technology device, OAM can make the device for you—you don’t need to do it yourself! Please contact VHA14HIL_OAMNPO@va.gov to start today.
If you’re a Veteran who could benefit from Assistive Technology, please consult with your clinician to find out how OAM can help you find a solution.
“My experience was great because I felt like my opinion and my feelings and thoughts really mattered. Everything I said was always taken into consideration.”
- Brenda Guevara
