Development of a Pain Measurement Device Using 3D printing and electronic air pressure control

Abstract

This article describes the design of a system wireless pain monitor, also known as a pain meter, which will be used to diagnose people with fibromyalgia. As the test should be done simultaneously while a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is being performed on the patient to observe the brain activity, the device can´t have metallic components. Solid modelling and additive manufacturing has been used for the manufacturing of the device and an electropneumatic control has been defined too, several prototypes have been manufactured and tested. The work focuses on the validation of the designed pain meter, built by Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology in different materials and with different printers. The surface finishes and manufacturing tolerances of the critical parts were tested, and their suitability to the necessary function is verified. A proper mechanical pain meter device has been designed, to be used in fibromyalgia diagnosis, compatible without steel components nor wires, so compatible with simultaneously MRI on the patient.