Flexible sliding mechanism for extending fingers

Abstract

The present invention relates to a user-wearable hand orthosis, the user-wearable hand orthosis comprising a support structure (100) having a dorsal support portion (110) configured to be worn on at least a portion of the back of the user's hand, wherein the dorsal support portion (110) has a first surface on the dorsal side of the dorsal support portion (110) and a second surface on the opposite side of the dorsal side of the dorsal support portion (110), and is configured to be movable along a track on the second surface side of the dorsal support portion (110) between a first end position and a second end position. The invention comprises a slide mechanism (200) having a slide element (210), and at least one finger module (300) configured to be attached to at least one finger of the user's hand, wherein each of the at least one finger module (300) has a distal portion (310) configured to be attached to at least one distal portion of at least one finger, and a slide element connector (340) configured to be connectable to the slide element (210).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a user-wearable hand tool and a method for manufacturing a user-wearable hand tool.

Background Art

[0002] The present invention is in the field of user-wearable hand tools, and more particularly in the field of tendon-driven wearable glove-type tools. Specifically, for example, people in groups suffering from some form of upper body paralysis due to stroke, spinal cord injury, brachial plexus injury, or other causes may sometimes have difficulty performing certain movements such as grasping movements performed with the normal hand. To assist in performing such movements or restoring the ability to perform such movements, various types of mechanical devices have been previously developed.

[0003] A typical example of a mechanical device is a tendon-driven, powered glove-type device. In this device, when the tendon connected to the dorsal tip of the finger is subjected to tension, the finger is pulled in the extension direction (see, for example, the following references: Xiloyannis, Michele et al., "Modelling and design of a synergy-based actuator for a tendon-driven soft robotic glove" (2016, IEEE International Conference on Biomedical Robotics and Biomechatronics (BioRob)); Yurkewich, Aaron et al., "Hand Extension Robot Orthosis (HERO) Glove Development and Testing With Stroke Survivors With Severe Hand Impairment" (2019, IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering, Vol. 27, No. 5, pp. 916-926); and Kang, Brian Byunghyun et al., "Development of a polymer-based tendon-driven wearable robotic hand" (2016, IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA), IEEE, 2016).

[0004] Another known solution for tendon drive is to attach a rigid structure to the back of the hand to which the tendons can be attached.

[0005] Tendons attached to the underside of the structure (the back of the hand) bend the structure when the tendons are under tension, resulting in the hand closing.

[0006] However, direct-drive tendon systems have problems arising from safety concerns due to finger hyperextension and comfort concerns due to tendon tension on the back of the hand.

[0007] Therefore, further consideration must be given to ensuring that finger hyperextension does not occur, whether mechanically or electrically. Also, due to the positioning of the tendons, when tension is applied to the tendons, they dig into the back of the finger.

[0008] This can cause discomfort and even pain. The dorsal tendon drive system of the hand typically adds significant bulk and mass to the back of the hand. Furthermore, these systems often suffer from significant transmission losses due to their mechanical structure, resulting in weaker gripping force.

[0009] Other mechanical devices may feature a passive mechanism that uses springs or other elastic elements to extend the fingers. One drawback of known passive solutions is that they only function well when the tension on the flexion tendons is released. However, this is only possible in the relaxed hands of healthy individuals who can consciously release muscle tension. Therefore, passive mechanisms usually cannot exert sufficient force for patients with spastic hands. In such patients, in addition to the force to move the fingers, an additional force is needed to overcome the spastic muscles that actively resist the opening motion. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a user-wearable hand orthosis and a method for manufacturing a user-wearable hand orthosis that overcomes one or more of the above-mentioned drawbacks. In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a user-wearable hand orthosis with improved operational characteristics and user adaptability. This object is solved by a user-wearable hand orthosis and a method for manufacturing a user-wearable hand orthosis having the features described in the independent claim. Preferred embodiments form the subject matter of the dependent claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] This invention is based on observations made during extensive research conducted by the inventors, which show that the palm can change shape to wrap around and securely grasp any object, while most of the back of the hand remains nearly flat during grasping. The user-wearable hand orthosis of the present invention, described below, takes advantage of this area to guide the fingers to an extended position by performing sliding movements, such as linear sliding movements.

[0012] Accordingly, aspects of this disclosure relate to user-worn hand orthoses, such as tendon-driven hand orthoses and / or glove-type orthoses, and more preferably tendon-driven glove-type orthoses. In particular, the following description may be given for illustrative purposes relating to tendon-driven glove-type orthoses, but it should be understood that other types of user-worn orthoses, such as hydraulically driven hand orthoses, may be similarly implemented with modifications where appropriate.

[0013] A user-wearable hand orthosis may be configured to be worn by a user, and may be configured to be at least partially wearable on the user's hand. In this context, "at least partially wearable on the user's hand" means wearable on the user's hand, and at least some components of the user-wearable hand orthosis may also be wearable on other parts of the body, such as the arm (e.g., forearm) and / or the user's torso (e.g., shoulder region). For example, an actuator connected to at least one tendon that can be connected to the user-wearable hand orthosis may be located and / or worn on the user's torso or hip joint.

[0014] A user-worn hand orthosis may include a support structure (hand support structure) comprising a dorsal support portion configured to be worn on at least a portion of the back of the user's hand. The dorsal support portion has a first surface on its dorsal side (i.e., the side facing the back of the hand) and a second surface on the opposite side of the dorsal side (i.e., the side facing away from the back of the hand). That is, the second surface may be the surface opposite to the first surface.

[0015] The user-wearable hand orthosis may further include a sliding mechanism comprising a sliding element (slider) configured to move (e.g., slide or move) along a track on the second surface side of the dorsal support. Moving along the track on the second surface side of the dorsal support includes moving along a predetermined path above or in slidable contact with the second surface of the dorsal support, and / or moving along a track provided by at least one guide element (e.g., at least one guide rail, guide recess, or other guide element) provided on and / or connected to the second surface of the dorsal support. The guide element may be a separate element or may be an integral part of the dorsal support, specifically an integral part of the second surface of the dorsal support.

[0016] In particular, the sliding element may be movable or configured to move between a first end position and a second end position, and in the use state of the hand orthosis, the first end position is positioned close to the wrist of the user's hand (for example, substantially on the wrist joint), and the second end position is positioned at a distance from the first end position toward the knuckle joint of the user's hand (i.e., toward the fingers). Thus, the distance from the first end of the dorsal support (e.g., the wrist) to the second end position is greater than the distance from the first end of the dorsal support to the first end position. In other words, the sliding element may be movable along a track substantially longitudinally on the user's hand in the use state of the user-fittable hand orthosis. The track may be substantially linear. The use state (fitted state) of the user-fittable hand orthosis is the state in which the user-fittable hand orthosis is fitted to the user's hand.

[0017] A user-worn hand orthosis may further comprise at least one finger module configured to be worn on at least one finger of the user's hand, each of which comprises a distal portion configured to be worn on at least one distal segment of at least one finger, and a slide element connector configured to be connectable to or connectable to a slide element. The distal portion may be located at one end of the finger module (the distal end of the finger module), and the slide element connector may be located at the other end of the finger module (the proximal end of the finger module). Within the scope of this disclosure, connecting two elements, segments, structures, parts, etc., includes both direct and indirect connections (e.g., through intermediate elements, layers, etc.).

[0018] By providing a sliding mechanism that includes a sliding element configured to be movable (for example, slidably movable or sliding) along the track on the second surface side of the dorsal support portion, it becomes possible to advantageously utilize the area of ​​the back of the hand that remains nearly flat during the gripping motion.

[0019] The presence of a sliding mechanism further allows for easy connection of at least one finger, preferably multiple fingers, to the same sliding element. This sliding element can then be actuated by a single tendon and a single motor or other actuator (one-to-many relationship). This configuration is sufficient for finger extension, as it does not require the same level of fine control as flexion. While it may be desirable to be able to flex individual fingers for precise pinching or all fingers for cylindrical grasping, for finger extension, the most desirable and useful function is usually the ability to open previously closed fingers.

[0020] This makes it possible to create a small, lightweight finger extension mechanism that generates sufficient extension force to assist grasping movements while reducing mechanical complexity and making it easy for the user to operate. In one example, the sliding mechanism may have a single sliding element, which further reduces the mechanical complexity of the user-worn hand orthosis. However, it is also possible to provide multiple sliding elements, for example, for the movement of individual fingers or multiple fingers. This makes it possible to create a more versatile finger extension mechanism.

[0021] Furthermore, by employing a sliding mechanism that provides at least one finger attachment point to the back of the hand, the sliding mechanism can be made substantially flat and thin. The length of the back of the hand naturally restricts the movement of the sliding element, thus easily limiting the stroke length of the movement, and thereby preventing hyperextension of at least one finger. In addition, since the tension acts on the finger module rather than the finger itself, discomfort caused by wire tension can be eliminated or substantially reduced.

[0022] Furthermore, the support structure (e.g., a glove structure) can be easily formed into a type of Bowden tube, thereby efficiently transmitting mechanical force (e.g., tensile force) to at least one finger of the user.

[0023] The support structure may be, for example, a glove structure, and one or more parts or sections thereof may be made of fabric, elastic polymer and / or other flexible material. Combinations of different materials are also possible. Advantages of the glove structure include at least one of the following: being lightweight, fitting various hands, and being easy to put on and take off. Furthermore, it has the advantage of good joint alignment and, because it can be worn snugly on the hand, can reduce problems related to joint alignment. However, the support structure is not limited to a glove structure, and other structures (e.g., a rigid structure or a combination of a rigid structure and a glove structure, etc.) may be implemented.

[0024] The support structure may have a dorsal support portion as described above. In the use state, the dorsal support portion may exhibit a shape that substantially conforms to the shape of the back of the hand. A slight deviation from this form is also possible.

[0025] The user-wearable hand appliance may include a palmar support portion configured to be worn on at least a part of the palm of the user's hand and / or a further support portion such as a wrist portion configured to be worn on at least a part of the user's wrist. In the use state of the user-wearable hand appliance, the palmar support portion may exhibit a form that substantially conforms to the form of the palm part. Similarly, in the use state of the hand appliance wearable by the user, the wrist portion may exhibit a form that substantially conforms to the wrist. For example, the wrist portion may be configured to be wound around the wrist of the user's hand and may include or be composed of one or more bands (wrist bands) that can be wound around the user's wrist. The wrist support portion may further include a locking portion (such as Velcro (registered trademark), etc.) configured to fix the wrist support portion at a position wound around the user's wrist.

[0026] The dorsal support portion and / or the palmar support portion and / or the wrist portion may be integrally formed or may be formed as separate modules or components that can be fixedly or releasably connected to each other to constitute a support structure worn or disposed on the user's hand.

[0027] Furthermore, a combination of integral formation, fixed (i.e., permanent) and / or releasable connection is also possible, and some parts of the dorsal support portion and / or the palmar support portion and / or the wrist portion may be integrally formed or fixedly connected, and some parts of the dorsal support portion and / or the palmar support portion and / or the wrist portion may be releasably connectable by using locking portions, fasteners, etc.

[0028] To achieve the connection, the dorsal support part, the palmar support part, and optionally the wrist part may each have at least one locking part, and the locking parts of the dorsal support part, the palmar support part, and optionally the wrist part are configured to be engageable with each other. The support structure may be configured to be wound substantially around the user's hand by engaging the locking parts of the dorsal support part, the palmar support part, and optionally the wrist part with each other so as to mount the support structure on the user's hand. The locking part may be configured as a hook-loop type locking part, a Velcro type locking part, a clamp, or the like.

[0029] The support structure may be configured to be substantially planar when not worn by the user, and by being arranged on the user's hand and optionally the wrist, the support structure can be worn on the user's hand. For example, the support structure may be wound around the user's hand and optionally the wrist. With this configuration, on the one hand, the support structure can be easily and safely stored when not in use, and on the other hand, the design and / or manufacture of the support structure can be simplified (for example, additional hardware can be more easily attached to the planar support structure).

[0030] The support structure, particularly one or more of the dorsal support part, the palmar support part, and the wrist part, may have various regions or sections. For example, the support structure (particularly one or more of the aforementioned parts) may have at least one bending region or section configured to bend so as to allow the support structure to be wound and / or bent around the user's hand. Other regions or sections may have lower flexibility and / or higher rigidity than the flexible regions or sections. For example, the support structure, particularly the dorsal support part, the palmar support part, and / or the wrist part, may have one or more compression load absorbing regions or sections configured to at least partially absorb the compression load within the support structure. Further, as described above, the support structure (and particularly one or more of the aforementioned parts) may have one or more locking parts or regions.

[0031] The user-worn hand orthosis further comprises one or more finger modules (also called “end effectors”). Each finger module is configured to be worn on at least one finger of the user, for example, the index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and / or little finger. For example, each finger module may be configured to be worn on one finger of the user. At least one finger module may also be configured to be worn on more than one finger, such as two, three, or all of the index, middle, ring, and little fingers.

[0032] One or more finger modules, preferably each finger module, may be configured to fit onto at least the distal portion of each at least one finger, for example, the distal phalanx. For example, one or more finger modules, preferably each finger module, may have a distal portion configured to at least partially enclose the distal portion, for example, the distal phalanx of each at least one finger of the user. In particular, the distal portion of the finger module may be configured so that there is at least one contact point between the distal portion of the finger module and the tip of at least one finger, particularly the anterior portion of the tip. The distal portion may be fitted to cover the tip of at least one finger, or may be configured in the form of a cap that at least partially encloses the distal portion of at least one finger, particularly the tip of at least one finger. The majority of the spasmodic force of the hand may reside in the distal and / or intermediate joints of one or more fingers with relatively low resistance at the proximal (metacarpal) joints. Thus, configuring one or more finger modules to fit to cover at least the distal portion, particularly the fingertip, allows for more effective force transmission and response to spasmodic resistance.

[0033] At least one finger module may be connectable to or configured to connect to a slide element of a user-wearable hand orthosis. The connection may be a rigid connection in particular to ensure good force transmission. To achieve the connection, the slide element and at least one finger module may have their respective connecting parts and / or connecting elements. For example, the slide element may have a finger module connector for connecting one or more finger modules. If there are multiple finger modules connected to or connectable to the slide element, the slide element may have multiple finger module connectors for individually connecting each of the multiple finger modules. At least one finger module, preferably each finger module, may have a corresponding slide element connector for connecting to the slide element (in particular for connecting to at least one finger module connector of the slide element).

[0034] The connection of at least one finger module to the sliding element may be a fixed or a releaseable connection. A fixed connection can allow for a very secure connection between each finger module and the sliding mechanism. Furthermore, the mating of the connections may be determined during and / or before the manufacture and / or mating of the support structure and / or sliding mechanism, thereby eliminating the need to check during fitting to the user and / or during use of the user-fittable hand orthosis. Alternatively, at least one finger module may preferably be releaseably connectable and / or fixed to the sliding element. In other words, at least one finger module may be removable. This can allow for significantly easier attachment of the support structure and finger modules to the user, such as for users suffering from hand spasticity. Furthermore, the hand orthosis can be adapted to the user's specific requirements during fitting to the user. For example, length adjustments based on different hand sizes can be made. This allows for improved usability, and the hand orthosis can be easily adapted to multiple different users. For example, combinations of fixed and releaseable connections for different fingers are also possible.

[0035] Not all finger modules need to be connected to a sliding element, nor do they need to be connectable to a sliding element. For example, a hand orthosis may have at least one finger module that is fixedly or releaseably connectable to, or configured to be connectable to, a support structure. For example, a support structure may have at least one finger module connector, and at least one other finger module may be connectable to at least one finger module connector, preferably releaseably. As mentioned above, fixed connections can be very rigid and may be adjustable during the manufacture of the hand orthosis. Releaseable connections can significantly facilitate the attachment of the support structure and finger modules to the user, for example, a user suffering from hand spasticity, and can allow for adaptation to the individual user's requirements and the anatomical structure of the hand.

[0036] The user-worn hand orthosis may further comprise a thumb module. The thumb module may be configured to be worn on the user's thumb. The thumb module may be integrally formed with the dorsal and / or palmar support portion and / or wrist portion. Alternatively, the thumb module may be connectable to and / or fixed to the support structure, particularly to one or more of the dorsal support portion, palmar support portion and wrist portion. The thumb module may be configured similarly to the finger modules described herein. The thumb module may be configured to be worn on at least the distal portion of the user's thumb, for example, the distal phalanx portion. This may allow for a more effective response to spastic resistance in the user's thumb.

[0037] At least one of the dorsal support section, palmar support section, wrist section, sliding mechanism, finger modules, and / or thumb modules, preferably each, may be sized according to the user's specific requirements, for example, to provide a good fit to the user's hand. Also, as described above, at least one of the dorsal support section, palmar support section, wrist section, sliding mechanism, finger modules, and / or thumb modules, preferably each, may be configured to be separable from one another. In particular, it may be possible to significantly improve the ease of use of the user-wearable hand orthosis, for example, when attaching and / or removing the user-wearable hand orthosis from the user's hand. In addition, the interchangeability of at least one, preferably each of the finger modules, hand body substructures, palm substructures, dorsal substructures, sliding mechanisms, wrist modules, and / or thumb modules may also be improved.

[0038] At least one of the finger modules and / or thumb modules may be integrally formed with at least one of the slide element and / or support structure parts (such as the dorsal and / or palmar support parts), and at least one of the one or more other finger modules and / or thumb modules may be connectable to and / or fixed to at least one of the slide element and / or support structure parts. For example, a finger module configured to be worn on the user's little finger may be integrally formed with the dorsal support part, or may be releasably connectable to the dorsal support part. However, other finger modules configured to be worn on other fingers of the user's hand (e.g., the index finger, middle finger, and / or ring finger) may be fixedly or releasably connectable to the slide element. Another example is a thumb module that may be integrally formed with the dorsal support part and / or palmar support part, and one or more finger modules configured to be worn on one or more fingers of the user's hand may be releasably connectable to and / or releasably fixed to the slide element and / or dorsal support part. In particular, the use of user-fittable hand orthoses can be enhanced while still allowing for a high degree of adaptability.

[0039] However, the present invention is not limited to the above configuration, and may have other configurations.

[0040] As described above, the user-wearable hand orthosis may further include a sliding mechanism having a sliding element configured to move along a track between a first end position and a second end position (for example, to slide).

[0041] The movement of the sliding element (e.g., sliding motion) may change the distance or length between the end of the dorsal support (e.g., the end located near the user's wrist) and the anchor / contact point of at least one finger module (i.e., the proximal end of the finger module). This can cause a tensile force to act on the user's fingers, leading to an open (extended) hand position.

[0042] To enable movement of the sliding element, the user-wearable hand orthosis may further include at least one force transmission element that is connectable to the sliding element and configured to apply a tensile force to the sliding element. This force transmission element allows the sliding element to move between a first end position and a second end position.

[0043] Each sliding element may include a force transmission element connector configured to enable connection between at least one force transmission element and the sliding element.

[0044] The force transmission element may be connected to an actuator (which may be part of a user-wearable hand orthosis), and the actuator is configured to exert a force, such as a (pulling) force, on at least one force transmission element, and consequently on a sliding element. By exerting a (pulling) force on at least one force transmission element connected to the sliding element of the sliding mechanism, the user-wearable hand orthosis may be configured to assist movements such as grasping movements of the user's hand.

[0045] For example, a user-worn hand orthosis may have a single force transmission element connected to or connectable to a sliding element, thereby achieving a one-to-many connection (via the sliding element) between the actuator and at least one finger module connected to the sliding element. This simplifies the force transmission mechanism and reduces the weight of the user-worn hand orthosis acting on the hand. At the same time, it may become possible to efficiently assist or enable grasping movements of the hand.

[0046] The connection of at least one force transmission element to the sliding mechanism and / or actuator may be a fixed connection or a releaseable connection. A releaseable connection may facilitate the attachment of the user-wearable hand orthosis to the user's body and the cleaning of the user-wearable hand orthosis.

[0047] The user-worn hand orthosis may also include at least one additional force transmission element. This additional force transmission element may be configured to transmit force (such as tensile force) to each individual finger to cause finger movements, such as flexion of at least one or more finger joints. This assists or enables more complex grasping or finger movement patterns. The additional force transmission element may, for example, extend along the palm support or be incorporated into the palm support.

[0048] At least one force transmission element may be a tendon (such as an artificial tendon). The term “tendon” is intended to be interpreted broadly herein and includes artificial tendons, cables (such as a Bowden cable comprising an outer sheath and one or more inner cables positioned inside the outer sheath), straps (such as a high-tensile strength fabric strap), belts (such as an elastomer belt), chains, strings, ribbons, and the like. A combination of one or more different types of force transmission elements is also possible.

[0049] A user-worn hand orthosis may include at least one force transmission element guide element configured to guide at least one force transmission element (e.g., a tendon) along a predetermined path to a sliding element and / or a finger module and / or thumb module, etc. Guiding at least one force transmission element may be understood as at least partially restricting at least one degree of freedom of movement of the at least one force transmission element relative to a support structure. For example, guiding at least one force transmission element may be understood as defining at least one force transmission element routing path (preferably one routing path for each force transmission element) along a support structure (e.g., one or more of a dorsal support, a palmar support, and a wrist portion), and the at least one force transmission element may be movable along the route while being constrained to the at least one routing path by the force transmission element guide element.

[0050] At least one force transmission element guide element may be made from the same material as the core layer of the support structure (described in more detail below). At least one force transmission element guide element may be made from other materials such as Teflon® PTFE. At least one force transmission element guide element may have at least partially a hoop-shaped and / or tubular shape, and at least one force transmission element may be guided within a central cavity or opening of at least one force transmission element guide element. At least one force transmission element guide element may be 3D printable on and / or integrally formed with the core layer of the support structure. One or more of the at least one force transmission element guide elements may define routing paths for each of the at least one force transmission elements.

[0051] When a force (such as a tensile force) is applied to the sliding element, it moves along a track on the face side of the dorsal support opposite to the dorsal side of the dorsal support. The sliding mechanism, in one example, further comprises at least one guide element, and the sliding element is movably mounted on at least one guide element. Thus, at least one guide element defines a track along which the sliding element moves when a force (e.g., a tensile force) is applied to the sliding element via at least one force transmission element.

[0052] At least one guide element may be at least one guide rail positioned on the second surface of the dorsal support, or may comprise at least one guide rail, and the sliding element may be movably mounted to or mountable to the guide rail. At least one guide rail may have an elongated, substantially linear form, and may have a thickness cross section having a substantially rectangular form (with or without rounded edges), an elliptical form, or any other preferred form. Dimensions (width, thickness, length) may be appropriately selected depending on the material and / or size of the hand. Exemplary and non-limiting dimensions are as follows: width in the range of approximately 3 mm to 15 mm, more specifically about 4 mm to 12 mm, and even more specifically about 5 mm to 7 mm; length in the range of approximately 30 mm to 80 mm, more specifically about 40 mm to 70 mm, and even more specifically about 45 mm to 60 mm; thickness (height) in the range of approximately 0.1 mm to 1 mm, more specifically about 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm, and even more specifically about 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm. Exemplary guide rail sizes are 6 × 50 × 0.4 mm or 6 × 50 × 0.3 mm. However, deviations from these dimensions are possible, for example, depending on the intended use of the user-fittable hand orthosis.

[0053] The guide rail may be connected to the rear support and positioned on the side of the rear support opposite to the rear (the second side). The connection may be a fixed connection. At least one guide rail may be, for example, manufactured integrally with the rear support, or it may be securely fixed to the rear support by appropriate means such as adhesive. It is also possible to connect at least one guide rail to the rear support in a releaseable manner. For example, the rear portion, specifically the second side of the rear support, may have at least one guide rail fastening (connecting) portion configured to receive and securely hold at least one guide rail in place.

[0054] Alternatively or additionally, the guide element may be, or include, at least one guide recess or groove configured to engage with a corresponding projection (e.g., a rail) provided on the dorsal side of the slide element. The at least one guide recess or groove may be formed, for example, on the second surface of the dorsal support portion, i.e., on the surface of the dorsal support portion that faces away from the back of the user's hand. The at least one guide recess or groove may define a track along which the slide element moves when a force (tensile force) is applied via a force transmission element (e.g., a tendon).

[0055] In one example, multiple (i.e., two or more) guide elements such as guide rails, guide recesses, and guide grooves may be provided. Combinations of different types of guide elements (such as guide rails and guide recesses or guide grooves) are also possible.

[0056] At least one guide element (e.g., a guide rail, recess, or groove) may include at least one portion made of a low-friction material. This at least one portion made of the low-friction material may be the portion that engages with (i.e., contacts) the sliding element. This portion may consist of a layer of the low-friction material or may be made entirely of the low-friction material. It is also possible to form the entire guide element from the low-friction material.

[0057] Within the scope of this disclosure, unless otherwise specified, low-friction materials can be understood as materials exhibiting a coefficient of friction of 0.4 or less, for example, 0.35 or less, under kinematic and / or static conditions. For example, the coefficient of friction under kinematic and / or static conditions may be in the range of about 0.04 to 0.1. Non-limiting examples of low-friction materials include Teflon® PTFE, iGlidur® materials, nylon 6 / 6, and several types of hardened stainless steel.

[0058] The slide element may be formed in an appropriate size, shape, and / or material. For example, the slide element may be made from or include any suitable material such as hardened stainless steel, spring steel (e.g., low-alloy manganese or medium-carbon or high-carbon steel), polymer (e.g., elastic polymer), material from the iGlidur® material group, or any other suitable material.

[0059] The sliding element may include a body portion having a substantially plate-like form, for example, made of the material described above. A substantially plate-like form within the scope of this disclosure can be understood as a form having a dimension / extension in one direction, which is considerably lower than the dimension / extension in the other direction. For example, the thickness of the body portion may be considerably smaller than the size / extension in the longitudinal and / or transverse directions. Within the scope of this invention, the longitudinal direction may be understood as the length direction of the hand, which may be defined as the direction connecting the center of the wrist portion of the hand to the fingertip of the middle finger in a plane substantially parallel to the back of the hand in an extended state. Within the scope of this disclosure, the transverse direction may be understood as the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction in a plane substantially parallel to the back of the hand.

[0060] The thickness of the plate-shaped main body of the slide element may be in the range of approximately 0.4 mm to 2.5 mm, more specifically approximately 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm, and even more specifically approximately 0.6 mm to 1.5 mm. The longitudinal size / length of the plate-shaped main body may be in the range of approximately 30 mm to 65 mm, more specifically approximately 35 mm to 60 mm, and even more specifically approximately 40 mm to 55 mm. The lateral size / length of the plate-shaped main body may be in the range of approximately 6 mm to 25 mm, more specifically approximately 8 mm to 20 mm, and even more specifically approximately 10 mm to 15 mm. Other sizes are also possible. For example, in the case of a user-fittable hand orthosis configured to be worn on a child's hand, the slide element, specifically the plate-shaped main body, may have different lengths and / or widths and / or heights (thicknesses).

[0061] The thickness of the plate-like body of the sliding element may be substantially constant or may vary in at least one direction. For example, the thickness of the plate-like body may increase or decrease toward at least one end of the plate-like body. For example, the plate-like body may taper toward the edge of the plate-like body in the longitudinal and / or transverse directions.

[0062] Furthermore, the plate-like body may be substantially flat or curved. For example, the plate-like body may be slightly curved to better conform to the shape of the back of the hand. Exemplary curvatures may range from about 60 mm to 300 mm, more specifically from about 75 mm to 250 mm, and even more specifically from about 90 mm to 150 mm. Alternatively or additionally, the plate-like body may be made of an elastic material and configured such that its curvature changes with applied pressure to match the curvature of the hand (or may change itself).

[0063] At least one main surface of the plate-shaped body, for example, both main surfaces, may be structured and / or have elements and / or parts provided thereon. For example, at least one main surface of the plate-shaped body may have at least one of at least one groove, at least one hole, projection, or other structure. For example, at least one main surface of the plate-shaped body may be configured to form at least one of at least one finger module connector, at least one force transmission element connector, and / or at least one guide rail engagement. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the at least one finger module connector, force transmission element connector, and at least one guide rail engagement may be formed as a separate element connected by suitable means (e.g., by the use of adhesive) to at least one main surface of the plate-shaped body of the slide element.

[0064] The sliding element may further comprise at least one of the following: at least one finger module connection portion, a force transmission element connection portion, and / or at least one guide rail engagement portion.

[0065] For example, a support structure, such as at least the dorsal support portion and optionally the palmar support portion and / or wrist portion of the support structure, may include at least one layer. At least one layer may be a core layer (also called a core skeletal layer). Alternatively or additionally, at least one layer may be a low-friction layer located on the hand-facing side of the support structure and / or on the side of the support structure opposite to the hand-facing side. Additional layers such as protective layers, reinforcing layers, cushioning layers, and hardware layers may be provided.

[0066] The core layer may be configured to provide stability to the support structure and to absorb compressive forces applied to the user's hand in particular. The core layer may further be configured to guide at least one force transmission element (such as a tendon) to the sliding element and / or at least one finger module and / or thumb module.

[0067] The core layer may have core stiffness. Unless otherwise specified, stiffness can be understood within the scope of this disclosure as the degree to which an object resists deformation in response to an applied force. Core stiffness may be, for example, the average stiffness of the core layer.

[0068] The core layer may be formed from at least one metal (e.g., low-carbon steel), at least one elastomer, at least one polymer (e.g., silicone, thermoplastic urethane (TPU), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), and / or PA-6 (polyamide 6)), and / or at least one non-textile material. However, it will be understood that the core layer is not limited to such exemplary materials. For example, the core layer may be formed from a first substrate, such as 85ATPU, and a second substrate, such as 95ATPU, which has higher rigidity than the first substrate.

[0069] The core layer and / or at least one additional layer may be substantially uniform or may comprise multiple sections. For example, the core layer may be configured to form at least one of the parts and / or elements described herein. Non-limiting examples include one or more of the following elements or parts: guide rails, guide grooves, tendon guide grooves, guide rail connections / fasteners, support element connections / fasteners, hyperextension prevention elements, locking parts, and the like.

[0070] Alternatively or additionally, the core layer may be configured to form multiple sections having different stiffness, flexibility, density, thickness, material composition, and / or other properties. For example, the core layer and / or at least one additional layer may be structured (e.g., by providing sections of different thicknesses such as holes, grooves, reinforcing ribs, protrusions) to form multiple areas having different mechanical properties such as different stiffness and flexibility. This can make it possible to very precisely adapt the support structure to the user's needs. It can also result in a lightweight, flexible, and stable support structure.

[0071] For example, the core layer may include at least one reinforcing section having a stiffness greater than that of another section / component (such as a main section). The at least one reinforcing section may comprise at least one section having a thickness greater than that of at least one main section. The at least one reinforcing section may contain more material and / or a higher density material than that of at least one main section. The at least one reinforcing section may contain a material having greater stiffness than that of the material of at least one main section. For example, one or more reinforcing sections may include at least one support element (such as a reinforcing element) embedded in the core layer, such as a spring steel (e.g., low carbon steel, low-alloy manganese or medium-carbon or high-carbon steel) insert element.

[0072] The core layer may include at least two reinforcing sections, each of which may have substantially the same stiffness. In substance, in the context of this disclosure, this can be understood as including variations due to, for example, environmental and / or production factors. Alternatively, the at least two reinforcing sections may have different stiffnesses.

[0073] The core layer may further include at least one bending section having at least a third stiffness less than, for example, the stiffness of the main layer section. The at least one bending section may be a different physical section of the core layer from the at least one main layer section and / or the at least one reinforcing section. The at least one bending section may include at least one section having a thickness less than the thickness of the at least one main layer section. The at least one bending section may contain less material and / or a material with a lower density than the at least one main layer section. For example, the at least one bending section may have one or more through holes penetrating the core layer. The at least one bending section may contain a material having lower stiffness than the material of the at least one main layer section. For example, one or more bending sections may include bending elements embedded in the core layer, such as bending elements and / or hinge elements.

[0074] The core layer may include at least two bending sections, each of which may have substantially the same stiffness. Alternatively, the at least two bending sections may have different stiffnesses.

[0075] The above descriptions of the various divisions of the core layer also apply to at least one additional layer, which may also exhibit multiple divisions with different characteristics.

[0076] In place of or in addition to the core layer, the support structure, particularly the dorsal support portion, the palmar support portion, and / or the wrist portion, may be provided with a low-friction layer.

[0077] The low-friction layer may be configured to reduce friction between, for example, the movable slide element and other parts of the support structure (e.g., the dorsal support portion and / or cover portion). The low-friction layer may also be configured to reduce friction between the components of the support structure and the skin of the user's hand that comes into contact with these components.

[0078] A low-friction layer may be provided on parts of the support structure that come into contact with the hand and / or sliding elements (e.g., the dorsal support portion and / or the palmar support portion and / or the wrist portion). Similarly, a low-friction layer may be provided on the inner portions of the finger modules and / or thumb modules that come into contact with the user's hand.

[0079] The low-friction layer may be, for example, a layer of Teflon® PTFE, nylon woven fabric, silk blend fabric, Lycra / spandex blend fabric, etc.

[0080] In place of or in addition to the core layer and / or low-friction layer, the support structure, particularly the dorsal support portion, the palmar support portion, and / or the wrist portion, may include at least one other layer, such as a protective layer, a cushioning layer, a hardware layer, or a reinforcing layer.

[0081] In one example, at least the dorsal support portion and optionally the palmar support portion and / or wrist portion of the support structure may have a multilayer structure, that is, it may have at least two layers that exhibit different properties and serve different purposes. For example, the multilayer structure may include at least one core layer as described above and at least one additional layer. The at least one additional layer may at least partially cover the core layer.

[0082] At least one additional layer may be positioned and / or fixed adjacent to the core layer. At least one additional layer may be positioned and / or fixed directly adjacent to the core layer, preferably in contact with it. Alternatively or additionally, at least one additional layer may be positioned and / or fixed indirectly adjacent to the core layer, and one or more intermediate elements and / or components may be positioned and / or fixed between each of the at least one additional layer and the core layer. Non-limiting examples of one or more intermediate elements and / or components may include one or more other additional layers, one or more sensors, and / or one or more force transmission elements, etc.

[0083] At least one additional layer may be configured to be removable and / or detachable from the core layer. In particular, at least one inner additional layer may be easily replaceable and / or washable. Such inner additional layers can improve hygienic properties and / or the lifespan of the user-worn hand orthosis.

[0084] Exemplary additional layers include low-friction layers, protective layers, buffer layers, hardware layers, and reinforcing layers. If multiple additional layers exist, they may be formed from the same or different materials. At least one additional layer may have properties (such as stiffness or flexibility) that differ from those of the core layer and / or other additional layers. For example, at least one additional layer may have lower stiffness than the core layer. Furthermore, one or more of the additional layers may be structured in the same or different ways to form multiple areas with different mechanical properties (e.g., by providing holes to create sections of varying thickness, such as grooves or reinforcing ribs).

[0085] By selecting appropriate materials for the core layer and / or at least one additional layer, it is possible to very precisely adapt the support structure to the user's needs. For example, by combining one or more materials from the core layer and / or at least one additional layer into a three-dimensional composite structure, it may be possible to enable very precise control over the properties of the user-wearable hand orthosis, such as its mechanical properties. In particular, it becomes possible to increase the rigidity and / or strength in areas that are subjected to high loads during the operation of the user-wearable hand orthosis, while maintaining flexibility in areas that are soft and sensitive to the user, such as the user's skin. In addition, this allows the user-wearable hand orthosis to withstand significantly higher loads with the same degree of softness.

[0086] At least one additional layer may be a low-friction layer, such as the low-friction layer described above. Further additional layers may also be provided between the core layer and the low-friction layer, or on top of the core layer.

[0087] At least one additional layer may be an inner additional layer, and there may be multiple inner additional layers. At least one inner additional layer may be at least partially configurable and / or fixed (e.g., directly or indirectly adjacent) to the first side of the inner core layer. In particular, the inner side of the core layer may preferably be the side of the core layer facing the hand in the use state of the user-fittable hand orthosis. In other words, at least one inner additional layer may preferably be at least partially configurable between the core layer and the user's hand in the use state.

[0088] At least one additional inner layer may include an inner fabric layer, which may be configured to prevent and / or reduce user injury and / or discomfort, such as that caused by the edges of the core layer during hand flexion. However, the inner fabric layer is not limited to this. For example, the inner fabric layer may be configured to insulate the user's hand, for example, to keep the user's hand warm during low ambient temperatures, or the inner fabric layer may be configured to allow the user's sweat to diffuse into the external environment around the user (for example, the inner fabric layer may be a highly breathable fabric layer).

[0089] At least one additional layer may include at least one outer additional layer. The at least one outer additional layer may be at least partially configurable and / or fixed (e.g., directly or indirectly adjacent) to a second side outside the core layer. In particular, the outside of the core skeletal layer may be the side of the core layer facing away from the user and / or hand in use. In other words, the at least one outer additional layer may be at least partially configurable such that the core layer can be positioned and / or placed between the user's hand and the at least one outer additional layer, preferably in use.

[0090] At least one additional outer layer may include an outer fabric layer, which may be configured to prevent user injury and / or discomfort, such as that caused by the edges of the core layer during hand flexion. However, the outer fabric layer is not limited to this. For example, the outer fabric layer may be configured to insulate the user's hand, for example, to keep the user's hand warm during low ambient temperatures, and / or to improve the breathability of the user-wearable hand orthosis. Furthermore, the outer fabric layer may be configured to prevent and / or reduce damage to the user-wearable hand orthosis and / or the core layer during use of the user-wearable hand orthosis.

[0091] At least one inner additional layer and / or at least one outer additional layer may be customizable by the user. For example, the material selection for at least one inner additional layer and / or at least one outer additional layer may be made in consideration of the user's individual requirements, such as allergies, skin condition, and / or the user's physiological characteristics, such as sweating and / or body temperature perception. Furthermore, the optical and aesthetic properties of at least one inner additional layer and / or at least one outer additional layer may be selected in light of the user's preferences and requirements, for example, to facilitate the attachment of the user-fittable hand orthosis to the user.

[0092] While the features and characteristics of at least one additional layer are described and / or shown herein, it should be understood that each further additional layer or each sub-subdivision of a particular additional layer may comprise any combination of the features described and / or shown herein for at least one additional layer.

[0093] The core layer and at least one optional additional layer may be manufactured and / or manufactured using molding or additive manufacturing. For example, the core layer may be manufactured using one or more materials, for example, by 3D printing the core layer. Specifically, the core layer and at least one optional additional layer may be manufactured easily and efficiently. Furthermore, by providing a support structure having at least a core layer that can be manufactured, for example by 3D printing, the user-worn hand orthosis and / or support structure can be easily and locally manufactured and / or fitted to the user, thereby improving the adaptability and individualization of the user-worn hand orthosis.

[0094] Furthermore, by enabling the core layer and optionally at least additional layers to be manufactured, for example, via 3D printing, the core layer can be precisely tailored to the user's specific requirements, thereby significantly improving the fit of the user-wearable hand orthosis. In addition, the core layer can be easily replaced without requiring the replacement of the entire user-wearable hand orthosis.

[0095] This disclosure is not limited to manufacturing a core layer and optionally at least one additional layer using molding or additive manufacturing, and other suitable techniques such as injection molding, weaving, knitting, etc., may also be used for the entire layer or at least one section of each layer.

[0096] The support structure may further include a cover portion that is connected to or connectable to a dorsal support portion (and optionally a wrist support portion). This cover portion is movable between an open position and a closed position, and in the closed position, the first surface of the dorsal-positioned cover portion (the surface opposite the second surface of the dorsal support portion) may be configured to substantially cover the sliding element and optionally at least the connection portion of at least one finger module.

[0097] In particular, when in the closed position, the cover portion may at least partially cover the upper surface of the dorsal support portion (i.e., the surface opposite to the dorsal side, i.e., the surface opposite to the side facing the hand). In one example, the cover portion substantially covers the entire upper surface of the dorsal support portion.

[0098] In the closed position of the cover, the surface of the cover facing the hand (the first surface of the cover) and the upper surface of the dorsal support (i.e., the second surface of the dorsal support) may form an enclosure (e.g., a pocket). This may enclose a sliding mechanism with a sliding element and, optionally, at least a portion of the connection of at least one finger module connected to the sliding element. In particular, when the cover is closed, an ad hoc Boden tube for the sliding element may be formed. The sliding mechanism, especially the connection of the sliding element and / or at least one finger module, can thus be protected when the cover is closed. Furthermore, when closed, the cover may restrain the sliding element and / or at least one finger module. For example, when closed, the cover may restrict the movement of the sliding element to movement in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the back of the hand when the support structure is in a worn (used) state, and / or redirect the applied force to one or more finger modules connected to the sliding element.

[0099] The cover portion may be connected to, or can be connected to, the end (i.e., lateral) portions of the support structure (e.g., the end portions of the dorsal and / or palmar support portions) in the transverse direction of the hand (and support structure). The connection may be fixed or releaseable. To achieve connection between the cover portion and at least one other portion of the support structure, at least one hinge element may be provided, configured to allow rotational movement of the cover portion between an open position and a closed position.

[0100] The cover portion may have a multilayer structure comprising one or more of the layers described herein. For example, the cover portion may have a low-friction layer located on the back side (i.e., the side of the cover facing the second surface of the back support portion). Furthermore, the multilayer structure of the cover may include additional layers such as inner layers, outer layers, and core layers as described herein.

[0101] The low-friction layer may at least partially cover the surface of the cover on the back side of the cover. The low-friction layer may be configured to reduce friction between the movable slide element and the cover. The low-friction layer may be, for example, a Teflon® PTFE layer, a nylon woven fabric, a silk blend fabric, a Lycra / spandex blend fabric, etc. The low-friction layer may be made of the same material as that provided on the back support portion where the slide element is located.

[0102] A user-worn hand orthosis may further include at least one support element and / or an anti-hyperextension mechanism.

[0103] At least one support element may be configured to withstand compressive loads and may exhibit higher stiffness than, for example, other components or sections of the support structure. The at least one support element may be, for example, a spring steel element, such as a low-alloy manganese, medium-carbon steel, or high-carbon steel insert element, a carbon fiber element, glass fiber, ABS / PETG, nylon, or other material having similar stiffness properties. In one example, the at least one support element may have a substantially strip-like shape, with a thickness in the range of about 0.1 mm to 0.8 mm, more specifically about 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm, even more specifically about 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm, a width in the range of about 3 mm to 10 mm, more specifically about 4 mm to 8 mm, even more specifically about 5 mm to 7 mm, and a length in the range of about 30 mm to 80 mm, more specifically about 50 mm to 95 mm, even more specifically about 60 mm to 80 mm.

[0104] At least one support element may be provided for or embedded in at least one of the dorsal support portion, palmar support portion, and wrist portion. For example, at least one support element may be provided on the dorsal support portion or embedded in the dorsal support portion. Specifically, at least one support element may be embedded in the core layer or connected to the core layer, as described above. The connection may be, for example, a fixed or releaseable connection. At least one support element may also be an integral part of a reinforcement layer (as an example of an additional layer), which may be connected to the core layer (fixed or releaseable), as described above.

[0105] For example, at least one support element may be provided between the core layer and the low-friction layer and / or another additional layer (such as the inner or outer layer described above).

[0106] At least one hyperextension prevention mechanism may be configured to limit or restrict the extension of the movement of the sliding element toward the wrist, thereby preventing hyperextension of the hand. The hyperextension prevention mechanism may consist of, or include, at least one hyperextension prevention element positioned appropriately, such as near the wrist of the user's hand, and configured to limit the movement of the sliding element toward the wrist, for example, to prevent the sliding element from moving beyond the first end position. The at least one hyperextension prevention element may be, for example, a mechanical stopper element.

[0107] At least one hyperextension prevention element may be formed integrally with the dorsal support (for example, from the same material as the dorsal support), or it may be formed as a separate element that can be fixedly or releasably connected to the dorsal support. In one example, the connection point or portion of the guide rail to the dorsal support may function as the hyperextension prevention element. This makes it possible to realize a simple but efficient hyperextension prevention mechanism.

[0108] Similarly, the movement of the sliding element toward the user's fingers may be restricted by a suitable stopper mechanism including at least one stopper element, such as at least one mechanical stopper element.

[0109] At least one stopper element may be formed integrally with the dorsal support (for example, from the same material as the dorsal support), or it may be formed as a separate element that can be fixedly or releasably connected to the dorsal support. In one example, at least one connection point or portion of a guide rail to the dorsal support and / or at least one connection point or portion of a support element may function as a stopper element that prevents the sliding element from moving beyond the second end position toward the fingers. This makes it possible to realize a simple but efficient mechanism for restricting the movement of the sliding mechanism toward the fingers of the user's hand.

[0110] One or more of the support structures (e.g., distal support portion and / or palm support portion and / or wrist portion) and / or finger modules and / or thumb modules may comprise one or more hardware mounting elements. One or more hardware mounting elements may be configured to engage with one or more external hardware components. Non-limiting examples of external hardware components include one or more sensors and / or electronic devices. One or more sensors may be configured to sense the bending angle of one or more fingers of the hand, pressure on the palm and fingers, and / or hand movement. Electronic devices may comprise a PCB, e.g., a flexible PCB, and / or a control unit, the control unit may be configured to control, for example, one or more sensors and / or actuators. The control unit can be configured as a PCB, e.g., a flexible PCB. One or more hardware mounting elements may comprise, for example, one or more sleeve elements, hook elements, loop elements, and / or clip-on elements.

[0111] For example, one or more hardware mounting elements may be mountable on the core layer, or they may be an integral part of the core layer.

[0112] In particular, the bulk and thickness of user-worn hand orthoses can be reduced by allowing external hardware components to be directly attached on and / or within the core layer. Furthermore, it may be possible to prevent or reduce the sensation of one or more external hardware components on the user, and / or improve the wearing stability of one or more external hardware components.

[0113] For example, one or more external hardware components may be embedded at least partially in the core layer, or preferably fully embedded in the core layer. This may achieve high structural stability of the user-worn hand orthosis and / or avoid loss and / or unintentional removal of one or more sensors and / or electronic devices.

[0114] Furthermore, one or more external hardware components can be attached to or embedded in at least one dedicated layer, such as a hardware layer.

[0115] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a user-wearable hand orthosis comprising a support structure configured to be worn on the user's hand. The user-wearable hand orthosis may be one described herein and / or shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0116] Specifically, the method may include providing a support structure, a sliding mechanism comprising a sliding element, and at least one finger module that is connectable to or configured to connect to the sliding element, as described herein in relation to the first aspect and its examples and embodiments, and / or as shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0117] Specifically, the method may include: providing a support structure comprising a dorsal support portion configured to be worn on at least a portion of the back of a user's hand, wherein the dorsal support portion has a first surface on the dorsal side of the dorsal support portion (i.e., the side facing the back of the hand) and a second surface on the opposite side of the dorsal side of the dorsal support portion (i.e., the opposite side of the first surface); providing a sliding mechanism comprising a sliding element configured to move (slide) along a track on the second surface of the dorsal support portion between a first end position and a second end position, wherein in the use state of the user-wearable hand orthosis, the first end position is located close to the wrist portion of the user's hand and the second end position is located at a distance from the first end position toward the knuckle joint portion of the user's hand; and providing at least one finger module configured to be worn on at least one finger of the user's hand, wherein the at least one finger module comprises a distal portion configured to be worn on at least one distal segment of at least one finger and a sliding element connector configured to be connectable to or connectable to a sliding element.

[0118] The above steps may be performed in a different order, or in any order at all.

[0119] The method may, in particular, comprise any combination of features of a user-wearable hand orthosis, and / or exhibit the advantages of a user-wearable hand orthosis, as described herein and / or shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0120] The step of providing a support structure and / or a sliding mechanism and / or at least one finger module may include the step of selecting and / or retrieving a pre-manufactured support structure and / or sliding mechanism and / or at least one finger module from a storage device. Alternatively or additionally, the provision of a support structure and / or a sliding mechanism and / or at least one finger module may include the manufacture of the support structure and / or a sliding mechanism and / or at least one finger module by using known methods such as addition methods, 3D printing, molding (injection molding, etc.), knitting, etc. The step of providing a support structure may include the step of connecting individual parts of the support structure to each other.

[0121] The method may further include the step of connecting the sliding mechanism to the rear support, and the step of connecting the sliding mechanism to the rear support may optionally include the step of movably mounting the sliding element on a guide rail positioned on the surface of the rear support opposite to the rear side of the rear support.

[0122] The method may also include connecting at least one slide element connector of at least one finger module to a slide element, in particular to the connector of the slide element.

[0123] The step of connecting at least one slide element connection of at least one finger module to a slide element may include the step of adjusting the length from the connection (anchor point or portion) of at least one finger module to the distal portion of at least one finger module.

[0124] The length can be adjusted, for example, by changing the pair of connecting elements provided on at least one finger module and the connecting elements provided on the slide element. The connecting elements may include, for example, a hole (e.g., provided on at least one finger module) and a corresponding grip (e.g., provided on the slide element), and the engagement between the hole and the grip may be modified to change or adjust the length from the connecting portion (locking point or portion) of at least one finger module to the distal portion of at least one finger module. The connection may also be realized by at least one adjustable clamp, in which case the length adjustment may be performed, for example, by a technician during the initial fitting of the product.

[0125] This allows user-fittable hand orthoses to be easily adapted to the individual user's needs and / or anatomical structure.

[0126] The method may also include connecting the sliding element to at least one force transmission element configured to exert a (pulling) force on the sliding element. As described herein, the connection may be fixed or releaseable and may be implemented by appropriate connecting elements and / or parts.

[0127] The step of providing a support structure may include the step of providing a multilayer structure, such as those disclosed in connection with user-wearable hand orthoses. In particular, providing a support structure may include: providing a core layer and / or providing at least one additional layer, the at least one additional layer being at least one low-friction layer located on the dorsal side and / or opposite side of the core layer.

[0128] Providing the core layer may include providing the core layer for the dorsal support portion and / or the palmar support portion and / or the wrist support portion.

[0129] Providing the core layer may include manufacturing the core layer using molding and / or additive manufacturing (such as 3D printing), and / or other manufacturing methods such as knitting and weaving. This may enable the easy and adaptable manufacturing of the core layer. Furthermore, the core layer can be manufactured locally and rapidly by using additive manufacturing, such as 3D printing. Providing at least one additional layer may include manufacturing at least one additional layer using, for example, one or more of the manufacturing methods mentioned in relation to the manufacturing of the core layer. The steps of manufacturing the core layer and manufacturing at least one additional layer may be performed at least partially and substantially simultaneously and / or concurrently.

[0130] Providing a core layer and / or at least one low-friction layer and / or additional layer may include coating or permanently fixing the at least one low-friction layer and / or additional layer to at least a portion of at least one surface (e.g., the back surface and / or the surface facing the back). This at least one surface may belong to one of the layers of a multilayer structure, such as the core layer.

[0131] Providing a core layer and at least one low-friction layer and / or additional layer may include connecting the at least one low-friction layer and / or additional layer to at least a portion of at least one face of the core layer (e.g., the back face and / or the face opposite the back face) (e.g., by appropriate fastening elements or locking parts).

[0132] The step of manufacturing the core layer may further include providing at least one of the parts or elements described herein on top of and / or inside the core layer, such as a force transmission element guide element (e.g., a tendon guide element).

[0133] The step of manufacturing the core layer may further include the step of forming a plurality of divisions, such as divisions described herein in relation to the use of a wearable hand orthosis (e.g., finger module connectors, force transmission element connectors, guide element connectors, support element connectors, force transmission element guide elements, etc.). Alternatively or additionally, the step of manufacturing the core layer may include forming at least one main layer division having a first stiffness and at least one reinforcing division having at least a second stiffness greater than the first stiffness. The step of manufacturing the core layer may further include forming at least one flexing division having at least a third stiffness less than the first stiffness. This makes it possible to better adapt the wearable hand orthosis for the user, in particular the support structure, to the user's needs.

[0134] The method may further include the step of wrapping the support structure substantially around the hand and engaging the first locking portion of the support structure with the second locking portion of the support structure to attach the support structure to the user's hand. This can achieve simple and efficient attachment of the user-fittable hand orthosis to the user.

[0135] The fact that it substantially wraps around the user's hand can be understood as allowing at least a portion of the support structure to deform around the user's hand to preferentially conform at least partially to the shape of the hand. The first and second locking portions may be provided, for example, on the dorsal support portion and the palmar support portion, respectively.

[0136] As described above, the first locking portion and the second locking portion may comprise at least one hook and at least one loop configured to be fixed to each other so as to engage the first locking portion and the second locking portion with each other. However, the first and second locking portions are not limited thereto, and other types of locking mechanisms such as Velcro®-based locking mechanisms and clamps may be implemented.

[0137] The present invention will now be further described using exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings and / or described below should be understood as merely illustrative, and therefore the present invention should not be construed as being limited to such exemplary embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0138] [Figure 1] This is a schematic plan view of an example slide element. [Figure 2A] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the top surface of an exemplary slide element. [Figure 2B] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the top surface of an exemplary slide element with the tendons connected. [Figure 3A] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the bottom surface of an exemplary slide element. [Figure 3B] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary slide element. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary support structure, where the sliding element is in the first position. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary support structure, in which the sliding element is in the second position. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary support structure to which finger modules are connected. [Figure 7] Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of an exemplary support structure. [Figure 8] This is a schematic plan view of the components of an exemplary support structure before the sliding mechanism is installed. [Figure 9] Figure 8 is a schematic plan view of the components of an exemplary support structure, in which the sliding mechanism is mounted on the support structure. [Figure 10A] This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary user-wearable hand orthosis in a closed, in-use state. [Figure 10B] This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary user-fittable hand orthosis in a state of use with the cover open. [Figure 11] This is an illustrative flowchart of a method for manufacturing a user-worn hand orthosis. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0139] Figures 1 to 3 show schematic diagrams of exemplary slide elements 210 of an exemplary slide mechanism. Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of the exemplary slide element 210, i.e., a schematic side (top) view of the slide element 210 opposite to the side facing the back of the hand in the use state of the user-wearable hand orthosis, i.e., opposite to the dorsal side. Figure 2A is a schematic perspective top view of the slide element 210 shown in Figure 1, i.e., a schematic perspective view of the top of the slide element 210. Figure 2B is a schematic perspective top view of the slide element 210 shown in Figure 1 with the tendon connected. Figure 3A is a schematic perspective view showing the bottom side of the exemplary slide element 210, i.e., the dorsal side of the slide element 210. Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary slide element according to Figure 1, along the line B-B' passing through the center of the slide element 210 in a plane substantially perpendicular to the main surface of the slide element 210.

[0140] The sliding mechanism is comprised of an exemplary user-wearable hand orthosis (not shown). The user-wearable hand orthosis shown in the figure is an exemplary tendon-driven glove-type orthosis configured to be worn on the user's hand. In this exemplary tendon-driven glove, at least one force transmission element is a tendon. However, other types of user-wearable hand orthosis (such as a rigid user-wearable hand orthosis) and / or other force transmission elements are also possible. At least one force transmission element (not shown) may be part of the user-wearable hand orthosis.

[0141] The slide element 210 includes a body portion 212 having a substantially plate-like form. “Substantially plate-like form” as understood within the scope of this disclosure means a form in which the dimension or extension in one direction is significantly smaller than the dimension or extension in another direction. In particular, the thickness of the body portion 212 may be considerably smaller than the size / extension in the longitudinal direction L and / or transverse direction T. The longitudinal direction L as understood within the scope of this disclosure relates to the length of the hand, which can be defined as the direction in a plane substantially parallel to the back of the hand in an extended state, connecting the center of the wrist to the fingertip of the middle finger. The transverse direction T as understood within the scope of this disclosure relates to the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L in a plane substantially parallel to the back of the hand.

[0142] The main body 212 has main surfaces, a first main surface 212-1 and a second main surface 212-2. The main surfaces 212-1 and 212-2 may be substantially planar and may be substantially parallel to each other. The first main surface 212-1 is on the dorsal side of the slide element 212, i.e., the side of the slide element 212 that faces the back of the hand when the user-wearable hand orthosis is in use. The second main surface 212-2 is on the opposite side from the dorsal side, i.e., the side opposite to the back of the hand when the user-wearable hand orthosis is in use. The main body 212 further has peripheral surfaces 212-3 (side surfaces) connecting the first main surface 212-1 and the second main surface 212-2. In the illustrated example, the main body 212 has a substantially trapezoidal shape with rounded corners. Other shapes with or without rounded edges are also possible, for example, rectangles, squares, circles, ellipses, etc.

[0143] The thickness (height) of the main body 212 may be in the range of approximately 0.4 mm to 2.5 mm, more specifically approximately 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm, and even more specifically approximately 0.6 mm to 1.5 mm. The (maximum) size / length of the main body 212 in the longitudinal direction L may be in the range of approximately 30 mm to 65 mm, more specifically approximately 35 mm to 60 mm, and even more specifically approximately 40 mm to 55 mm. The (maximum) size / length of the main body in the transverse direction T may be in the range of approximately 6 mm to 25 mm, more specifically approximately 8 mm to 20 mm, and even more specifically approximately 10 mm to 15 mm.

[0144] The sliding element 210 further includes a tendon connection portion 214 (as an example of a force transmission element connection portion 214), a guide rail engagement portion 216, and a plurality of finger module connection portions 218-x (x=1,...4).

[0145] The tendon joint 214 is configured to accommodate one or more tendons 500 (as an example of a force transmission element) and to be fixed to or on the tendon joint 214.

[0146] In the illustrated example, the tendon connection 214 is realized as a hitch with an anchor point for the tendon passing through its center.

[0147] The tendon joint 214 has an elongated "mushroom" shape, including a base portion 214-1, an intermediate portion (stem portion) 214-2, and a head portion 214-3. The edges of the tendon joint 214 may be rounded, for example, to prevent damage to other parts of the user-fittable hand orthosis.

[0148] The base portion 214-1 of the tendon connector extends from the second main surface 212-2 of the main body portion 212 and is connected to it (fixed or releasably). The intermediate portion (stem portion) 214-2 extends from the base portion 214-1 and connects the base portion 214-1 to the head portion 214-3. The cross-section of the intermediate portion 214-2 of the tendon connector 214 in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the second main surface 212-2 is substantially elliptical or elliptical in shape, although deviations from this shape and other shapes are possible. The intermediate portion 214-2 is provided with a through hole 214-5 on its circumferential surface for fixing the tendon 500.

[0149] The head portion 214-3 of the tendon connector 214 is connected to and extends from the intermediate portion 214-2 of the main body portion 212, away from the second main surface 212-2. In a plane substantially parallel to the second main surface 212-2 of the main body portion, the circumferential surface of the head portion 214-3 extends beyond the circumferential surface of the intermediate portion 214-2. In other words, the head portion 214-3 has a larger diameter than the intermediate portion 214-2. This allows the tendon to be held firmly in place once connected.

[0150] The end of the tendon 500 may be securely fixed to the tendon connector 214. For example, as shown in Figure 2B, the end of the tendon 500 can be wrapped around the middle section 214-2 of the tendon connector 214 and securely fixed to the tendon connector 214. This may allow the length of the tendon to be adjusted according to the needs of the individual user.

[0151] In particular, the tendon connection 214 may be realized as a hitch having an anchor point for the tendon passing through its center. The end of the tendon 500 may be crimped with a small steel alloy tube (e.g., 0.6 mm ID × 1.0 mm OD × 3 mm length) inserted through a through-hole 214-5 in the center of the hitch through which the crimp cannot pass. As shown in Figure 2B, the tendon 500 may pass through these loops before being fed through the opening 216-8 in the top plate of the working extension 216-6, thereby preventing the loop from unraveling.

[0152] The tendon joint 214 is not limited to the above-described form and may have different shapes and / or sizes. Furthermore, other types of tendon joints may be used.

[0153] The slide element 210 may further include a guide rail engaging portion 215 configured to engage with at least one guide rail 220 of the slide mechanism.

[0154] In the illustrated example, the guide rail engagement portion 215 includes a pair of side walls 215-2 projecting from the first main surface 212-1 toward the surface of the back portion 110 to which the sliding mechanism having the sliding element 210 is attached. The side walls 216-2 of the guide rail engagement portion 215 may extend from the first main surface 212-1 of the main body portion 212 at an angle equal to or different from 90 degrees, such as an angle less than 90 degrees. The side walls 215-2 are connected by a base plate 215-4. In the illustrated example, the base plate 215-4 has a substantially rectangular shape. The side walls 215-2 and the base plate 215-4 of the guide rail engagement portion 215 enclose a guide rail housing space 215-6 that is open at both ends to allow the passage of the guide rail 220. The guide rail housing space 215-6 is configured such that the guide rail 220 can be inserted into the guide rail housing space 215-6, thereby engaging the slide element 210 with the guide rail 220 to allow the slide element 210 to slide along the guide rail 220. The first main surface 212-1 and bottom plate 215-4 of the slide element 210 restrict the out-of-plane movement of the slide element 210. The side wall 215-2 restricts the transverse movement of the slide element 210.

[0155] The sliding element 210 may optionally further include a motion extension 216 configured to allow the sliding element 210 to be pulled further toward the wrist without being forced into out-of-plane motion. By providing the motion extension 216, it is possible to realize a sliding element 210 that has sufficient size and therefore stability while having a sufficient range of motion.

[0156] In the illustrated example, the operating extension 216 includes an opening 216-2 provided by forming through openings in the first main surface 212-1, the second main surface 212-2, and the circumferential surface 212-3 of the main body 212. Furthermore, the operating extension 216 includes a side wall 216-4 surrounding the opening 216-2 and connected to the second main surface 212-2 of the main body 212, the side wall 216-4 extending away from the back surface of the main body 212. The side wall 216-4 of the operating extension 216 may extend from the second main surface 212-2 of the main body at an angle equal to or different from 90 degrees, such as an angle less than 90 degrees.

[0157] The side walls of the opening 216-2 formed in the main body and / or the side walls 216-2 surrounding the opening form the peripheral wall portion of the operating extension 216. The peripheral wall portion may optionally include at least one projection and / or groove or recess that engage with a corresponding groove or projection on the guide rail 220.

[0158] The operating extension 216 also includes a substantially rectangular top plate 216-6. The top plate 216-6 is connected to one of each of the side walls 216-4 on its two opposite sides. The third side of the top plate 216-6 is connected to the second main surface 212-2 of the main body 212. The top plate 216-6 extends from the second main surface 212-2 at an angle different from 90 degrees (i.e., the top plate 216-6 is inclined with respect to the second main surface 212-2). The fourth side of the top plate 216-6 (opposite the third side) is substantially free (not connected to another part or element) and extends over the opening 212-2.

[0159] In the illustrated example, the height of the side wall 216-4 of the operating extension 216 gradually decreases in the direction toward the connection between the top plate 216-6 of the operating extension 216 and the second surface 212-2 of the main body 212, starting from the first end which is positioned flush with or close to the circumferential surface 212-3 of the main body 212.

[0160] The peripheral wall of the operating extension 216 and the top plate 216-6 enclose a accommodating space that at least partially accommodates a stopper element, thereby allowing the slide element 210 to slide at least partially over the stopper element. The stopper element may be, for example, the mechanical stopper element 160-1 shown in Figures 4 and 5, or any other backstop element configured to restrict the movement of the slide element 210 toward the wrist of the hand. Furthermore, the accommodating space may be configured to allow the passage of at least one tendon 500 so that the tendon does not obstruct the engagement of the slide element 210 with at least one guide rail 220 and the movement of the slide element 210 along the guide rail 220. To allow the passage of at least one tendon, the top plate 216-6 may have a through opening 216-8. This may, for example, provide a more direct route to the Bowden tube inside the glove.

[0161] The edges of the operating extension 216 may be rounded, for example, to prevent damage to other parts of the user-wearable hand orthosis.

[0162] In the illustrated example, the motion extension 216, the guide rail engagement portion 215, and the tendon connection portion 214 are located in the middle of the main body portion 212 in the lateral direction T. The motion extension 216 is located on the slide element 210 on the side closer to the user's wrist when the user-wearable hand orthosis is in use. The tendon connection portion 214 and the guide rail engagement portion 215 are located on the slide element 210 on the side closer to the user's knuckle joint when the user-wearable hand orthosis is in use. In other words, the motion extension 216 is closer to the wrist portion of the support structure than the tendon connection portion 214 and / or the guide rail engagement portion 215. Other arrangements of the motion extension 216, the guide rail engagement portion 215, and / or the tendon connection portion 214 may also be adopted.

[0163] The slide element 210 further comprises at least one finger module connector 218-x (x=1,...4). Each finger module connector 218-x is configured to engage with one or more corresponding connectors 340-x of at least one finger module 300 in order to secure the finger module 300 to the slide element 210.

[0164] In the example shown in the figure, the slide element comprises a plurality of finger module connection parts 218-x (specifically, four finger module connection parts 218-1 to 218-4), and each finger module connection part 218-x (x=1,...4) is configured to connect a different finger module from the plurality of finger modules 300 to the slide element 210. However, it is also possible to have a different number of finger module connection parts, for example, one finger module connection part.

[0165] In the illustrated example, each finger module connector 218-x includes multiple finger module connector elements 219. However, it is also possible to realize a finger module connector having only one finger module connector element 219. The finger module connector elements 219 within each finger module connector 218-x may be arranged in a single line along the longitudinal direction L. Each finger module 300 may be connected by engaging one of the finger module connector elements 219 of the finger module connector 218-x with the corresponding connector element 342 of the slide element connector 340 of the finger module 300. By changing the pair between the finger module connector element 219 of the slide element and each element (slide module connector element 342) of the finger module, it is possible to adjust or change the length between the connection point or portion of each finger module 300 and the tip of the finger module. This is for example, to accommodate different hand anatomical structures or differences in the need for hand extension in individual users. This allows for easy and efficient customization of hand orthoses.

[0166] In the illustrated example, there are four finger module connectors 218-x, each having four finger module connector elements 219. Two of the finger module connectors (218-1, 218-2) are located on one side of the guide rail engagement portion 116 and the tendon connection portion 114, and two of the finger module connectors (218-3, 218-4) are located on the other side of the guide rail engagement portion 116 and the tendon connection portion 114. However, this description is not limited to this example, and each finger module connector may have a different number of finger module connectors and / or different number of finger module connector elements. The arrangement of the finger module connectors and / or finger module connector elements may also differ.

[0167] The finger module connecting element 219 may be any suitable connecting element. For example, each finger module connecting element 219 may be configured as a peg with a rounded head that can engage with one or more peg receiving recesses or openings 342 of at least one finger module 300. Such exemplary configurations can enable reliable force transmission and / or high resistance to deterioration over time, resulting in a high quality and safety of the connection.

[0168] However, at least one finger module connecting element 219 is not limited to the exemplary embodiment shown in the figure. For example, the finger module connecting element 219 may be configured as a pin receiving recess or opening that can engage with a corresponding pin provided in the connecting portion of each finger module 300. Alternatively or additionally, other types of connecting elements 219 of the slide element and corresponding elements 342 of the finger module 300 may be employed, for example, connecting elements having different shapes, dimensions, and materials, and / or different types of connecting elements such as fastening elements, Velcro elements, etc.

[0169] The sliding elements are not limited to those described above and can be further modified. One or more non-limiting examples of such modifications are given below. In the above example, the sliding mechanism comprises one sliding element 210 that is movable along a single guide rail 220. The sliding element 210 may also be configured to be movably mounted on multiple guide rails, for example, on two guide rails. This can improve the stability of the sliding mechanism. The sliding mechanism may also comprise multiple (i.e., two or more) sliding elements 210 that are movable along each of one or more guide rails, or along one or more other guide elements such as guide grooves or recesses. It is also possible to omit the guide rails (or any other guide elements such as guide grooves, recesses, etc.) entirely.

[0170] In the above example, the user-worn hand orthosis may include a single force transmission element (e.g., a tendon) connected to or connectable to the slide element 210, thereby achieving a one-to-many connection (via the slide element) between the actuator and at least one finger module 300 connected to the slide element 210. However, it is also possible to use multiple (i.e., two or more) force transmission elements (e.g., tendons) connected to or connectable to the slide element 210.

[0171] Furthermore, the shape, geometric dimensions, materials, and / or other characteristics of the slide element 210 and its components (main body 212, force transmission element connection part 214, guide rail engagement part 216, finger module connection part, etc.) are not limited to those described.

[0172] For example, the thickness of the plate-shaped main body portion 212 of the slide element 210 does not need to be substantially constant in the longitudinal and / or transverse directions (except where openings and / or protrusions are provided). The thickness of the plate-shaped main body portion may vary in the longitudinal and / or transverse directions. For example, the plate-shaped main body portion 212 may taper toward its edge in the longitudinal and / or transverse directions.

[0173] Furthermore, the main surfaces 212-1 and 212-2 of the plate-shaped body portion 212 do not need to be substantially flat, but may be curved to better conform to the shape of the back of the hand. Alternatively or additionally, the plate-shaped body portion 212 may be made of a flexible material to allow the curvature of the body portion 212 to change with the applied pressure to conform to the curvature of the hand, which may itself change.

[0174] In the above example, the main body 212, the tendon connection portion 214, the guide rail engagement portion 216, and the finger module connection portion 218 may be integrally formed and made of the same material. At least one of the tendon connection portion 214, the guide rail engagement portion 216, and the finger module connection portion 218 may also be formed as separate elements / multiple separate elements connected to at least one main surface of the main body 212, for example, by the use of adhesive or other fastening means. In this case, at least one of the tendon connection portion 214, the guide rail engagement portion 216, and the finger module connection portion 218 may be made of a different material than the main body 212. Each of the above parts may itself be made of a different material.

[0175] The sliding element 210 is movably attached to or connected to the support structure 100, more specifically to the rear support portion 110 of the support structure 100.

[0176] Figures 4 and 5 show schematic plan views of an exemplary support structure 100 to which the sliding mechanism is attached, i.e., schematic views of the side of the support structure 100 opposite to the side facing the handbag in the use state of the user-wearable hand orthosis, i.e., the side opposite to the dorsal side. The dorsal side of the support structure may be substantially smooth and / or optionally covered with at least one additional layer, such as a pad layer, an outer layer, or a low-friction layer, as described herein.

[0177] The sliding mechanism includes a movable sliding element 210, as described in relation to Figures 1 to 3, for example. Figure 4 shows a schematic plan view of a support structure 100 having a sliding mechanism with the sliding element 210 at the first end position, and Figure 5 shows a schematic view of a support structure having a sliding mechanism with the sliding element 210 at the second end position. The sliding element 210 is movably mounted on a guide rail 220.

[0178] Figures 4 and 5 show the support structure 100 before it is attached to the user's hand. When not in use, the illustrated support structure 100 is substantially planar. The support structure 100 can be positioned on the user's hand and optionally on the wrist. For example, the support structure may be wrapable around the user's hand and optionally on the wrist. This allows for easy and safe storage of the support structure when not in use, and simplifies the design and / or manufacture of the support structure (for example, additional hardware may be more easily attached to the planar support structure).

[0179] The support structure 100 comprises a dorsal support portion 110, a palm support portion 120, and a wrist portion 125. The dorsal support portion 110 is configured to be worn on the back of the user's hand. The palm support portion 120 is configured to be worn on the palm of the user's hand. The wrist portion 125 is configured to be attached to the wrist of the user's hand (for example, wrapped at least partially around the wrist). The dorsal support portion 110, the palm support portion 120, and the wrist portion 125 may be formed from the same material, for example, or may be formed as a single, integrated structure. The dorsal support portion 110 and / or the palm support portion 120 and / or the wrist portion 125 may be formed as separate modules that are connectable to each other (for example, releasably connectable). The connection of the dorsal support portion 110 and / or the palm support portion 120 and / or the wrist portion 125 may be achieved by any known means, for example, by Velcro straps, pegs and corresponding peg receiving recesses, clamps, etc.

[0180] The dorsal support portion 110 and / or the palm support portion 120 and / or the wrist portion 125 may have multiple sections having different characteristics such as different rigidity and flexibility. For example, the dorsal support portion 110 and / or the palm support portion 120 may have at least one section with at least one notch or opening and / or increased flexibility, which is arranged and configured to improve the wearability and / or wearability of the support structure while ensuring sufficient stability.

[0181] One or more of the dorsal support portion 110, palm support portion 120, and wrist portion 125 may include at least one tendon guide element 130 (an example of a force transmission element guide element). Each tendon guide element 130 may be configured to guide at least one tendon along the surface of the dorsal support portion 110 and / or palm support portion 120 and / or wrist portion 125, particularly along the surface on the side of the support structure opposite to the dorsal side. Each tendon guide element 130 may have one central cavity or opening therein for guiding a tendon, or may have multiple central cavities or openings therein for guiding multiple tendons. One or more of the tendon guide elements 130 may define corresponding tendon routing paths for each tendon. Furthermore, the surface on which at least one tendon guide element 130 is positioned may further include at least one tendon groove 132. Each tendon groove 130 may extend at least partially along a tendon routing path and may be configured to accommodate at least partially along a corresponding tendon routing path.

[0182] In the examples shown in Figures 4 and 5, each of the wrist portion 125 and the palm support portion 120 is provided with multiple tendon guide elements. The multiple tendon guide elements 130 are arranged in groups, and each group forms a routing path for one tendon. For example, the wrist portion 125 is provided with a first group of tendon guide elements 130-1 configured to form a routing path for at least one tendon that can be connected to the sliding element 210, more specifically to the tendon connection portion 214.

[0183] The wrist portion 125 may further comprise a second group of tendon elements 130-2 configured to form a routing path for at least one additional tendon connectable to the thumb module. The palm support portion may comprise four groups of tendon elements 130-3 to 130-6, each configured to form a routing path for at least one additional tendon connectable to each of the finger modules. The palm support portion may also comprise an additional group 130-7 of tendon elements configured to form a routing path for at least one additional tendon connectable to the thumb module. The additional tendons are examples of additional force transmission elements described elsewhere.

[0184] It should be noted that this disclosure is not limited to the tendon routing pathways described above. Alternatively, the number of tendon routing pathways may be determined based on the number of tendons required and / or desired. Thus, more or fewer pathways than those described may be implemented. Furthermore, the dorsal support portion 110 may also comprise one or more tendon guide elements, which may be arranged in one or more groups as described above.

[0185] At least one tendon guide element 130 may be made from the same material as the core layer of the support structure 100 (described in more detail elsewhere). At least one tendon guide element 130 may be made from other materials such as Teflon® PTFE. At least one tendon guide element 130 may be 3D printable on and / or integrally formed with the core layer of the support structure 100.

[0186] The sliding mechanism includes sliding elements 210, such as the sliding elements described in relation to Figures 1 to 3. The sliding elements are movably mounted on a guide rail 220. The guide rail 220 is located on the back support portion 110 and can be connected to the back support portion. In particular, the guide rail 220 may be located on the side of the back support portion 110 opposite to the back (second side) and connected (fixed or releaseable). The guide rail 220 defines a moving track for the sliding elements 210. In the example shown in Figures 4 and 5, only one guide rail 220 is provided. However, it is also possible to provide multiple guide rails 220. This can improve the stability of the sliding motion of the sliding elements 210. Other guide elements, such as guide grooves or recesses, may be provided instead of or in addition to the guide rail 220. Alternatively, the guide elements may be omitted.

[0187] The guide rail 220 may have an elongated, substantially straight shape with a substantially rectangular form (with or without rounded edges), thereby allowing bending only around the lateral direction T (transverse axis) under load conditions.

[0188] The dimensions (width, thickness, and length) of the guide rail 220 can be appropriately selected depending on the material and / or size of the hand. Exemplary and non-limiting dimensions of the guide rail 220 include a width in the range of approximately 3 mm to 15 mm, more specifically approximately 4 mm to 12 mm, and even more specifically approximately 5 mm to 7 mm; a length in the range of approximately 30 mm to 80 mm, more specifically approximately 40 mm to 70 mm, and even more specifically approximately 45 mm to 60 mm; and a thickness (height) in the range of approximately 0.1 mm to 1 mm, more specifically approximately 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm, and even more specifically approximately 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm. Exemplary guide rail sizes are 6 × 50 × 0.4 mm or 6 × 50 × 0.3 mm. However, deviations are also possible depending on the intended use of the user-worn hand orthosis (e.g., for children or adults).

[0189] The guide rail 220 may include at least one portion made of a low-friction material. This at least one portion made of the low-friction material may be the portion that engages with (i.e., contacts) the slide element 210. This portion may be coated with a layer of the low-friction material or may be made of the low-friction material itself. It is also possible to form the entire guide rail 220 from the low-friction material. Non-limiting examples of low-friction materials include Teflon® PTFE, the iGlidur® material family, nylon 6 / 6, and several types of hardened stainless steel.

[0190] The user-worn hand orthosis may further comprise at least one support element 140-x (x=1, 2, 3, ...) configured to withstand compressive loads. At least one support element may exhibit higher rigidity than the other components or sections of the support structure 100. The at least one support element 140-x may be, for example, a low-carbon steel insert element, a carbon fiber element, glass fiber, ABS / PETG, nylon, or other material having similar rigidity properties. The at least one support element 140-x may have a substantially strip-like form with a thickness in the range of about 0.1 mm to 0.8 mm, more specifically about 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm, and even more specifically about 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm; a width in the range of about 3 mm to 10 mm, more specifically about 4 mm to 8 mm, and even more specifically about 5 mm to 7 mm; and a length in the range of about 30 mm to 80 mm, more specifically about 50 mm to 95 mm, and even more specifically about 60 mm to 80 mm.

[0191] In the example shown in Figures 4 and 5, there are two support elements 140-1 and 140-2 positioned on either side of the guide rail 220. The number, form, material, and / or arrangement of at least one of the support elements 140-1 and 142-2 are not limited to this example.

[0192] Support elements 140-1 and 140-2 may be positioned on the surface of the back support portion 110 opposite to the back side and connected to it. The connection may be, for example, a fixed or a releaseable connection. At least one support element may also be embedded in the back support portion 110, for example, in the core layer of the back support portion 110. At least one support element 130 may also be an integral part of the reinforcing layer of the back support portion 110. In one example, at least one support element 130 may be provided between the core layer of the back support portion 110 and a low-friction layer and / or another additional layer (such as an inner or outer layer as described elsewhere).

[0193] Although not shown in Figures 4 and 5, the wrist portion 125 and optionally the palm support portion 120 may also include at least one support element, such as the support element described above, which is positioned on and connected to the surface of each wrist portion opposite to the dorsal side of the wrist portion 125 and optionally the palm support portion 120. The connection may be, for example, a fixed or release connection.

[0194] To enable connections (such as release connections), the support structure, in particular at least one of the dorsal support section 110, the wrist support section 125, and the palm support section 120, may have at least one support element connection / fastening portion 150-1 to 150-6 for connecting / fastening at least one support element 140-1, 140-2 to each of the dorsal support section 110, the wrist support section 125, and the palm support section 120. Each support element connection / fastening portion 150-1 to 150-6 may be configured to receive and hold in place the respective end portions of the support elements 140-1, 140-2. For example, each support element connection / fastening portion 150-1 to 150-6 may have an enclosure into which each end of the respective support elements 140-1, 140-2 can be inserted. A pair of connecting / fastening portions 150-1 to 150-6 may be provided to receive and hold in place the two ends of their respective support elements 140-1 and 140-2.

[0195] In the example shown in Figures 4 and 5, the dorsal support portion 110 includes a first pair of support element connecting / fastening portions 150-2 and 150-3 configured to receive and hold both ends of the first support element 140-1 in place, and a second pair of support element connecting / fastening portions 150-1 and 150-4 configured to receive and hold both ends of the second support element 140-2 in place. Furthermore, the wrist portion 125 includes a third pair of connecting / fastening portions 150-5 and 150-6 configured to receive and hold both ends of an additional support element (the additional support element is not shown in Figures 4 and 5).

[0196] The number and / or arrangement of support element connection / fastening portions 150-1 to 150-6 are not limited to the examples shown in Figures 4 and 5 and may vary. For example, fewer or more support element connection / fastening portions 150-1 to 150-6 may be provided, and / or the support element connection / fastening portions 150-1 to 150-6 may be arranged in different ways.

[0197] Furthermore, the dorsal portion 110 may optionally include constraint elements 152-1 and 152-2 configured to restrict the movement of support elements 140-1 and 140-2, respectively. In particular, support elements 140-1 and 140-2 may be elements that can be bent about the transverse axis T, and by providing at least one constraint element 152-1 and 152-2, it may be ensured that each support element 140-1 and 140-2 is maintained in a fixed position. Furthermore, multiple constraint elements may be provided for the support elements.

[0198] The user-worn hand orthosis may further include an anti-extension mechanism configured to restrict or restrain the movement of the slide element 210 toward the user's wrist, thereby preventing hyperextension of the hand. The anti-extension mechanism may consist of at least one anti-extension element, which can be implemented, for example, as a mechanical stopper element, or may include at least one anti-extension element. For example, the first mechanical stopper element 160-1 may be located on or near a (optionally virtual) connection line between the dorsal support portion 110 and the wrist portion 125. Specifically, the first mechanical stopper element 160-1 may be located on and connected to the opposite side of the dorsal surface of the dorsal support portion 110. The first mechanical stopper element 160-1 may be positioned and configured to abut against the first end portion of the slide element 210 when the slide element 210 is in the first end position (as shown in Figure 4), thereby restricting the movement of the slide element 210 beyond the first end position toward the user's wrist. For example, the first mechanical stopper element 160-1 may be positioned and configured to abut against and / or at least partially surround the first end of the guide rail 220, thereby restricting the movement of the slide element 210 beyond the first end position toward the user's wrist.

[0199] Similarly, the movement of the slide element 210 toward the fingers / finger joints can be restricted by at least one second stopper element. This can be achieved, for example, by using at least one second mechanical stopper element 160-2 configured to limit or restrict the range of motion of the slide element 210 toward the fingers of the user's hand. The at least one second mechanical stopper element 160-2 may be located on or near the knuckle joint of the user's hand, and may be located on the opposite side of the dorsal support portion 110 from the dorsal side and connected to it. The at least one second mechanical stopper element 160-2 may be configured to abut the second end portion of the slide element 210 when the slide element is in the second end position (for example, as shown in Figure 5), thereby restricting the movement of the slide element 210 toward the fingers of the user's hand beyond the second end position.

[0200] For example, the second mechanical stopper element 160-2 may be configured and positioned to abut against and / or at least partially surround the second end of the guide rail 220, thereby restricting the movement of the slide element 210 beyond the second end position toward the user's fingers.

[0201] The number and / or arrangement of the first stopper elements 160-1 and / or the second stopper elements 160-2 are not limited to the examples shown in Figures 4 and 5 and can be changed, for example, by employing additional mechanical stopper elements and / or arranging the mechanical stopper elements in different ways.

[0202] In addition to being configured to restrict the movement of the slide element 210, the first mechanical stopper element 160-1 and / or the second mechanical stopper element 160-2 may also be configured to receive and hold the guide rail 220 in place. In other words, the first mechanical stopper element 160-1 and / or the second mechanical stopper element 160-2 may also function as guide rail fasteners or connecting parts for connecting the guide rail 220 to the rear support portion 110. The connection may be fixed or releaseable. For example, the first mechanical stopper element 160-1 and the second mechanical stopper element 160-2 may each be configured to receive and hold the respective end portions of the guide rail 220 in place.

[0203] This makes it possible to implement a simple yet efficient mechanism to restrict the movement of the sliding mechanism toward the user's fingers.

[0204] The first mechanical stopper element 160-1, the second mechanical stopper element 160-2, and at least one of the connection / fastening portions 150-1 to 150-6 of the support element may be made of the same material as the dorsal support portion 110 and / or wrist portion, and may also be an integral part of the dorsal support portion 110 and / or wrist portion. Alternatively, the first mechanical stopper element 160-1, the second mechanical stopper element 160-2, and at least one of the connection / fastening portions 150-1 to 150-6 of the support element may be made of a different material from the dorsal support portion 110 and / or wrist portion 125.

[0205] The support structure may further include at least one hardware mounting element 170 configured to engage with one or more external hardware components. Non-limiting examples of external hardware components include one or more sensors and / or electronic devices. Electronic devices may include, for example, PCBs, such as flexible PCBs. In the examples shown in Figures 4 and 5, a plurality of hardware mounting elements 170 are provided on the back side of the support structure as rounded holes. The hardware mounting elements 170 may further provide additional stability to the support structure and therefore also function as support elements.

[0206] The support structure may further include a cover portion (not shown in Figures 4 and 5) which is connected to or connectable to the dorsal support portion 110 (and optionally, the wrist support portion 125 and / or the palm support portion 120), and the cover portion may be movable between an open position and a closed position. An exemplary cover portion is described below in relation to Figures 8 to 10.

[0207] The user-wearable hand orthosis may further include at least one finger module, such as the at least one finger module described above. Figures 6 and 7 show an exemplary support structure 100 to which a sliding mechanism is attached, and a plurality of finger modules 300 connected to the exemplary support structure 100. The exemplary support structure 100 may be the support structure 100 described in relation to Figures 3 and 4. Specifically, Figures 6 and 7 show schematic diagrams of the support structure having the attached sliding mechanism and connected finger modules, opposite to the dorsal side, i.e., the side opposite to the side facing the back of the user's hand and fingers in the use state of the user-wearable hand orthosis.

[0208] Each finger module 300 is configured to be attached to one of the index, middle, ring, and little fingers of the user's hand. The figure shows an example with four finger modules, but there may be fewer finger modules, for example, only an index finger module, a middle finger module, and / or a ring finger module. At least one finger module may be configured to be attached to multiple fingers, such as two, three, or all of the index, middle, ring, and little fingers. Furthermore, although the figure shows an example in which each finger module 300 is configured to be attached to one of the fingers, at least one finger module may be configured to be attached to two or more fingers, for example, two, three, or four fingers.

[0209] Each finger module 300 has a distal portion (fingertip portion) configured to at least partially surround a distal segment, for example, the distal phalanx segment of each finger of the user. Specifically, the distal end 310 of each finger module 300 may be configured to have at least one contact point between the distal end 310 of the finger module 300 and the tip, particularly the anterior portion of the tip of each finger. The distal end 310 may be configured, for example, in the form of a cap, or it may be fitted to cover the tip of each finger, and may have at least one distal portion, particularly a cap 312 that at least partially encloses the tip of each finger. By configuring the finger module 300 to fit at least the distal segment, particularly the fingertip, more effective force transmission and response to spastic resistance become possible.

[0210] Each finger module 300 further comprises an intermediate portion 320 configured to be attached to the middle phalanx of each finger, and a proximal portion 330 configured to be attached to the proximal phalanx of each finger, wherein the proximal portion 330 may be configured to extend across the knuckle joint of each finger (i.e., across the knuckle portion). Furthermore, the finger module includes a sliding element connector 340.

[0211] The intermediate portion 320 is positioned between the distal end 310 and the proximal portion 330. In other words, one side of the intermediate portion 320 is adjacent to one side of the distal end 310 and optionally lies on the same plane, and the other side of the intermediate portion 320 is adjacent to one side of the proximal portion 330 and optionally lies on the same plane. The proximal portion 330 is positioned between the intermediate portion 320 and the slide element connector 340. In other words, one side of the proximal portion 330 is adjacent to one side of the intermediate portion 320 and optionally lies on the same plane, and the other side of the proximal portion 330 is adjacent to one side of the slide element connector 340 and optionally lies on the same plane. The distal end 310, intermediate portion 320, proximal portion 330, and slide element connector 340 may be made from the same material to form a single integrated structure (i.e., an integrated finger module 300). However, at least one of the distal end 310, the intermediate portion 320, the proximal portion 330, and the slide element connection portion 340 may be formed from the material of at least one of the other portions, or may include a material different from the material of at least one of the other portions. The tip portion 310 and the slide element connection portion 340 constitute both ends of the finger module 300 in the longitudinal direction of the finger module 300.

[0212] In the illustrated example, at least one, preferably all, of the distal end 310, intermediate portion 320, and proximal portion 330 may each have a dorsal portion 350 configured to substantially extend across each section of each finger and at least partially cover the dorsal surface of each finger. Furthermore, at least one of the distal end 310, intermediate portion 320, and proximal portion 330 may further comprise at least a pair of lateral portions 360 extending from the dorsal portion and configured to contact the lateral portion of the finger and / or optionally the palmar side of each finger. This can improve support of the finger module and force transmission to each finger. Preferably, the pair of lateral portions are not connected on the palmar side of the finger. For example, the finger module 300 may have an opening that extends along the length of the finger (e.g., to the finger cap) through which the finger may be inserted when attaching the finger module to each finger. This makes it easier for the user to attach the finger module to each of their fingers.

[0213] One or more of the dorsal portions 350 of the distal end 310, the middle portion 320, and the proximal portion 330 may have a substantially band-like shape and may have a thickness in the range of about 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm, more specifically about 0.2 mm to 1.2 mm, and even more specifically about 0.3 mm to 1 mm. The width and / or length of each dorsal portion 350 of the distal end 310, the middle portion 320, and the proximal portion 330 may correspond to an average value (not individually adjusted) or may be adjusted to fit the anatomical structure of the individual user's hand. The width of the dorsal portions 350 of the distal end 310, the middle portion 320, and the proximal portion 330 (i.e., the width of the substantially flat dorsal section of each finger module) may match the average or individual width of the user's fingers, for example, in the range of about 2 mm to 15 mm, more specifically 3 mm to 10 mm, and even more specifically about 5 mm to 8 mm. The lengths of the distal end 310, the middle section 320, and the dorsal portion 350 of the proximal section 330 of the finger module (i.e., the length of the substantially flat dorsal portion of each finger module) can be matched to the average or individual length of the user's fingers, and may be in the range of, for example, about 20 mm to 110 mm, more specifically about 25 mm to 100 mm, and even more specifically about 30 mm to 90 mm, and are set according to the application (e.g., for adults, children, for specific fingers, etc.).

[0214] One or more of the distal end 310, the intermediate portion 320, and the proximal portion 330 of the dorsal portion 350 may have one or more slits or openings. For example, the posterior portion 250 of the proximal portion 330 may have at least one opening 370 (formed as a through-hole in the posterior portion) in the central portion of the dorsal portion 350, and at least one opening 370 extending in the longitudinal direction of each finger module 300. The openings 370 may be configured and positioned so that when the finger module is in use, the openings 370 are positioned substantially above the knuckle joint of each finger (i.e., above the knuckle portion). This can reduce the compressive force applied to the knuckle joint and improve the wearability of the hand orthosis worn by the user.

[0215] The back portion 350 and / or a pair of back portions 360 may be made of an elastic polymer, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic polymer (TPE), or the like.

[0216] The slide element connector 340 is positioned adjacent to the proximal portion 330 and can form the end of each finger module 300. The slide element connector 340 may include one or more connector elements 342 that can engage with one or more connector elements of each finger module connector 218-x of the slide element 210, for example, to achieve a releaseable rigid connection. For example, the slide element connector 340 may include a plurality of connector elements 342 arranged substantially in a line along the longitudinal direction of the slide element connector 340 and therefore along the longitudinal direction of each finger module 300. By changing the combination between the connector elements 342 of the slide element connector 340 of the finger module 300 and the connector elements 219 of each finger module connector 218-x of the slide element 210, length adjustment can be achieved, for example, based on the size of the user's hand.

[0217] In the illustrated example, the slide element connector 340 comprises a main body 344 having a substantially strip-like or plate-like form. The thickness of the main body 344 may be, for example, in the range of about 1 mm to 7 mm, more specifically about 2 mm to 6 mm, and even more specifically about 3 mm to 5 mm. The width of the main body 344 may be, for example, in the range of about 2 mm to 10 mm, more specifically about 3 mm to 8 mm, and even more specifically about 4 mm to 7 mm, and the length may be in the range of about 5 to 35 mm, more specifically about 6 to 30 mm, and even more specifically about 8 to 25 mm. One end of the main body 342 is connected to one end portion of the proximal portion 330 and may optionally be flush (flat) with it. Each connector element 342 is in the form of a through-opening provided in the main body 344 and is engageable with one or more connector elements (e.g., pegs) 219 of each finger module connector 218 provided on the slide element 210.

[0218] However, this explanation is not limited to this example, and other types and / or numbers and / or arrangements of the connecting elements 342 on the side of the finger module and the respective connecting elements 219 on the side of the slide element may be employed.

[0219] The user-wearable hand orthosis may further include a thumb module (not shown). The thumb module may be the thumb module described above.

[0220] Figure 10 shows components of an exemplary support structure for a user-wearable hand orthosis, in which a slide mechanism can be attached to the support structure. The exemplary support structure and slide mechanism may be those described in relation to Figures 1 to 7. Figure 8 shows a schematic plan view of the components of the exemplary support structure before the attachment of the slide mechanism 200, which includes a slide element 210 and a guide rail 220, and Figure 9 shows a schematic plan view of the components of the exemplary support structure according to Figure 8, in which the slide mechanism 200 is attached to the support structure, more specifically to the dorsal support portion 110 of the support structure. Furthermore, Figure 9 shows the assembly steps of the components from left to right.

[0221] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the support structure includes a dorsal support portion and a wrist support portion, which are integrally formed as a single component. Furthermore, the support structure includes a cover portion 440. The support structure may include further components as described in relation to Figures 1 to 7. For the sake of clarity, these further components are not shown in Figures 8 and 9.

[0222] The dorsal support portion 110 and the wrist support portion 125 are described in relation to Figures 1 to 7. In the example shown in Figures 8 and 9, the component formed by the dorsal support portion and the wrist support portion has a multilayer structure including a core layer 112 (which may also function as a reinforcing layer) and a low-friction layer 114 which can be positioned on the side of the core layer 112 opposite to the side facing the user's hand.

[0223] The core layer 112 may be the core layer described above and may be configured to provide stability to the support structure. The core layer 112 may be formed from at least one metal (e.g., low-carbon steel), at least one elastomer, at least one polymer (e.g., silicone, thermoplastic urethane (TPU), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), and / or PA-6 (polyamide 6)), and / or at least one non-textile material. As described above, the core layer 112 itself may be multiple layers. Alternatively or additionally, the core layer may include multiple sections having different properties, as described above.

[0224] Furthermore, the core layer 112 may be configured to form at least one of the parts and / or elements described in relation to Figures 1 to 7. Non-limiting examples include one or more of tendon guide grooves, guide rail connection / fastening parts, support element connection / fastening parts, hyperextension prevention elements, stopper elements, hardware mounting elements, and locking parts. In addition, three support elements 140-1 to 140-3 made of reinforcing material are provided on the surface of the core layer 112 opposite to the surface facing the back of the hand. For descriptions of each part and / or element, refer to Figures 1 to 7 and the related descriptions.

[0225] The low-friction layer 114 may be made of Teflon® PTFE, nylon woven fabric, silk blend fabric, Lycra / spandex blend fabric, or any other suitable material. The low-friction layer may include a number of notches for inserting at least one guide rail 220 so that the low-friction layer 114 is positioned between the core layer 112 and the guide rail 220 (see, for example, Figure 9 (element “114+200”)). This facilitates the movement of the slide element 210 attached to the guide rail 220. The low-friction layer may have additional notches for inserting, for example, tendons or other force transmission elements.

[0226] The cover portion 400 may be the cover portion described above. In particular, when the cover portion 400 is closed, the first surface of the cover portion 400 located on the back side (i.e., the surface facing the second surface of the back support portion 110 and / or the wrist portion) may cover the slide mechanism 200 together with the slide element 210 and the guide rail 220, and optionally cover the connection portion of the finger module 300 connected to the slide element 210. Therefore, the cover portion 400 may restrain the slide element 210 and / or the finger module 300 as described above. The cover portion 400 may be configured as a soft, foldable cover. The cover portion 400 may have a locking portion 410 configured to engage with one or more corresponding locking portions of the back support portion 110, the palm support portion 120, and the wrist portion 125, so as to fix the cover portion 400 in place when the back support portion 400 is in the closed position. The cover portion 400 may further include a connecting portion 420 that connects the cover portion 400 to one or more of the dorsal support portion 110, the palm support portion 120, and the wrist portion 125, and the connection may be configured such that the cover portion 400 is rotatably movable between an open position and a closed position.

[0227] Figures 10A and 10B show exemplary user-wearable hand orthoses 1 in use when worn on a user's hand. Figure 10A shows exemplary user-wearable hand orthoses 1 with the cover portion 400 in the closed position, and Figure 10B shows exemplary user-wearable hand orthoses 1 with the cover portion 400 in the open position. The user-wearable hand orthose 1 may be a user-wearable hand orthose 1 as described in relation to Figures 1 to 9. In particular, the user-wearable hand orthose may be a tendon-driven glove-type orthosis configured to be worn on a user's hand.

[0228] Figure 11 shows an illustrative flowchart of a method 1000 for manufacturing a user-wearable hand orthosis. The user-wearable hand orthosis may comprise a support structure 100 configured to be worn on the user's hand, a sliding mechanism, and at least one finger module 300, as described, for example, in relation to Figures 1 to 10.

[0229] In the first step 1100, a support structure is provided. The support structure may be, for example, a support structure 100 as described in relation to Figures 1 to 10. In particular, the support structure 100 may include a dorsal support portion 110 configured to be worn on at least a portion of the back of the user's hand, the dorsal support portion 110 having a first surface on the dorsal side of the dorsal support portion 210 and a second surface on the side opposite to the dorsal side of the dorsal support portion 210.

[0230] In the second step 1200, a sliding mechanism is provided. The sliding mechanism may be the sliding mechanism described in relation to Figures 1 to 10. In particular, the sliding mechanism may include a sliding element 210 configured to move between a first end position and a second end position along a track on the second surface of the dorsal support portion 210. In the use state of the user-fittable hand orthosis, the first end position is positioned close to the wrist portion of the user's hand, and the second end position is positioned at a distance from the first end position in the direction toward the knuckle joint portion of the user's hand (and thus toward the fingers of the user's hand).

[0231] In the third step 1300, at least one finger module is provided, configured to be attached to at least one finger of the user's hand. The at least one finger module may be at least one finger module 300, as described in relation to Figures 1 to 7. In particular, the at least one finger module may comprise a distal end 310 configured to be attached to at least one distal portion of at least one finger, and a proximal end 340 connected to or connectable to the slide element 210.

[0232] Steps 1100, 1200, and 1300 may be performed in a different order.

[0233] The step of providing a support structure and / or a sliding mechanism and / or at least one finger module may include the step of selecting and / or retrieving a pre-fabricated support structure and / or sliding mechanism and / or at least one finger module from storage. Alternatively or additionally, the provision of a support structure and / or a sliding mechanism and / or at least one finger module may include manufacturing the support structure and / or a sliding mechanism and / or at least one finger module by using known methods such as additive manufacturing, 3D printing, molding (injection molding, etc.), knitting, etc.

[0234] The step of providing a support structure may include the step of providing a multilayer structure such as those described above in relation to user-wearable hand orthoses. In particular, the step of providing a support structure may include: providing a core layer and / or providing at least one additional layer, the at least one additional layer being at least one low-friction layer located on the dorsal side and / or opposite side of the core layer.

[0235] The method may include further steps, such as one or more of the following: connecting the slide mechanism to the dorsal support portion 210, optionally mounting the slide element 210 movably on a guide rail 220 located on the opposite side of the dorsal support portion 110 from the dorsal side of the dorsal support portion 110; connecting at least one proximal portion of at least one finger module 300 to the slide element 210; and from the connection portion (anchor point or portion) of at least one finger module 300 to at least one finger module 300 The steps are: adjusting the length to the distal portion; connecting at least one support element 140-x and / or at least one guide rail 220 to the dorsal support portion 110; connecting the slide element 210 to at least one force transmission element (e.g., a tendon) configured to exert (tensile) force on the slide element 210; moving the cover portion 400 to the closed position; and attaching the support structure to the user's hand by wrapping the support structure 110 substantially around the hand and engaging the first locking portion of the support structure 110 with the second locking portion of the support structure 110.

[0236] The above steps may be performed in a different order.

[0237] As can be readily understood from this disclosure, the present invention has been described using exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, but is not limited thereto. Instead, any combination of features described herein and / or shown in the accompanying drawings may be implemented. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0238] 1. User-adjustable hand orthosis 100 support structures 110 Dorsal support section 112 core layers 114 Low friction layer 116 Incision 120 Palm support section 125 Wrist part 130 Tendon guide elements (exemplary force transmission guide elements) 130-1~130-7 Tendon Guide Elements 132 Tendon Groove 140-1~140-3 Support elements (reinforcement elements) 150-1~150-6 Support element connection / fixing part 152-1, 152-2 Constraint elements of support elements 160-1 First mechanical stopper element 160-2 Second mechanical stopper element 170 Hardware mounting elements 200 Slide mechanism 210 slide elements 212 Main body of the slide element 212-1, 212-2 Main surface of the main body of the slide element 212-3 Surrounding surface of the main body of the slide element 214 Tendon connection (exemplary force transmission element connection) 214-2 Intermediate part of the tendon joint 214-3 Head of the tendon joint 214-5 Through hole 215 Guide rail engagement part 215-2 Side wall of guide rail engagement section 215-4 Bottom plate of guide rail engagement section 215-6 Guide rail housing space 216 Motion extension 216-2 Opening of the operating extension 216-4 Side wall of the operating extension 216-6 Top plate of the operating extension unit 216-8 Opening for tendon passage 218-1~218-4 Finger module connection section 219 Connection elements 220 Guide Rail 300 Finger Modules 310 Distal portion of the finger module 312 Finger Module Fingertip Caps 320 Finger module central part 330 Proximal part of the finger module 340 Finger module slide element connection part 342 connection elements 344 Main body 350 Back part 360 Pair of side sections 370 Opening 400 Cover section 410 Locking part of the cover 420 Connection part of the cover 500 Tendons (exemplary force transmission elements) 1000 ways Steps of the 1100, 1200, and 1300 methods L Longitudinal direction (longitudinal axis) T Transverse direction (transverse axis)

Claims

1. A support structure (100) having a dorsal support portion (110) configured to be worn on at least a portion of the back of the user's hand, wherein the dorsal support portion (110) has a first surface on the dorsal side of the dorsal support portion (110) and a second surface on the side opposite to the dorsal side of the dorsal support portion (110), A slide mechanism (200) comprising a slide element (210) configured to move along a track on the second surface side of a dorsal support portion (110) between a first end position and a second end position, wherein, in the state of use of the hand orthosis (1), the first end position is positioned close to the wrist of the user's hand and the second end position is positioned at a distance from the first end position in a direction toward the knuckle joint of the user's hand, At least one finger module (300) configured to be worn on at least one finger of the user's hand, each of the at least one finger module (300) is A distal portion (310) configured to be attached to at least one distal segment of at least one finger, It has a slide element connection part (340) configured to be connectable to the slide element (210), At least one finger module (300) and A user-wearable hand orthosis (1) comprising the above.

2. The system further comprises at least one force transmission element (500), The at least one force transmission element (500) is connected to or connectable to the slide element (210) and configured to exert force on the slide element (210) in order to enable the slide element (210) to move between the first end position and the second end position, for example. A user-wearable hand orthosis (1) according to claim 1.

3. The slide mechanism (200) further comprises at least one guide rail (220) and / or guide recess located on the second surface of the rear support portion (110), The slide element (210) is movably mounted or can be mounted on at least one guide rail (220) and / or a guide recess. A user-wearable hand orthosis (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The guide rail (220) and / or guide recess includes at least one portion made of a low-friction material. A user-wearable hand orthosis (1) according to claim 3.

5. The slide element (210) has a main body (212) which is substantially plate-shaped. A user-wearable hand orthosis (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

6. The support portion (110) is The device has a core layer (112) and / or at least one low-friction layer (114) disposed on the side facing the user's hand and / or on the side of the support portion (110) opposite to the side facing the user's hand. A user-wearable hand orthosis (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

7. The support structure (100) further comprises a cover portion (400) that is connected to or can be connected to the rear support portion (110). The cover portion (400) is movable between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the first surface of the cover portion (400) located on the back side covers the slide element (210). A user-wearable hand orthosis (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

8. The cover portion (400) includes a low-friction layer located on the back side. A user-wearable hand orthosis (1) according to claim 7.

9. The device further comprises at least one support element (140-1, 140-2, 140-3) and / or at least one hyperextension prevention mechanism (150-1, 150-2, 150-3), A user-wearable hand orthosis (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. A method for manufacturing a user-fittable hand orthosis (1) configured to be worn on the user's hand, A support structure (100) having a dorsal support portion (110) configured to be worn on at least a portion of the back of the user's hand, wherein the dorsal support portion (110) has a first surface on the dorsal side of the dorsal support portion (110) and a second surface on the side opposite to the dorsal side of the dorsal support portion (110), A slide mechanism (200) comprising a slide element (210) configured to be movable along a track on the second surface side of a dorsal support portion (110) between a first end position and a second end position, wherein, in the state of use of the user-wearable hand orthosis (1), the first end position is positioned close to the wrist of the user's hand and the second end position is positioned at a distance from the first end position in a direction toward the knuckle joint of the user's hand, and the present invention provides a slide mechanism (200), The steps of providing at least one finger module (300) configured to be attached to at least one finger of a user's hand, wherein each of the at least one finger module (300) has a distal portion (310) configured to be attached to at least one distal portion of at least one finger, and a slide element connector (340) configured to be connectable to the slide element (210), A method for manufacturing a user-wearable hand orthosis (1) having the following characteristics.

11. The slide mechanism (200) is further connected to the rear support portion (110), Connecting the slide mechanism (200) to the rear support portion (110) optionally includes movably mounting the slide element (210) to at least one guide rail (220) located on the surface of the rear support portion (110) opposite to the rear surface of the rear support portion (110). The method according to claim 10 (100).

12. The further includes connecting at least one proximal portion of the at least one finger module (300) to the slide element (210), Connecting at least one slide element connection portion (340) of the at least one finger module (300) to the slide element (210) optionally includes adjusting the length from the connection portion of the at least one finger module (300) to the distal portion of the at least one finger module (300). The method according to claim 10 or 11 (1000).

13. The sliding element (210) is further connected to at least one force transmission element (500) configured to apply force to the sliding element (210). The method according to one of claims 10 to 12.

14. The step of providing the support structure (100) is: The invention includes providing a core layer (112), and / or at least one low-friction layer (114) located on the back side of the core layer and / or on the opposite side from the back side of the core layer, The method according to one of claims 10 to 13.

15. A step of substantially wrapping the support structure (100) around the hand, further comprising the step of engaging a first locking portion of the support structure (100) with a second locking portion of the support structure (100) to attach the support structure to the user's hand, The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14.

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