Adaptive Control System for Strengthening Glove
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Solution Overview
Problem
Strengthening gloves struggle to maintain a strong grip over time, especially for individuals with muscular or nerve damage, as existing systems lack adaptive control mechanisms to adjust force application based on specific tasks or conditions.
Innovation Solution
A feedback control system for a strengthening glove that uses force detecting sensors on the palm side of the fingers to detect forces applied to a contact surface, with a control device that switches between different control programs based on detected patterns, allowing for adaptive force adjustment to enhance grip stability and versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a strengthening glove uses a fixed control program to amplify gripping force, then the gripping force is amplified to strengthen the grip, but the system cannot maintain a sufficiently strong grip over time for specific tasks requiring particular aid
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically switches between a first control program and a second control program based on detected force patterns. The system transitions from a standard force amplification mode to a specific task assistance mode when a predetermined pattern is detected, allowing adaptive adjustment of force application characteristics to maintain grip strength over time for specific tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses force detecting sensor means to continuously monitor forces applied during gripping movements. This feedback is processed to detect predetermined patterns, which trigger switching between control programs. The feedback loop enables the system to adapt force application based on real-time measurement values, ensuring sustained grip strength for specific tasks
2Adaptability or versatility
If a strengthening glove uses multiple control programs for different tasks, then the versatility and task-specific assistance are improved, but the device complexity increases requiring separate control devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple control programs within a single control device, eliminating the need for separate external control devices for different tasks. The control device contains both the first control program for general force amplification and the second control program for specific tasks, unified under a single system that automatically selects the appropriate program based on detected force patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The control device is designed with multi-functionality, capable of executing different control programs for various tasks using the same sensor locations and feedback loop infrastructure. This universal design allows the system to provide both general grip strengthening and task-specific assistance without requiring separate dedicated control systems
3Ease of operation
If a strengthening glove uses sensor locations for feedback control, then the grip strengthening is achieved, but the system lacks intuitive activation for specific tasks requiring additional control interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing force detecting sensor means to detect predetermined patterns that indicate specific tasks. Instead of requiring external control interfaces or manual activation, the system automatically detects task conditions through force patterns and switches control programs accordingly, making the task-specific assistance intuitive and automatic
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides improved grip stability and versatility by automatically adjusting force application, eliminating the need for external control interfaces and enabling intuitive pattern-based activation of specific tasks, enhancing comfort and efficiency across various situations.
Implementation Method 1
at least one force detecting sensor means arranged to detect, in at least two different measurement locations on the palm side of said at least one glove finger, a respective force between a respective human finger wearing the respective glove finger and a respective contact surface
Data Source
AI summary
Control system (200) for a strengthening glove (100) with fingers (101-105), comprising a force detecting sensor means (210) for detecting, at different measurement locations (211-218) on the palm side (106) of said glove fingers, a respective force between a finger (11-15) and a contact surface, further arranged to impart a force to respective glove fingers, bending them towards a gripping position, further arranged to read measurement values from the strengthening feedback loop based upon the measurement values. The invention is characterised in that a predetermined pattern is detected, comprising certain measurement values, in that, when the said pattern is not detected and the actuating means are controlled according to a first program, and further when the said pattern is detected, they are controlled according to a second program, which first and second programs are different.