Adjustable Arthritis Hand Simulator With Elastic Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing arthritic hand simulators fail to accommodate varying hand sizes and strengths, leading to inconsistent experiences and imprecise control over the range of motion, resulting in either overly harsh or modest simulations of arthritic symptoms.
Innovation Solution
A hand simulator system comprising adjustable components, including a wrist attachment and finger joint clamps with elastic connections and pressure pads, allowing for customizable resistance to simulate arthritic effects by accommodating different hand sizes and strengths, and enabling multiple levels of impact through adjustable resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-size gloves are used to simulate arthritic effects, then the structure is simple, but the device cannot accommodate varying hand sizes and strengths
Solution Approach 1:
The glove is divided into multiple adjustable components including finger segments with individual circumferential adjusters, allowing each finger to be customized for different hand sizes and arthritic conditions while maintaining overall structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The glove incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the circumferential dimensions to be modified during use, enabling the same glove to adapt to different hand sizes and simulate varying degrees of arthritic limitation
2Manufacturing precision
If flexible fabric is used in the gloves, then the material is comfortable and adaptable, but the limiting factor upon range of motion is imprecisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems with a simpler elastic resistance mechanism where elastic elements provide controlled resistance to finger and wrist movement, achieving precise range of motion control through material properties rather than mechanical linkages
Solution Approach 2:
The glove uses elastic elements with specific force constants and circumferential adjustments to modify the mechanical properties of the fabric, allowing precise control over the resistance and range of motion parameters while maintaining the flexibility of the fabric material
3Adaptability or versatility
If protrusions are added to simulate discomfort, then the arthritic experience is enhanced, but the device becomes more complex and difficult to adjust
Solution Approach 1:
The discomfort simulation is segmented into adjustable circumferential components that can be independently modified for each finger and wrist section, allowing different arthritic conditions to be simulated without affecting other parts of the glove
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusions and circumferential restrictions are made dynamically adjustable through circumferential adjusters that can be modified during use, enabling the same glove to simulate multiple arthritic conditions and maintain ease of operation
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 a more controlled and personalized simulation of arthritic symptoms, ensuring a consistent experience across various hand sizes and strengths, allowing users to feel the impact of restricted mobility and discomfort in a realistic manner.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic connection between the first and second components operable to resist articulation of at least one of the wearer's wrist and the at least one of the wearer's fingers
Implementation Method 2
a pressure pad attached to the loop and operable for pressing against a dorsal facing portion of the finger joint when the implement is worn
Data Source
AI summary
An implement for simulating effects of arthritis on a human hand, and method of using the implement to experience the effects of arthritis on a human hand. The implement has a first component operable for secure attachment to a human's wrist, a second component operable for secure attachment to at least one of the human's fingers, and an elastic connection between the first and second components operable to resist articulation of at least one of the wrist and the at least one finger.