Artificial Finger With Differential Reset Springs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial fingers in prosthetics and handling technology lack versatility and efficient gripping mechanisms, requiring multiple drives to achieve coordinated bending and resetting behavior, which complicates object gripping and release.
Innovation Solution
An artificial finger design with a base, a proximal member, a secondary member, and a motor drive, featuring reset elements with different spring constants for differential kinematic control, allowing coordinated bending and resetting with a single drive, and incorporating a traction means for force-controlled actuation and overload protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple drives are provided to achieve coordinated bending and resetting behavior of finger members, then gripping functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple driving functions into a single drive unit that can control both the bending and resetting movements of finger members through a unified actuation mechanism, reducing the number of separate drives while maintaining coordinated gripping functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The single drive unit is designed to perform multiple functions including bending finger members, resetting them to initial positions, and coordinating movements across different finger members, making it a universal actuator for various gripping tasks
2Ease of operation
If reset elements with different spring constants are used for differential kinematic control, then coordinated bending and resetting behavior is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different spring constants to different reset elements based on the specific requirements of each finger member and joint, allowing localized optimization of mechanical properties to achieve coordinated movement while maintaining manufacturability through standard spring components
3Device complexity
If a single drive is used for underactuated fingers, then device complexity is reduced, but control precision over gripping behavior may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that sense the position and force of finger members during gripping, allowing the single drive to dynamically adjust its output to maintain precise control over gripping behavior despite having fewer actuators than degrees of freedom
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
Enables versatile and secure gripping of objects with a simple construction, achieving physiological gripping patterns and high gripping safety independently of object geometry, while reducing the number of required actuators and providing overload protection.
Implementation Method 1
at least one reset element is provided for resetting the first finger member and the secondary member, and the first finger member is acted upon with a resetting force which differs from the secondary member
Data Source
AI summary
An artificial finger for prosthetics and gripping technology, with a base, a first finger member mounted on the base in articulated manner, at least one secondary member mounted on the first finger member in articulated manner, and a drive for adjusting the secondary member relative to the first finger member and the first finger member relative to the base. At least one reset element is provided for resetting the first finger member and the secondary member, and the first finger member is acted upon with a resetting force which differs from the secondary member.