Automated Hand With Compliant Mounts For Impact Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional automated hands are bulky, unable to flex and curve around objects for reliable gripping, prone to motor strain and wear, sensitive to impact, not waterproof, and complex wrist positioning systems are cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

An automated hand design featuring a palm with resiliently flexible and compressible mounts, rotatable connectors for digits, a metacarpal brace for impact absorption and grip compliance, and a waterproof sealed palm region.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional automated hands use rigid structures to provide stability, then structural strength is improved, but impact resistance deteriorates as sensitive components break under lateral impact forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidimpact resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates compliant mounting structures for motors and electronic components that allow controlled movement and deformation during impact events. These compliant mounts are designed beforehand to absorb impact energy through elastic deformation, preventing force transmission to sensitive components while maintaining structural integrity during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Stability of the object's composition

If automated hands use complex finger actuation systems with resistance springs to bias fingers, then grip stability is improved, but motor strain increases causing faster wear and battery drain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrip stabilityVSAvoidmotor strain and battery power

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces static resistance spring mechanisms with dynamic compliant mounting structures that adapt their stiffness characteristics based on operational conditions. The compliant mounts provide passive compliance during gripping operations, allowing fingers to naturally assume stable positions without requiring active motor force to counteract spring resistance, thereby reducing motor strain and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If automated hands use directional clutches to absorb impact forces in one direction, then impact resistance in that direction is improved, but protection against opposite direction impacts deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact resistance in one directionVSAvoidprotection coverage in all directions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs compliant mounting structures that provide omnidirectional impact protection through their inherent elasticity and compliance. Unlike unidirectional clutches, these compliant mounts can deform and absorb energy from impacts coming from any direction, providing universal protection for motors and electronic components while maintaining compact integration within the hand structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If automated hands use waterproof designs, then durability in wet environments is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaterproof performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs waterproof coatings or conformal sealant films applied to motor housings and electronic component enclosures. These thin-film waterproofing solutions provide effective protection against moisture and water ingress while maintaining manufacturing simplicity, as they can be applied through standard coating processes rather than requiring complex sealed housing designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 design provides a more natural and versatile gripping ability, reduces motor strain and wear, enhances impact resistance, allows operation in wet environments, and offers improved user experience with EMG signal feedback.

Implementation Method 1

one or more resiliently flexible and compressible mounts attached to the palm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

resiliently flexible and compressible mounts

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 3

each connector may rotate about the mount when a lateral force is applied to a digit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS20250186229A1Automated hand

Publication Date: 2025.06.12 TASKA PROSTHETICS LTD

AI summary

The invention relates to an automated hand, such as a prosthetic hand. In one form, the automated hand may be fluid compatible. In one form, the automated hand may comprise features to reduce the risk of harm to motors and/or other sensitive components of the hand when subject to an impact. In one form, the hand may comprise a wrist joint configured to allow the hand to curl and flex and/or to rotate. In one form, one or more digits of the hand may be individually controlled. In one form the hand may include a thumb rotation locking mechanism. In one form the hand may be provided with removable grip plates. In one form, the hand may be configured for use as a training hand.