Data Glove Strain Sensors for Precise Finger Motion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data gloves with multiple sensors cause discomfort and inaccurately detect hand motions due to misalignment and inability to accurately capture the complex movements of fingers with multiple joints, especially the metacarpophalangeal joints.
Innovation Solution
A data glove with multiple strain sensors on the dorsal side of the glove body, specifically at the proximal interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints, and stretch-restraining portions to accurately detect finger movements by adhering to the hand and minimizing reaction force, allowing for precise detection of stretch and contraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large number of sensors are provided in conventional data gloves to detect hand motions, then measurement precision is improved, but the glove causes discomfort when worn
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing function into two independent systems: bend sensors for joint angle detection and strain sensors for stretch/contraction detection. This segmentation allows each sensor type to be optimized for its specific function while reducing the overall burden on the wearer compared to using multiple sensor types simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the stretch and contraction detection function from the traditional bend sensor system and implements it separately using strain sensors. This extraction allows for more accurate detection of subtle finger movements without adding the complexity and discomfort of multiple sensor types.
2Ease of manufacture
If sensors are provided for detecting stretch and contraction of the cloth, then ease of manufacture is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to sensor misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bend sensor and strain sensor systems into a single integrated glove structure. The strain sensors are positioned to work in conjunction with the bend sensors, allowing both joint angle and stretch/contraction detection to occur simultaneously within the same manufacturing framework, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while improving precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces stretch-restraining portions as intermediary elements that mediate between the strain sensors and the glove fabric. These portions ensure proper sensor alignment and positioning, preventing misalignment issues while maintaining the simplicity of integrating sensors into the cloth.
3Device complexity
If one sensor is provided per finger to detect bending and extension, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to detect multiple joint movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each strain sensor multi-functional by positioning it to detect both the bending and stretching/contraction movements of fingers. This allows a single sensor to perform multiple detection functions, reducing the overall number of sensors needed while maintaining the ability to accurately detect complex finger motions including metacarpophalangeal joint movements.
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 data glove enables accurate detection of hand motions, reducing discomfort and improving the ability to perform delicate actions like sports and musical instrument playing by converting natural hand movements into data with high precision.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of strain sensors in a region corresponding to at least one finger of first to fifth fingers, on a dorsal side of the glove body, and the strain sensors detect stretch and contraction of the glove body
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a data glove which imparts little discomfort when worn, and is capable of accurately detecting movement of a hand, comprising: a glove main body; and a plurality of strain sensors which are disposed on the dorsal side of the glove main body in regions corresponding to at least one finger, and which detect stretch and contraction of the glove main body. The strain sensors preferably include a first strain sensor and a second strain sensor which are disposed on the dorsal side of the glove main body to correspond respectively to a proximal interphalangeal joint and a metacarpophalangeal joint of at least one finger of the second through fifth fingers, and which detect stretch and contraction of the glove main body in a proximal-distal direction. The data glove preferably further comprises a plurality of stretch prevention parts which limit the elongation of the glove main body.