Finger Rehabilitation Device with Independent 3D Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for therapeutic finger movement primarily offer coordinated and limited two-degree freedom movements, which can hinder rehabilitation by maintaining mental control over the fingers, leading to muscle tension and incomplete massage, especially in cases of trauma or surgical recovery.
Innovation Solution
A device with multiple supporting elements and independent actuating means that allow each finger to move with uncoordinated, three-degree freedom movements, using a combination of mechanical, electric, or hydraulic motion transmission means to stimulate muscles and tendons in all directions, thereby relaxing the mind and facilitating complete massage and rehabilitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single motorization organ with coordinated motion transmission is used, then the device structure is simple and easy to control, but the fingers are stimulated only in limited directions (one or two degrees of freedom) and the mind remains engaged in controlling the movements
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the single motorization organ into multiple independent actuating means (first actuating means, second actuating means, etc.), each capable of independently moving different fingers or groups of fingers. This segmentation allows each actuator to operate autonomously, providing movement in multiple directions and degrees of freedom while maintaining structural manageability through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from one-dimensional or two-dimensional coordinated movement to three-dimensional uncoordinated movement by adding independent actuation capabilities in multiple spatial dimensions. Each actuating means can move fingers along different axes and trajectories, enabling comprehensive stimulation of muscles and tendons in all directions throughout the finger's range of motion.
2Ease of operation
If coordinated movements are used, then the device structure and control are simplified, but the mind continues to control the finger movements which induces muscular opposition and tension
Solution Approach 1:
The device implements uncoordinated, randomized, and irregular movement patterns through independently controlled actuating means. Each actuator operates with variable speed, direction, and timing, creating dynamic and unpredictable finger movements that prevent the mind from maintaining control. This dynamic approach ensures muscles remain relaxed throughout the rehabilitation process, eliminating muscular opposition and enhancing treatment effectiveness.
3Device complexity
If limited degree of freedom movements are used, then the device mechanism is simpler, but the muscles and tendons are stimulated only in some directions and not completely
Solution Approach 1:
The motion transmission system is segmented into multiple independent pathways, each capable of providing movement along different degrees of freedom. Instead of a single complex mechanism limiting movement to one or two degrees of freedom, the device uses multiple simplified transmission paths that collectively enable three-dimensional finger movement, comprehensively stimulating all muscle and tendon groups.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines multiple actuating means and motion transmission mechanisms into an integrated system that provides comprehensive finger movement. By merging independent actuators with complementary degrees of freedom, the system achieves complete three-dimensional stimulation of finger tissues while maintaining the simplicity of individual components.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for the passive movement of the fingers for the therapeutic treatment of a patient includes a plurality of supporting elements, each one adapted to receive a finger of a patient, and a movement unit having a plurality of actuating elements each one operatively connected to one respective of the supporting elements so as to move it with movements uncoordinated from the movements of the other supporting elements which are moved with other actuating elements; a plurality of motion transmission members each one interposed between one of the actuating elements and one respective of the supporting elements and all of them designed to move the supporting elements with three degrees of freedom.