Flexible-Shell Hand Therapy Device for Pinch-Safe Force Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand rehabilitation devices are complex, pose pinching risks, and lack suitable ergonomics and feedback for unsupervised use, especially for patients with hand impairments post-stroke.
Innovation Solution
A sensomotoric hand therapy device with a flexible shell and reinforced members, a compact motor-driven movement mechanism, and a control unit that computes interaction forces without additional sensors, combined with a virtual reality game for unsupervised training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a handheld rehabilitation device with multiple sensors and actuators is used to measure and provide feedback, then measurement precision and feedback quality improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensing function from separate force sensors and integrates it into the flexible shell material itself. The piezoresistive or capacitive properties of the flexible material enable force measurement without additional sensor components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible shell serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the structural housing, enables force measurement through its piezoresistive/capacitive properties, and offers tactile feedback to the patient. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensor components and feedback mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If gaps are present between moving parts to enable movement, then ease of operation improves, but pinching risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible shell that conforms to the patient's hand shape, eliminating gaps between moving parts. The flexible material allows hand movement while maintaining continuous contact, thereby preventing pinching risks. The flexibility ensures ease of operation while the seamless construction eliminates harmful gaps.
3Ease of manufacture
If basic exercise devices are used for hand training, then ease of manufacture improves, but feedback capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the shell by incorporating piezoresistive or capacitive properties into the flexible material. This enables force measurement and feedback capabilities without significantly complicating the manufacturing process, as the sensing functionality is integrated into the material itself rather than requiring separate sensor assemblies.
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
Provides safe, ergonomic, and motivating hand rehabilitation with physiological grasp training, offering rich haptic feedback and adaptable virtual scenarios for unsupervised home use.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible shell (5) having a first leg portion (3) configured to accommodate fingers of a hand of a patient
Implementation Method 2
a first reinforced member (6) which is connected to a distal end region of the first leg portion (3) of the shell, a second reinforced member (7) which is connected to a distal end region of the second leg portion (4) of the shell
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a sensomotoric hand therapy device comprising a flexible shell having a first leg portion configured to accommodate fingers of a hand of a patient, a second leg portion configured to accommodate a thumb of the patient and a U-shaped portion configured to accommodate a metacarpus of the patient. The device further comprises a first reinforced member connected to a distal end region of the first leg portion of the shell, a second reinforced member connected to a distal end region of the second leg portion of the shell and a third reinforced member connected to and reinforcing the U-shaped portion of the shell. Further, the device comprises a movement mechanism defining a course and resistance of movement of the first reinforced member and the second reinforced member relative to the third reinforced member; and to a respective hand therapy system and hand training method.