Grasping Response Evaluation Using Rope-and-Bob Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for evaluating hand function fail to account for the impact of interferences on grip force adjustment, often restricting natural hand movement and limiting the accuracy of grasping response assessment.
Innovation Solution
A grasping-response evaluation system comprising a base mechanism, falling interference device, and grasping-data collecting device, which includes a positioning module, bob, traction rope, and controlling device to simulate interferences and measure grasping force and sensorimotor control in a user's hand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an exoskeleton is used to position the patient's limbs and measure hand response under interferences, then the measurement of hand response under interference can be achieved, but the patient's hand movement is restricted and natural reaction cannot be fully expressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device consisting of a rope and weight system that transmits interference force to the grasped object without requiring direct mechanical coupling to the patient's hand. This mediator allows the hand to move naturally while still receiving controlled interference forces, resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and movement freedom
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex exoskeleton mechanical system with a simpler rope-and-weight mechanism that delivers interference forces. This substitution reduces mechanical constraints on the patient's hand while maintaining the ability to apply controlled interference, thereby improving both measurement capability and natural movement expression
2Ease of manufacture
If a conventional gripping device is used to measure grip force, then the evaluation can be conducted, but the effect of interferences on grip force adjustment cannot be taken into account
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the simple gripping device with an interference generation mechanism (rope and weight system). The gripping device measures grip force while the attached rope-transmitted weight system simultaneously applies interference forces, enabling both functions in a unified, easily manufactured system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static gripping device into a dynamic system by adding the movable weight and rope mechanism. This allows the system to apply time-varying interference forces during grasping, enabling measurement of dynamic grip force adjustment in response to interference while maintaining ease of manufacture
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 accurate evaluation of grasping responses under simulated interferences, providing comprehensive data for clinical assessment and diagnosis of hand function.
Implementation Method 1
the bob becomes disengaged from the positioning module, falls downwardly relative to the base mechanism
Implementation Method 2
simultaneously pulls down the traction rope
Data Source
AI summary
A grasping-response evaluation system includes: a base mechanism; a positioning module mounted in the base mechanism; a controlling device operable to control the positioning module to switch between the grasping and releasing states; a bob to be engaged with the positioning module in the grasping state; and a traction rope connected between the bob and the base mechanism. When the positioning module switches from the grasping state to the releasing state, the bob becomes disengaged from the positioning module, falls downwardly relative to the base mechanism, and simultaneously pulls down the traction rope. When a grasping-data collecting device removably disposed on the base mechanism and connected to the traction rope is lifted by a user's hand, it pulls up the traction rope, and measures a grasping force of the user's hand.