Hand Rehabilitation Device with Segmented Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand rehabilitation devices for metacarpus-phalanx, proximal interphalanx, and distal interphalanx joints are often complex, heavy, and limited in their ability to treat all fingers equally, excluding the thumb and not allowing for individualized or simultaneous movement, making them unsuitable for comprehensive hand rehabilitation, especially for patients with central or peripheral nervous system injuries.
Innovation Solution
A modular, flexible, and adjustable hand rehabilitation device that includes a brace covering the hand and forearm, with flexible rods and actuating means for concurrent bending/extension of all five fingers, allowing for customizable exercises and sequences, and enabling the device to be worn comfortably by patients, including those with nervous system injuries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional CPM rehabilitation devices are used to provide passive motion for hand joints, then joint range of motion is improved and intra-articular adherences are prevented, but the device becomes complex, heavy, and difficult to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the hand into individual finger segments, with each finger having its own independent actuating mechanism. This segmentation allows each finger to be treated separately while using a shared control system, reducing overall complexity while maintaining comprehensive rehabilitation coverage for all fingers including the thumb
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it controls all five fingers simultaneously, allows individual finger selection, provides both passive and active rehabilitation modes, and accommodates different rehabilitation protocols. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate devices
2Device complexity
If traditional devices move multiple fingers with the same movement and timing, then the device structure is simplified, but individualized rehabilitation treatment is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically adapts its operation based on rehabilitation needs. It can switch between simultaneous control of all fingers, individual finger control, and customized movement patterns with variable speeds and ranges. This dynamic adaptability allows the same device structure to provide personalized treatment without requiring multiple specialized devices
3Ease of operation
If the movement system occupies the palm side of the limb, then actuation is achieved, but the device becomes heavy and difficult to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The heavy actuating mechanisms (motors and batteries) are extracted from the palm area and relocated to an external power supply unit. Only lightweight transmission elements (cables and pulleys) remain in contact with the hand, dramatically reducing the weight burden on the patient while maintaining full actuation capability through the external power source
Data Source
AI summary
A hand rehabilitation device is used in rehabilitation therapies, for motility and functionality of the hands. The device has an orthosis, fitted to partially cover a patient's hand and forearm, and flexible rods for a passive and assisted active, concurrent, and/or selective bending or extension of the fingers. Movements are freely settable by an operator. Elements for sliding and supporting of the flexible rods during bending or extension of the fingers include ‘finger socks” or gloves provided with thimbles, fixed rods, or plates to stabilize the thimbles and hinged to move the flexible rods. A movement/command and control unit, integral to, or remoted located relative to, the orthosis is provided with actuators for moving the flexible rods. A tension adjusts the rods and rehabilitation device, adjusting and adapting to the hand s anatomical features.