Hard Contact Portion for Accurate Finger Force Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing finger joint driving devices face challenges in accurately detecting the force applied to the finger mounting portion due to the dispersion of force caused by the flexibility of the finger during bending or stretching.
Innovation Solution
A finger joint driving device is designed with a force detection unit and a contact portion of increased hardness, positioned between the finger mounting portion and the finger, to efficiently transfer and accurately detect the applied force, featuring a durometer hardness of at least 50 and Rockwell hardness of at least 80, along with a projection portion and a plate-shaped contact portion to enhance detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pressure sensor is provided between the finger and the finger mounting portion to detect the force applied to the finger, then it is possible to detect the force applied to the finger mounting portion from the finger, but the force is dispersed due to finger deformation during bending or stretching, making accurate detection difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A hard contact portion is introduced as an intermediary component between the finger and the pressure sensor. This contact portion has higher hardness than the finger, enabling it to concentrate and transfer the applied force effectively to the pressure sensor, thereby overcoming the force dispersion caused by finger flexibility and deformation during movement.
2Ease of operation
If the contact portion is made softer to match finger flexibility, then comfort is improved, but force transfer efficiency decreases due to force dispersion
Solution Approach 1:
The contact portion is designed with locally optimized properties: the surface in contact with the finger is made hard (durometer hardness ≥50, Rockwell hardness ≥80) to efficiently transfer force, while the overall structure is designed to be plate-shaped and curved to follow the finger's contour, ensuring comfort during wear without compromising force transfer efficiency.
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 device effectively transfers and detects the applied force with high accuracy, reducing discomfort and improving the reliability of force detection, allowing for precise assistance in bending and stretching finger joints.
Implementation Method 1
it is possible to efficiently transfer the force which is applied to the finger mounting portion from the finger to the force detection unit
Data Source
AI summary
A finger joint driving device includes a first base portion that is mounted on an index finger, a pressure sensor that is provided between the first base portion and the index finger when the first base portion is mounted on the index finger, and a contact portion that is provided between the pressure sensor and the index finger and comes in contact with the pressure sensor in the mounted state. In addition, durometer hardness of the contact portion which is measured based on JIS K 6253 is equal to or greater than 50.