Modular Artificial Hand Kit for Low-Cost Prosthetic Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current prosthetic hands are expensive, complex, and require specialized training to use, making them inaccessible to individuals in low-income countries and those who have lost limbs due to accidents, military combat, or hereditary defects.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost artificial hand kit comprising palm members with rotating finger components, a biasing mechanism, and a coupling system that allows for easy assembly and attachment to an arm stump, enabling quick and effective grasping of objects without extensive training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional prosthetic hands are used, then functional grasping capability is achieved, but cost becomes prohibitive and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic hand is divided into separate modular components including palm members, finger components, and coupling mechanisms that can be assembled from a kit. Each segment can be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining functional capability through the modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive materials such as plastic or composite materials for the palm members and finger components, replacing expensive traditional prosthetic materials. The design accepts that these components may need replacement over time, focusing on cost-effectiveness rather than permanent durability
2Reliability
If traditional prosthetic hands are used, then grasping function is provided, but specialized training is required increasing loss of time
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic hand is designed with intuitive mechanical components that operate through simple user actions such as closing the fingers naturally or using a basic actuation mechanism. The alignment mechanism and coupling system are designed to be self-aligning and easy to attach, eliminating the need for specialized training while maintaining effective grasping function
3Ease of manufacture
If simple finger components are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but alignment precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
An alignment mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component between the palm members and finger components. This alignment mechanism includes guide structures such as grooves, rails, or positioning pins that automatically guide the assembly process, ensuring precise alignment without requiring complex manufacturing tolerances on the simpler components
4Loss of time
If quick fitting is achieved, then loss of time is reduced, but ease of operation may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic hand components are pre-designed with universal coupling mechanisms and alignment features that enable rapid attachment to the amputation site. The coupling system includes pre-formed connection elements and guide structures that facilitate quick fitting without requiring complex procedures, while the overall design maintains ease of operation through intuitive mechanical controls
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 artificial hand is affordable, easy to assemble, and can be quickly fitted to an arm stump, providing functional grasping capabilities at a significantly lower cost than traditional prosthetics, making it accessible to individuals in need worldwide.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing member is configured and dimensioned to be stretched or elongated to allow the palm members and their respective finger components to move to the second, open position to receive an object and to secure the object between the finger components as the biasing member attempts to contract from being stretched or elongated
Data Source
AI summary
An artificial hand, a kit of components for making the artificial hand and a method of making and installing the artificial hand on the arm stump of a person in need thereof. This artificial hand is made of relatively low-cost components and is fairly easy to assemble from a kit of such components. Additionally, the artificial hand can be relatively quickly and easily fit to the arm stump of a person in need thereof so that the person can wear and use the artificial hand immediately without excessive training or instructions.