Modular Hand Rehabilitation Robot with Plug-in Therapy Tools

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hand rehabilitation robots are bulky, non-portable, and costly due to their complexity and requirement of multiple actuators or simple robots for different hand functions, making them unsuitable for clinical adoption and user mobility.

Innovation Solution

A modular and portable plug-and-train robot using a single actuator with a plug-in mechanism for various therapy tools, including an electromagnetic clutch, mechanical shutter lock, or Bowden Cable, and an instrumented armrest to measure compensatory forces, allowing for easy attachment and detachment of therapy tools and providing a compact, cost-effective solution for hand rehabilitation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple simple robots or one complex robot is used for training different hand functions, then hand rehabilitation therapy can be provided, but the device becomes bulky, non-portable, and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehand rehabilitation therapy capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single robotic device is designed to perform multiple hand rehabilitation functions through interchangeable therapy tools. The device can train various hand functions (grasp, pinch, release, wrist movements) by attaching different passive therapy tools to a common actuator platform, eliminating the need for multiple specialized robots.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic system is divided into modular components: a central actuator unit and separate passive therapy tools. This segmentation allows the therapy tools to be easily attached and detached from the actuator, enabling the device to be compact when not in use and adaptable for different therapy needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple simple robots or one complex robot is used for training different hand functions, then hand rehabilitation therapy can be provided, but the device becomes costly and unsuitable for clinical adoption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehand rehabilitation therapy capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A single robotic device is designed to perform multiple hand rehabilitation functions through interchangeable therapy tools. The device can train various hand functions (grasp, pinch, release, wrist movements) by attaching different passive therapy tools to a common actuator platform, eliminating the need for multiple specialized robots.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple therapy functions are merged into a single device by combining a shared actuator system with various passive therapy tools. This consolidation reduces the overall system cost compared to deploying multiple independent robots, making the solution more affordable for clinical adoption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional rehabilitation robots are used for hand training, then therapy can be provided, but the device cannot be easily moved to the user for providing hand rehabilitation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehand rehabilitation therapy capabilityVSAvoiddevice portability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic system is divided into modular components: a central actuator unit and separate passive therapy tools. This segmentation allows the therapy tools to be easily attached and detached from the actuator, enabling the device to be compact when not in use and adaptable for different therapy needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The passive therapy tools are extracted as separate components from the actuator system. This extraction allows the tools to be stored separately or attached only when needed, significantly reducing the weight and bulk of the device during transport while maintaining full therapy capability when assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 modular and portable plug-and-train robot enables efficient and cost-effective hand rehabilitation by allowing multiple hand movements with a single actuator, easy tool changes, and real-time force feedback, enhancing portability and usability in both clinical and home settings.

Implementation Method 1

the electromagnetic clutch uses an electromagnetic force to connect the therapy tool to the actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentUS20240293279A1Modular and portable plug-and-train robot for providing hand rehabilitation

Publication Date: 2024.09.05 INDIAN INST OF TECH MADRAS

AI summary

Embodiments herein provide a modular and portable plug-and-train robot (1000) for providing hand rehabilitation. The modular and portable plug-and-train robot (1000) includes a housing (100) and a power source (200) for powering the modular and portable plug-and-train robot (1000) to provide the hand rehabilitation. The modular and portable plug-and-train robot (1000) also includes an actuator (300) mounted within the housing (100) and connected to the power source (200) for providing movements to the modular and portable plug-and-train robot (1000). Then the modular and portable plug-and-train robot (1000) includes a plug-in apparatus (400) for coupling the actuator (300) and a therapy tool (500) and an instrumented armrest (600) connected to the housing (100) for determining compensatory forces applied by a forearm of the user during the hand rehabilitation. The therapy tool (500) provides a single DOF movement to a hand for the hand rehabilitation.