Partial Hand Prosthesis With Palmar Lever and Spring-Cable Grasp
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand prostheses are specialized for single functions, require constant power sources, or are slow to activate, limiting their usability and adaptability in daily activities.
Innovation Solution
A partial hand prosthesis with a palm socket, lever, linkage system, and spring-cable system that allows for fast-acting, intuitive grasping and releasing of objects using palmar pressure, independent of external activation, mimicking finger-like motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If robotic or hydraulic features are used to move functioning digits, then the prosthesis can perform grasping functions, but the device requires constant power source access or is slow to activate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces robotic actuators and hydraulic systems with a purely mechanical spring-cable system. The spring mechanism provides automatic return motion, while the cable transmits force from the lever to the finger linkage, eliminating the need for external power sources while maintaining fast activation response.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-cable system is self-actuating through the user's own hand movements. When the user presses their palm against an object, the lever rotates and automatically triggers the spring-cable mechanism to close the finger, without requiring external power or complex control systems.
2Reliability
If specialized devices are used for single purposes, then the device can be optimized for specific functions, but the user must carry multiple devices to adapt to different activities
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis incorporates a universal finger linkage system that can perform multiple grasping functions through a single mechanical mechanism. The same spring-cable system and lever arrangement enable the user to grasp objects of various sizes and shapes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices.
3Ease of operation
If hydraulic devices are used, then the prosthesis can achieve smooth motion control, but the activation is typically slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hydraulic actuators with a mechanical spring-cable system that provides instant response. The spring mechanism stores and releases energy rapidly, enabling fast activation while the cable system transmits this force smoothly to the finger linkage, achieving both speed and control.
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
Provides quick and intuitive grasping and releasing actions without hydraulics, enhancing daily activities and stability, particularly in cycling, by simulating finger-like motion through mechanical means.
Implementation Method 1
The spring-cable system is configured to respond to rotation of the lever
Implementation Method 2
The linkage system is shaped and configured to simulate a finger-like motion in response to activation of the spring-cable system
Implementation Method 3
The lever is pivotally coupled to the palm socket and configured to rotate from a first position to a second position in response to a palmar-facing pressure
Implementation Method 4
The lever is pivotally coupled to the palm socket and configured to rotate from a first position to a second position in response to a palmar-facing pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A partial hand prosthesis has a palm socket, a lever, a linkage system, and a spring-cable system. The palm socket is shaped and configured to engage the contours of a user’s hand, the palm socket having a palmar portion configured to engage a palmar portion of the user’s hand and a dorsal portion configured to engage a dorsal portion of the user’s hand. The lever is pivotally coupled to the palm socket, the lever configured to rotate from a first position to a second position in response to a palmar-facing pressure. The linkage system is shaped and configured to simulate a finger-like motion in response to activation of the spring-cable system. The spring-cable system is configured to respond to rotation of the lever.