Mechanical Prosthetic Finger With Conductive Touch Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Amputees face impaired hand performance and difficulty with precise tasks due to missing fingers or finger segments, as existing prosthetic solutions do not adequately mimic natural finger motion or enable interaction with capacitive touch screens.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical prosthetic finger comprising a distal phalange, middle phalange, and proximal phalange ring, secured by rods and hinges, with soft pads and an articulation cable for realistic motion, and a conductive thread loop for capacitive touch screen interaction, allowing customization and natural movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a prosthetic finger device is designed to mimic natural finger motion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic finger employs dynamic hinges that allow the distal and middle phalanges to rotate and articulate relative to each other, enabling natural bending and curling motions. The hinges transform the static structure into a dynamic system that adapts to user movement intentions, improving ease of operation while maintaining manageable complexity through mechanical simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthetic finger is divided into three distinct segments: distal phalange, middle phalange, and proximal phalange ring. Each segment is independently articulated through hinges, allowing controlled movement of individual finger portions. This segmentation enables realistic finger motion while keeping each component relatively simple in design.
2Ease of operation
If a mechanical prosthetic finger is designed with realistic motion capabilities, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic hinge mechanism allows for realistic finger motion through controlled rotation and articulation of finger segments. The hinges are designed to permit natural bending paths without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances, as the mechanical design accommodates reasonable variations while maintaining functional realism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a conductive thread loop is added for touch screen interaction, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic finger is designed to perform multiple functions: basic gripping and manipulation through realistic motion, and capacitive touch screen interaction through the conductive thread loop. This multi-functionality allows a single device to serve both traditional prosthetic purposes and modern digital interface requirements, improving adaptability without requiring separate specialized devices.
4Ease of operation
If soft pads are added to mimic real finger texture, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Soft pads are applied specifically to the distal and middle phalanges where contact with objects occurs, providing realistic texture and tactile feedback only where needed. This localized application of soft materials improves ease of operation for gripping and manipulation tasks while minimizing the overall complexity increase, as the soft pads are simple add-on components rather than integrated complex systems.
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
Enables users to perform precise tasks and interact with touch screens effectively, providing natural movement and comfort, with customization options for varying amputation levels and potential surgical implantation for bone injuries.
Implementation Method 1
The touch screen mechanism 10 allows the user to conduct their own body current and direct it towards the tip of the prosthetic finger
Data Source
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AI summary
In reference to FIG. 1, a prosthetic finger that is able to provide independent natural movement to mimic a real finger. The present invention utilizes unique connections between a distal phalange (1), a middle phalange (2), and a proximal phalange ring (3) to provide users with natural movement and restore their ability to perform activities that require the full dexterity of their hands. The prosthetic finger utilizes a unique proximal phalange yoke (31) in conjunction with the middle phalange (2) to provide the natural movements of a normal finger. Additionally, an embedded touch screen mechanism (10) on the prosthetic finger also allows users to interact with touch screens that normally would not work due to the insulating properties of other traditional prosthetic fingers.