Prosthetic Finger With Three-Axis Electromagnetic Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing prosthetic devices fail to replicate the complex movements and subtleties of human hands, particularly in repetitive, hazardous, or precision tasks, often leading to inefficiencies and limitations in workplace applications.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic finger design incorporating three axes of movement driven by moving magnet or moving coil actuators, allowing for programmable control of speed, position, and torque, which simulates human finger capabilities by combining rotating and pivoting motions, and includes integrated springs for counterbalancing and permanent 'drag' mechanisms to maintain position without power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional prosthetic devices are used, then the structure is simple, but the ability to replicate complex human hand movements is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic finger is divided into three separate elongate members (proximal, intermediate, and distal phalanges) that can move independently relative to each other. Each segment is controlled by dedicated actuators, enabling complex multi-axis movements that replicate human finger dexterity while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthetic finger incorporates three independent axes of movement with actuators that enable dynamic, programmable control of each degree of freedom. This allows the device to adapt its movement patterns to replicate various human hand tasks, transforming a static structure into a dynamically controllable system that matches human finger capabilities
2Measurement precision
If moving coil and moving magnet actuators are added for precise control, then position and speed control improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical cable-driven actuation systems are replaced with electromagnetic actuators (moving coil and moving magnet types). This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical linkages, pulleys, and cables while providing direct, precise, and programmable control over each degree of freedom, improving measurement precision through electronic control
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator system is designed to provide multiple functions: position control, speed control, and torque control through a unified electromagnetic actuation platform. Both moving coil and moving magnet actuators can perform these functions, reducing the need for separate mechanical systems for each control parameter and managing overall system complexity
3Stability of the object's composition
If integrated springs and drag mechanisms are added for stable positioning, then position stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Integrated springs are incorporated as counterbalancing elements that provide mechanical force to maintain the finger segments in stable positions when power is removed. These springs act as passive counterweights that offset gravitational forces and maintain equilibrium positions, enabling stable positioning without continuous power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The drag mechanisms and spring-based counterbalancing systems are designed to automatically maintain position stability without requiring active control or power input. The system serves itself by using passive mechanical elements that naturally resist movement and maintain equilibrium, eliminating the need for continuous active stabilization
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 prosthetic finger achieves precise and measurable force control, position control, and speed control, closely matching human finger capabilities, enhancing performance in repetitive and hazardous tasks while eliminating the need for moving cables and providing stable positioning.
Implementation Method 1
a first axis of movement, facilitated by a moving magnet
Implementation Method 2
a second axis of movement, generally orthogonal to the first axis, facilitated by a moving coil
Implementation Method 3
includes integrated springs for counterbalancing
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthetic finger, comprising: a first axis of movement comprising a moving magnet; a second axis of movement comprising a moving coil, wherein the second axis is generally orthogonal to the first axis; and a third axis of movement comprising a moving magnet, wherein the third axis of movement is generally oriented in the same direction as the first axis of movement.