Mechanical Prosthetic Finger with Conductive Touch Loop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Amputees face impaired hand performance and difficulty with precise tasks due to the loss of a finger, finger segment, or fingertip, as existing solutions fail to provide a prosthetic device that mimics the natural motion and functionality of a real finger, especially in interacting with touch screens.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical prosthetic finger comprising a distal phalange, middle phalange, and proximal phalange ring, secured by rods and hinges, with a soft pad texture and 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 and functionality, then the user's ability to perform precise tasks is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for multiple phalanges, hinges, and articulation cables
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic finger is divided into multiple segments (distal phalange, middle phalange, proximal phalange ring) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the device to replicate the natural multi-joint motion of a real finger while maintaining manageable complexity through modular construction
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates hinges and articulation cables that enable dynamic movement between phalanges, allowing the prosthetic finger to bend and flex naturally. This dynamic design provides realistic motion and dexterity for precise tasks without requiring an overly complex rigid structure
2Ease of operation
If a prosthetic finger is designed with realistic motion and texture, then the user's dexterity and natural movement are improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the prosthetic finger into separate phalanges that can be manufactured independently and then assembled, the design reduces the overall manufacturing precision requirements. Each segment can be produced with standard tolerances and connected through hinges that accommodate minor variations
Solution Approach 2:
The use of soft pads with realistic texture provides the necessary dexterity and natural movement without requiring extremely precise manufacturing. The flexible nature of these pads compensates for minor dimensional variations in the rigid phalange components
3Adaptability or versatility
If a conductive thread loop is added to enable capacitive touch screen interaction, then the device's functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive thread loop is integrated into the existing prosthetic finger structure, combining the touch screen interaction function with the finger's natural form. This merging approach adds functionality without requiring separate control mechanisms or increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive thread loop utilizes the user's own body electricity to interact with capacitive touch screens, eliminating the need for batteries, power sources, or electronic control systems. This self-service approach provides enhanced adaptability without adding complex powered components
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 enhances the user's ability to perform precise tasks and interact with touch screens, providing natural movement and dexterity, with customization options for varying amputation levels and potential surgical implantation for bone injuries, while being aesthetically and functionally similar to a real finger.
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
AI summary
A prosthetic finger that is able to provide independent natural movement to mimic a real finger. The present invention utilizes unique connections to provide users with natural movement and restore their ability to perform activities that require the full dexterity of their hands. Additionally, the present invention also allows users to interact with touch screens that normally would not work due to the insulating properties of other traditional prosthetic fingers.