Prosthetic Hand Radar Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prosthetic hands face challenges in accurately identifying and grasping objects due to limitations in determining object properties such as dimensions, material, position, and orientation, especially in harsh environments like darkness or smoke.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic hand equipped with a first radar module at the wrist joint and a second radar module on a finger, using frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar technology, to receive and process radar signals for determining geometric properties and material classification, respectively, with the aid of processing units and inertial measurement units for accurate positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sensor means are mounted on the prosthetic hand to detect objects, then basic object detection is possible, but the ability to accurately determine object properties such as dimensions, material, position, and orientation in harsh environments is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides object detection into two distinct phases with specialized radar modules: a first radar module at the wrist for transport phase (determining position, orientation, dimensions) and a second radar module on the finger for grip phase (determining material). This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall measurement precision while maintaining effectiveness in harsh environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional optical or contact-based sensors with radar technology. Radar signals can penetrate darkness, smoke, and other adverse conditions that hinder optical sensors, while avoiding the need for physical contact that might contaminate or damage delicate sensors in harsh environments.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensor types are added to improve object property detection, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs radar technology as a universal sensing platform that can determine multiple object properties (position, orientation, dimensions, material) through a single physical modality. This multi-functionality approach avoids the complexity of integrating multiple specialized sensors while achieving comprehensive object characterization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the radar detection function into two specialized modules placed at different locations: the first radar module at the wrist for macroscopic object properties (position, orientation, dimensions) and the second radar module on the finger for microscopic properties (material). This segmentation distributes complexity across modular components rather than concentrating all sensing functions in one complex unit.
3Measurement precision
If radar modules are attached at multiple locations on the prosthetic hand, then object property determination accuracy improves, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system activates radar modules selectively based on the operational phase: the first radar module operates during the transport phase to locate and characterize the object, then the second radar module activates during the grip phase for material identification. This time-segmented operation reduces total energy consumption compared to continuous operation of multiple modules, while maintaining high measurement precision through coordinated use of both modules.
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
Enhances the grasping procedure by enabling precise determination of object properties and material identification, allowing for effective gripping even in adverse conditions, through the use of radar modules and machine learning techniques for signal processing and classification.
Implementation Method 1
a first radar module which is attached to the prosthetic hand at a wrist joint of the prosthetic hand, wherein the first radar module is configured to receive a first radar signal reflected by a target object
Implementation Method 2
receive a first radar signal reflected by a target object
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
A prosthetic hand having a first radar module (5) attached the prosthetic hand at a wrist joint (2) of the prosthetic hand, wherein the first radar module is configured to receive a first radar signal reflected by a target object (7) and generate a first property signal based on the received first radar signal, and the prosthetic hand further comprises a second radar module (6) attached to a finger (3) of the prosthetic hand, wherein the second radar module is configured to receive a second radar signal reflected by the target object and generate a second property signal based on the received second radar signal. The invention furthermore concerns a method to be carried out with said prosthetic hand, wherein in a transport phase the first radar module receives the first radar signal reflected by the target object and the wrist moves towards the target object, and in a grip phase the second radar module receives the second radar signal reflected by the target object based on which a material of the target object is determined and at least one finger of the prosthetic hand forms to grip the target object.