Prosthetic Hand Control via Wireless Transceiver Proximity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling motorized prosthetic hands cause fatigue and discomfort due to repeated muscle actions or movements required to manipulate the hand, leading to limited usability over time.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing wireless transceivers and a controller to store and execute manipulation instructions based on proximity to predefined locations, allowing the prosthetic hand to automatically change positions or access a subset of grips without continuous wearer input, using Bluetooth transceivers to communicate and triangulate position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the prosthetic hand is controlled using repeated muscle actions or movements of the wrist or residual digits, then the hand can be manipulated into desired positions and grips, but fatigue and discomfort occur for the hand wearer after a relatively short period of time
Solution Approach 1:
The system stores manipulation instructions in advance and associates them with specific locations through wireless transceivers. When the wearer approaches a predetermined location, the corresponding pre-stored manipulation instruction is automatically executed, eliminating the need for repeated muscle actions to achieve the same position multiple times
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthetic hand system automatically detects the wearer's location through wireless transceivers and autonomously executes the appropriate manipulation instruction without requiring continuous user input. The system serves itself by automatically transitioning between grips and positions based on location detection
2Extent of automation
If multiple manipulation instructions are stored and assigned to different locations, then the hand can automatically change positions based on location, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Wireless transceivers serve as intermediaries between the wearer and the control system. These transceivers are placed at predetermined locations and communicate with the controller to trigger appropriate manipulation instructions, simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling automatic location-based control
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless transceiver system serves multiple functions: it detects wearer location, identifies the appropriate manipulation instruction, and triggers the corresponding motorized component action. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms for each function
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a prosthetic hand having at least one motorized component is provided. The method comprises the steps of providing the hand with a first wireless transceiver and a controller in communication with one another, storing at least one manipulation instruction relating to the at least one component, and assigning a code relating to the at least one manipulation instruction to at least one second wireless transceiver. The at least one second transceiver is placed in a location at which the at least one manipulation instruction is to be given, and the controller manipulates the at least one component in accordance with the at least one manipulation instruction when the first transceiver communicates to the controller that the at least one second transceiver is within a predetermined distance of the first transceiver. Related methods and systems for controlling a prosthetic hand are also provided.