Rigid Band Force Anchoring for Tendon Actuated Hand Enhancers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tendon actuated hand enhancers face issues with anchoring forces effectively, often causing discomfort and potential carpal tunnel problems due to soft cuffs and flexing of the hand, and lack a rigid anchoring solution that allows for quick and efficient actuation of artificial tendons.
Innovation Solution
A tendon actuated hand enhancer featuring a rigid but bendable band that circumvents more than half of the hand's circumference, with a pulling point at the carpal and proximal metacarpal bone area, providing a fixed anchoring system that is comfortable and responsive, and includes a recess for thumb mobility and a latch-release mechanism for secure fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a soft cuff is used for anchoring artificial tendons, then the anchoring can be provided, but the cuff deforms and glides up the hand causing discomfort and limiting thumb movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter of the anchoring device from soft/flexible to rigid. The rigid band maintains its shape under load, preventing deformation and upward sliding while providing stable anchoring. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by enabling reliable anchoring without compromising thumb mobility or causing discomfort.
2Reliability
If a soft cuff is used for anchoring, then the anchoring can be provided, but the hand flexes downwards when force is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical property parameter from soft to rigid. The rigid band resists deformation when force is applied to the artificial tendons, preventing the hand from flexing downwards. This maintains the hand in a neutral position while providing reliable force anchoring.
3Productivity
If a rigid wrist frame or plate is used for anchoring, then quick actuation is possible, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only the anchoring portion (the band) rigid while keeping the rest of the hand enhancer soft and flexible. This localized rigidity provides quick actuation and stable anchoring without requiring a completely rigid structure, thereby reducing overall device complexity compared to rigid wrist frames or plates.
4Reliability
If a rigid band circumventing the hand is used, then fixed anchoring without deformation is achieved, but the fit for various hand sizes must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the connection between band ends adjustable rather than fixed. The connection can be adjusted to accommodate different hand circumferences, enabling the rigid band to fit various hand sizes while maintaining its rigidity and anchoring stability during use.
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a~2d
AI summary
A tendon actuated hand enhancer (1) having a force anchoring device (2), comprising a rigid band (8), circumventing more than half of a circumference, but is bendable in the circumferential direction. At least one pulling point (6) for at least one artificial tendon (3) is provided at the force anchoring device (2). The force anchoring device (2) is provided at the tendon actuated hand enhancer (1) at a position corresponding to carpal and proximal portion of metacarpal bones of a user´s hand when the hand enhancer (1) is in use, and a pulling means (4) for pulling the at least one artificial tendon (3) is connected to the hand enhancer (1).