Robotic Hand Actuation for Safe Sign Language
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic systems that mimic human sign languages are not safe and convenient for independent DeafBlind users, as they often require high grip strength and do not effectively utilize the full arm or body for signing, posing a risk of injury and lacking in flexibility and precision.
Innovation Solution
A robotic apparatus with controlled movement of appendages, including digits with multiple joints actuated by servo, motor, or linear actuators, and a user interface with feedback mechanisms, allowing precise and safe manipulation of various parts to mimic human sign language, including gestures involving the arm, body, and head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pneumatic systems are used to mimic human sign language, then flexibility and precision are improved, but safety deteriorates due to compressed air hazards in consumer homes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pneumatic actuation with direct electric actuation using motors and servos. This substitution eliminates compressed air hazards while maintaining the ability to achieve precise finger and joint movements required for sign language. The electric motors provide controlled torque directly to the joints without the safety risks associated with high-pressure gas systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary between the user interface and the actuators. This controller processes user input and generates appropriate motor commands, enabling flexible and precise control of finger movements while using safe electric actuators instead of dangerous pneumatic systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If directly actuated systems are used to enable precise control of individual finger joints, then manufacturing precision is improved, but grip strength becomes excessively high causing injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different actuation characteristics to different parts of the hand. Fingers use high-precision servo motors for accurate sign language movements, while the grip mechanism uses separately controlled motors that can independently regulate force. This allows precise finger control without necessarily applying full grip strength during signing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control where actuator parameters such as speed, position, and force are continuously adjusted based on real-time requirements. During sign language communication, the system uses precise positional control at low forces, while during gripping tasks, it adjusts to appropriate force levels, preventing injury while maintaining capability.
3Device complexity
If only the hand is focused for sign language, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates since arm, body, and head are required for complete signing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional robotic system that can perform both hand-based sign language and full-body gestures. The robotic body includes articulated arms, torso, and head components that can all be controlled to perform signing movements. This universal design allows the same system to handle both simple finger signs and complex full-body expressions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the robotic system into segmented functional modules: hand/finger actuators for detailed signing, arm actuators for positional gestures, torso actuators for body orientation, and head actuators for facial expression coordination. Each segment can be independently controlled but works together to achieve complete sign language communication.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique for actuating a robotic apparatus is disclosed. In one particular embodiment, the technique may be realized as an apparatus for providing controlled movement of a robotic appendage, comprising a digit, wherein the digit comprises a first joint and a second joint, and an actuator configured to control a degree of freedom of the digit. The actuator causes the first joint to bend at a first rate from a first position to a second position and the second joint to bend at a second rate from a third position to a fourth position. The first rate is faster than the second rate.