Split-Hook Prosthetic Hand With Opposable Thumb for Easier Grasping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing prosthetic assistive hand devices have limited functionality and are complex, making them difficult to use and requiring cumbersome removal and installation processes.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic assistive device with a split hook and opposable thumb mechanism, featuring a drive assembly that allows for multiple rotational positions, including pinching, unpinching, grasping, and pulling, and a third end effector that rotates about a transverse axis for enhanced grip and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing prosthetic assistive hand devices are designed with multiple articulations to restore hand functionality, then the functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases making removal and installation cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic device is divided into two main segments: a multi-articulating prosthetic hand and a prosthetic assistive hand device with split hook and opposable thumb. This segmentation allows the user to switch between a natural-looking hand for cosmetic purposes and a functional assistive device for performing tasks, thereby maintaining hand functionality while reducing the complexity of any single device.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthetic assistive hand device incorporates multiple end effectors (first end effector for hook function, second end effector for thumb function, and third end effector for additional grasping) that can perform various tasks. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace multiple specialized tools, improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Ease of operation
If existing prosthetic assistive hand devices are designed with simple structure for ease of use, then ease of operation is improved, but functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic assistive hand device incorporates dynamic elements including a rotatable split hook assembly that can rotate about a first axis to change the angle between end effectors, and a third end effector that can rotate about a transverse axis to move between retracted and extended positions. These dynamic features enhance functionality while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive rotational movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The third end effector is positioned within or adjacent to the split hook structure, allowing it to be nested when not in use. This nesting arrangement maximizes the functional capabilities of the device without increasing its overall size or complexity, maintaining ease of operation while expanding versatility.
3Reliability
If existing prosthetic assistive hand devices are designed with fixed structure for reliability, then reliability is improved, but adaptability to different tasks is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates controlled dynamic elements: the split hook assembly can rotate about a first axis to adjust the angle between end effectors for different grasping configurations, and the third end effector can rotate about a transverse axis to extend or retract as needed. These dynamic features are complemented by fixed structural elements that provide reliable mounting to the user's limb, achieving both reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows changes in geometric parameters such as the angle between end effectors (through rotation of the split hook assembly) and the extension position of the third end effector. These parameter changes enable adaptation to different task requirements while the underlying mechanical structure remains reliable and predictable.
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthetic assistive device configured to attach to a distal end of a natural or prosthetic arm or wrist. The device may include a palm portion. A split hook may be coupled to a distal end of the palm portion. The split hook may comprise a first end effector and a second end effector. The prosthetic device may include a third end effector rotatably coupled to the palm portion at a proximal end of the palm portion. The third end effector may rotate about a transverse axis to pinch and unpinch, as well as rotate about a longitudinal axis to adduct and abduct. A rotating member such as a ring may rotate about a plate for adduction/abduction. The prosthetic device may include a drive assembly configured to rotate one or both of the split hook end effectors about two different axes.