Abstract
The need for further development of prosthetic hands with enhanced
functionalities and better cosmetic appearance than conventional prosthetic hands
became evident in many investigations of this topic [1-3]. Consequently, a new
generation of multi-articulated hands for prosthetic application were designed in
the
past decade. Some of these hands are characterized by a multitude of miniature DC
gear motors integrated into the hand [4-8], or by an underactuated mechanism driven
by a single DC motor [4,9]. However, the transition from an experimental hand to a
clinically viable hand is a crucial test for any new development. Different approaches
using fluidic actuators were chosen by [10] and by our research group [11]. Unlike
[10], we do not use a pneumatic drive system powered by pressurized CO2 from
disposable cartridges, but a compact electro-hydraulic system. Its components are
micropump(s), microvalve(s), a reservoir, a controller, and small flexible fluidic
actuators integrated into the finger joints. The flexible fluidic actuators expand
during
inflation, generating the flexion movement of the digits, whereas the extension
movement is achieved by elastic elements [11]. Publications on standards for
prosthetic hands and criteria to meet user requirements [1-3, 12] were analyzed and
taken into consideration in designing new experimental hands. The results obtained
in the first year with three hydraulically driven experimental hands are displayed
and
test experiences are presented.
Citation
Proceedings of the MEC’05 conference, UNB; 2005.
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