Affiliations: WILMER Group, Delft University of Technology, Department of Medical Technology & Mechanics, Mekelweg 2, 2628 CD Delft, The Netherlands
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Dick H. Plettenburg, Delft University of Technology, Department of Medical Technology & Mechanics, Mekelweg 2, 2628 CD Delft, The Netherlands. Tel.: +31 15 278 5615; Fax: +31 15 278 4717; E-mail: d.h.plettenburg@wbmt.tudelft.nl.
Abstract: Many prostheses are not being used because of the discrepancy between the expectations of patients with an arm defect and the reality. A patient wants and expects a prosthesis that looks naturally beautiful, that is comfortable to wear and that is easy to use. None of the existing prostheses fulfills all these demands. Based on patient preference and considerations from control theory, a program for the development of voluntary closing hand prostheses is proposed. Advantages are intuitive operation, accurately controllable pinch force, and inherently good quality feedback of force and motion. Several steps have been undertaken already. Scientific and patent literature has been collected, psychophysical measurements are commenced to establish optimal force perception, rolling-link mechanisms have been studied and developed, and statically balanced spring mechanisms have been investigated and implemented. Furthermore, a preliminary prototype has been manufactured. The design is based on optimal force transmission, and features adaptive fingers, rolling joints, glove compensation, and a special operating pattern. It is intended to develop this prototype into a clinical version and conduct an evaluation study.
Keywords: hand prosthesis, voluntary closing, control, extended physiological proprioception
