| dc.description.abstract | User centered design is an apt process for developing assistive devices, as user needs
are given the utmost importance in this approach. On studying current, state of the art hand rehabilitation devices, it was inferred that there exists a need for a compact and portable hand rehabilitation device – one suitable for patients with adversely limited active range of motion of the hand. This thesis proposes a novel hand-held, portable device that is composed of a fully actuated rotor-gimbal assembly (US Patent Application: 62/413,130). The simultaneous motion of the rotor and gimbal results in a controlled gyroscopic torque that acts on the user’s hand. Based on the hand’s strength and mobility, the user may either synchronize the hand movement with that compelled by the device or restrict it. While the former results in the relaxation of muscles, the latter can potentially increase muscle co-ordination and muscle strength. The target specifications of the device were determined through interviews with personnel specialized in the field of hand rehabilitation. A working principle of the device was then established via a proof-of-concept model and mathematical simulations, which were further used to firm up the design parameters. The dynamic analysis of the device was then conducted to attest the structural integrity. Also, the range of forces imposed by the device on the hand were evaluated to be within safe measures through simulation and consecutive comparison with existing literature. Future work includes fabricating the final device and evaluating its performance via experiments with human subjects.
hand were evaluated to be within safe measures through simulation and consecutive comparison with existing literature. Future work includes fabricating the final device and evaluating its performance via experiments with human subjects. | en |
