Investigation of a passive capstan based grasp enhancement feature in a voluntary-closing prosthetic terminal device.

Body-powered prosthetic terminal devices fall into two main categories: voluntary-closing devices, which require the user to exert a force to maintain a grasp, and voluntary opening devices, which generally utilize springs to close and maintain a force. As a result, voluntary-closing devices often have a locking feature that allows the user to relax and transport objects while maintaining a firm grip. In this paper, we examine a new type of capstan-based passive brake mechanism in a voluntary-closing prosthetic terminal device.

Lightweight custom composite prosthetic components using an additive manufacturing-based molding technique.

Additive manufacturing techniques are becoming more prominent and cost-effective as 3D printing becomes higher quality and more inexpensive. The idea of 3D printed prosthetics components promises affordable, customizable devices, but these systems currently have major shortcomings in durability and function. In this paper, we propose a fabrication method for custom composite prostheses utilizing additive manufacturing, allowing for customizability, as well the durability of professional prosthetics.

Extracorporeal Hypothermic Perfusion Device for Intestinal Graft Preservation to Decrease Ischemic Injury During Transportation.

Introduction: The small intestine is one of the most ischemia-sensitive organs used in transplantation. To better preserve the intestinal graft viability and decrease ischemia-reperfusion injury, a device for extracorporeal perfusion was developed. We present the results for the first series of perfused human intestine with an intestinal perfusion unit (IPU).

Strengthening of 3D printed fused deposition manufactured parts using the fill compositing technique.

In this paper, we present a technique for increasing the strength of thermoplastic fused deposition manufactured printed parts while retaining the benefits of the process such as ease, speed of implementation, and complex part geometries. By carefully placing voids in the printed parts and filling them with high-strength resins, we can improve the overall part strength and stiffness by up to 45% and 25%, respectively. We discuss the process parameters necessary to use this strengthening technique and the theoretically possible strength improvements to bending beam members.

Grasp and force based taxonomy of split-hook prosthetic terminal devices.

In this paper, we analyze the use of the body-powered split-hook prosthetic terminal device, which is the most commonly used upper-limb prosthesis. We developed two taxonomies of split-hook use, one on grasp shape and one on force exertion, illustrating the functional capabilities and use cases of the device. Video captured from an amputee using a body-powered split-hook during a number of common activities was used to lend weight to the completeness of the classifications.

Novel differential mechanism enabling two DOF from a single actuator: application to a prosthetic hand.

There will always be a drive to reduce the complexity, weight, and cost of mobile platforms while increasing their inherent capabilities. This paper presents a novel method of increasing the range of achievable grasp configurations of a mechatronic hand controlled by a single actuator. By utilizing the entire actuator space, the hand is able to perform four grasp types (lateral, precision, precision/power, and power) with a single input resulting in a potentially lighter and simpler hand design.

Mechanical design and performance specifications of anthropomorphic prosthetic hands: a review.

In this article, we set forth a detailed analysis of the mechanical characteristics of anthropomorphic prosthetic hands. We report on an empirical study concerning the performance of several commercially available myoelectric prosthetic hands, including the Vincent, iLimb, iLimb Pulse, Bebionic, Bebionic v2, and Michelangelo hands. We investigated the finger design and kinematics, mechanical joint coupling, and actuation methods of these commercial prosthetic hands.

Performance characteristics of anthropomorphic prosthetic hands.

In this paper we set forth a review of performance characteristics for both common commercial prosthetics as well as anthropomorphic research devices. Based on these specifications as well as surveyed results from prosthetic users, ranges of hand attributes are evaluated and discussed. End user information is used to describe the performance requirements for prosthetic hands for clinical use.