Industrial Consultancy & Sponsored Research (IC&SR) , IIT Madras
Artificial Hand for Prosthetic Applications
Categories for this Invention
Category – Advanced Prosthetics, Assistive Technology
Applications – Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy, Assistive Devices
Industry – Medical Devices and Prosthetics
Market – Limb Prosthetics Market size is projected to reach USD 2754.8 Million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.7%
Image Gallery
Problem Statement
- Designing prosthetic hands to mimic human dexterity is complex and requires balancing mechanical simplicity with functionality.
- Reducing the number of motors in prosthetic hands is challenging, as fewer motors increase control complexity and affect power requirements and battery size.
- Prosthetic hands need to be lightweight for user comfort but often face challenges in weight due to motors and batteries, which complicates design and increases costs.
Technology
Modular Finger Movement:
- The artificial hand features a base with multiple digits, each having a proximal, middle, and distal segment, with tendons and linkage mechanisms enabling precise control and movement of each segment.
Dual Lever Assemblies:
- The hand incorporates two lever assemblies connected to nuts on a leadscrew system, allowing differential motion and tension adjustment for specific finger sets – one for index, middle, and ring fingers, and another for thumb and little finger.
Advanced Actuation:
- The transmission unit includes multiple motors for controlling flexion, rotation out of the base plane, and in-plane movement of the fingers, with hinged platforms for adjusting the positioning of the thumb and little finger.
Key Features / Value Proposition
1. Enhanced Dexterity:
- Provides complex movement by actuating multiple finger segments, mimicking human hand functionality.
2. Flexible Finger Control:
- Integrates distinct lever assemblies and motors for differential control of finger sets, accommodating various hand functions.
3. Versatile Motor Integration:
- Utilizes multiple motors for precise movement in multiple planes, enhancing the overall functionality and flexibility of the prosthetic.
4. Adjustable Hinged Platforms:
- Allows rotation and adjustment of fingers for a natural hand orientation, improving user comfort and effectiveness.
5. Efficient Transmission Unit:
- Employs a leadscrew and nuts system to minimize the number of motors while ensuring effective tendon tensioning and movement.
6. Multi-Motor Coordination:
- Achieves complex movements with coordinated motor actions for dynamic and accurate finger positioning.
Questions about this Technology?
Contact For Licensing
sm-marketing@imail.iitm.ac.in
ipoffice2@iitm.ac.in
Research Lab
Prof. Asokan T
Department of Engineering Design
Intellectual Property
- IITM IDF RePatentf. 2497
- IN 508507 – Granted
Technology Readiness Level
TRL – 5
Technology validated in relevant environment.