Journal of the Robotics Society of Japan
Online ISSN : 1884-7145
Print ISSN : 0289-1824
ISSN-L : 0289-1824
Paper
Low-Cost and Lightweight Trans-Radial Prosthesis with Three Opposed Fingers Considering Functionality and Design
Masahiro YoshikawaYuya TaguchiShin SakamotoShunji YamanakaYoshio MatsumotoTsukasa OgasawaraNoritaka Kawashima
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2014 Volume 32 Issue 5 Pages 456-463

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Abstract
At present, there are body-powered hooks and myoelectric prosthetic hands that trans-radial amputees can use for work. Though the body-powered hook has good workability in detailed works, the design of the hook spoils its appearance and the harness impairs the feelings of wearing. The myoelectric prosthetic hand has a natural appearance similar to the human hand and intuitive operability with a myoelectric control system. However, it is high cost and heavyweight. Because of these problems, many amputees use cosmetic prostheses especially in Japan. In this paper, we report a low-cost and lightweight electric prosthesis with three opposed fingers considering functionality and design. A simple mechanism to control fingers by a linear actuator contributes to satisfactory workability, lightweight, and low cost. A control system using an inexpensive distance sensor allows intuitive operability as the myoelectric sensor at low cost. A socket is easily removable so that users can wear properly as the situation demands. It has a sophisticated appearance as a tool and can be produced by a 3D printer. The total weight of the hand and socket is 300[g]. Evaluation tests utilizing Southampton Hand Assessment Procedure (SHAP) demonstrated that developed prosthesis was effective to operate light objects for daily use.
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© 2014 The Robotics Society of Japan
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