Partial Hand Prosthesis: Experimental Functions

Fay, Brian; Reid, Luke; Fisher, Andrew; Dressler, Nicole

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Partial Hand Prosthesis: Experimental Functions

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Most partial hand prosthetics made today are non-functional, providing aesthetics rather than dexterity. Prosthetics that provide dexterity are only available for either full hand amputations or finger amputations with a remaining proximal phalanx. The purpose of this project is to fill that gap. This MQP worked in conjunction with the Partial Hand Prosthetic: Core Function MQP to expand upon last year’s Partial Hand Prosthetic MQP to integrate haptic feedback systems, allow for variable compression, and enhance thumb control. To continue to improve the partial hand prosthetic design we created a web interface allowing customization of the prosthetic’s behavior, sensors determining compression on the prosthetic fingers to control vibro haptic feedback to the user, a harness which the user can control the tightness of, and increased thumb positioning accuracy via an array of hall effect sensors. Through qualitative and quantitative testing, the device has demonstrated its ability to give feedback while restoring dexterity.

This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

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