Design of a Powered Hand Orthosis (2)

Hebert, Reed Richard; Crowe, Ian J.; Nichols, Brittany Taylor

Student Work

Design of a Powered Hand Orthosis (2) Public

Most hand orthotics are rigid and hold the hand in a fixed position. The goal of this project was to design and manufacture a powered hand orthosis to allow persons with dexterity and strength impairments to regain the hand function necessary for independence. The orthotic developed provided cylindrical and pinch grips, predominantly through a cable system which pulled the fingers closed. Assistance in gripping was provided by the thumb, which was positioned by a geared servo mechanism and closed with a linear actuator. The device was capable of providing the force necessary to perform basic tasks.

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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