A Next-Generation Split Hook Prehensor with Enhanced Grasp Functionality

具有增强抓取功能的下一代分体钩预抓器

• 批准号: 8244585
• 负责人: BRADLEY D VEATCH
• 金额: $ 0.1万
• 依托单位: INVISIBLE HAND ENTERPRISES, LLC
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 财政年份: 2008
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2008-05-08 至 2011-06-30
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/8244585
• 关键词: Next; Generation; Split; Hook; Prehensor

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Owing to certain intrinsic advantages, a surprisingly large number of upper-extremity amputees prefer simple cable operated prostheses and split hook terminal devices for many activities. For disadvantaged amputees in the United States and in developing countries, such systems often present the only viable restorative option. ADA Technologies and its supporting network of amputees and prosthetists believe a powerful way to help these users is to create a lightweight, robust, and corrosion resistant new split hook offering two refreshing functional improvements: 1) a means to readily adjust pinch force to match task need and to minimize the muscular energy expended effecting grasp; and 2) more visually appealing gripping contours that deliver stable, quality grasp without damaging the user's possessions. Consistent with ADA's mission to develop innovative new conventional prosthetic technologies that benefit users worldwide, the Primary Objective of this SBIR program is to create a versatile next-generation split hook terminal device that delights upper-extremity amputees in the United States and abroad and that can be manufactured for low cost to facilitate global distribution. In Phase I, functional grasping contours developed through previous research were combined with an innovative pinch force adjustment mechanism in a visually appealing design. Collaboration with outside fabricators ensured this design fully leverages materials and processes to minimize manufacturing cost. Field trials of the prototype device verify it delivers excellent grasp functionality, and evaluators enthusiastically praised its adjustable pinch force capability. Because ADA's split hook is lightweight and requires on average 53% less energy to operate than benchmark units, the company's expert advisors believe the device will significantly benefit transhumeral and at-risk amputees plagued by cumulative trauma injuries and trapezius muscle pathologies arising from prosthesis usage. Moreover, the device's low manufacturing cost, robustness, and immunity to galvanic corrosion make it ideal for disadvantaged amputees in developing countries, over 82% of whom survive by agrarian occupations. Phase II comprises establishing manufacturing infrastructure and validating the performance of production hardware under strenuous conditions representative of subsistence farming and ranching. Clinical testing with transhumeral amputee subjects will examine potential benefits of the device for these users. The company will also complete tasks required by law to launch its split hook as a commercial product into the worldwide marketplace. Phase III encompasses manufacturing and supplying the split hook to clinicians and humanitarian agencies in the United States and in developing countries. In keeping with the spirit and intent of the SBIR program, this approach maximally leverages NIH funding to directly benefit men and women who must cope daily with the limitations and consequences of upper-limb deficiencies. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: In the United States and developing countries, affordable upper-extremity prosthetic components are much needed as escalating costs and increasing technological sophistication have for many amputees placed most existing products out of reach. The split hook technology described here incorporates key functional innovations while leveraging new materials and manufacturing processes to benefit amputees who prefer conventional prostheses and those for whom few or no other options exist. The device is designed to delight users, improving their quality of life by helping them become or remain productive members of society through renewed self-sufficiency, sense of purpose, and personal dignity.

描述（由申请人提供）：由于某些固有的优点，令人惊讶的是，大量上肢截肢者更喜欢使用简单的缆线操作假肢和开口钩终端装置来进行许多活动。对于美国和发展中国家的弱势截肢者来说，此类系统通常是唯一可行的恢复选择。 ADA Technologies 及其截肢者和假肢专家支持网络相信，帮助这些用户的一个有效方法是创建一种轻质、坚固且耐腐蚀的新型分体钩，提供两项令人耳目一新的功能改进：1) 一种可以轻松调整捏力以匹配任务的方法需要并尽量减少影响抓握的肌肉能量消耗； 2) 更具视觉吸引力的抓握轮廓，可提供稳定、高质量的抓握，而不会损坏用户的财物。与 ADA 开发创新的新型传统假肢技术、造福全球用户的使命相一致，该 SBIR 计划的主要目标是创建一种多功能的下一代分叉钩终端装置，让美国和国外的上肢截肢者感到高兴，并且可以以低成本制造以促进全球分销。在第一阶段，通过先前的研究开发的功能性抓握轮廓与创新的捏力调节机制以视觉上吸引人的设计相结合。与外部制造商的合作确保了该设计充分利用材料和工艺来最大限度地降低制造成本。原型设备的现场试验验证了它具有出色的抓握功能，评估人员热情赞扬了其可调节捏力的能力。由于 ADA 的分体钩重量轻，运行时所需的能量比基准装置平均少 53%，因此该公司的专家顾问认为，该设备将极大地造福那些因使用假肢而受到累积创伤和斜方肌病变困扰的经肱骨和高危截肢者。此外，该设备制造成本低、坚固耐用且抗电偶腐蚀，使其成为发展中国家弱势截肢者的理想选择，其中超过 82% 的截肢者以农业为生。第二阶段包括建立制造基础设施并在自给农业和牧场等艰苦条件下验证生产硬件的性能。对经肱骨截肢者进行的临床测试将检查该设备对这些用户的潜在好处。该公司还将完成法律要求的任务，将其 split hook 作为商业产品推向全球市场。第三阶段包括为美国和发展中国家的临床医生和人道主义机构制造和供应分裂钩。为了与 SBIR 计划的精神和意图保持一致，这种方法最大限度地利用 NIH 的资金，使每天必须应对上肢缺陷的限制和后果的男性和女性直接受益。公共健康相关性：在美国和发展中国家，迫切需要负担得起的上肢假肢部件，因为成本不断上升和技术日益复杂，对许多截肢者来说，大多数现有产品都遥不可及。这里描述的分体钩技术融合了关键的功能创新，同时利用新材料和制造工艺，使那些喜欢传统假肢的截肢者以及很少或根本没有其他选择的截肢者受益。该设备旨在让用户感到高兴，通过帮助他们重新获得自给自足、使命感和个人尊严，成为或保持社会生产力，从而提高他们的生活质量。