Need for ExoFlex:
Currently in the United States, there are 900,000 people suffering from severe motor impairment, specifically grasping. The ExoFlex orthotic device is designed to give patients suffering from impaired hand motor function an assistive device for rehabilitation purposes.
Project Scope:
Develop an exoskeletal hand prototype for the rehabilitation of stroke patients who have lost or limited hand and/or finger movements. The device will consist of:
· An exoskeleton frame to be worn by the user
· A method of automated hand motor function that will allow mechanical manipulation of the frame, and therefore, the subject’s hand
· A computer controlled interface for automation so that movement can be controlled electronically
· An independent power source allowing the subject to move around unhindered by plug-in wires
The device will be strong enough to manipulate the subject’s hand, even with varying levels of spasticity, without injuring the wearer. Patient safety and comfort will be accommodated for by obtaining feedback from experts and stroke patients at The Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis. The exoskeleton will also be adjustable so that it can conform to many, if not all, hand sizes. In addition to the device, a defined procedure will be developed for efficiently attaching the orthotic to the subject’s hand.
The entire list of mechanical plans and diagrams will be developed with Computer Aided Drawings so that the device can potentially be built by an outside company.
· An exoskeleton frame to be worn by the user
· A method of automated hand motor function that will allow mechanical manipulation of the frame, and therefore, the subject’s hand
· A computer controlled interface for automation so that movement can be controlled electronically
· An independent power source allowing the subject to move around unhindered by plug-in wires
The device will be strong enough to manipulate the subject’s hand, even with varying levels of spasticity, without injuring the wearer. Patient safety and comfort will be accommodated for by obtaining feedback from experts and stroke patients at The Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis. The exoskeleton will also be adjustable so that it can conform to many, if not all, hand sizes. In addition to the device, a defined procedure will be developed for efficiently attaching the orthotic to the subject’s hand.
The entire list of mechanical plans and diagrams will be developed with Computer Aided Drawings so that the device can potentially be built by an outside company.