The SAExo (Strength Amplifying Exoskeleton) is, in the most basic of terms, a glove that amplifies a patient's grip/pinch strength.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two different conceptual exoskeleton structures, Favetto et. al.

Who is this for?

 

Over 8,000,000 Americans alone are either suffering from muscular disorders such as multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy or have been left disabled by other means such as surviving a stroke as it is known that strokes cause long term disability in patients. These conditions inhibit the patient's ability to perform functional movements.

 

Multiple sclerosis develops through autoimmune attacks on the central nervous system. The lipoprotein, myelin, that surrounds the nerve axons are the main target of these attacks. Myelin is neccessary for proper functioning of the nervous system since it increases the conductivity along the axons. Therefore when myelin becomes damaged from the autoimmune attacks, the conductivity is disrupted, and neurological complications occur.

 

Muscular dystrophy is characterized as genetic disorder that mostly affects children. There are many variations of muscular dystrophy, but each cause voluntary muscles to degrade and weaken. In most cases, patients are in wheelchairs before reaching adolesence.

 

Objectives

 

The objectives will drive the design of the SAExo. Specific Design Requirements can be found by clicking the tab labeled "DESIGN".

 

The SAExo will be designed in order to restore hand functions back to patients suffering from muscular disorders. The SAExo will operate by utilization of force sensors and motors. When the patient initiates a gripping or pinching movement, the force sensing resistor will convert the mechanical force into an electrical signal. This signal will then be processed through a microcontroller (AA battery-powered Arduino Uno). The microcontroller will then send an output signal to the motors which will then cause the motors to operate, which will in turn strengthen the patient's grip.

 

The SAExo shall be programmed to provide the user with different hand positions as well so that the user can grip various objects.

 

Additionally, the glove must be light enough so that the device is comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. Additionally, 75% of the device shall be located on the arm of the individual so that the bulk of the weight is not placed on the hand itself. Furthermore, the glove shall be water/shockproof to further improve the practicality of the device.

 

The SAExo project will be developed by The College of New Jersey students Carmen Cincotti, Christina Rabolli, Shaun O'Donnell, and Gabriela Zapata. The team will be under the supervision of Dr. Brett BuSha, PhD.

 

 

 

REFERENCES

 

Mathiowetz, Virgil, Nancy Kashman, Gloria Volland, Karen Weber, Mary Dowe, Sandra, Rogers. “Grip and Pinch Strength: Normative Data for Adults.” Occupational Therapy Program, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Milwaukee. WI

 

Cempini, Marco, Mario Cortese, and Nicola Vitiello. "A Powered Finger-Thumb Wearable Hand Exoskeleton with Self-Aligning Joint Axes." IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics : 1-12.

 

Stavric, A Verna, and Peter J McNair. "Optimizing muscle power after stroke: a cross-sectional study." Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation 2012, 9:67.

 

MA, Zhou, and Pinhas Ben-Tzvi. "RML Glove - An Exoskeleton Glove Mechanism with Haptics Feedback." IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics : 1-12.

 

Rolak, Loren A. "Multiple Sclerosis: It’s Not The Disease You Thought It Was" Clinical Medicine & Research January 1, 2003 1:1 57-60 

 

Favetto et. al. "Embedding an Exoskeleton Hand in the Astronaut’s EVA Glove: Feasibility and Ideas" International Journal of Aerospace Sciences 2012;  1(4): 68-76.

 

Lee, Sang Wook, Katlin A. Landers, and Hyung-Soon Park. "Development of a Biomimetic Hand Exotendon Device (BiomHED) for Restoration of Functional Hand Movement

Post-Stroke." IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics : 1-13. 

 

Jones, Christopher L., Furui Wang, Robert Morrison, Nianjan Sarkar, and Derek G. Kamper. “Design and Development of the Cable-Actuated Finger Exoskeleton for Hand Rehabilitation Following Stroke.” IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics 19.1 (2014) : 131-140.

 

“Arduino Uno.” Arduino. Web.

 

“Why Lifeproof: One Case – Four Proofs.” Lifeproof. Web.

​ABOUT