Design, Development and Evaluation of a New Hand Exoskeleton for Stroke Rehabilitation at Home

Year 2021, Volume: 24 Issue: 1, 305 - 314, 01.03.2021

Kasım Serbest Osman Eldoğan

https://doi.org/10.2339/politeknik.725310

Cited By: 2

Abstract

Rehabilitation at home is a growing need worldwide. Previous studies have suggested different devices in terms of motion and force transmission. In this study, we present design and development process of a novel hand exercise exoskeleton. The main advantages of our device that are portable, wearable, light weight (345 grams) and suitable for home use. The greatest feature of the device is the force transmitting mechanism. The spring mechanism manufactured by using commercial compression springs has some advantages in terms of size and weight. In design studies of the device, we have made use of the systematic approach. In this way, the best of three possible design solutions has been determined. Then the best design solution was selected. A few prototypes of the device were manufactured. The device has been tested clinically on both unimpaired individuals and hemiplegic hand patients for a short time. It was reported that the exoskeleton was suited to passive exercises. The result section gives an evaluation of the device in terms of exercises, ergonomics and the market. Additionally, a patent registration certificate was issued to our device for our country.

Keywords

Engineering design, Hand exoskeleton, Rehabilitation at home, Hemiplegic hand, Spring mechanism

Supporting Institution

TÜBİTAK ARDEB

Project Number

115M622

Thanks

This study supported by The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) with project No. 115M622 and Sakarya University Scientific Research Projects Unit with project No. 2014-09-18-001. We thank Prof. Dr. İbrahim Tekeoglu of Sakarya University for contribution to patient trials and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arno H. A. Stienen of Northwestern University for contribution to spring mechanism design of DS 2.

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