Prefabrication design of an actuated exoskeleton for traumatized and paralytic hands

Partial Paralysis often occurs due to spinal cord injuries, which generally means some functionality loss in the hands of the affected. This paper covers a novel model design of an exoskeleton which will restore hand use for basic daily activities such as gripping and pinching. This also has applications for individuals who may be physically weaker such as the elderly or those with neuromuscular diseases. The design is economical to manufacture and hence affordable to the commoner. The structure is made of lightweight materials and the design is based closely on tendon actuation, which is how the human hand functions. Four servo motors are used to close and open the grip, with the thumb fixed in a specific position, which can be adjusted manually. Threads are used to actuate the exoskeleton structure by the servo motors.