A design approach to the configuration of a prosthetic hand

2015 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 359-370 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Jiang ◽  
Bo Zeng ◽  
Shaowei Fan
Keyword(s):  
Discriminant Function ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Mechanical Design ◽  
Design Method ◽  
Prosthetic Hand ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Prosthetic Hands ◽  
Grasp Stability ◽  
Form Closure ◽  
Closure Theory

Purpose – This paper presents a method to elaborate the selections of these parameters to achieve stable grasps. The performance of a prosthetic hand is mainly determined by its mechanical design. However, the effects of the geometric parameters of the hand configuration and the object sizes on the grasp stability are unknown. Design/methodology/approach – First, the thumb functions of human hands are analyzed based on the anatomical model, and the configuration characteristics of the thumbs for typical prosthetic hands are summarized. Then a method of optimizing the thumb configuration is proposed by measuring the kinematic transmission performance of robotics. On the basis of the thumb configuration analysis, a design method of the prosthetic hand configuration is proposed based on form closure theory. The discriminant function of form closure is used to analyze and determine the hand configuration parameters. Findings – An application of this method – the newly developed HIT V prosthetic hand – elaborates the optimization of the thumb configuration and the hand configuration, where the relation between the key hand configuration parameters and the discriminant function on condition of satisfying form closure, sustained by analytical equations and graphs, is revealed and visualized. An experimental verification shows that it is an effective method to design the prosthetic hand configuration available for grasping typical objects in our daily life. Originality/value – The paper shows how to easily determine the geometric dimensions of the palm, phalanges and hand configuration, so that the desired range of object sizes can be obtained.

Design and slip prevention control of a multi-sensory anthropomorphic prosthetic hand

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bo Zeng ◽  
Hongwei Liu ◽  
Hongzhou Song ◽  
Zhe Zhao ◽  
Shaowei Fan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Upper Limb ◽  
Tactile Feedback ◽  
Prosthetic Hand ◽  
Discrete Wavelet ◽  
Accuracy Rate ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Grasp Stability ◽  
Grasp Force ◽  
Slip Detection

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to design a multi-sensory anthropomorphic prosthetic hand and a grasping controller that can detect the slip and automatically adjust the grasping force to prevent the slip. Design/methodology/approach To improve the dexterity, sensing, controllability and practicability of a prosthetic hand, a modular and multi-sensory prosthetic hand was presented. In addition, a slip prevention control based on the tactile feedback was proposed to improve the grasp stability. The proposed controller identifies slippages through detecting the high-frequency vibration signal at the sliding surface in real time and the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) was used to extract the eigenvalues to identify slippages. Once the slip is detected, a direct-feedback method of adjusting the grasp force related with the sliding times was used to prevent it. Furthermore, the stiffness of different objects was estimated and used to improve the grasp force control. The performances of the stiffness estimation, slip detection and slip control are experimentally evaluated. Findings It was found from the experiment of stiffness estimation that the accuracy rate of identification of the hard metal bottle could reach to 90%, while the accuracy rate of identification of the plastic bottles could reach to 80%. There was a small misjudgment rate in the identification of hard and soft plastic bottles. The stiffness of soft plastic bottles, hard plastic bottles and metal bottles were 0.64 N/mm, 1.36 N/mm and 32.55 N/mm, respectively. The results of slip detection and control show that the proposed prosthetic hand with a slip prevention controller can fast and effectively detect and prevent the slip for different disturbances, which has a certain application prospect. Practical implications Due to the small size, low weight, high integration and modularity, the prosthetic hand is easily applied to upper-limb amputees. Meanwhile, the method of the slip prevention control can be used for upper-limb amputees to complete more tasks stably in daily lives. Originality/value A multi-sensory anthropomorphic prosthetic hand is designed, and a method of stable grasps control based on slip detection by a tactile sensor on the fingertip is proposed. The method combines the stiffness estimation of the object and the real-time slip detection based on DWT with the design of the proportion differentiation robust controller based on a disturbance observer and the force controller to achieve slip prevention and stable grasps. It is verified effectively by the experiments and is easy to be applied to commercial prostheses.

Sensory system integration of the designed mechatronics Touch Hand

Sensor Review ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 158-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Drew van der Riet ◽  
Riaan Stopforth ◽  
Glen Bright ◽  
Olaf Diegel
Keyword(s):  
Haptic Feedback ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Pressure Sensors ◽  
Sensory System ◽  
Prosthetic Hand ◽  
Prototype System ◽  
Lower Income ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Prosthetic Hands ◽  
Lower Income Countries

Purpose This paper aims to explore the electronic design of the Touch Hand: a low-cost electrically powered prosthetic hand. The hand is equipped with an array of sensors allowing for position control and haptic sensation. Pressure sensors are used on the fingertips to detect grip force. A temperature sensor placed in the fingertip is used to measure the contact temperature of objects. Investigations are made into the use of cantilever vibration sensors to detect surface texture and object slippage. The hand is capable of performing a lateral grip of 3.7 N, a power grip of 19.5 N and to passively hold a weight of up to 8 kg with a hook grip. The hand is also tested on an amputee and used to perform basic tasks. The amputee took 30 min to learn how to operate the hands basic gripping functions. Design/methodology/approach Problems of previous prosthetic hands were investigated, followed by ways to improve or have similar capabilities, yet keeping in mind to reduce the price. The hand was then designed, simulated, developed and then tested. The hand was then displayed to public and tested with an amputee. Findings The Touch Hand’s capabilities with the usage of the low-cost materials, components and sensory system was obtained in the tests that were conducted. The results are shown in this paper to identify the appropriateness of the sensors for a usage while the costs are reduced. Furthermore, models were developed from the results obtained to take into account factors such as the non-slip material. Research limitations/implications The research was restricted to a US$1,000 budget to allow the availability of a low-cost prosthetic hand. Practical implications The Touch Hand had to have the ability to supply the amputee with haptic feedback while allowing the basic grasping of objects. The commercial value is the availability of an affordable prosthetic hand that can be used by amputees in Africa and other Lower-Income countries, yet allowing a more advanced control system compared to the pure mechanical systems currently available. Social implications The Touch Hand has the ability to give amputees affected in war situations the ability to grasp objects in a more affordable manner compared to the current available options. Feedback from amputees about the current features of the Touch Hand was very positive and it proves to be a way to improve society in Lower-Income countries in the near future. A sponsorship program is being developed to assist amputees with the costs of the Touch Hand. Originality/value The contributions of this research is a low-cost prototype system than can be commercialized to allow amputees in the Lower-Income countries to have the ability of a prosthetic hand. A sensory system in the hand is also explained which other low-cost prosthetic hands do not have, which includes temperature, force and vibration. Models of the sensors used that are developed and calibrated to the design of the hand are also described.

A framework for design methods, models and techniques for product and process development

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Scarlette Sanhueza ◽  
Christopher Nikulin
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Process Development ◽  
Design Method ◽  
Design Methods ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Product And Process ◽  
Method Model ◽  
Available Resources

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to address the emerging need to map knowledge and information with a novel classification, suitable to have a clear and integrated overview of the design method, models and techniques from both the sides of product and process. The proposed classification allows to understand main relevance of different design methods, models and techniques according their characteristic and also level in where company usually applied. Design/methodology/approach The authors decided to structure the research into three steps: from the analysis of background literature, in order to draw the main evidences for the development of a novel classification, to their application. First, the papers search related to collect the different methods used in literature. Second, paper characterization which aims to understand main traits and usefulness of design methods, models and tools. Third, the assessment of design methods, models and tools according proposed classification. Findings Each method, model or technique would be more useful according to the context in which is applied. Most of methods and modes can be continuously improving, considering different sub-classification or complement each other, striving to compensate to the extent possible for weakness in any one of the approaches. Research limitations/implications The proposed classification did not deliver absolute results in every analyzed model or techniques, it delivered a wide range of possibilities in every sub-classification, thus the engineers get multiple options to choose depending on its main goal or the available resources. Originality/value The author’s proposal aims at filling a classification gap in the design method literature, which has to plausible in use. The different alternatives can be represented according to a scalable and hierarchical logic embedding also a more structured evaluation of the methods and tools in practice.

Vision by design: a reflexive approach to enterprise regeneration

2008 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 4-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sydney Finkelstein ◽  
Charles Harvey ◽  
Thomas Lawton
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Design Method ◽  
Business Leaders ◽  
Senior Management ◽  
Future Thinking ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Tool ◽  
Strategic Conversation ◽  
Future Vision

PurposeThis paper aims to introduce a strategic visioning method called vision by design and to use the example of Harley‐Davidson's corporate regeneration to illustrate how the method works in practice. This approach conceives visioning as a practical tool of management whose power stems from the facilitation of strategic conversations among stakeholders and the reflexive engagement of business leaders in past‐present‐future thinking.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a four‐dimensional visioning model that facilitates exploration of both the internal and external contexts of the business. The advantage of the approach lies in breaking down vision into its component parts, lending simplicity and structure to the visioning process. The study employs a case study of the turnaround of Harley‐Davidson to illustrate this method.FindingsThe paper finds that, in undertaking corporate regeneration, Harley‐Davidson's senior management recognized the need for a vision that was comprehensive, inclusive and dynamic, but also realistic and grounded in the history and present circumstances of the business. The visioning process at the company was transformational because it ignited a strategic conversation that went beyond the boardroom to include employees, customers, partners and financiers.Originality/valueThe vision by design method adds value by simplifying the visioning process and focusing on a series of transitions, whereby the emerging vision is rooted squarely in business realities. As the picture of a regenerated enterprise is built up, both internal and external contexts are scrutinized, ensuring that the future vision is consistent and complete, attractive externally and deliverable internally.

Improving decision making in CRE alignment, by using a preference-based accommodation strategy design approach

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 239-264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monique Arkesteijn ◽  
Ruud Binnekamp ◽  
Hans De Jonge
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Real Estate ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Design Method ◽  
Design Procedure ◽  
Black Box ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Corporate Real Estate ◽  
Strategy Design

Purpose One of the long-standing issues in the field of corporate real estate management is the alignment of an organisation’s real estate to its corporate strategy. To date, 14 models for corporate real estate (CRE) alignment have been made, as well as four comparative studies about CRE alignment. Some of the CRE alignment models indicate that they strive for maximum or optimum added value. However, because most models take a so-called procedural rationality approach, where the focus is not on the content of the decision but on the way that the decision is made, “how a CRE manager can select an (optimum) alternative” stays a black box. The purpose of this paper is to open the black box and offer a Preference-based Accommodation Strategy (PAS) design procedure that enables CRE managers to design a real estate portfolio, makes use of scales for direct measurement of added value/preference, and allows the aggregation of individual ratings into an overall performance rating. This procedure can be used as add-on to existing alignment models. Design/methodology/approach The objective of this paper is to test if participants are able to successfully perform the PAS procedure in practice. The PAS procedure is in essence a design methodology that aims to solve strategic portfolio design/decision-making problems. In accordance with problem-solving methodology, mathematical models are made for two pilot studies at the Delft University of Technology. This paper describes a second test of the proposed procedure for designing a real estate strategy. The application of real estate strategy design methods in practice is very context-dependent. Applying the PAS procedure to multiple context-dependent cases yields more valuable results than just applying it to one case. Findings The PAS design procedure enables CRE managers to select the (optimal) solution and thereby enhances CRE decision-making. The pilot study results reveal that, by completing the steps in the PAS procedure, the participants are able to express their preferences accordingly. They designed an alternative portfolio with substantially more added value, i.e. a higher overall preference score, than their current real estate portfolio. In addition, they evaluated the design method positively. Research limitations/implications The positive results suggest that designing a strategy by using the PAS design procedure is a suitable approach to alignment. Practical implications The PAS design procedure enables CRE managers to determine the added value of a real estate strategy and quickly and iteratively design many alternatives. Moreover, the PAS design method is generic, it can be used for a wide range of real estate portfolio types. Originality/value The PAS procedure is original because it considers CRE alignment as a combined design and decision problem. The use of operational design and problem-solving methodologies along with an iterative procedure, instead of empirical/statistical methods and procedures, is a novel approach to CRE alignment. The PAS procedure is tested in a second pilot study to provide an assessment of the methodology through the study by testing it under different conditions to the first study. The novelty of this pilot is also that it allowed testing the procedure in its purest form, as the problem structure did not require the additional use of linear programming.

scholarly journals ActS – Service design based on human activity sets

2021 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 28-54
Author(s):  
Johanna Gummerus ◽  
Jacob Mickelsson ◽  
Jakob Trischler ◽  
Tuomas Härkönen ◽  
Christian Grönroos
Keyword(s):  
Human Activity ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Design Method ◽  
Service Design ◽  
Dyadic Interaction ◽  
Service Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Front End ◽  
Micro Level ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis paper aims to develop and apply a service design method that allows for stronger recognition and integration of human activities into the front-end stages of the service design process.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a discussion of different service design perspectives and activity theory, the paper develops a method called activity-set mapping (ActS). ActS is applied to an exploratory service design project to demonstrate its use.FindingsThree broad perspectives on service design are suggested: (1) the dyadic interaction, (2) the systemic interaction and (3) the customer activity perspectives. The ActS method draws on the latter perspective and focuses on the study of human activity sets. The application of ActS shows that the method can help identify and visualize sets of activities.Research limitations/implicationsThe ActS method opens new avenues for service design by zooming in on the micro level and capturing the set of activities linked to a desired goal achievement. However, the method is limited to activities reported by research participants and may exclude unconscious activities. Further research is needed to validate and refine the method.Practical implicationsThe ActS method will help service designers explore activities in which humans engage to achieve a desired goal/end state.Originality/valueThe concept of “human activity set” is new to service research and opens analytical opportunities for service design. The ActS method contributes a visualization tool for identifying activity sets and uncovering the benefits, sacrifices and frequency of activities.

scholarly journals Monopolistic professional closure, family credentials and examination procedures in the Venetian college of accountants (16th−17th century)

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 965-989
Author(s):  
Massimo Sargiacomo ◽  
Christian Corsi ◽  
Luciano D'Amico ◽  
Tiziana Di Cimbrini ◽  
Alan Sangster
Keyword(s):  
Social Class ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
18Th Century ◽  
Social Closure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
Hierarchical Levels ◽  
Professional Body ◽  
Over Time ◽  
Closure Theory

PurposeThe paper investigates the closure mechanisms and strategies of exclusion concerning the establishment and subsequent functioning of the Collegio dei Rasonati, the professional body of accountants that was established in Venice in 1581 and operated until the end of the 18th century.Design/methodology/approachThe research design offers a critical longitudinal explanation of the emergence of the Collegio dei Rasonati as a professional body in the context of Venetian society by relying on the social closure theory elaborated by Collins (1975); Parkin (1979) and Murphy (1988).FindingseThe Collegio dei Rasonati was established to overcome the prerogatives of a social class in accessing the accounting profession. However, the pre-existing professional elites enacted a set of social closure strategies able to transform this professional body into a stronghold of their privileges.Research limitations/implicationsAs virtually all of the evidence concerning the admission examinations has been lost over time, the investigation is restricted to the study of the few examples that have survived. The main implication of the study concerns the understanding of some dynamics leading to neutralize attempts to replace class privileges with a meritocratic system.Originality/valueThe research investigates the structure of the rules of social closure revealing the possibility of an antagonistic relationship between different co-existing forms of exclusion within the same structure. Moreover, it highlights that a form of exclusion can be made of different hierarchical levels.

scholarly journals Vulnerable adults in police custody

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-8
Author(s):  
Ian Cummins
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Police Custody ◽  
England And Wales ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Vulnerable Adults

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss the recent National Appropriate Adult Network (NAAN) report on the role of the appropriate adult. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on the NAAN report and a review of relevant policy and research literature. Findings There to Help 2 highlights that there are still significant gaps in the provision of appropriate adult schemes across England and Wales. These gaps potentially place vulnerable adults at increased risk. Originality/value This paper is a review of recent research.

Co-workers’ perceptions of and reactions to employee’s involuntary demotion

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 740-757 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Hennekam ◽  
Subramaniam Ananthram ◽  
Steve McKenna
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Emotional Responses ◽  
Emotional Reaction ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Informational Justice ◽  
Behavioural Responses ◽  
Behavioural Reaction ◽  
Three Stages ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
The Way

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate how individuals perceive and react to the involuntary demotion of a co-worker in their organisation. Design/methodology/approach The authors draw on 46 semi-structured in-depth interviews (23 dyads) with co-workers of demoted individuals. Findings The findings suggest that an individual’s observation of the demotion of a co-worker has three stages: their perception of fairness, their emotional reaction and their behavioural reaction. The perception of fairness concerned issues of distributive, procedural, interpersonal and informational justice. The emotional responses identified were feelings of disappointment/disillusion, uncertainty, vulnerability and anger. Finally, the behavioural reactions triggered by their emotional responses included expressions of voice, loyalty, exit and adaptation. Originality/value Perceptions of (in)justice perpetrated on others stimulate emotional and behavioural responses, which impacts organisational functioning. Managers should therefore pay attention to the way a demotion is perceived, not only by those directly concerned, but also by co-workers as observers.

Consumer value creation through WhatsApp use

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 455-471
Author(s):  
Jorge Cruz-Cárdenas ◽  
Jorge Guadalupe-Lanas ◽  
Ekaterina Zabelina ◽  
Andrés Palacio-Fierro ◽  
Margarita Velín-Fárez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Latin American ◽  
Value Creation ◽  
Emotional Support ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Instant Messaging ◽  
Role Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Consumer Value ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand in-depth how consumers create value in their lives using WhatsApp, the leading mobile instant messaging (MIM) application. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts the perspective of customer-dominant logic (CDL) and uses a qualitative multimethod design involving 3 focus groups and 25 subsequent in-depth interviews. The research setting was Ecuador, a Latin American country. Findings Analysis and interpretation of the participants’ stories made it possible to identify and understand the creation of four types of value: maintaining and strengthening relationships; improving role performance; emotional support; and entertainment and fun. In addition, the present study proposes a conceptual model of consumer value creation as it applies to MIM. Practical implications Understanding the way consumers create value in their lives using MIM is important not only for organizations that offer MIM applications, but also for those companies that develop other applications for mobile phones or for those who wish to use MIM as an electronic word-of-mouth vehicle. Originality/value The current study is one of the first to address the topic of consumer behavior in the use of technologies from the perspective of CDL; this perspective enables an integrated qualitative vision of value creation in which the consumer is the protagonist.

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