Provide a viable solution to the proposed problem. We will accomplish this task in an efficient, cost effective and innovative manner. Our goal is to complete a link in a long research chain that will serve in the fusion between biology and electro-mechanics.
Using the skills that we have developed over the past three years in electronics, controls and general research we will control the previously made mechanical hand using a system that is fed with electrical impulses generated in a human arm. We wish to emulate the movement of a hand grasp with a static range of motion. Final Product or Service
The project that our team has been selected for is the Mechanical Hand Human Interface. The scope of this project is to develop an electronic / processor interface to connect a mechanical hand to a human arm. The school already owns a mechanical hand that was built in a previously completed project, with a few minor repairs it will function effectively for our particular application. We wish to control this hand by the nerve impulses in a human forearm. The project will involve researching, developing and testing the electronic / processor interface between human nerve impulses and the motor drive system. We will modify the mechanical hand by replacing the existing pneumatic controls on the with servo driven linear systems. Our project will also involve documenting all aspects of the project including; the interface; bio-medical issues; safety concerns; and detailed daily notes. This will help assist future development of the mechanical hand. To complete our final project goal we will put in research time to gain an understanding of nerve impulses, electrode characteristics and muscle structure, because this section of the project is new to us. We currently have a very good understanding of the electronic / mechanical aspect of our project. In our research we will need to make various contacts with people in the biomedical and prosthetic sectors to assist us with technical, medical, issues throughout the duration of the project.
A working prototype of a mechanical hand human interface for use in a variety of different areas. These areas could include industry, education or biomedical.