Finch: Prosthetic Arm With Three Opposing Fingers Controlled by a Muscle Bulge

IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng. 2023:31:377-386. doi: 10.1109/TNSRE.2022.3223531. Epub 2023 Jan 31.

Abstract

Forearm amputees can use body-powered hooks and myoelectric hands for their daily activities. The body-powered hooks are suitable for delicate manipulation. However, their appearance is not always preferred by amputees, and a harness to pull a control cable is not easy to wear. Although the myoelectric hands have a natural appearance similar to the human hand and can be intuitively controlled by a myoelectric control system, they are not easy to try out and are heavy. This paper reports on the Finch, a prosthetic arm with three opposing fingers controlled by a muscle bulge. The aim of developing the Finch is to realize a lightweight prosthetic arm that is easy to wear and use. Three opposing fingers are controlled according to the degree of muscle bulge measured with a muscle bulge sensor on the user's forearm caused by muscle contraction. A supporter socket, consisting of a resin socket frame and a fabric supporter, allows easy fitting. A simple design using a linear actuator and 3D-printed parts achieved light weight (330 g) and low cost. Six functional tests and user tests using Southampton Hand Assessment Procedure showed that the Finch had a practical function that could be used in daily activities.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amputees*
  • Animals
  • Arm
  • Artificial Limbs*
  • Finches*
  • Fingers
  • Humans
  • Muscles
  • Prosthesis Design