GripGlove By BioMech

For my senior Capstone project I chose to design and create an assist device for individuals who suffer from any sort of hand impairment. These hand impairments can range from complete hand paralysis to weakness do to arthritis. Myself along with the help of Kaitlin Pankratz and Chandler Teigen developed a company to achieve this goal.

Problem

Over 38 million people are theorized to suffer from hand impairments which arise from an ailment in the united states alone. many of these people are unable to work or properly take care of themselves because of these hand impairments. Aside from the fact that many of these individuals have lost their jobs do to their ailments these individuals have also lost their independence, and in many cases, suffer from a sever decrease in quality of life.

Solution

The GripGlove looks to solve this problem and actively give the user the ability to use their hands once again. BioMech has designed and created prototypes of a glove which utilizes a rigid frame and thumb in conjunction with a mobile fingers, which are manipulated via wires attached to a stepper motor, to give back the ability of motion to the users hand. the motor is actuated via the use of biosignals to create a flexion movement to allow the user to grasp object once again.

Progress

So far BioMech has created a solidworks model, shown below, and multiple prototypes which act as a proof of concept along with progression towards a marketable product. BioMech has also created a 100 page Quality Manual which lays out in depth the company's plan to go to market, competition discovery, regulation processes among many other company processes.