ROBUSTNESS OF BODY POWERED EXOGLOVE USING FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS

Abstract

To assist people with extremities disorders, exoskeleton devices play an important role. These disorders include stroke, movement impairments and similar improper functionalities of body organs. Orthotics are often used for effected people to improve their functionality. For upper body extremities, in the hand and wrist region, use of robotic hand gloves is the convention. These devices are of two types: externally powered and body powered devices. This study deals with the evaluation of design and material selection for the state-of-the-art body powered exo-glove presented in literature as they provide a cost-effective alternative to externally powered, with a small drop in functional speed and accuracy of functioning. Exo-glove is already a commercial product and many manufacturers are trying to develop methods to manufacture it on mass scale. This study provides a database for Machined and 3d printable materials shortlisted by CES EduPack using certain parameters e.g. mechanical properties and eco-friendly characteristics and on the basis of breaking force using Finite Element Analysis performed using Solidworks2020. Design criteria includes identification of design requirements, definition of material selection criterion, material shortlisting, material evaluation and finally material selection. All three, mechanical, practical and economical aspects are taken into consideration. The study also examines and provides the Finite Element Analysis of the bespoke exo-glove detailing its mechanical functioning for practical applications and deployability. The best 3d printable material according to our studies is PA46 30% glass fiber. It’s fatigue damage is also very less 0.10%, the best machinable metal material is Cast iron, whiteheart malleable, EN GJMW 350-4 with fatigue damage of 0.10% after 1000 cycles.