Glove for a Rock Climber with Arthritis
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Various attempts were made to design a wearable device that can increase the grip strength for a 60-year-old climber
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All pieces were printed in flexible 95A TPU. Threaded using jewelry wire and strapped on with velcro.
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I was at a networking event when I met a 60 year old man who enjoys rock climbing. However, the minor arthritis in his hands makes it difficult for him to fully close and grip tightly on holds. Thus, I took on the challenge of designing some kind of wearable device that can increase his grip strength.
Given my previous experience with building a motorized prosthetic hand, my initial thoughts were to use flex sensors that activate motors to pull on tendons that bend the fingers. But, motors that would be strong enough would also be quite heavy, bulky, and require batteries just as heavy and bulky. Not ideal for a physical activity. And with more technical complexity comes more risk of something breaking and risking a fall.
Later, as I was doing some research, I came across this patent for a glove that uses a retractable to pull on tendons along the fingers, however, it seemed like there was no real product made.
Taking inspiration from a research presentation I saw at the Cyborgs and Bionic Systems conference two months ago, I designed and 3D printed the finger assemblies out of flexible TPU. Then I threaded in a badge reel. As I expected, the pull from the badge reel was much too weak.
To replace the badge reel, I attempted several iterations of 3D printed springs, but still, I couldn’t feel the pull very well, and for someone with arthritis, could they have trouble fighting against the spring to open the hand as well?
So maybe a body-powered wearable would be the best option. In this version, I made sections that strap on to my wrist, elbow, and upper arm, so that when I bend my elbow, the wire will pull on my fingers. But still, the motion doesn’t generate enough force at the fingers to truly work the way I’d want it to.
Thanks for following along on my journey, and let me know if you have any feedback or advice!
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Watch these videos to understand the full design story!