Development and Commercialization of an Endoskeletal Prosthetic Hand

Investigator: Maurice LeBlanc, MS

Project Staff: Charles G. Burgar, MD, James H. Anderson, JEM, and Alexander Kleusberg

Summary: This Phase 1 project assesses the feasibility of development of an orphan product. The objective is to make a low-cost, endoskeletal, prosthetic hand available for purchase for upper limb amputees in the USA and abroad. Through collaboration with the DVA Palo Alto for feasibility and development, Hosmer Dorrance Corporation will commit to the commercialization and distribution of the product.

Objective: To develop and commercialize an improved, body-powered, mechanical, hand for upper-limb amputees.

Research Plan: This project is for Phase 1 of a SBIR grant from the Dept of Education to Hosmer Dorrance Corporation. By way of a contract to the Rehabilitation R&D;Center via PAIRE, Center staff will participate in the project.

Phase 1 is to develop and test one finger for optimum finger mechanism, soft tissue/foam and skin. The Center is to develop the finger mechanism, and Hosmer Dorrance Corporation is to develop the foam and skin and to conduct the testing.

Phase 2, as anticipated now, will develop and test the whole hand based on findings of the present Phase 1 work.

Methodology:

Test the desirability of providing motion in all joints of each finger, i.e. motion in the MCP, PIP, and DIP joints of the four fingers. (The thumb is to be moved passively in two positions.)

Test the feasibility of making a mechanism which is light, strong, simple and low cost to manufacture.

Test the feasibility of increasing the operating efficiency of the finger mechanism as measured by work/energy efficiency (force x excursion of the operating cable)

Findings: Phase 1 is underway. Fingers of various foams and endoskeletal structures have been built and are being tested. Feasibility looks promising. It is likely that Hosmer Dorrance Corp will apply for Phase 2 funding.

Funding Source: SBIR Grant to Hosmer Dorrance Subcontract to RRDC

Years: 1998 - 1999