Enhancing assistive technology design: Biomechanical finite element modeling for grasping strategy optimization in...

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Robotics
• Computational Mechanics

Background:

• Exoskeleton data gloves require advanced control for effective grasping.
• Current methods for developing grasping strategies are often time-consuming and costly.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, precise, and 3D biomechanical finite element model of the hand.
• To create an efficient virtual grasping methodology for exoskeleton data gloves.
• To enhance the control mechanisms for grasping strategies in exoskeleton data gloves.

Main Methods:

• Integration of finite element numerical simulation with exoskeleton data glove control systems.
• Development of a 3D biomechanical finite element model of the hand.
• Replication of typical grasping actions using a virtual methodology to compute contact pressures.

Main Results:

• The finite element model accurately simulates hand biomechanics and contact pressures during grasping.
• Experimental validation confirmed the high fidelity of the model's contact pressure simulations.
• The virtual method demonstrated advantages in convenience, speed, cost-effectiveness, and accuracy over traditional approaches.

Conclusions:

• The proposed finite element model offers an optimized and viable approach for developing grasping strategies in exoskeleton data gloves.
• This technology can facilitate precise gripping capabilities, enhancing user independence.
• Further development is needed to model complex object shapes and diverse grasping maneuvers.