A Biomimetic Prehensile Digit for Upper-Limb Amputees

描述（由申请人提供）：假肢通过鼓励平衡的双手肢体使用来减少上肢截肢者对侧过度使用综合征的发生率。好处包括减少疼痛和肌肉萎缩，提高生产力和自力更生，改善自我形象，幸福感，增加社会接受度。人体动力假肢由于其相对经济、高可靠性和优异的实用性，在美国和国外被广泛使用。看不见的手企业（IHE）有限责任公司正在开发一种创新的仿生可抓握数字技术，将这些好处扩展到两个服务不足的人群：1)部分手部截肢者，他们很少有能够有效抓握的部件；2)由于社会和文化接受的原因，世界各地的上肢截肢者需要类似解剖手的假肢终端设备，具有出色的外观和逼真的运动。在这个小企业创新研究（SBIR）项目的第一阶段，IHE展示了其核心数字技术的技术和经济可行性。聚合物树脂和高性能纺织长丝复制了解剖手指的关键结构和功能，导致设备成本低，重量轻，异常坚固，不需要润滑。作为模块化的构建模块

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Prostheses reduce the incidence of contralateral overuse syndrome in upper-limb amputees by encouraging balanced, bimanual limb usage. Benefits include reduced pain and muscular atrophy, increased productivity and self-reliance, improved self-image, a sense of well being, and increased social acceptance. Body- powered prostheses are used extensively in the United States (US) and abroad owing to their relative affordability, high reliability, and excellent utility. Invisible Hand Enterprises (IHE), LLC is developing an innovative biomimetic prehensile digit technology that will extend these benefits to two underserved populations: 1) partial-hand amputees, for whom very few components exist that enable useful grasp, and 2) upper-limb amputees worldwide who need prosthetic terminal devices resembling the anatomical hand with excellent cosmesis and realistic movement for reasons pertaining to social and cultural acceptance. In Phase I of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, IHE demonstrated technological and economical viability of its core digit technology. Polymer resins and high-performance textile filaments replicate key structures and functions of the anatomical finger, resulting in devices that are low-cost, lightweight, exceptionally robust, and that require no lubrication. As modular building-blocks, the digits are clinically flexible, enabling prosthetists to create partial-hand prostheses optimized t function in concert with remaining natural digits. Incorporated into a whole-hand terminal device, the digits deliver cosmesis and movements that are psychologically satisfying to amputees, particularly females, and that help deflect attention in regions where stigmas against limb deficiencies are deeply entrenched and often lead to social rejection. In Phase II, IHE will make necessary design refinements and translate its core technology into a modular digit form suitable for commercial distribution. Digits will also be integrated into an existing hand structur, developed previously, that was highly praised by amputee evaluators but rejected for its lack of cable-operation and realistic movement. These products will be clinically evaluated using validated and industry-approved assessment protocols along with extended field performance validations, all performed by volunteer subjects. Manufacturing infrastructure and production processes will be established to support Phase III commercialization activities. Both modular digits and whole hand terminal devices will be brought to market as commercial products using IHE's existing US and international distributors, along with humanitarian agencies. IHE's mission is to delight amputees in the US and abroad by providing affordable new options that help them relish living and enjoy an even higher quality of life. This work is important and worthwhile, and wholly consistent with the spirit and purposes of the National Institute of Health's SBIR program.