Overview

The ability for people with amputations to have tactile feedback from their surroundings is an ability that too many take for granted but is invaluable to those without that sense. This project aims to rectify that problem in a simple way. A feedback system has been designed in order to give those with amputations the ability to sense how hard the user is gripping an object. The design includes a gripper, a gauntlet with a vibrator, and a control system to mediate between the two systems. The gripper will be controlled by an external controller manipulated by the user. The user will then wear a gauntlet that will give the user the ability to sense how strong the gripper is gripping the object.  The next step will be to replace the gauntlet. Example of gripper to used in the prosthesis feedback system  The primary goal is to provide a vibration in response to the variable grip strength of a robotic clamp.  The entire design will be split into several key components: the gauntlet, the robotic clamp, and the controller. The user will wear a gauntlet that is endowed with a motor that will act as a vibrator using an off center weight. As the user adjusts the grip strength on the clamp using the manual controller, sensors on the clamp will detect the pressure that is being applied by the clamp and the sensors will send a signal to the control system which will in turn activate the feedback servo within the gauntlet causing a faster vibration in order to simulate an increased grip strength and send a signal back to the end user in order to let them know how strong the gripper is grasping an object. The problem this project is solving is the issue of people with amputations not being able to sense what they are doing with their prosthesis. The ability for people with amputations to have tactile feedback from their surroundings is an ability that too many take for granted but is invaluable to those without that sense. For this project, a feedback system is designed in order to give those with amputations the ability to sense how hard the user is gripping an object. The design includes a gripper, a gauntlet with a vibrator, and a control system to mediate between the two systems.