HAND EXOSKELETON FOR REHABILITATION AND FUNCTIONALIZATION

Many diseases and injuries of the hand require rehabilitation to restore function. However, high human, financial, spatial, temporal costs associated with often mean that population in need does not have access optimal rehabilitative care. Therefore, devices complement therapist are a possible solution, as they make more independent frequent, save healthcare facilities aforementioned resources. Nevertheless, these widely distributed market, mainly due their poor accessibility. The newly designed exoskeleton has four motors redundant transmission system allows flexion extension each finger, except thumb. Kinematics were analyzed motion studies loads evaluated static structural analysis using loads. In simulations, both achieved seconds. A prototype was built its kinematics matched simulation corresponded biomechanics fingers. At maximum flexion, would be able hold small objects exert normal force up 20 N integrity. Keywords: Engineering design, exoskeleton, rehabilitation, functionalization.