Hand Training Robot
Bruface Mechatronics Team Project
As you have probably noted, our project is not perfect and some improvements could be applied to our device. We had neither the time nor the means to implement all of them, be we still imagined some details that would improve our Hand Training Robot.
Here after you can find the changes we want to build on our robot in a near future:
Add some noises to detect when the user validates a pressure or when the exercises are done.
Improve the Video Game mode with additional degrees of freedom. We already provided a space to add a push button on the handle. Unfortunately we had not the time yet but we seriously think to do it very soon. This could allow the user to have other possibilities when he plays but it has to be notified that this would not be an extra way to train his hand.
Make a box in CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced polymer) or titan. Indeed, the device is quite heavy. We thought at many manners to alleviate it but we need it to be resistant because it is submitted at high forces. The best material would clearly be the CFRP or the titan but since we have a limited budget, aluminum seems to be a good compromise.
Add weight to the base. Now, the base of the joystick is fixed at the support with a plunger. Unfortunately it doesn't stick to any surface and since the lever arm is quite important, it is not always comfortable for the user and the device may be damaged if it falls. So, if we make a heavier base, the robot could be more equilibrate and easier to use. It has to be notified that it would be less suitable for transport and that the optimum would be to remove some weight above and add it to the base. We could make a thinner box for example.
Replace the LCD display. As a matter of fact, the display has been damaged while it was manipulated and it would be easier to read the menu with a brand new one.
Design the handle as the shape of the hand of each user. The robot would be personal and more expensive, but this would improve the comfort and the ergonomics of the system.