Design of Fingertip Pressure Sensors for Prosthetic Hands

摘要

Aiming to be integrated into prosthetic fingertips for the closed-loop sensory feedback, a design of fingertip pressure sensors is realized based on the elastomer and resistance strain gauges. The composite structure of horizontal cross-beam and central vertical column is employed for the elastomer; the deformation of the elastomer is simulated by finite element analysis software ABAQUS; and related parameters including stress and strain are taken into account to ensure the gauges are optimally placed. Calibration and verification experiments are carried out with a force loader and a pinchmeter, whereas pressure signals are demonstrated using a signal acquisition software programmed in Python. Results show the excellent linearity, accuracy, integration and practicality of the designed sensor.