Improvements on the design of the s-finger prosthetic digit

Abstract

Partial hand amputations are the most common amputations worldwide, yet their prostheses, especially battery-powered ones, are only slowly progressing. As a result, only few clinical solutions are available. We developed a prototype of a powered prosthetic finger (dubbed S-Finger) that is equipped with a mechanical transmission alternative to the already available solutions which comprises of a miniaturized non-back drivable mechanism. Here we present the design criteria and the details of an optimized design that comprises of a non-backdrivable mechanism and a miniaturized Oldham joint.