Development of a small pressure-sensor-driven round bar grip measurement system for infants

Abstract

In this study, we develop a small pressure-sensor-driven round bar grip measurement device called DataGrip and construct the prototype system for infants, who have small fingers. DataGrip is made up of a round bar wrapped with a silicone tube that consists of up-and-down grip shafts. Two small pressure sensors between the grip shafts can measure perpendicularly oriented loads. We display the quantitative load applied to the system. On the basis of the measurement results, the effectiveness of the system in terms of load measurement is evaluated. Further, we examine the results of longitudinal measurement of an infant's grip by using the system. We find that grip strength increases with physical growth, i.e., increase in height and weight. © 2013 The Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers.