Grasp analysis method
First Claim
1. Method of evaluating the force of grasp one can exert with a hand when less than the maximum force is actually being exerted, comprising the steps of:
- grasping a transducer in the hand, and, measuring the force of grasp jointly exerted between the fingers and palm of the hand at a first location near the end of the fingers;
at a second location near the palm; and
at a third location between said first and second location;
comparing the measured force of grasp at said first, second and third location to determine the configuration of a curve plotted from said measured force;
providing data related to a bell shaped curve with a high degree of confidence while providing data related to a curve other than a bell shaped curve with a low degree of confidence which is considered a false representation of ones effort.
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Abstract
A grasp analysis apparatus and method by which the power of grasp exerted by the human hand can be measured, and by which a determination can be made related to the maximum effort of grasp that is made during the measurement. The apparatus includes a housing having opposed walls which can be forced towards one another in proportion to the magnitude of the compressive strength exerted by the person that grasps the housing. A transducer enclosed within the housing is compressed between the movable opposed walls and provides a signal that is proportional to the magnitude of the compressive force of the grasp. The signal is converted into a measurement indicative of the magnitude of the force. A plurality of measurements taken at different locations along the fingers are plotted to reveal the true effort being made while grasping the apparatus.
24 Citations
12 Claims
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1. Method of evaluating the force of grasp one can exert with a hand when less than the maximum force is actually being exerted, comprising the steps of:
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grasping a transducer in the hand, and, measuring the force of grasp jointly exerted between the fingers and palm of the hand at a first location near the end of the fingers;
at a second location near the palm; and
at a third location between said first and second location;comparing the measured force of grasp at said first, second and third location to determine the configuration of a curve plotted from said measured force; providing data related to a bell shaped curve with a high degree of confidence while providing data related to a curve other than a bell shaped curve with a low degree of confidence which is considered a false representation of ones effort. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. Method of measuring the force of grasp that one exerts with a hand in a manner to determine when less than the maximum force is actually being exerted, comprising the steps of:
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step (1);
measuring the force of grasp jointly exerted between the fingers and palm of the hand at a first location near the end of the fingers;
measuring the force of grasp jointly exerted between the fingers and palm of the hand at a second location that is near the palm; and
measuring the force of grasp jointly exerted between the fingers and palm of the hand at a third location between said first and second location;step (2);
comparing the measured force of grasp at said first, second, and third locations to determine the configuration of a curve plotted from said measured force;step (3);
accepting a bell shaped curve as a true representation of ones effort to grasp; and
considering a curve other than a bell shaped curve as a false representation of ones effort to grasp. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9)
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10. Method of analyzing the power of grasp in the human hand and evaluating the grasp for maximum effort, comprising the steps of:
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providing an apparatus that includes a palm engaging part and a finger engaging part by which the palm and fingers can engage and move towards one another; connecting said finger engaging part and said palm engaging part together and forcing the hand engaging part and finger engaging part toward one another in proportion to the force exerted thereon between the fingers and the palm; generating a signal which is proportional to the magnitude of the force exerted between said palm engaging part and finger engaging part, and converting said signal into a measurement indicative of the magnitude of the force; changing the effective length of the spaced apart finger engaging part and palm engaging part whereby the length accommodates the fingers and palm to enable the following muscle groups to effect a force; flexor digitorum profundus tendon;
flexor digitorum superficial tendon; and
the intrinsic musculature;measuring the force of grasp achieved by the groups of muscles and comparing the measured force of grasp, to determine the configuration of a curve plotted from said measured force; providing data related to a bell shaped curve with a high degree of confidence while providing data related to a curve other than a bell shaped curve with a low degree of confidence which is considered a false representation of ones effort. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12)
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Specification