Advancer Technologies is currently developing a semi-autonomous pneumatic muscle actuated hand therapy glove for recovering stroke and neurologically impaired patients called the ExoGlove. Part of the ExoGlove project is focused on integrating a finger position sensing ability to monitor the position of each finger.
The following Instructable describes the position sensing hardware of the ExoGlove project and will teach you how to build your very own position sensing glove.
After your glove is finished, use it in a variety of applications such as a controller for a TV, video game system (like the Power Glove), computer, or robot.
Position Sensing Hardware Features:
> Sensors are sewn into a neoprene glove
> More comfortable and feels more natural.
> Sensors are removable and replaceable
> Uses conductive thread for the wiring. More comfortable than conventional wiring.
> Easily customized or mod'ed
The following Instructable describes the position sensing hardware of the ExoGlove project and will teach you how to build your very own position sensing glove.
After your glove is finished, use it in a variety of applications such as a controller for a TV, video game system (like the Power Glove), computer, or robot.
Position Sensing Hardware Features:
> Sensors are sewn into a neoprene glove
> More comfortable and feels more natural.
> Sensors are removable and replaceable
> Uses conductive thread for the wiring. More comfortable than conventional wiring.
> Easily customized or mod'ed
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Signing UpStep 1: Materials and Tools
Materials:
1 - Glove:
We suggest using a neoprene glove but most gloves will be suitable.
5 - Female Conductive Fabric Connectors:
These can be made or bought. Below are the materials needed to make them.
You can buy complete kits or pre-assembled parts. All proceeds go to funding the ExoGlove project.
--> 10 - Female Crimping Terminals --> Can be purchased at Digikey
--> 5 - 2 Position Terminal Housings --> Can be purchased at Digikey
10 - Additional Female Crimping Terminals
5 - Additional 2 Position Terminal Housings
These will be used for the flex sensors.
5 - Male Conductive Fabric Connectors:
These can be made or bought. Below are the materials needed to make them.
You can buy complete kits or pre-assembled parts.
--> 10+ Position Single Row Header Pins --> Can be purchased at Digikey
5 - Flex Sensors:
We used traditional conductive ink flex sensor hardware that can be readily bought at Jameco.com or Sparkfun.com. These are the same as in the original Nintendo Power Glove. You could substitute with conductive fabric flex sensors. However, unlike the conductive ink sensors, conductive fabric sensors measure pressure as well as bending. This could lead to noise due to something pressing on the sensors.
Misc.:
-- Solder
-- Solid Core Wire (~20-28AWG)
-- Conductive Thread --> Can be purchased at Sparkfun or Lame LIfesaver
-- Thread (We used button or heavy duty thread)
-- Extra Fabric (neoprene)
-- Velcro
-- Glue (rubber cement or super glue will work)
-- Heat shrink wrap
Tools:
-- Digital multimeter
-- Soldering Iron
-- Wire Crimper
-- Wire stripper or scissors
-- Needle nose pliers
-- Needle
-- Sewing Pins
1 - Glove:
We suggest using a neoprene glove but most gloves will be suitable.
5 - Female Conductive Fabric Connectors:
These can be made or bought. Below are the materials needed to make them.
You can buy complete kits or pre-assembled parts. All proceeds go to funding the ExoGlove project.
--> 10 - Female Crimping Terminals --> Can be purchased at Digikey
--> 5 - 2 Position Terminal Housings --> Can be purchased at Digikey
10 - Additional Female Crimping Terminals
5 - Additional 2 Position Terminal Housings
These will be used for the flex sensors.
5 - Male Conductive Fabric Connectors:
These can be made or bought. Below are the materials needed to make them.
You can buy complete kits or pre-assembled parts.
--> 10+ Position Single Row Header Pins --> Can be purchased at Digikey
5 - Flex Sensors:
We used traditional conductive ink flex sensor hardware that can be readily bought at Jameco.com or Sparkfun.com. These are the same as in the original Nintendo Power Glove. You could substitute with conductive fabric flex sensors. However, unlike the conductive ink sensors, conductive fabric sensors measure pressure as well as bending. This could lead to noise due to something pressing on the sensors.
Misc.:
-- Solder
-- Solid Core Wire (~20-28AWG)
-- Conductive Thread --> Can be purchased at Sparkfun or Lame LIfesaver
-- Thread (We used button or heavy duty thread)
-- Extra Fabric (neoprene)
-- Velcro
-- Glue (rubber cement or super glue will work)
-- Heat shrink wrap
Tools:
-- Digital multimeter
-- Soldering Iron
-- Wire Crimper
-- Wire stripper or scissors
-- Needle nose pliers
-- Needle
-- Sewing Pins
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http://www.digikey.com/product-search/en?WT.z_header=search_go&lang=en&site=us&keywords=609-3510-ND
Otherwise, thanks a lot for the parts list. It makes for much sturdier and cleaner-looking result than my original approach to putting together the flex sensors.
So how long do you think it will take to get the pneumatics working?
I'll post some more up-to-date photos on AdvancerTechnologies.com for you to check out.
I didn't really want to go into too much detail on the circuit in this instructable because the circuit you need will change depending on your intended application for the glove. The circuit I used is good for tracking the bend of each finger. However, if you wanted to have each finger act as a switch triggering some event, a different circuit would be better suited for that application.