Use of Magnetorheological fluid in a force feedback glove.
Magnetorheological fluid (MRF) is a smart material that has the property of changing its viscosity when exposed to a magnetic field. By placing this fluid into a sealed cylinder with an electromagnet piston as a core, a controllable resistance motion dampener can be created. A novel exoskeleton mechanical power transmission system was designed, utilizing rapid prototype parts, to transmit these resistive forces to the user's fingertips. A first iteration force feedback glove was developed and tested on human subjects for overall usability. The eventual goal of the system is to provide an alternative force producing system for exercises and rehabilitation. The entire system is lightweight, low power, and easily portable.
Winter
Scott H
SH
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA. winter37@caip.rutgers.edu
Bouzit
Mourad
M
D001186:Artificial Limbs; D003020:Clothing; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005246:Feedback / Q000502:physiology; D006225:Hand; D006801:Humans; D008280:Magnetics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008328:Man-Machine Systems; D010812:Physical Stimulation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012212:Rheology / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012371:Robotics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014110:Touch / Q000502:physiology*; D014159:Transducers; D014584:User-Computer Interface