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Hand Prosthesis with Nitinol: Shape Memory Alloy

Abstract:

This article presents the result of an investigation, to develop a hand-held prosthesis with Nitinol springs, which is a shape memory alloy (SMA). The purpose was to develop an automated prosthesis capable of generating 5 hand movements, similar to those of a human being. It shows the advantages of using SMA to replace the muscular action of the hand compared to other actuators such as motors, pneumatic or mechanical elements and provide the ease of being remotely controlled from a mobile device. An investigation is carried out on the alloys with form memory and is emphasized in the use of Nitinol springs for the development of the prosthesis for its excellent capacity of form memory, for its good relation strength-weight and easiness of activation of the material by inducing through it an electric current. It also presents the results of the implementation of the prosthesis within a structure designed in 3D and the tests carried out that validate the fulfillment to the satisfaction of the five movements of the hand fingers proposed.