SBIR 95-1 SOLICITATION
PROJECT SUMMARY
Proposal Number:
Project Title:
PINCH AND POWER GRIP GYROMETER
Technical Abstract:
ORBITEC proposes to conduct innovative research and development of a Pinch and Grip
Strength Gyrometer to evaluate quantitatively the range of motion of coupled
movements of the wrist and forearm and the maximum grip force or pinch force of
astronauts. This device is innovative in that the user can assume any type of pinch
or power grip configuration and the resulting range of motion and maximal force can
be measured for each type of grip configuration. The innovation can be used by NASA
and its contractors to 1) evaluate whether prospective astronauts have the wrist and
forearm range of motion and hand strength required for IVA and EVA and 2)assist
designers of future space equipment and tasks to accommodate the physical
capabilities of the human operators hands, wrists, and forearms. Current devices
are limited in that they cannot measure hand strength in non-neutral wrist postures
and also cannot determine the limits of coupled range of motion. In Phase I, we
propose to establish system requirements, design and build a prototype, and test the
prototype on prospective astronaut and civilians. The findings from this testing
will be used to modify the design to maximize function and ease of use.
Potential Commercial Applications:
This device is marketable to NASA and its contractors in that this device addresses
the human factors and ergonomics needs of space equipment users, designers, and
manufacturers. Specifically, this device will provide the capability to evaluate the
range of motion and hand strength of prospective astronauts and assist the designers
of future space equipment and tools to quantitatively evaluate whether a large
segment of human operators are capable of operating these tools and equipment safely
and easily. This device is commercially viable in the clinical setting in that
occupational and physical therapists will be able to evaluate more accurately the
severity of an illness or injury that affects the hand or wrist and monitor
quantitatively the patients rehabilitation. In this respect, this device could
restrain or reduce health care costs of rehabilitation.
Name and Address of Offeror:
Orbital Technologies Corporation (ORBITEC)
402 Gammon Place
Madison, WI 53719
Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) &
Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR) Programs
Electronic Management System (EMS)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
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Hu, Hughes STX.
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Updated: Feb. 7, 1996