Multipurpose Pneumatic Grip Assistance (MPGA)

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Project video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=... Multipurpose Pneumatic Grip Assistance (MPGA) This project is an entry for the Within Reach contest, aiming to develop and provide a valuable tool for individuals with reduced hand mobility. With the MPGA, I've sought to achieve several key objectives: Develop a versatile device that enables users to handle tools and objects essential for executing basic daily living activities. Design a device that doesn't require external tools or objects to be adapted or specialized, working seamlessly with regular off-the-shelf items. Create a system where wrist motion isn't tied to gripper movement, providing more flexibility in the user's range of motion. Devise a mechanism that provides a stable grip on an object without requiring continuous force application from the user, ideal for long manipulations, especially for individuals with reduced hand strength. I essentially asked myself: What kind of "assistive swiss-army-knife" would I want to have while traveling? To accomplish these goals, the MPGA utilizes a pneumatic system consisting of a pump and positional switch that drive a pneumatic cylinder. The cylinder opens and closes a foam-coated gripper, providing a strong and stable grip capable of holding cutlery, toothbrushes, hairbrushes, shopping bags, and more. The positional switch controls the gripper's opening and closing motion and is positioned on the forearm or legs for easy and quick access. The pneumatic system allows users to gradually increase pressure in the cylinder without exerting high forces with their hands. It also keeps the gripper in place after pumping has ceased, enabling users to manipulate objects for extended periods without applying continuous loads or stresses to their hands. A cylindrical recess on the side of the MPGA accommodates pens and pencils. The pneumatic system uses robust and readily available parts from LEGO kits. Future versions will employ more commonplace components.