Design Requirements
To design a rope gripping device that can be mounted on the hand of a C7 Quadriplegic athlete fulfilling the following:
- Capable of gripping sailing lines of varying sizes from 3/8in to 1/2in with a pulling force of 50 pounds
- Pulling force of the rope is to be transmitted to the wrist and not the fingers
- The signal input can come from small movements of the thumb.
- Compact and lightweight device that is easy to remove and put on even during sailing without assistance.
- Durable and water resistant- to be used in a wet and salty environment
- Ability to be continuously used for a minimum of 4 hours of sailing, preferably for a full day without recharging.
- Ability to grab the rope fairly quickly. And to release it instantly if needed.
- Have as few hooks or sharp edges that would accidentally snag a sailing line.
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