Final Prototype
Changes from first prototype:
Machined 7075 aluminum to a high precision while allowing high strength to low weight
Changed our two bar linkage to a four bar linkage to enhance the release mechanism
Created a better wedge mechanism to allow for more successful release
Attached mechanism to a leather glove for comfort and less freedom of movement of the device on the hand
Mechanical Features
Used existing rope cam cleats normally found on sail boats since they are designed for this use
Key-ways were machined into the cam cleats to mate with matching ridges machined into the larger links in order to prevent the cams from rotating on the links
The slider is machined out of Delrin in order to decrease the friction between the slider and the base plate
The whole mechanism is attached to a weight lifting glove via rivets, which allows for a minimal but sturdy connection
- Springs in baseplate and slider, as seen in the top right of Figure X11, return return the mechanism to a closed configuration after the user opens the mechanism
User Interface Features
- The weight lifting glove stays put on the user’s hand with the use of finger holes and wrist strap, but it also has minimal footprint that allows the user full movement of their thumb
- A slider/cam activation method was chosen because it allows the user to either push or pull the slider to open the cams
- The push/pull method allows for the mechanism to be placed on either hand and side of the hand without needing any change to the design to have the mechanism properly work
The placement of the links was designed so that the height of the total mechanism is at a minimum to reduce the rotating moment caused by the tension in the rope pulling against the cams so it doesn't pull down the user's hand
Figure 711: Outer Dimension of device without cam cleats attached (Top Left and Bottom) Hidden View of Assembly to show springs in base plate and slider (Top Right)