Enhancing Hand Exoskeletons in Material Selection and Design

Nowadays, flexible hand exoskeletons are increasingly recognized for their applications in both rehabilitation medicine and industrial applications. This research endeavors to scrutinize and refine the choice of materials and the mechanical design for flexible hand exoskeletons, prioritizing improvements in user comfort, flexibility, durability, and lightness. The research employs a comprehensive review of the mechanical properties of commonly used materials, such as silicone, spandex, and nylon. It also evaluates their suitability in different structural designs. The study finds that silicone’s air permeability is limited although it offers excellent comfort and pressure distribution. Spandex provides superior flexibility but suffers from durability reducing as time goes by. Nylon offers excellent durability and structural stability but is less effective in terms of elasticity and air permeability. The findings advise that a combination of these materials, with the help of innovative design strategies, can achieve a balanced performance. After that flexible hand exoskeletons can meet the diverse requirements. The study concludes that future designs should keep exploring material combinations and structural innovations in order to enhance user experience and extend the practical applications of flexible hand exoskeleton.