The Bear Paw Wide-Grip

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) affect millions worldwide every year. Injuries in the low cervical region (C5-C8), significantly limit hand function, grip strength, and range of motion. The Bear Paw addresses these impairments by developing a variable assistive grip device with a personalized fit for those with low cervical SCI. This work adopts a unique approach centered around functionality and autonomy with minimal hand movement requirements. The Bear Paw includes a Wide-Grip prototype that supports users in performing activities of everyday life, such as dressing, shopping, and preparing food. This device is designed with an extra finger on the lateral side, or little finger side, of the hand, that mirrors the movement of the user’s thumb. The Bear Paw offers a 3–5-inch grip width, uses a glove as its base, and is compatible with a user’s own wheelchair gloves. The actuation elements allow the user to selectively open and close the device by touching the sensing element with the opposite hand or any other area of skin without the need for pressure or sustained touch. The prototype was developed with user-centered customization and is focused on safety, comfort, and accessibility. Testing the Bear Paw allowed proof of concept for this device across a range of ADLs.