In the following study, a new concept of an assistive hand exoskeleton device for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients is presented. Due to the nature of this disease (causes progressive muscle degeneration from a young age of five years old), the requirements for such a de
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In the following study, a new concept of an assistive hand exoskeleton device for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients is presented. Due to the nature of this disease (causes progressive muscle degeneration from a young age of five years old), the requirements for such a device are very demanding, with extreme space and weight limitations, as well as high generated forces. The idea that is presented, is a 3D-printed soft hydraulic actuator that can be used to actuate such a demanding device. Different actuator prototypes have been prepared and tested, with a maximum generated force of around 0.4N. The outcome force does not fulfill the functional requirements that is 1-3N, but space, range of motion (ROM) and weight requirements have been met. In addition, the author demonstrates a complete design of a single-part, 3D-printed assistive hand exoskeleton device, with both the hydraulic circuit and the soft hydraulic actuators embedded in it. Despite the functional requirements that haven’t been fulfilled, the idea of a single-part 3D-printed hand exoskeleton device is beneficial in simplicity, required space, cosmetic appearance, as well as the overall weight that was estimated to be no more than 150gr. Finally, there is a discussion regarding the future steps that the author suggests to increase the maximum generated force of the soft actuators and therefore the development of the first single-part, 3D-printed hand exoskeleton.