Verge

Para qué sirve

Verge is a resistance glove used to strengthen the muscles in the hands and fingers as the fingers are clenched and released. It allows sufferers of Rheumatoid Arthritis to strengthen the muscles in their hands to combat the conditions of the disease.

Qué te inspiró

The inspiration for this project came from my grandmother, Colette McLeer who has suffered from rheumatoid arthritis for a number of years. I saw how it was affecting her everyday life and holding her back in ways that made her feel frustrated and helpless. After doing research into rheumatoid arthritis, I found that the condition affects people as young as their thirties. This alarming fact led me on to think about the reproductions of losing the use of your hands at this age, especially if you have an office job, or manual labour job and a family to support. Further research thought me that

Cómo funciona

Verge is an exercise glove which has been designed to be used by people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis in their hands. . The idea behind Verge is to strengthen the muscles in the hands and fingers as the fingers are clenched and released. Strips of elastic are used to create a resistance on the fingers as they are clenched and released. Flex sensor strip monitor the movement of the fingers, record the data and relay it back an app so that the user can keep a record of their exercise sessions. The glove is worn for limited time periods daily when exercise will take place. The elastic bands are changed to increase in resistance as the user becomes stronger from the exercise. To use Verge it must be fitted onto the hand, making sure the fingers are in properly. Secondly, take the strap attached to the elastics and pull back until you feel a pull that you are comfortable with and that’s not too tight. Lastly, fasten the strap around the wrist to secure.

Proceso de diseño

Prototyping was a major element in the design phases of this project because Verge is a completely user-based product. Prototypes were made and given to potential users to try out an feedback was taken. From the conception of the project, all kinds of wearable devices were explored and then narrowed down through user feedback. It was decided that a wearable glove device would be used. Different types of elastic materials were used to create the resistance. These materials included elastic bands, elastic strings and rubber exercise bands. To figure out where the tension of the elastic needed to be felt, each prototype had the elastic positioned differently. These positioned included being attached to different parts of the fingers and both sides of the hand. Materials for the gloves itself were also explored. Neoprene was decided on during user testing stages. The positioning of the flex sensors was decided on by testing the position of how to get the most accurate readings.

Qué lo hace diferente

Research was carried out into alternatives solutions already on the market which included IMAK Gloves and other exercise equipment used for the hands. IMAK Gloves are compression gloves used to reduce swelling and relieve pain in the hands. There is also exercise equipment designed to exercise and strengthen muscles, but they are hand held tools. Verge not only provides an exercise tool for the user but it is also a wearable device and has the feature of recording the progress made by the user. This makes the product more user-friendly and gives the user a greater connection with the product and a want to use the product if they can see that their work is paying off. Instead of soothing pain and inflammation felt by rheumatoid arthritis patients, Verge keeps these pains at bay and as a product to prolong users from experiencing these pains. As Verge is made out of neoprene, body heat that is created from the hand movement is retained and eases pain felt.

Planes para el futuro

Currently Verge has been made using a USB to connect to a laptop to record movement results with the flex sensor. Bringing this project forward this USB will be exchanged for a Bluetooth chip to connect to the app so there will be no need for the connection of the wire. The current design of Verge will also have to be developed in order to make it easier to be mass produced.

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