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A Prototype Power Assist EVA Glove
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English
Abstract
The most recent generation of space suit EVA gloves has addressed the problem of loose fit and stiffness in the fingers, but it remains difficult to build a glove assembly with low metacarpophalangeal joint stiffness. Fatigue due to constantly displacing the glove from a neutral position has been reported as the limiting factor in some EVA activities.
This paper outlines an actuation system that uses gas filled bladders attached to the back of the EVA glove to provide the necessary force to bend the glove at the metacarpal joint, thus providing greater endurance during finger grasping tasks. A simple on-off controller senses hand movement through small pressure sensors between the finger and the glove restraint. The controller then fills or exhausts the bladders on the back of the glove to effectively move the neutral position of the glove as the hand inside moves.
Authors
Citation
Main, J., Peterson, S., and Strauss, A., "A Prototype Power Assist EVA Glove," SAE Technical Paper 911384, 1991, https://doi.org/10.4271/911384.Also In
References
- Kosmo, Joseph J. Bassick, J. Porter, K. “Development of Higher Operating Pressure Extravehicular Space-Suit Glove Assemblies” SAE Technical Paper # 881102 18th ICES July 1988
- Otto, Frei Tensile Structures , M.I.T. Press Cambridge MA 1967 10 30
- O'Hara, J. Briganti, M. “Extravehicular Activities Limitations Study, Vol. II, Establishment of Physiological and Performance Criteria for EVA Gloves” NASA Document N89-17393 2 7
- Fisher, W. Price, C. “Space Station Freedom External Maintenance Task Team, Final Report” NASA, Johnson Space Center Houston, TX July 1990