Grip™ System for R&D

tactile grip force and pressure measurement

Tactile pressure sensing system that quantifies forces applied by the human hand while grasping objects.

Tactile Grip Force and Pressure Sensing

The Grip™ system measures and evaluates static and dynamic pressures from grasping objects. The Grip system uses a thin, high-resolution, tactile pressure sensor that can be used directly on a hand or built into a glove. The system provides detailed pressure profiles, forces, and graphical displays for quantitative analysis of various haptic applications. Whether used to improve design for a more ergonomically sound product, study carpal tunnel and repetitive motion syndrome, or analyze the human hold on various tools and sports equipment, the Grip system is an ideal tool for pressure and force measurement.

Key Grip System Features:

Simultaneous measurement of left and right hands
High sampling rates of up to 850 Hz (frames per second)
Each sensor has eighteen sensing regions that can be individually positioned over important anatomic sections of the fingers and palm
Each sensing region has multiple sensing elements (sensels) for localized identification of pressure points on the hand
Sensors are durable and reusable

The Grip system is available with the following hardware choices: Tethered, Wireless, and Datalogger. See the system tab for more information.

Every VersaTek^® based system uses specially designed scanning electronics called Cuffs. The Cuffs connect to the sensor, gather the data from the sensor, and then process and send this data to your computer via USB connection. To learn more about our scanning electronics and sensor performance specifications, please visit our Technology page.

GRIP System Components

System Setup

System Description

System Components

Grip Tethered

Wires connect the sensor and scanning electronics on the subject to the computer via USB port. Dynamic events are captured with scan rates of up to 750 Hz.

VersaTek Cuff(s)

(1) VersaTek 2-Port Hub

Grip Software CD

Sensor(s), Model# 4256E

Grip Wireless

Data is transmitted directly from the subject to the computer, allowing for a wide range of applications. The subject can be up to 100 meters away and data can be recorded and displayed on the computer in real time. A 100 Hz scan rate is available with wireless connectivity.

(2) VersaTek Cuffs

(1) VersaTek 2-Port Hub

Grip Software CD

Sensor(s), Model# 4256E

(1) Wireless Unit

Grip Datalogger - New!

Datalogger

Collects and stores sensor data in its internal memory for upload to a computer at a later time. The subject can travel over 100 meters from the computer and can be used when a recording needs to be made over an extended period of time. Scan rates of 750 Hz can be achieved.

(2) VersaTek Cuffs

(1) VersaTek 2-Port Hub

Grip Software CD

Sensor(s), Model# 4256E

(1) Datalogger

(1) 8 GB Memory Card

Grip Wireless and Datalogger

Both options offer complete flexibility.

(2) VersaTek Cuffs

(1) VersaTek 2-Port Hub

Grip Software CD

Sensor(s), Model# 4256E

(1) Wireless Unit

(1) Datalogger

(1) 8 GB Memory Card

Shown below is the Grip Tethered model

Grip system components

Every VersaTek based system uses specially designed scanning electronics called Cuffs. The Cuffs connect to the sensor, gather the data from the sensor, and then process and send this data to your computer via USB connection. VersaTek electronics sample at the fastest speeds and are compatible with other VersaTek sensors, giving you the ability to add in-shoe, prosthetic, grip, and seating & positioning capabilities to your Tekscan System.

Components depend on system configuration. Additional items may be included with your system purchase.

View computer requirements.

Tactile Grip Force and Pressure Sensors

The Grip system uses a thin, high-resolution sensor that can be used directly on a hand or built into a glove. Each sensor has eighteen sensing regions that can be individually positioned over important anatomic sections of the fingers and palm. Gaps between the sensing areas allow the joints to be avoided, move freely, and not interfere with grip measurement. Each sensing region has multiple sensing elements (sensels) for localized identification of pressure points on the hand.

Sensor Model 4256E

Sensing Area Total

Width Height Sensels Sensel Density

Various in. Various in. 349 40.3 in.²

Various mm Various mm 349 6.2 cm²

Click to enlarge images and play videos.

The Grip sytem's high resolution tactile sensor can be directly placed on a subject's hand.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeuH1hWx_TM
Eighteen individual sensing regions measure pressure and force experienced or applied to hands and fingers.
Tekscan's Grip System is a pressure mapping tool that measures and analyzes dynamic pressures and forces applied to the hands and fingers during a variety of applications, including product design testing, ergonomic comfort testing, and athletics.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqcydcIuzuU&feature=channel_video_title
Example of grip pressure data while subject operated an industrial floor polisher

grip force and pressure measurement Software Features:

Display real-time and recorded data in 2-D and 3-D displays
Capture dynamic pressure data
Play back pressure “movies”
Display data frame by frame, single, and/or multi-frame
Graph and analyze real-time or stored data (Pressure, Force, Area)
Export data in ASCII format
Isolate and analyze specific areas
Display of Center of Force and its trajectory
View and compare multiple tests simultaneously

The software is available in several languages including Spanish, French, and German. View software languages available.

Software Options

Grip Force and Pressure Measurement Applications:

Ergonomics
- Vibration studies, Carpal tunnel syndrome, heavy lifting
Improved product design
Sports applications
- Baseball bat, golf club, tennis racket
Robotics

There have also been a number of research projects conducted where pressure measurement technology has played a crucial role. For a list of research studies, download the Industrial bibliography.