Experimental Design

In a previous study, a compression model was used to demonstrate the circumference change during finger bending. This concept has since been expanded upon to now include a second phalanx in order to demonstrate this bending motion similar to a real human finger. A 3D printed structure and silicone was used to replicate bone and flesh respectively. To harness the energy from the finger bending motion, spiral shape energy harvesters were fabricated, which are comprised of two main materials - PDMS (Polydimethylsiloxane) and PVDF (Polyvinylidene fluoride). The spiral shape energy harvester was then applied on the finger model and studied after a series of conducted bending experiments. The feasibility of the proposed spiral shape energy harvesting device has been demonstrated and is expected to be potentially utilized as a wearable device in which a volume change can occur.