Accuracy prediction of wearable flexible smart gloves

Abstract

Abstract This article aimed at providing a new biomechanical three-dimensional dynamic finite element model of the hand–glove combination for exploring the distribution of the overall continuous dynamic contact pressure of the hand with the flexible glove in the state of grabbing an object, and further predicting the accuracy of sensors of wearable smart gloves. The model was validated by garment pressure experiments at eight muscle points. The results showed that the pressure value measured with three flexible gloves was highly consistent with the finite element simulation value. Based on the model, the distribution of dynamic pressure between the soft tissue of the hand and the fabric in the process of flexing the fingers and grabbing external objects were predicted accurately and effectively, which indicated that the model with high accuracy could be applied to evaluate the accuracy of the pressure value collected by sensors of smart gloves. In addition, the model had been confirmed that it has a certain application value. The findings could help to provide a reference for dynamic continuous monitoring equipment or other intelligent wearable devices, and promote the development of the intelligent clothing industry in the future.