Abstract
This chapter deals with the identification of the requirements that drive the design of the hand exoskeleton to help crewmembers during Extra-Vehicular Activities (EVAs). The requirements were identified by means of literature review as well as interviews to users and stakeholders. After an introduction to EVAs, the method followed for the design is presented. The space environment and the main characteristics of spacesuits and gloves are reviewed, focusing in particular on the condition of the hands. The fatigue problem of arms and hands during EVAs is explained and some peculiarities of the training that astronauts undergo to prepare to this type of activities in space are stressed. Since one of the most important problems for materials and electronics in space is radiation, the total dose that has to be withstood in the typical International Space Station (ISS) environment is then estimated. Different requirements also come from the EVA spacesuit equipment, as well as from safety and cost considerations. A discussion on kinematics and dynamics follows, in which the main hand movements needed for EVAs and the different joints of the fingers are discussed. Finally, a table summarizes the identified requirements, which drive the design of the hand exoskeleton.
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Freni, P., Botta, E.M., Randazzo, L., Ariano, P. (2014). Users’ Requirements. In: Innovative Hand Exoskeleton Design for Extravehicular Activities in Space. SpringerBriefs in Applied Sciences and Technology(). Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-03958-9_2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-03958-9_2
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