This paper presents a semi active orthosis designed for recovering the mobility on a paralyzed hand because of a fifth cervical injury, C5. The orthosis is based on a six bar mechanism and a circular slide, using the hand as a part of the mechanism. Other similar devices were developed around the world, nevertheless this design is independent of an actuator, and can be used with or without one. As a result, the mechanism and tests with the user are presented; the user of the mechanism can hold different objects with his hand using the orthosis.

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The Mechanical and Technological Innovation Centre (CDMIT) of the National Autonomous University of Mexico has a research area focused on the design of upper limb prosthesis. A large number of prosthesis have been developed and tested. This paper presents the analysis made to different proposals of myoelectric hands based on TRIZ. Two TRIZ tools were applied: The Innovation Situation Questionnaire (ISQ) and the Radar of Evolution. The analysis was made in terms of time, space and the user interface. The ISQ helps to better define the scope of the problem through six basic questions; each question provides a different view of the problem. The radar of evolution helps to make a selection of trends of evolution depending on the product or system, as an analogy of a benchmark. The analysis was made considering the state-of-the-art hand prosthesis: i-limb, be-bionic, Michelangelo and Myohand against the prosthesis prototypes developed by the CDMIT. The result of this tool is a diagram that reveals the level and opportunities of evolution. These opportunities imply a strengthening of research areas not only in the CDMIT but around the world. The conclusion achieved is that different design paradigms linked to bio-mimics criteria are needed to design more innovative user-friendly prosthesis.