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Use of Traditional and Novel Methods to Evaluate the Influence of an EVA Glove on Hand PerformanceThe gloved hand is one of an astronaut s primary means of interacting with the environment, and any restrictions imposed by the glove can strongly affect performance during extravehicular activity (EVA). Glove restrictions have been the subject of study for decades, yet previous studies have generally been unsuccessful in quantifying glove mobility and tactility. Past studies have tended to focus on the dexterity, strength, and functional performance of the gloved hand; this provides only a circumspect analysis of the impact of each type of restriction on the glove s overall capability. The aim of this study was to develop novel capabilities to provide metrics for mobility and tactility that can be used to assess the performance of a glove in a way that could enable designers and engineers to improve their current designs. A series of evaluations were performed to compare unpressurized and pressurized (4.3 psi) gloved conditions with the ungloved condition. A second series of evaluations were performed with the Thermal Micrometeoroid Garment (TMG) removed. This series of tests provided interesting insight into how much of an effect the TMG has on gloved mobility - in some cases, the presence of the TMG restricted glove mobility as much as pressurization did. Previous hypotheses had assumed that the TMG would have a much lower impact on mobility, but these results suggest that an improvement in the design of the TMG could have a significant impact on glove performance. Tactility testing illustrated the effect of glove pressurization, provided insight into the design of hardware that interfaces with the glove, and highlighted areas of concern. The metrics developed in this study served to benchmark the Phase VI EVA glove and to develop requirements for the next-generation glove for the Constellation program.
Document ID
20100011078
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Preprint (Draft being sent to journal)
Authors
Benson, Elizabeth A.
(MEI Technologies, Inc. Houston, TX, United States)
England, Scott A.
(MEI Technologies, Inc. Houston, TX, United States)
Mesloh, Miranda
(Lockheed Martin Corp. Houston, TX, United States)
Thompson, Shelby
(Lockheed Martin Corp. Houston, TX, United States)
ajulu, Sudhakar
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2010
Subject Category
Space Sciences (General)
Report/Patent Number
JSC-CN-20142
Meeting Information
Meeting: 40th International Conference on Environmental Systems
Location: Barcelona
Country: Spain
Start Date: July 11, 2010
End Date: July 15, 2010
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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