Open Source Hardware design for Vibrotactile Coordinated Reset (vCR) Gloves.
Abnormal synchronization of neuronal activity in dopaminergic circuits is related to motor impairment in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Vibrotactile coordinated reset (vCR) fingertip stimulation aims to counteract excessive synchronization and induce sustained unlearning of pathologic synaptic connectivity and neuronal synchrony.
Vibrotactile Coordinated Reset delivers vibratory stimulation to the fingertips of each hand. A specific pattern of vibration to each fingertip is delivered which theoretically disrupts abnormal synchrony in the brain.
This project provides instructions to build your own vCR Glove. Including Bill of Materials, Instructions, CAD Files, Circuit Board design files, and Firmware.
- You will need to have a manufacturer create the Printed Circuit Boards (PCB). Upload the Gerber file to the manufacturer: Control_Box\Electronics\Control_Box_Gerber.zip. I recommend having your circuit board assembled with all the components. Use the PickAndPlace, and BOM files for assembly. JLCPCB.com is a good choice for manufacturer.
- You will also need to order parts. See the Bill of Materials.
- You will need to solder on the Feather Microcontroller, Screen, and Boost Converter. These parts are easy to solder 2.54 through hole components.
- You will need to solder on the switch to the two pins labeled EN+ and EN-.
- You will need to cut a hole for the switch, and cut a slot for the USB charging cable. These cuts may be made with hand tools. You may also find laser cutter dxf files in Control_Box/Case_Assembly.
- You will need to flash the provided firmware onto the Feather Microcontroller. Use the Arduino IDE and a USB cable. See Firmware.
Note: the battery is necessary for operation.
- You will need to send the Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design files to a manufacturer. I recommend having your circuit board assembled with all the components. Upload the Gerber file to the manufacturer (Glove_Hardware/Electronics/Glove_Gerber.zip).
- Create cables by soldering or crimping the JST Cables onto the ERM Vibration Motor cables. You will need to make eight cable/motor assemblies.
- Create the motor/finger mounts. This uses double sided velcro stips. The ERM Vibration Motor and cable is placed between two strips, and sewed at the ends. A third piece of velcro strip is used around the finger to ensure a snug fit. You will need to make 8 motor/finger mounts.
- Cut and attach velcro strips to the glove so that they align with each finger on the glove. Recommend sewing the velcro strips to the gloves, and using adhesive.
- Leaving extra length for hand movements. Using 1/2-inch Paracord, sew the circuit board to the gloves.
- Plug the cable assemblies into to the circuit board.
- Plug an ethernet cable between the glove and control box.
- Optional. You can 3D print covers for the circuit boards. See Glove_Hardware/glove_PCB_cover.stl.
| Part | Part # | Quantity | Manufacturer | URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Custom Printed Circuit Board (See Control_Box/Electronics) | 2 | JLCPCB | https://jlcpcb.com/ | |
| ERM Vibration Motor | 1637 | 8 | Pololu | https://www.pololu.com/product-info-merged/1637 |
| JST Cables | A02SUR02SUR32W152A | 8 | JST | https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/jst-sales-america-inc/A02SUR02SUR32W152A/6009353 |
| Fingerless gloves | F019-BK-M | 1 | Fit Four | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06X6NCYP1?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details |
| 1/2-inch Paracord | 10 X FLTNYLWEB12-SILVER | 1 | PARACORD PLANET | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DZ5GG8W?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details |
| Velcro Strips | 91140 | 1 | Velcro Brand | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001E1Y5O6?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details |
| Ethernet Cable | 2 | UGREEN | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0875NB89J?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details | |
| Thread for Sewing | 1 | Generic | ||
| Adhesive | 1 | Generic |
- Assemble the case using the provided components.
- Mount the Mannequin Hand Display Stands to the board. I used two screws in each hand.
- There is a stand for the Control Box which can be 3D printed. See Display_Case_Hardware\control_box_holder.stl. I used three screws to mount the control box holder.
| Part | Part # | Quantity | Manufacturer | URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mannequin Hand Display Stands | 1 | Taotenish | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YR2G1NX?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details | |
| Display Case | 8x8x12 inch 20x20x30 cm | 1 | KOLIPI | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B3WMXPKL?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1 |
You may edit the Electronic design files using a PCB editing software called easyEDA. This project can be accessed on EasyEDA at: https://pro.easyeda.com/editor#id=4203400eb7db434e9a89eb5de0ddfd4a
The CAD files are in FreeCAD format and published in the /Control_Box and /Glove_Assembly folders.
The construction of this project would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of the research team that created Vibrotactile coordinated reset (vCR), conducted the research, and generally worked on this endeavor.
- Jason Hejna - Product Development Engineer
All design files are provided completely free of charge. I welcome any feedback or improvements to the design. Please submit feedback through Github.
Please notify me if parts go out of stock. I would like to update out of stock parts.
To anyone who tries this design. Please let me know how it goes!
Thank you
This source code is licensed under the Apache-2.0 license found in the LICENSE file in the root directory of this source tree. This project should be considered Open Source Hardware. You are free to use and modify any of the content herein.
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