How to Make a Glove Alarm That Activates When Fingers Touch Palm for Hand Cramp Detection

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#1 21685528 01 Sep 2021 22:21

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Anonymous

Post #1
21685528 01 Sep 2021 22:21

A friend has cramp problems in his hand.
I would like to make a glove that triggers an alarm when his fingers touch his palm.
Perhaps having electric pads that create a circuit and an alarm when touched, in finger tips and palm in a glove.

Or a device on the palm that triggers an alarm, when pressed. Is there something I could buy or make that would do this, if attached to glove?

Any help on this would be greatly appreciated.
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#2 21685529 02 Sep 2021 09:26

Giovanni Di Maria Giovanni Di Maria

Anonymous
Post #2
21685529 02 Sep 2021 09:26

Hello
The solution of capacitive sensors would be more professional but more difficult. In a very simple way the following idea might work.
Build metal contacts on the glove, as shown in the attached figure.
The finger contacts are connected to each other. When they touch the palm, they make electrical contact with the plate on the palm and close a circuit.
Greetings
Giovanni

Attachments:

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#3 21685530 02 Sep 2021 18:01

Big tea Big tea

Anonymous

Post #3
21685530 02 Sep 2021 18:01

Thank you for the suggestion.
Can you suggest how contacts would be built into the glove.
How would this be wired up to an alarm.

thanks
#4 21685531 02 Sep 2021 18:01

Big tea Big tea

Anonymous

Post #4
21685531 02 Sep 2021 18:01

Or
Could a device be placed on the palm, that would activate the alarm, this might be easier. Just like a doorbell, but slimmer, something that would activate when pressed.
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#5 21685532 04 Sep 2021 09:37

Giovanni Di Maria Giovanni Di Maria

Anonymous
Post #5
21685532 04 Sep 2021 09:37

Hello
In fact, the solutions are many.
I wouldn't use switches, buttons and microswitches.
For their activation it is necessary to apply a considerable force.
I think that touch contacts are the best solution.
Instead of metal plates, you could use a copper metal grill, which is very thin and bendable.
See the idea in the attached photo.
Greetings
Giovanni

Attachments:

guanto2.jpg (402.8 KB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
#6 21685534 05 Sep 2021 17:42

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Anonymous

Post #6
21685534 05 Sep 2021 17:42

PS if there were a switch, how would I set this up to a battery and small alarm
I really don't know anything about this field
Can you tell me what I would use to make a sound, what battery.

Your help is much appreciated.

Thanks
#7 21685533 05 Sep 2021 17:42

Big tea Big tea

Anonymous

Post #7
21685533 05 Sep 2021 17:42

Thanks for the suggestion, I will check out this grill.
But the hand cramps are very strong, thus the problem, so a switch or button will work,
Is there a small switch or button that you can recommend, that activates when pressed, but is relitavely small.

Thanks
#8 21685535 06 Sep 2021 10:46

Giovanni Di Maria Giovanni Di Maria

Anonymous
Post #8
21685535 06 Sep 2021 10:46

Hello
You can follow this principle scheme.
You can also use MEMS components.
Greetings
Giovanni

Attachments:

guanto3.jpg (62.97 KB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
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#9 21685536 06 Sep 2021 10:46

Richard Gabric Richard Gabric

Anonymous

Post #9
21685536 06 Sep 2021 10:46

There are sensors like fleixforce, which could be glued to the palm of the glove, so only one pair of wires to contend with. Also means that the gloves would probably work better when in normal use, which is something I assume you would need.
There would need to be some experimental work done, since any flexing of the hand would need to be set as the 'tare', but you imply that the pressure exerted is quite high. Do the finger joints lock when the cramping takes place. The sensors do require some conditioning electronics, but they are not complex. The pair of wire could be run up the arm and down to a unit on a belt around the waist. A battery, piezo buzzer, and a few op amps would do it.
Cheers,
Richard
#10 21685537 07 Sep 2021 13:33

Big tea Big tea

Anonymous

Post #10
21685537 07 Sep 2021 13:33

The fingers come down in a strong cramp, they lock.

I will investigate this.

Thank you so much for your help!
#11 21685538 11 Sep 2021 11:33

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Anonymous

Post #11
21685538 11 Sep 2021 11:33

Do you know anyone who could make this for me?

Where would I go to find someone who can make this, could you help?

Thnks
#12 21685539 24 Jun 2022 14:29

Alexanderlewis Alexanderlewis

Anonymous

Post #12
21685539 24 Jun 2022 14:29

I'm going to look into this.
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion focuses on designing a glove-based alarm system to detect hand cramps by triggering an alert when fingers touch the palm. Proposed solutions include integrating metal contacts or copper mesh on fingertips and palm to close an electrical circuit upon contact, activating an alarm. Capacitive sensors are mentioned as a more professional but complex alternative. Small mechanical switches or buttons are considered, but their required activation force may be unsuitable given the strong cramps. Flexiforce sensors are suggested as a practical option; these force-sensitive resistors can be attached to the palm, requiring minimal wiring and providing better usability during normal hand movements. The system would involve conditioning electronics such as op amps, a battery, and a piezo buzzer, potentially housed on a belt. MEMS components are also referenced as possible sensor elements. The cramping involves finger joints locking in a strong grip, which influences sensor choice and calibration. The discussion includes considerations for sensor placement, wiring, and alarm activation mechanisms.
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FAQ

TL;DR: Easiest build: fingertip pads touching a palm plate close a circuit; FlexiForce needs only 1 wire pair. “A battery, piezo buzzer, and a few op amps would do it.” [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21685536]

Why it matters: This helps people who ask “how do I make a glove alarm for cramps?” with simple, low‑force parts and wiring.

Quick Facts

Trigger method: touch contacts between fingertip pads and a palm plate complete the alarm circuit. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21685529]
Low force: avoid mechanical switches; touch contacts respond without significant pressure. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21685532]
Single-cable option: one FlexiForce palm sensor needs only one pair of wires to the belt unit. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21685536]
Minimal BOM: battery + piezo buzzer + a few op amps can drive an audible alert. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21685536]
Thin, flexible conductors: copper mesh/grill plates are bendable and glove‑friendly. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21685532]

What’s the simplest way to detect fingers touching the palm?

Sew or adhere metal pads on fingertips and a metal plate on the palm, then wire them to close a circuit when they touch. This contact closure drives a buzzer or logic input. It needs no force calibration and works with normal gloves. Add insulation around edges to prevent accidental shorts. This approach is inexpensive and fast to prototype with craft copper tape or metalized fabric. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21685529]

Are mechanical switches a good idea for cramp detection?

Use them only if grip force is strong during cramps. Mechanical switches need considerable force, which can miss gentle closures or fatigue the user. Touch contacts or force sensors reduce activation effort and bulk in the palm. As one expert noted, “touch contacts are the best solution.” For severe, locking cramps, a low‑force switch can still work if positioned centrally. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21685532]

How would I wire a basic battery and alarm to the glove?

Create a simple series circuit: battery positive → alarm/buzzer → glove contact pair → battery negative. When fingers touch the palm, the circuit closes and the buzzer sounds. Keep wire runs short, and strain‑relieve at the glove cuff. Use a small enclosure on a belt or wrist for battery and buzzer. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21685534]

Can I put a single device on the palm that triggers when pressed?

Yes. You can mount a pressure‑actuated device on the palm so finger pressure activates it, similar to a slim doorbell concept. This reduces fingertip wiring but still requires low activation force. Place it where the average finger cluster lands during a cramp. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21685531]

What is a FlexiForce sensor, and why use it here?

FlexiForce is a thin force‑sensing resistor that outputs a resistance change with pressure. Glued to the palm, it detects finger pressure without multiple fingertip wires. It needs a simple conditioning circuit but only one pair of wires to the belt unit. It tolerates normal hand motion after a quick tare. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21685536]

Do I need complex electronics, or will a buzzer suffice?

For basic alerts, a battery and piezo buzzer work. For sensitivity or threshold control, add op‑amps to condition the sensor signal. As one expert said, “A battery, piezo buzzer, and a few op amps would do it.” Keep the circuit light and place it off‑glove. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21685536]

How do I build flexible, durable contacts into a glove?

Use thin copper mesh or grill as electrodes for the palm and fingertips. They bend with the fabric and reduce bulk. Stitch or adhesive‑bond them, then cover edges with fabric tape. Route conductors along seams to minimize snagging and improve comfort. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21685532]

Will normal hand movements cause false alarms?

With touch contacts, accidental brushing can trigger alarms. Using a force sensor and a calibrated threshold helps. Set a tare so normal flexing sits below the trip point, and cramp force triggers it. Place the sensor where fingers press during a lock. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21685536]

What if the cramp locks the fingers tightly?

This scenario suits both touch contacts and force sensors. Locked fingers ensure reliable contact or high pressure. For maximum assurance, use a palm force sensor plus a backup contact plate. The user confirmed that fingers lock during cramps. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21685537]

Could MEMS sensors help?

Yes. Small MEMS pressure or touch components can sense compression with minimal bulk. Integrate them in the palm area and feed their output to a threshold circuit or microcontroller. This matches the thread’s principle‑level scheme suggestion for compact sensing. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21685535]

Is there a quick 3‑step way to prototype this?

Add fingertip pads and a palm plate (or a palm force sensor).
Wire battery → alarm → sensor path, with strain relief.
Test, adjust sensitivity or plate area, and secure wiring. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21685535]

Any edge cases where switches fail?

Yes. High‑activation‑force microswitches may not trigger if the hand closes gently or inconsistently. They can also add uncomfortable pressure points. Prefer touch contacts or low‑force sensors to reduce strain and improve reliability during variable cramps. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21685532]

What parts count should I expect for a minimal build?

Typical minimal build uses three core parts: a battery, a piezo buzzer, and a sensor or contact pair. Add two to four small passives for conditioning if using a force sensor. Keep electronics on a belt to reduce glove weight. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21685536]

Can someone build this for me?

The thread includes a request for a builder. If you need help, share your location and requirements to engage a local maker or forum member. Provide glove size, sensor choice, and power preference to speed quotes. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21685538]

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