Wearable Mobile Arm Support
Advisor Information
Brian Knarr
Location
MBSC Ballroom - Poster #904 - G
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
4-3-2022 10:45 AM
End Date
4-3-2022 12:00 PM
Abstract
Abstract
A Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) can lead to the loss of motor function and diminished function of many muscle groups, largely dependent on the level of injury the individual has sustained. This can lead some individuals to being unable to lift their arm against the force of gravity alone. It has been shown that without the force of gravity acting on their arm, they are able to perform ADLs, participate in more physical therapy and control the movement of their own power chair.
Therefore, the goal of my project develop an passive, low-cost, soft and wearable upper-limb exoskeleton to negate the force of gravity in the user’s dominant arm, allowing them to lift their arm to control their own power chair.
The current design includes a nylon strap across the user’s chest and above the shoulder of the arm being used. It also has two Velcro straps on the forearm; one at the wrist and one near the elbow. A part was designed, and 3D printed to allow the string to transmit the force, without putting unnecessary pressure on the user’s shoulder. The force is transmitted from the back of the device/user, by way of two Kevlar strings, through the 3D printed part where one leads to the strap on the wrist and the other to the strap near the elbow, to provide the force necessary to assist with the user’s motion. Future validation of the device will assess usability and changes in muscular effort when wearing the device.
Scheduling Link
1
Wearable Mobile Arm Support
MBSC Ballroom - Poster #904 - G
Abstract
A Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) can lead to the loss of motor function and diminished function of many muscle groups, largely dependent on the level of injury the individual has sustained. This can lead some individuals to being unable to lift their arm against the force of gravity alone. It has been shown that without the force of gravity acting on their arm, they are able to perform ADLs, participate in more physical therapy and control the movement of their own power chair.
Therefore, the goal of my project develop an passive, low-cost, soft and wearable upper-limb exoskeleton to negate the force of gravity in the user’s dominant arm, allowing them to lift their arm to control their own power chair.
The current design includes a nylon strap across the user’s chest and above the shoulder of the arm being used. It also has two Velcro straps on the forearm; one at the wrist and one near the elbow. A part was designed, and 3D printed to allow the string to transmit the force, without putting unnecessary pressure on the user’s shoulder. The force is transmitted from the back of the device/user, by way of two Kevlar strings, through the 3D printed part where one leads to the strap on the wrist and the other to the strap near the elbow, to provide the force necessary to assist with the user’s motion. Future validation of the device will assess usability and changes in muscular effort when wearing the device.