A case study of technology transfer: Rehabilitative engineering at Rancho Los Amigos Hospital

The transfer of NASA technolgy to rehabilitative applications of artificial limbs is studied. Human factors engineering activities range from orthotic manipulators to tiny dc motors and transducers to detect and transmit voluntary control signals. It is found that bicarbon implant devices are suitable for medical equipment and artificial limbs because of their biological compatibility with human body fluids and tissues

Development of a standing disruptive concept for the mobility of individuals with motor disability

Dissertação de mestrado integrado em Biomedical EngineeringThe present project intends to explore the idea of creating a new and better kind of mobility device, capable of transporting individuals who suffer of mobility impairments. The developments of the dissertation culminated in an explanatory prototype based of a set of requirements and of withdrawn conclusions of the state of the art of mobility devices. It is proposed a novel concept of vertical transport for the mobility impaired. The present idea allows the user greater agility than most mobility devices, improved self-autonomy and operating while in a vertical stance, reducing health risks which the mobility disabled are prone to, both mental and physical. Firstly, it is presented a literature review of the mobility devices targeted for the mobility impaired developed thus far. The analysis of the development throughout history and of the devices currently presented in the market allowed to understand which necessities of the mobility disabled are yet to be answered. Said knowledge is the foundation of a project intended to further improve the quality of life of whoever has such special needs. To counter the list of requirements and specifications, the complex engineering problem was divided in smaller subfunctions that could be more easily answered to. After presenting several solutions to each subfunction, the ones considered best were selected and developed. For designing the device, several steps were taken. For a broader triage of concepts, it was used sketching. Later, the best notions were recreated on the CAD software SolidWorks, which allowed for virtual testing of the wouldbe prototype. Once a design was deemed worthy, the pieces of the mechanism were 3D printed, creating a physical model of the final goal of the project. Thus, it was created the basis of a mobility device for the individuals who suffer from mobility impairments that can be used in the outdoors, reach running speeds and assists in maintaining a vertical stance, diminishing the risks of developing health problems triggered from prolonged times in a seated position.O presente projeto pretende explorar a ideia de criar um novo e melhor dispositivo de mobilidade, capaz de transportar indivíduos que sofrem de deficiências de mobilidade. A evolução da dissertação culminou num protótipo elucidativo baseado num conjunto de requisitos e conclusões retiradas do estado da arte de dispositivos de mobilidade. Propõe-se um novo conceito de transporte vertical para quem sofre de problemas de mobilidade. A ideia permite ao usuário uma maior agilidade do que a maioria dos dispositivos de mobilidade, auto autonomia aprimorada e ser operável em posição vertical, reduzindo os riscos de saúde a que os deficientes de mobilidade são propensos, tanto a nível mental como físico. Em primeiro lugar, é apresentada a revisão da literatura sobre os dispositivos de mobilidade desenvolvidos até agora para quem sofre de problemas de mobilidade. A análise do desenvolvimento ao longo da história e dos dispositivos atualmente apresentados no mercado permitiu entender quais as necessidades dos deficientes que ainda necessitam de ser respondidas. O referido conhecimento é o fundamento de um projeto destinado a melhorar ainda mais a qualidade de vida de quem tem tais necessidades especiais. Para a lista de requisitos e especificações, o complexo problema de engenharia foi dividido em subfunções menores que poderiam ser mais facilmente respondidas. Depois de apresentar várias soluções para cada subfunção, os considerados melhores foram selecionados e desenvolvidos. Para projetar o dispositivo, foram tomadas várias etapas. Para uma triagem mais ampla de conceitos, foram utilizados esboços. Mais tarde, as melhores noções foram recriadas no software CAD SolidWorks, o que permitiu testes virtuais do potencial protótipo. Uma vez que um design foi considerado digno, as peças do mecanismo foram impressas em 3D, criando um modelo físico do objetivo final do projeto. Assim, foi criada a base de um dispositivo de mobilidade para os indivíduos que sofrem de deficiências de mobilidade que pode ser usado no exterior, alcança velocidades de corrida e ajudam a manter uma posição vertical, diminuindo os riscos de desenvolver problemas de saúde desencadeados por períodos prolongados na posição sentada

Design Principles for FES Concept Development

© Cranfield University 2013. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the copyright owner.A variety of pathologies can cause injury to the spinal cord and hinder movement. A range of equipment is available to help spinal injury sufferers move their affected limbs. One method of rehabilitation is functional electrical stimulation (FES). FES is a technique where small electrical currents are applied to the surface of the user’s legs to stimulate the muscles. Studies have demonstrated the benefits of using this method and it has also been incorporated into a number of devices. The aim of the project was to produce a number of designs for a new device that uses FES technology. The project was completed in conjunction with an industrial partner. A review of the literature and consultation with industrial experts suggested a number of ways current devices could be improved. These included encouraging the user to lean forwards while walking and powering the device using a more ergonomic method. A group of designers were used to produce designs that allowed the user to walk with a more natural gait and avoided cumbersome power packs. The most effective of these designs were combined to form one design that solved both problems. A 3-dimensional model of this design was simulated using computer-aided design software. Groups of engineers, scientists and consumers were also invited to provide input on how a new device should function. Each of these groups provided a design that reflected their specific needs, depending on their experience with similar technology. Low level prototypes were produced of these designs. A group of designers were also used to design concepts for a functional electrical stimulation device based on an introduction given by industry experts. Each of the designs was presented to experienced professionals to obtain feedback. A set of guidelines were also produced during the project that instructed how to create the designs

介助者の自律駆動規範モデルを用いた介助用車いすの補助動力制御

関西大

DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF AN ADVANCED REAL-TIME ELECTRICAL POWERED WHEELCHAIR CONTROLLER

Advances in Electric Powered Wheelchairs (EPW) have improved mobility for people with disabilities as well as older adults, and have enhanced their integration into society. Some of the issues still present in EPW lie in the difficulties when encountering different types of terrain, and access to higher or low surfaces. To this end, an advanced real-time electrical powered wheelchair controller was developed. The controller was comprised of a hardware platform with sensors measuring the speed of the driving, caster wheels and the acceleration, with a single board computer for implementing the control algorithms in real-time, a multi-layer software architecture, and modular design. A model based real-time speed and traction controller was developed and validated by simulation. The controller was then evaluated via driving over four different surfaces at three specified speeds. Experimental results showed that model based control performed best on all surfaces across the speeds compared to PID (proportional-integral-derivative) and Open Loop control. A real-time slip detection and traction control algorithm was further developed and evaluated by driving the EPW over five different surfaces at three speeds. Results showed that the performance of anti-slip control was consistent on the varying surfaces at different speeds. The controller was also tested on a front wheel drive EPW to evaluate a forwarding tipping detection and prevention algorithm. Experimental results showed that the tipping could be accurately detected as it was happening and the performance of the tipping prevention strategy was consistent on the slope across different speeds. A terrain-dependent EPW user assistance system was developed based on the controller. Driving rules for wet tile, gravel, slopes and grass were developed and validated by 10 people without physical disabilities. The controller was also adapted to the Personal Mobility and Manipulation Appliance (PerMMA) Generation II, which is an advanced power wheelchair with a flexible mobile base, allowing it to adjust the positions of each of the four casters and two driving wheels. Simulations of the PerMMA Gen II system showed that the mobile base controller was able to climb up to 8” curb and maintain passenger’s posture in a comfort position

DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, AND USABILITY EVALUATION OF CONTROL ALGORITHMS FOR A MOBILITY ENHANCEMENT ROBOTIC WHEELCHAIR (MEBOT)

An Electric Powered Wheelchair (EPW) is a key mobility device for people with disabilities providing mobility, independence, and improved quality of life. However, the design of current EPWs remains limited when driving in environments with architectural barriers and uneven terrain, making EPW users susceptible to safety issues - such as tipping or falling - which may lead to serious injury. To overcome these limitations, we developed a series of control algorithms for a novel mobility enhancement robotic wheelchair (MEBot). MEBot consists of six wheels with pneumatic actuators to control the elevation and inclination of the wheelchair as well as electric actuators in the driving wheel carriage to change its driving wheel configuration. Its controller is comprised of a single board computer, and a sensor package that aids obstacle detection and provides information about joint movements to develop MEBOT’s control algorithms. The ability of the MEBot controller to perform control algorithms, such as the dynamic seat leveling, curb climbing, and descending applications, was evaluated and validated in both simulation and a controlled environment for broader accessibility in architectural barriers. A stability analysis showed that while the footprint of the wheelchair changed during the process of its control algorithms when overcoming architectural barriers such as curbs and slopes; MEBot maintained its center of mass within the wheelchair footprint. Furthermore, a usability evaluation with ten power wheelchair users was conducted to compare the MEBot’s controller with that of their own power wheelchair in simulated indoor, outdoor, and advanced (architectural barriers) environments. Results show that MEBot was able to perform a significantly higher number of tasks than currently available commercial power wheelchairs in the advanced environment. In addition, participant’s feedback was obtained for further improvement of the device and its control algorithms

Development of Hand Control Interface for Manual Transmission Vehicles

The goal of the MQP was to design and build a minimally invasive hand control interface that can be used by paraplegics or double leg amputees to control manual transmission automobiles. This control interface can also be used by individuals who describe themselves as car enthusiasts and enjoy driving manual transmission vehicles. The team conducted testing and research in several areas including the analysis of current assistive devices, calculating the dynamics of a mechanical linkage and brake system, cable actuation and clutch system, and manufactured a prototype control interface. Compared to earlier control interfaces, the team was able to design and build a mechanical control interface with reduced components that offers a tactile response with a simple installation process