Design of an ultra-compact elbow-joint for an eating assistive device: Meeting the growing demands of people with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophin

Ultra-compact is a valuable property in designs of assistive devices for people with Duchenne Muscle Dystrophy. Reducing the size of these medical devices will increase the cosmetic appearance. Current devices are large and stigmatizing in the eyes of the users. In other words, the users want a device to be small enough to be worn underneath the...

A statically balanced mobile arm support based on a novel spring system

This research is focused on designing a close-to-body statically balanced mobile arm support for people suffering from degenerative muscular conditions. The arm support is based on a spring system consisting of two bi-articular zero-free-length springs to balance the arm.

Weight classification during actively assisted elbow flexion and extension

Severe muscle weakness is a symptom appearing in certain neuromuscular diseases (NMDs), such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), affecting people's daily lives by reducing functionality, decreasing independence, and reducing the ability to perform essential daily activities. This patient group might benefit from using active-assistive devices...

Feasibility Study of a Balanced Upper Arm Orthosis based on Bending Beams

People with neuromuscular diseases request an orthosis close to the body for assistance with their arm movements. This paper proposes a concept for a passive arm support that is close to the body and is based on bending beams. Simulations resulted in the final configuration and dimensions of the beams, optimised to balance an arm. One Carbon...