Improve the mobility of a tremor suppression mechanism for the next generation of anti-tremor orthosis to be marketed in ~2024
Redesigning an anti-tremor orthosis for increased wrist mobility
R.G. De Reus (TU Delft - Industrial Design Engineering)
S. Ghodrat – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Emerging Materials)
Sonja Paus-Buzink – Mentor (TU Delft - Human Factors)
J. de Jong – Mentor
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Abstract
People who suffer from tremor, experience uncontrollable, involuntary movements. Depending on the underlaying cause, these movements occur during rest, or simultaneous with voluntary movements.
STIL is a YES!Delft based, med-tech startup that is developing a non-invasive, anti-tremor orthosis that helps people with tremors in their upper limbs. The current anti-tremor orthosis helps with the reduction of upper limb tremor. However, it limits the mobility of the user’s hand and wrist. Motion in the Wrist Radial and Ulnar Deviation (WRUD) degree of freedom are limited due to the way the orthosis is designed.
By redesigning several parts of the orthosis, a new degree of freedom has been added to the device.
This increased mobility makes the orthosis more comfortable in daily use, and could even be beneficial to the suppression of upper limb tremor.
By integrating a small mechanical damper, the friction in the WRUD degree of freedom can be controlled.
A system of interlocking parts, supported by dampers ensure a durable and smooth rotation when the wrist is moved.
The fully functional prototype was manufactured and handed over to STIL bv for further testing, along with recommendations to optimize the design .