Back Injury Prevention Control
Product description:
Using a device from current research on back injury prevention, we would mount an accelerometer, arduino, servo, and control buttons to control the position and movement of the spring used for actuation. A spring is on a pendulum that stays vertical when the user is upright and moves forward when the user starts to bend. Simple geometry uses this change in the spring to keep the user upright while lifting.
System description:
When the user bends over, the accelerometer will output relative data. This data will then be filtered and the system (controlled by the user) will decide how quickly to actuate the device. A servo motor will rotate, engaging or disengaging the pendulum system. When the pendulum system is engaged, the device will provide support to the user's torso, preventing excessive forces in the back.
Basic Idea:
The idea is to provide control to a back injury prevention device. Currently, the device relies on gravity to "know" when to actuate and support the user. To provide smart control to the system, the system will be able to differentiate gravity's acceleration and the acceleration from walking, while allowing the user control of how the system is working.
The idea is to provide control to a back injury prevention device. Currently, the device relies on gravity to "know" when to actuate and support the user. To provide smart control to the system, the system will be able to differentiate gravity's acceleration and the acceleration from walking, while allowing the user control of how the system is working.
Product description:
Using a device from current research on back injury prevention, we would mount an accelerometer, arduino, servo, and control buttons to control the position and movement of the spring used for actuation. A spring is on a pendulum that stays vertical when the user is upright and moves forward when the user starts to bend. Simple geometry uses this change in the spring to keep the user upright while lifting.
System description:
When the user bends over, the accelerometer will output relative data. This data will then be filtered and the system (controlled by the user) will decide how quickly to actuate the device. A servo motor will rotate, engaging or disengaging the pendulum system. When the pendulum system is engaged, the device will provide support to the user's torso, preventing excessive forces in the back.
Value:
Currently the system is fully passive. By adding this "smart" element, the user has more control on what situations they would like back support.
Why:
Devices on the market today are highly obtrusive or do not help much with back injury. This device is compact, and with minimal control, the system can provide the correct amount of support desired by the user.
Who:
The product would be for people in manual lifting and moving jobs, as well as anyone with back injuries or injury concerns. This could be used while gardening or for dentists bending over their patients constantly.
Currently the system is fully passive. By adding this "smart" element, the user has more control on what situations they would like back support.
Why:
Devices on the market today are highly obtrusive or do not help much with back injury. This device is compact, and with minimal control, the system can provide the correct amount of support desired by the user.
Who:
The product would be for people in manual lifting and moving jobs, as well as anyone with back injuries or injury concerns. This could be used while gardening or for dentists bending over their patients constantly.
