Prototype of a Mechanical Assistance Device for the Wrists’ Flexion-Extension Movement

JULIO CESAR POLITTI; LISANDRO JOSÉ PUGLISI; FERNANDO DANIEL FARFÁN

Journal of Physics: Conference Series

IOP Publishing

Año: 2007 vol. 90 p. 1 - 9

1742-6596

Abstract. Using CMU actuators, a Prototype of Mechanical Assistance Device for the Wrist´s Flexion Movement (PMA) was developed and probed in a mechanical model, in order to be implemented in a future as a dynamic powered orthosis or as a rehabilitation assistant instrument. Two Mayor Actuators conformed by three CMU actuators arranged in a series configuration, allows to an artificial hand to be placed in four predefined positions: 0°, 20°, 40° and 60°. The synchronism and control of the actuators is achieved with the Programmable Control Module (PCM). It is capable to drive up to six CMU actuators, and possess two different modes of execution: a Manual mode and an Exercise mode. In the Manual Mode, the position of the hand responds directly to the commands of the keyboard of the front panel, and in the Exercise mode, the hand realizes a repetitive and programmed movement. The prototype was tested in 100 positions in the Manual Mode and for 225 works cycles in the Exercise Mode. The relative repetition error was less than 5% for both test. This prototype only consumes 4,15W, which makes it possible to be powered by small rechargeable batteries, allowing its use as a portable device.