This paper presents a design of seat mechanism for multi-postures controllable wheelchair. The possible seat postures are reclining, tilting, standing, which are controlled by four seat mechanisms using four linear actuators. The seat mechanisms designed in this study are reclining, tilting, forward-tilting, and elevation mechanism. Three postures except standing are controlled by corresponding mechanisms, but the standing posture is performed by combination of the reclining and the forward-tilting mechanism. Posture control system is composed of PID controllers and a planner to determine a feasible posture based on a posture transition diagram. Simulation results show that the seat mechanism and its control system are applicable to a multi-postures controllable wheelchair.
This study aimed to develop a sensory feedback system which could measure force and temperature for the user of myoelectric prosthetic hands. The Sensory measurement module consisted of a force sensing resistor to measure forces and non-contact infrared temperature sensor. These sensors were attached on the fingertips of the myoelectric prosthetic hand. The module was validated by using standard weights corresponding to external force and a Peltier module. Sensory transmission module consisted of four vibration motors. Eight vibration patterns were generated by combining motion of each vibration motor and were dependent on kinds and/or magnitude. The module was verified by using standard weigts and water at varying temperatures. There were correlations of force and temperature between the sensory measurement module and standard weight and water. Additionally, exact vibration patterns were generated, indicating the efficacy of the sensory feedback system for the myoelectric prosthetic hand.
This paper proposes a controller design for automatic excretion care system for long-term bedridden patients. The system can detect excrement such as feces and urine, and discriminate them severally by two built-in sensors. It is also possible to dispose of the excrement automatically without having additional efforts by caregivers. The disposal processes realized in the system are suction, collecting, washing, and drying. A controller for the automatic excretion care system is implemented and its performance is evaluated by a series of experiments. The experimental results using artificial excreta showed the developed system, the controller included, was efficient to assist the excretion care.
This paper show the effects on the body slip according to the lengths of seat section and the initial angle of upper leg section. We first develop a sample mattress support platform whose lengths of seat and leg sections are changeable. Then experiments are performed with six subjects. To verify the effects to body slip, each initial condition of the experiments are selected based on the anthropometric data of human body. Then the experimental results are verified by a statistics method. From the experimental results we propose ideal lengths of the mattress support platform and a guideline to care the elderly persons at home.
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