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NURSE-2 DoF Device for Arm Motion Guidance: Kinematic, Dynamic, and FEM Analysis

Betsy D. M. Chaparro-Rico Orcid Logo, Daniele Cafolla Orcid Logo, Marco Ceccarelli Orcid Logo, Eduardo Castillo-Castaneda Orcid Logo

Applied Sciences, Volume: 10, Issue: 6, Start page: 2139

Swansea University Author: Daniele Cafolla Orcid Logo

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DOI (Published version): 10.3390/app10062139

Abstract

Patients with neurological or orthopedic lesions require assistance during therapies with repetitive movements. NURSE (cassiNo-qUeretaro uppeR-limb aSsistive dEvice) is an arm movement aid device for both right- and left-upper limb. The device has a big workspace to conduct physical therapy or train...

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Published in: Applied Sciences
ISSN: 2076-3417
Published: MDPI AG 2020
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URI: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa62503
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Abstract: Patients with neurological or orthopedic lesions require assistance during therapies with repetitive movements. NURSE (cassiNo-qUeretaro uppeR-limb aSsistive dEvice) is an arm movement aid device for both right- and left-upper limb. The device has a big workspace to conduct physical therapy or training on individuals including kids and elderly individuals, of any age and size. This paper describes the mechanism design of NURSE and presents a numerical procedure for testing the mechanism feasibility that includes a kinematic, dynamic, and FEM (Finite Element Method) analysis. The kinematic demonstrated that a big workspace is available in the device to reproduce therapeutic movements. The dynamic analysis shows that commercial motors for low power consumption can achieve the needed displacement, acceleration, speed, and torque. Finite Element Method showed that the mechanism can afford the upper limb weight with light-bars for a tiny design. This work has led to the construction of a NURSE prototype with a light structure of 2.6 kg fitting into a box of 35 × 45 × 30 cm. The latter facilitates portability as well as rehabilitation at home with a proper follow-up. The prototype presented a repeatability of ±1.3 cm that has been considered satisfactory for a device having components manufactured with 3D rapid prototyping technology.
Keywords: mechanical design; dynamic simulation; FEM analysis; assistive device; upper limb therapy; neurorehabilitation
College: Faculty of Science and Engineering
Issue: 6
Start Page: 2139