Mechanical Arm Brace: Loss of Neuronal Function Jake Herman Paralysis What is it? How do you get it? Paralysis Definition: Paralysis is a loss of function of one or more muscles Can be accompanied by a loss of feeling Can be sensory and/or motor Happens when something goes wrong with the messages between the brain and muscles The electrical signal becomes impeded Can be isolated, or widespread throughout the body Paralysis cont Lower half of the body: Paraplegia Of arms and legs: Quadriplegia Can be caused by: Strokes Spinal cord injuries Nerve diseases Automobile accidents Sports injuries What causes arm paralysis? Arm Paralysis Erbs palsy Post stroke or heart attack Tumor Multiple Sclerosis Demyelinating disease Regaining Control: General Rehabilitation, depending on the extent of paralysis Surgery neuronal fusion and growth assist devices Newer technology: Brain-Computer Interface https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WV0bJkk86pw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WV0bJkk86pw Uses a combination of Deep Brain Stimulation, Brain-Neural electrodes, and a variety of coding programs Allows a patient with severe paralysis to operate a prosthesis by using his/her neuronal activity Regaining Control: Arm Rehabilitation and Surgery are most common options Used in conjunction with a mechanical arm brace Provides support while allowing mobility to the patient with the assistance of a motor Many different options based on the severity of paralysis Ideation What is it? How do you do it? Why should you care? Ideation First building block to creating a device Helps to formulate a goal Creates an outline of construction Ideation cont 1. Define objectives / goal 2. Generate ideas 1. Feasibility; does it meet the objective? 3. Create a construction plan 4. Assign tasks Prototyping What is it? How do you do it? Prototyping To create a model of a product or device to simulate its usefulness and practicality Requires many prototypes until a final product is reached Prototyping cont Use your ideation plan to construct the prototype based on the assigned roles Materials Plastic Splints Duct Tape Rope Hot Glue String Medical Gauze Foam Motor Building A Brace Must support and stabilize the entire arm at a 90 angle All pieces must connect A motor must be attached to the forearm to allow for wrist movement The brace will be built on one person in your group Bonus points will be awarded for removability Take ~5 min to ideate and make a sketch before beginning your prototype