Design of a balance training machine for rehabilitation of stroke patient

• Main Author: Lim, Chee Siong.
• Other Authors: Hoon Kay Hiang
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Mechanical engineering::Bio-mechatronics
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/54054
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This project aims to design and implement a machine that delivers a reliable balance training machine that is capable of assisting stoke patients who suffers from muscular recovery to improve their ability to balance. The machine is to provide sudden perturbation and rocking motions to simulate the effects similar to sudden braking and acceleration of transportation units and the situation of slippage. Since perturbations and acceleration is concerned, it is imperative to realize the importance of the kinematic and dynamic characteristics of the system. Hence a critical and substantial portion was dedicated to analyze them. First phase of the project involved constitution of all the possible scenarios for a person to balance on a moving train, so as to replicate the effects to or at least near resemblance of reality. Constitution of the sudden slippage scenarios have been done as well, to ensure the “artificial” slip would provide the same feel close to a genuine slip and fall. Followed by, the collection of relevant information required to replicate the scenarios. Second phase of the project began with the conceptual designs for the balance training machine. Modular design was adopted and the machine has been divided into 2 main modules; the split belt variable speed treadmill and the lateral perturbations assembly. Both modules are required to be able to work simultaneously without any interference to each other. Embodiment principles have been incorporated at this stage. Third phase of the project encompasses mainly on sizing of the drive systems use in the 2 components. Drive systems were carefully designed and calculated to reach the desired results we would like to achieve. A ball screw assembly was used for the lateral perturbations and the timing belt system was used for the variable treadmill. As the budget for the project is limited, we also had to do cost estimation before we proceed to purchase our items.Our fourth and final phase of the project ends with assembly and testing of our machine. Coding are done in lab view to attain the required motion and safety features were heavily implemented to prevent accidents from happening.