Design of a passive hydraulic simulator for abnormal muscle behavior replication

Liang, Jiahui

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/92848 Copy

Description

Title

Design of a passive hydraulic simulator for abnormal muscle behavior replication

Author(s)

Liang, Jiahui

Issue Date

2016-07-18

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

• Hsiao-Wecksler, Elizabeth T.
• Ewoldt, Randy H.

Department of Study

Mechanical Sci & Engineering

Discipline

Mechanical Engineering

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.S.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

• spasticity
• rigidity
• passive
• hydraulic
• viscous flow
• damper
• simulator
• simulation
• abnormal muscle behavior

Abstract

Spasticity and rigidity are two abnormal hypertonic muscle behaviors commonly observed in passive joint flexion and extension evaluation. Clinical evaluation for spasticity and rigidity is done through in-person assessment using qualitative scales. Due to the subjective nature of this evaluation method, diagnostic results produced from these clinical assessments can have poor reliability and inconsistency. Incorrect diagnosis and treatment often result in worsening of the abnormal muscle behaviors, reducing the quality of life and leading to an increased cost of healthcare. Several programmable, robotic simulators had been developed to improve the accuracy of clinical evaluation by providing clinician practical training opportunities; however none of these training devices are commercially available due to technical and manufacturing limitations. For this reason, a novel, purely mechanical, hydraulic-based simulator design was proposed as an alternative approach to abnormal muscle behavior simulation. The original goal of the project presented in this thesis was to address both spasticity and rigidity in the elbow joint during flexion; however due to time constraints, the initial prototype can only mimic spasticity. The hydraulic-based simulator utilized a novel damper design using viscous fluid in combination with creative flow channel configurations to replicate different levels of spasticity behaviors depicted on a qualitative scale. The simulator was capable of generating a wide range of speed-dependent force feedbacks without need for any computational controls. Preliminary results obtained from evaluating the simulator suggested the possibility of using this novel design in replicating the speed-dependent characteristics of spasticity. The framework and method implemented in the current simulator prototype could be further developed and expanded to replicate spasticity or other types of abnormal behaviors, such as rigidity, in various human joints (not limiting the design to just the elbow joint).

Graduation Semester

2016-08

Type of Resource

text

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/92848

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2016 Jiahui Liang

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