Host: The Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers
Name : [in Japanese]
Date : June 28, 2023 - July 01, 2023
We have developed a mechanical device that reduces the burdens on a caregiver’s lower back while they are in a bent-over position. We tested three kinds of prototypes during development. The first is a rotary model, which uses stoppers at the sides of the hipbones. The second is a truss model, which uses a triangular truss system in front of the user’s abdomen. The final prototype is a rope model, which utilizes the principle of leverage. The main unit of the final model on the back lengthens the moment arm of the user. This device can reduce the force used to keep a 25 deg bent-over position by 64.4%. This research reveals the most efficient area for the placement of the moment arm.
