Design and Development of Mobility System for Double Amputees

Abstract

Mobility refers to a human being's ability to move his or her body in an environment and to manipulate objects. Collectively, these activities enable the individual to pursue life activities of their choosing. An individual's ability to perform any mobility task can be compromised by impaired body functions or structures. The proposed system mainly focuses on the “transfemoral” type of above-knee amputation (AKA) in which both knees are amputated above the knee joint. Prosthetic legs are used by shaping the limbs. But not everyone is capable of using prosthetic legs as they have their own concerns. The proposed system aims to develop a mobility system for such persons with system clearance nearly six inches from ground level, at standstill, so that the amputees can use their hands to get onto the system and perform a transition without the help of the caretaker. Horizontal and vertical transitions are included in the system. The horizontal transition is realized using wheels controlled by an electric motor at constant speed. At standstill condition the amputees can elevate themselves using vertical transition. This aids them in performing necessary activities at a considerable height above ground level. Vertical movement is implemented using scissor lift technique actuated by a permanent magnet DC (PMDC) electric motor. Vertical transition height is restricted to two feet in order to ensure safety.