Aid’sUp

Minerva with adjustable motorised tilt for people with limited cervical mobility.

 

Type of project: Prototype

Disability concerned : Motor disability, Multiple disability

Topics: Communication, Travel, Personal and Health Care

Status: Completed

 

Structure in two parts, a support at chin level and a base that rests on the user’s upper torso.

The device being developed is a modular, controllable neck brace for people with limited cervical mobility who have difficulty controlling the position of their head.

When the project application was submitted, an initial search for a product on the market revealed that there was no solution to the problematic faced by people with ‘Dropped Head Syndrome’, such as our user. Most of the neckbands currently available on the market are rigid and do not facilitate our user’s daily activities. What’s more, their unsightly appearance and the difficulty of handling and fitting them were an obstacle to their use.

An initial prototype was developed during a hackathon organised by HackaHealth in 2019. During this event, the first foundations of the concept were laid and an initial (rudimentary) prototype showed real potential in real use on a person suffering from Dropped Head Syndrome (DHS).

In this context, the following objectives were defined for this project:
1. To create a two-part structure, with a support at chin level and a base that rests on the user’s upper torso. These two structural elements are articulated at the neck; this joint is fitted with springs, allowing flexibility in the position of the head and thus improving comfort. The structure is made as comfortable and aesthetically pleasing as possible to maximise acceptability.

2. The device is fitted with a motor which controls the inclination of the chin support. The size of the motor is kept to a minimum and the motor is made as inconspicuous as possible.

3. The system is controlled by a simple, intuitive wireless module that can be operated effortlessly by a user with muscular weakness. One avenue being explored for the prototype will be to integrate the wireless control into a smartphone application for ease of use and integration.

One of the most important results obtained is a concrete picture of user needs.

Among these needs, three aspects were found to be fundamental in ensuring that the device is used correctly:

  • independence of use: the user must be able to use the device without needing the help of a third party.
  • ease of handling: the device must be sufficiently light and easy for the user to handle
  • aesthetics: the device must not look like a ‘medical’ device.

These needs have a direct effect on the design of the device and the technical choices made. To ensure a compact system that meets the identified need, the following technical components have been selected:

  • Servo motor, high torque and low speed.
  • IoT microcontroller with Bluetooth connection for wireless control.

During the project, an exploration of existing solutions, applicable patents and marketing models was carried out. This research enabled us to establish a viability model for the project (Lean Canvas) and to identify the key elements for continuity (key players, value proposition, etc.).

 

 

the neck brace supports a person's head

Contact

HackaHealth 

François Kade 

kade.francois@gmail.com  

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