MOBILITY TESTER FOR STROKE VICTIMS
A multi-armed adjustable target to help stroke victims perform a series of tasks while being measured for mobility and range
A research lab in the University of Pittsburgh Department of Occupational Therapy was trying to get a better measure of how stroke affects a victim's mobility. As Mechanical Design Lead, I worked on a team of three to create a system for the lab where subjects could go through three tests: picking up a soda can, turning a doorknob, and pointing to a target, all in nine different locations in a circle. As subjects completed each task, the lab put tracking sensors at different points on their arms to measure mobility.
Due to the large range of size and ability of each subject, the system had to be very adjustable. I designed a base frame that could slide forwards and backwards and up and down rapidly, by just loosening a few thumb screws. For the radial adjustment, I designed a system with removable target systems, a different one for each test, that could be easily hooked onto the main support at incremental distances from the center.
I fabricated six different target systems so the lab could have easy availability to any of the tests at the same time. I fabricated them all using laser cutting and engraving, as well as CNC Routing for a support system.
Because there were three different tests each subject had to complete, I had to design and fabricate three different target systems for each test. I designed each 3D target to be made by interlocking laser cut pieces, using screws and trapped nuts to hold each target together.
