The machinery "under the hood"

    In Part 2, we explore in a little more detail the machinery "under the hood" of the device, as well as its bio-engineering aspects. Using the Navy Reference Book and the Macaulay Way Things Work as our trusted guides, as well as any web-search magic that you enjoy, investigate the machine principles and components that make your chosen Rehabilitation/Assistive Technology work. Your investigation ranges from identifying any levers, inclined planes and pulleys to motors and gears that make up the device, as well as observing how sturdy, stable and durable its structure appears. ----We realize this investigation is not easy for you to do, not only as Kinesiologists (not engineers) and also, without having the device right in front of you to play with - just looking online at the devices. But we often must evaluate and make decisions without perfect information or great expertise, so just do your best – you might even try to contact the equipment manufacturer/vendor for Extra Credit! Also, as in Part 1, trying to find reviews of the technology in User Groups (or Amazon-type ratings) might be helpful. And there are always reference librarians and.... yes, your Professor! *** Kindly use this list as a cover sheet and checklist, to see that you are attempting to address each topic. 14. To the best of your ability, following your references and our class discussions, try to identify the simple machines and components that are contained within your Rehabilitation Machine (your knowledge of these elements will improve as the course progresses, but do your best now): 1. A. Levers I. First Class II. Second Class III. Third Class B. inclined planes C. pulleys D. wheels E. springs F. gears and belts G. cams and cranks H. Motors (as in the Active/Passive Trainer) 15. Identify the input and output Forces and Distances for this machine as best you can. (Check with Prof. where there is a question about inputs and outputs.) For example, with some machines, the input motion is a pull on a cable, the output is the lifting of a weight. Try to determine if the pull force on the cable is equal to the weight, or larger, or smaller. Likewise, the input motion on the machine may be larger or smaller than the output motion. Try to trace the path of forces and motions! 16. Describe any unique engineering aspects of the invention that you can identify (special mechanisms or materials involved, or maybe computer technologies or software, such as sensors (EMG, heartrate, blood pressure, breathing rate, oxygenation, etc). Does it use Artificial Intelligence at all? Does it provide simulations (such as treadmills or bicycle exercise machines with built-in screens to simulate a real-world experience of climbing hills or exercising with others, even racing.) If nothing special, state that. 17. Try to identify any parts that would be likely to break or wear out. What material are they made of? Might there be a better choice of material to make the machine more durable? Realize this is tough, just looking online at the devices, but do your best – you might even try to contact the equipment manufacturer/vendor for Extra Credit! **Also, please try to evaluate the quality of the overall structure of the machine. Does it look stable and strong and durable, so that it won't easily fall over or break or wear out with reasonably heavy and repeated use? 18. What might be some of the equipment needs for regular maintenance and occasional repair? How long do these devices last before they need replacement? 19. Can you think of one or more measurements that might be helpful to evaluate or prescribe your chosen machine – and also to evaluate whether it is effective for your client/and user? For example, how much strength is required to operate the device (in pounds)? What range of motion is required? How much lung capacity to achieve X number of repetitions in Y minutes? What cognitive level (that would be hard to enumerate!) For example “after using this stair-master the client/an user can climb three steps on her own!” or “can lift a 1 qt carton of milk”. 20. Describe briefly one or more new ideas that you have regarding a useful invention/improvement upon the device. BONUS: A. Are there any patents on similar machines B. How many in use? C. Is there any data demonstrating its effectiveness (as opposed to just claims by the company). How has the performance of the technology been evaluated/validated? Anecdotes are OK (“It helped me walk again, and hug my wife!”, but clinical measures are also good. Are there are any studies that have been conducted and published on the technology? D. Has it been commercialized? E. This is hard, but try to find out what would be the cost of the machine. F. Also hard (but very important to the client/an user): try to find out: will insurance cover the cost?