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Full-Body Haptic Cueing for Augmented Pilot Perception in Position/Velocity Tracking TasksF-0081-2025-01365/20/2025
This paper investigates the use of multi-modal cueing through full-body haptic feedback to enhance pilot-vehicle system (PVS) performance, reduce mental workload (MWL), and increase situational awareness (SA) in both good and degraded visual environments (GVE/DVE). Piloted simulations were conducted using an H-60-like flight dynamics model in a virtual reality (VR) motion-based simulator, evaluating two ADS-33-like mission task elements (MTEs) – precision hover and slalom – under visual-only and combined visual and haptic feedback conditions in both GVE and DVE. The H-60 flight dynamics were augmented with a dynamic inversion (DI)- based stability augmentation system (SAS), implementing rate-command/attitude hold (RCAH) response type on the roll, pitch, and yaw axes and altitude hold response type on the vertical axis. The SAS was designed to achieve Level 1 handling qualities per ADS-33 standards. The full-body haptic cueing strategy leveraged an outer-loop DI control law, which provided vibrotactile feedback to cue desired roll, pitch, and yaw attitudes to the pilot. Roll cues were delivered via tactors mounted on the upper arms, pitch cues via tactors on the chest and back, and yaw cues via tactors on the calves. Eight test subjects participated in the piloted simulations, including three U.S. Navy test pilots and five subjects with different flying experiences. Results indicated that haptic feedback significantly improved hover performance, reducing MWL and enhancing SA, particularly in DVE. However, in the slalom task, predefined haptic guidance misaligned with pilots’ individual control strategies, leading to performance degradation. This finding highlights the need for pilot-specific adaptive haptic feedback to mitigate inconsistencies in dynamic maneuvering tasks.
Morcos, Michael T., Saetti, Umberto, Geiger, Derek H., Kubik, Stephen T., Breed, Adam R., Crane, Clifton J., Luzzani, Gabriele, Fischer, Madeline R., Jun, Dogyu, Gary, Evan
Felling Head Terminology and NomenclatureJ1272_202103 (Historical)3/1/2021
This SAE Standard is intended to describe the basic types of felling heads, including those with bunching capabilities, that are attachments to a self-propelled machine. Only the major components that are necessary to describe the functions of the felling head, and to apply the principles of the standard are included. Illustrations used are not intended to include all existing felling heads or to describe any particular manufacturer’s variation.
MTC4, Forestry and Logging Equipment
Improving Prosthetics for Upper Limb AmputeesTBMG-362393/1/2020
New machine learning algorithms and computational models may provide insight into the mental demand placed on individuals using prosthetics. These models will improve the current interface in prosthetic devices.
Plate Handler Adds Automation in Medical LaboratoriesTBMG-3550411/1/2019
Peak Analysis and Automation (PAA), Farnborough, UK, has designed a budget-friendly plate handler that works in a tight laboratory footprint, developing an innovative product that could be a game-changing development in the medical community.
Prosthetic Arm Can Move and FeelTBMG-3533310/1/2019
Keven Walgamott had a good “feeling” about picking up the egg without crushing it.
Low-Cost, Human-Friendly Robot Designed with Artificial IntelligenceTBMG-351269/1/2019
Robotics has traditionally focused on industrial applications in which robots require strength and precision to carry out repetitive tasks. These robots flourish in highly structured, predictable environments. They are very rigid and meant to go from point A to point B and back to point A perfectly. If they are commanded to go a centimeter past a table or a wall, they will hit the wall and lock up, break themselves, or break the wall.
Engineers 3D Print Flexible Mesh for Ankle and Knee BracesTBMG-349848/1/2019
Hearing aids, dental crowns, and limb prosthetics are some of the medical devices that can now be digitally designed and customized for individual patients, thanks to 3D printing. However, these devices are typically designed to replace or support bones and other rigid parts of the body, and are often printed from solid, relatively inflexible material.
Flight Simulator Testing to Enhance Comprehension and Modeling of Rotorcraft Pilot CouplingsF-0075-2019-146435/13/2019
This work presents the results of a piloted flight simulator campaign aimed at measuring biomechanical performance indicators -- upper limbs motion and electromiography of main muscle bundles -- of pilots performing complex, realistic tasks. Ship deck landings performed by a single pilot, flying several helicopter configurations with sea conditions of increasing intensity have been considered. The analysis of the results shows an increase in muscular activity in relation with the increase in task difficulty, in agreement with subjective ratings (Bedford workload scale). The study provided useful indications to improve the corresponding biomechanical simulations, as well as to characterize pilot performance during specific tasks.
Zanoni, Andrea, Maisano, Giorgio, Frigerio, Lorenzo, Murawa, Michal, Zago, Matteo, Paolini, Rita, Quaranta, Giuseppe, Masarati, Pierangelo, Galli, Manuela
Residual Injury Situation and Accident Characteristics of Severe Motorcycle Accidents2019-01-06384/2/2019
The total number of persons severely and fatally injured in road traffic accidents has reduced considerably in recent decades. However, the number of motorcyclists involved in accidents has not reduced to the same extent, and some countries have even recorded an increase. The aim of this study is to analyse the circumstances of motorcycle accidents in Germany involving vehicles with a cubic capacity of over 125 cm3 with particular reference to severely or fatally injured riders. An analysis is to be made of the characteristics and patterns of injuries suffered by the most severely injured motorcyclists and proposals developed for injury prevention. The study included accident data from 464 motorcycle accidents collected in Hanover and Dresden between 2010 and 2015 by an academic research team in the course of the GIDAS project (German In-Depth Accident Study). This data represents a statistically representative sample from real accidents occurring in Germany. The analysis of the current injury situation shows that motorcyclists are often severely injured, i.e. suffered injuries of grade MAIS 3+ (so called serious injuries) in 16.9% of cases and thus around 9 times more frequently than car occupants. Motorcyclists wearing helmets suffered head injuries in approx. 20 % of cases. The serious injuries sustained were in particular skull fractures, including base of the skull and traumatic brain injuries are rare. Severe thoracic injuries included in particular rib and shoulder/clavicle fractures, often accompanied by injuries to internal organs. In terms of spinal injuries, the most common serious injuries were fractures of the thoracic spine, followed by fractures of the lumbar spine and cervical spine. In the abdominal area there were often severe injuries in the form of fractures in the pelvic area and accompanying injuries to internal organs. Arm injuries included, besides minor injuries (grazes, bruises, etc.), most commonly fractures of the hands/fingers and forearms, followed by elbow and upper arm fractures. Leg injuries seen in particular were femoral fractures as well as injuries to the muscles and tendons around the knee, also fractures of the shin and calf bones. Around the feet there were many fractures and dislocations of the wrist and ankle joints, as well as toes. The causes of the injuries, which were recorded in detail in the study for the various regions of the body and individual injuries, were most often caused by impact with the road and collision with objects and solid vehicle structural elements of cars and trucks. Serious injuries are linked with high energy respectively high relative impact speed.
Otte, Dietmar
Wearable Devices Allow Direct Communication by TouchTBMG-341554/1/2019
Emergency situations such as trying to escape heavy smoke from fire could leave the sense of touch as the only way to find an exit. Rather than trying to look at a smartphone screen, a smartwatch — alerted by the same alarms — begins “speaking” through the wearer’s skin, giving directions with coded vibrations, squeezes, and tugs with meanings as clear as spoken words. In other scenarios, a surgeon or a pilot might find it useful to have another channel of communication.
Artificial Joint Restores Wrist-Like MovementsTBMG-337172/1/2019
For patients missing a hand, one of the biggest challenges to regaining a high level of function is the inability to rotate one's wrist (pronate and supinate). These are essential movements involved in everyday tasks such as using a door handle, a screwdriver, a knob, or simply turning over a piece of paper. For those missing their hand, these are much more awkward and uncomfortable tasks, and current prosthetic technologies offer only limited relief to this problem.
Computer Detects and Understands Body LanguageTBMG-336091/1/2019
Detecting the nuances of nonverbal communication between individuals will allow robots to serve in social spaces, enabling them to perceive what people around them are doing, what moods they are in, and whether they can be interrupted. A self-driving car could get an early warning that a pedestrian is about to step into the street by monitoring body language. Enabling machines to understand human behavior also could enable new approaches to behavioral diagnosis and rehabilitation for conditions such as autism, dyslexia, and depression.
Decoding Multiple Frames From a Single Scattered ExposureTBMG-335521/1/2019
Engineers at Duke University have developed a way to extract a sequence of images from light scattered through a mostly opaque material — or even off a wall — from one long photographic exposure. The technique has applications in a wide range of fields from security to healthcare to astronomy.
Device Assesses and Monitors Lymphedema NoninvasivelyTBMG-3344912/1/2018
Lymphedema is the swelling that generally occurs in the arms or legs caused by the removal of or damage to lymph nodes as a part of cancer treatment. Treating it at the earliest possible stage is the best way to manage the condition and prevent it from leading to pain, recurrent infection, reduced mobility, and impaired function.
Innovators Recognized for "Creating the Future" 2018TBMG-3340412/1/2018
Method Trains Robots to Collaborate Through DemonstrationTBMG-3322711/1/2018
Robots that are adapted to respond to physical human-robot interaction (pHRI) traditionally treat such interactions as disturbances, and resume their original behaviors when the interactions end. This pHRI has been enhanced with a method that allows humans to physically adjust a robot's trajectory in real time.
Component Nomenclature - Skidder - GrappleJ1111_201809 (Historical)9/2/2018
This SAE Standard characterizes grapple skidders and identifies the major components and parts most commonly associated therewith. Illustrations used herein are not intended to include all existing commercial machines or to be exactly descriptive of any particular machine. They have been included to facilitate application of this document
MTC4, Forestry and Logging Equipment
Dual Therapy Improves Stroke RecoveryTBMG-324538/1/2018
Paralysis of an arm and/or leg is one of the most common effects of a stroke. But thanks to new research, stroke victims may soon be able to recover greater use of their paralyzed limbs. The scientists’ pioneering approach brings together two known types of therapies — a brain-computer interface (BCI) and functional electrical stimulation (FES).
Bringing a Human Touch to Modern ProstheticsTBMG-324588/1/2018
Amputees often experience the sensation of a “phantom limb”—a feeling that a missing body part is still there. That sensory illusion is closer to becoming a reality thanks to a team of engineers at Johns Hopkins University that have created an electronic skin. When layered on top of prosthetic hands, this e-dermis brings back a real sense of touch through the fingertips.
Orthopedic Replacement Implants Market: Drivers and DevelopmentsTBMG-324568/1/2018
The global market for minor orthopedic replacement implants exceeded $1.5 billion in 2017. Analysts from The Business Research Company forecast the market value to grow at a rate of over 7 percent and to reach $2.2 billion in 2021 in their report “Minor Orthopedic Replacement Implants.”1 According to the report, the primary reason for this growth is the high incidence of arthritis and fractures. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the major causes for joint replacement surgery, including minor orthopedic joints. The other cause for joint replacement surgery is failed previous joint replacement surgery. This article examines the trends that are driving this market, including a look at materials, regions, procedures, and regulatory developments that are shaping the future of orthopedic implants.
Using Optical 3D Scanning to Measure the Human BodyTBMG-324558/1/2018
The latest advances in 3D technologies are revolutionizing the ability to measure the human body, and this is having a tremendous impact on the healthcare industry and in the development of healthcare products. For example, Japanese research company Unitika Garments Technology is using optical 3D scanning to measure the human body to research use of dimensional inspection for quality control of textile products. Optical 3D measurement produces data that cannot be gathered using traditional methods.
Plastic Bearings Reduce Weight and Improve DurabilityTBMG-290026/1/2018
When engineer Mark Doyle started to put together plans for an exoskeleton to support surgeons in 2012, he wanted to develop a lightweight product that they could wear comfortably for extended periods of time. Doyle and his team at Levitate Technologies (San Diego, CA) had to carefully choose the products that would be included in the device because any additional ounces could have made the device uncomfortable and unwieldy, thus ending development before it entered production.
Ergonomics and Handheld Medical Devices: Five Vital Elements for Design SuccessTBMG-291086/1/2018
Dexterity, precision, control and comfort — without them, no handheld or hand intensive medical device is a success, for either the medical professional using it or for the patient relying on the outcomes. Ergonomically driven design guides a successful device development process from concept through prototype to market. There are always five fundamentals required for world-class handheld instruments or hand-intensive devices.
Miniature “Pop-Up” Robot Combines Micrometer Precision and High SpeedTBMG-288164/1/2018
Because of their high precision and speed, Delta robots are deployed in many industrial processes, including pick-and-place assemblies, machining, and welding. Delta robots use three individually controlled and lightweight arms that guide a platform to move fast and accurately in three directions. The platform is either used as a stage — similar to those used in flight simulators — or coupled to a manipulating device that can, for example, grasp, move, and release objects in prescribed patterns. Over time, roboticists have designed smaller and smaller Delta robots for tasks in limited workspaces, yet shrinking them further to the millimeter scale with conventional manufacturing techniques and components has proven fruitless.
Low-Cost Mechanical Device for Minimally Invasive SurgeryTBMG-285513/1/2018
A new type of mechanical instrument was developed to perform complex, minimally invasive procedures, also known as laparoscopic surgery. The technology could lead to less trauma for patients and shorter recovery times after surgery. The technology is based on National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded engineering research, and is being commercialized by FlexDex Surgical, a spinoff founded by University of Michigan engineers (Figure 1).
Critical Cooling in Medical Devices – Part 1TBMG-283512/1/2018
Smart Artificial LimbsTBMG-281631/1/2018
Traditional leg prosthetics enable amputees to maintain mobility and lead more active lives. Leg prosthetics most commonly fit amputees’ residual limbs via a socket that encloses the limb like a wooden clog. Because the socket exerts pressure on the limb’s soft tissue, pain and chafing, sores and blisters, and infection can occur. Amputees often must have their socket prosthetics adjusted regularly, which is inconvenient and costly. Consequently, many amputees give up prosthetics for wheelchairs.
Robot System Safety in Medical ManufacturingTBMG-2774110/1/2017
Industrial manufacturing of medical products presents distinct challenges. This is particularly true for manufacturing of injectable drug products, which requires minimizing contamination to ensure the safety of patients and personnel as well as the quality of the product. In order to meet these challenges, pharmaceutical companies are increasingly implementing Advanced Aseptic Processing (AAP) systems. These systems utilize advanced automation, restricted access barrier systems (RABS), isolator-barrier systems, and robotics, with the goal of restricting operator access to the product and to critical areas of manufacturing machinery.
Feed Mechanism and Method for Feeding Minute ComponentsTBMG-2769510/1/2017
Electrical circuits such as printed wiring boards or hybrid microcircuits designed to utilize surface mount electrical components are commonly assembled by computer-controlled automated equipment. These machines typically use a vacuum nozzle to pick up and handle the components during assembly. Three methods are commonly used to feed surface mount components to automatic assembly equipment: tape reel feeders, linear or bowl-type vibratory feeders, or waffle-style packages.
Artificial “Wrist” Enables Design of Wearable Blood Pressure MonitorsTBMG-272127/1/2017
Unfortunately, blood pressure (BP) measurements currently require the use of a cuff that temporarily stops blood flow. A wearable BP “watch” using today’s technology would squeeze the wrist every few minutes, making it impractical to use. A better method might gauge subtle pressure changes at the surface of the skin above one of the main wrist arteries — the radial artery — without regularly cutting off circulation. But before this new technology can be developed, there is a need to understand what the pressure inside a blood vessel looks like on the surface of the skin. This requires a physical model that can be used to test wearable devices in a laboratory.
Gesture-Based Controls for Robots: Overview and Implications for Use by SoldiersTBMG-268255/1/2017
Afuture vision of the use of autonomous and intelligent robots in dismounted military operations is for soldiers to interact with robots as teammates, much like soldiers interact with other soldiers. Soldiers will no longer be operators in full control of every movement, as the autonomous intelligent systems will have the capability to act without continual human input. However, soldiers will need to use the information available from, or provided by, the robot. One of the critical needs to achieve this vision is the ability of soldiers and robots to communicate with each other. One way to do that is to use human gestures to instruct and command robots.
Gesture-Based Controls for Robots: Overview and Implications for Use by Soldiers17AERP05_065/1/2017
Developing a more effective means to communicate with robotic devices. Army Research Laboratory, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland A future vision of the use of autonomous and intelligent robots in dismounted military operations is for soldiers to interact with robots as teammates, much like soldiers interact with other soldiers. Soldiers will no longer be operators in full control of every movement, as the autonomous intelligent systems will have the capability to act without continual human input. However, soldiers will need to use the information available from, or provided by, the robot. One of the critical needs to achieve this vision is the ability of soldiers and robots to communicate with each other. One way to do that is to use human gestures to instruct and command robots. The use of gestures as a natural means of interacting with devices is a very broad concept that encompasses a range of body movements, including movements of the hands, arms, and legs, facial expressions, eye movements, head movements, and/or 2-dimensional (2-D) swiping gestures against flat surfaces such as touch screens. Gesture-based technology is already in place and commonly used without special instruction required for effective use. A common example of a well-designed gestural command is the use of hands to “wave” to activate devices (e.g., public bathroom faucet). This concept is also common to gaming interfaces and is now extending to other private and public domains such as automobile consoles.
BrainGate and Electrical Implant Stimulate Muscle MovementTBMG-266043/30/2017
New research from Brown University (Providence, RI) describes how the BrainGate brain-computer interface, combined with a functional electronic stimulation system implanted in the arm of a Cleveland man with quadriplegia, allowed him to move his arm and hand again to eat mashed potatoes, drink water from a mug, and scratch his nose.
DARPA Helps Paralyzed Man Feel Again Using a Brain-Controlled Robotic ArmTBMG-2608012/1/2016
A DARPA-funded research team has demonstrated for the first time in a human a technology that allows an individual to experience the sensation of touch directly in the brain through a neural interface system connected to a robotic arm. By enabling two-way communication between brain and machine — outgoing signals for movement and inbound signals for sensation — the technology could ultimately support new ways for people to engage with each other and with the world.
Robonaut 2: Industrial OpportunitiesTBMG-2572211/1/2016
Researchers at the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC), in collaboration with General Motors (GM) and Oceaneering, have designed a state-of-the-art, highly dexterous, humanoid robot: Robonaut 2 (R2). R2’s nearly 50 patented and patent-pending technologies have the potential to be game-changers in many applications, such as industrial environments. For example, in a traditional robotic assembly line, there are multiple specialized robots that are tooled for a small set of unique tasks. R2 provides an alternative way to implement automated assembly using extraordinary task flexibility, dexterity, and rapid interchangeability with human processes and tools. This can lower automation infrastructure costs and increase manufacturing flexibility. R2 can serve as an assistant or work independently. R2’s dexterity is a key feature in industrial environments, as the robot can handle factory work that is ergonomically difficult, fatiguing, or even unsafe.
Human Grasp Assist Device with ExoskeletonTBMG-253229/1/2016
Researchers at the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC), in collaboration with General Motors (GM), have designed and developed Robo-Glove, a wearable human grasp assist device, to help reduce the grasping force needed by an individual to operate tools for an extended time or when performing tasks having repetitive mo tion. Robo-Glove has the potential to help workers, such as construction workers, hazardous material workers, or assembly line operators, whose job requires continuous grasping and ungrasping motion. The Robo-Glove also has potential applications in prosthetic devices, rehabilitation aids, and helping people with impaired or limited arm and hand muscle strength.
Foot Device Controls Video Game ActionTBMG-251517/28/2016
A group of graduate students from Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, devised a sandal-like controller that allows a video game player to control the on-screen action with his feet. The team — dubbed GEAR, for Game Enhancing Augmented Reality — created the device for amputees or those with disabilities that inhibit use of their arms or hands.
Smartphones Help Improve Stroke RehabilitationTBMG-251477/28/2016
Stroke patients must typically undergo arduous and repetitive rehabilitation to relearn the basic skills they lose. A team of students from the NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY, is using smartphones to improve the process.
In-Situ Load System for Calibrating and Validating Aerodynamic Properties of Scaled Aircraft in Ground-Based Aerospace Testing ApplicationsTBMG-249527/1/2016
NASA’s Langley Research Center has developed three techniques and systems to calibrate and validate wind-tunnel force balances and other multi-component force transducers. The first is the Single Vector Calibration System (SVS), which uses a single deadweight for calibration and has been in active use at NASA for over 15 years. The second system is the In-Situ Load System (ILS). The ILS is based on the same fundamental concept as the SVS, but is designed for in-situ verification just prior to testing. Building off of the SVS and ILS, the third system is the Variable Acceleration Force Calibration System (VACS), which shares the single-vector force application concept, but generates those forces differently by keeping the mass constant and varying the acceleration. These techniques and systems provide for less complex and less labor-intensive calibration and verification of multi-component force transducers.
Improving Children’s Prosthetic HandsTBMG-247646/1/2016
A team of electrical, computer, and mechanical engineering students at Rice University, calling itself Carpal Diem, has developed a testing suite to validate how well 3D-printed prosthetic hands transfer force from the wearer, usually a child born without a fully formed hand, to the prosthetic intended to help pick up and manipulate small objects.
Vibration Sensors Add New Touch to ProstheticsTBMG-249086/1/2016
The sense of touch is complex, and an instructor at the University of California – Santa Barbara (UCSB) has the technology to prove it. Yon Visell, assistant professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and his students designed an apparatus that captures the unique vibration patterns associated with touch-specific actions, from gripping a coffee mug to tapping on a flat surface. The findings could support new applications in prosthetics, robotics, and virtual reality.
Ride Comfort Analysis Considering Suspension Friction with Series Rigidity2016-01-16794/5/2016
A dynamics model considering series rigidity was constructed to examine suspension friction, which has a major effect on ride comfort on paved roads. The friction characteristics of the bushings, ball joints, and shock absorbers are expressed with series elastic elements such as arm rigidity and the spring constant of the oil seals. It was confirmed that the calculated values for the overall spring constant and damping coefficient of the suspension virtually matched values measured in a 4-post shaker test. In addition, the results of analysis using this dynamics model confirmed that the degree of friction affects both the damping coefficient and the spring constant of the suspension, especially when the series rigidity is high. Also highly rigid friction has an adverse effect on sprung motion in frequency ranges above 15 Hz. After suspension enhancements were adopted based on these findings, 4-post shaker tests confirmed that sprung motion above 2 Hz improved..
Koumura, Shingo, Shionoya, Takahiro
Efficiency Improvement of Boost Converter for Fuel Cell Bus by Silicon Carbide Diodes2016-01-12344/5/2016
The adoption of silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductors is regarded as a promising means of improving the fuel efficiency of all types of electrically powered vehicles, including plug-in, electric, fuel cell, and hybrid vehicles (PHVs, EVs, FCVs, and HVs). For this reason, adoption in a wide variety of vehicles is currently being studied, including in the fuel cell (FC) boost converter of an FC bus. The FC boost converter controls the output voltage of the FC up to 650 V. In this research, SiC Schottky barrier diodes (SiC-SBDs) were adopted in the upper arm of an FC boost converter. Since the forward voltage (Vf) of SiC-SBDs is smaller than conventional Si-PiN diodes (Si-PiNDs), the conduction loss of SiC-SBDs is correspondingly smaller. Recovery loss can also be reduced by at least 90% compared to Si-PiNDs since the recovery current of SiC-SBDs is substantially smaller. Lowering the recovery current of the upper arm has the effect of reducing the superimposed current when the silicon insulated gate bipolar transistors (Si-IGBTs) in the lower arm turn on. As a result, the turn-on loss of the lower arm can be reduced by approximately 70%. It was confirmed that installing SiC-SBDs in the upper arm of the FC boost converter improved efficiency by 0.5% in the load range over 50%.
Sugiura, Toshikazu, Tanida, Atsushi, Tamura, Kazutaka
Preliminary study of uniform restraint concept for protection of rear-seat occupant under mid and high crash severities2016-01-15284/5/2016
As the restraint technologies for front-seat occupant protection advance, such as seatbelt pre-tensioner, seatbelt load limiter and airbag, relative effectiveness of rear-seat occupant protection decreases, especially for the elderly. Some occupant protection systems for front-seat have been proved to be effective for rear-seat occupant protection as well, but they also have some drawbacks. Seatbelt could generate unwanted local penetrations to the chest and abdomen. And for rear-seat occupants, it might be difficult to install airbag and set deployment time. For crash protection, it is desirable that the restraint loads are spread to the sturdy parts of human body such as head, shoulders, rib cage, pelvis and femurs, as uniformly as possible. This paper explores a uniform restraint concept aiming at providing protection in wide range of impact severity for rear-seat occupants. In this study, we use THUMS 50th percentile occupant model to simulate response under sled test frontal impact loading. The occupant is restrained by uniform restraint forces respectively acting on head, upper torso and shoulders, and lower extremities in a spread way, through three “plates” respectively positioned against head, upper torso and shoulders, and knees. The force levels are control parameters, which are manually optimized for adapting to crash severity, for maintaining reasonable occupant posture and body kinematics, and resulting in acceptable injuries. Rib fractures, chest deflection, chest acceleration and head acceleration are monitored in simulations. The results show that the restraint forces distributed on the sturdy parts of human body in such a spread way could be more efficient than seatbelt, and can provide rear-seat occupants protection in a wider range of impact velocity with adaptable level of restraint force.
Ji, Peijun, Zhou, Qing
Mind-Controlled Arm Moves Individual ‘Fingers’TBMG-241373/1/2016
A mind-controlled prosthetic arm developed by Johns Hopkins researchers allows wearers to move individual digits independently of each other. The proof-of-concept device represents an advance in technologies to restore refined hand function to those who have lost arms to injury or disease, say the physicians and biomedical engineers.
Mathematical Model for Kinematic Analysis of McPherson Strut Suspension2016-28-01842/1/2016
Kinematic inputs such as camber, caster variation are very important for design of any suspension setup. Usual procedure is to get these inputs from kinematic software. But every designer cannot have this software & one has to learn them too. We have developed a method for kinematic analysis of McPherson strut type suspension which can be implemented on easily available and familiar software like MS Excel. Results obtained are in correlation with results from commercially available mechanism tools such as Pro mechanism. All links in suspension layout are considered as rigid. Vector calculus and other mathematical methods have been used to come up with final solution. Inputs required for mathematical program are suspension hardpoints, Lower arm angle from design orientation as wheel travel input and Rack stroke as steering input. Suspension characteristics which can be derived by using proposed mathematic model are curves for camber, caster, toe change &curves for bump and rebound steer. Also we can get changed position of hardpoints for any given wheel and rack travel. Designer can play with hardpoints using this tool to get desired wheel motion & to tweak camber, caster and bump steer curves as per vehicle level targets.
Patil, Aditya Anant
Robotic Surgical Devices, Systems, and Related MethodsTBMG-236681/1/2016
Various advancements have been made in the development of miniature in vivo surgical robots. These robots are designed to perform Laparoendo scopic Single-Site Surgery (LESS). After being inserted through a single incision, these robots can perform surgical procedures in a dexterous workspace. Each robot consists of two halves, and each half is inserted individually through a single incision. Each half can be stepped through preset orientations as it is inserted to overcome the obstacle of limited space. Once both halves are inside the abdominal cavity, control rods protruding through the single incision allow for proper alignment. A central mounting rod is then used to mate the halves together and support the robot. The central mounting rod allows for an endoscope to be inserted through the central mounting rod, between each robot half, to provide visual feedback for surgery. The system allows for three-degree-of-freedom motion of the endoscope. Additionally, an onboard camera can be utilized. The cavity is then sealed and insulated to allow for surgery. The central control rod allows for reorientation of the robot into all four quadrants of the abdominal cavity by external rotation of the rod.
Tendon-Driven Finger, Wrist, and Thumb Actuation SystemTBMG-236661/1/2016
The Robonaut 2 (R2) Dexterous Robot is the result of an effort to build a two-armed, ten-fingered humanoid robot torso capable of assembly work. This invention concerns a multi-fingered hand, and is composed of several parts. One is a tendon-driven, four-link, four-degree-of-freedom robotic thumb. Another is an extrinsic actuation system for tendon-driven fingers. The final part is a wrist mechanism with a large range of motion capable of high strength and speed while maintaining human wrist range of motion. The wrist provides pass-through capability for extrinsic hand actuation.
Solar Doppler Shift-Based Solar TrackerTBMG-2349912/1/2015
This solar tracker integrates a camera with a field of view (FOV) large enough to easily image the entire solar disc — co-boresited with a narrow-band spectrometer that measures the frequency of a Doppler shifted line — with an algorithm designed to drive zero Doppler shift rotation axis of the Sun.
Comparison of ATD to PMHS Response in the Under-Body Blast Environment2015-22-001711/9/2015
A blast buck (Accelerative Loading Fixture, or ALF) was developed for studying underbody blast events in a laboratory-like setting. It was designed to provide a high-magnitude, high-rate, vertical loading environment for cadaver and dummy testing. It consists of a platform with a reinforcing cage that supports adjustable-height rigid seats for two crew positions. The platform has a heavy frame with a deformable floor insert. Fourteen tests were conducted using fourteen PMHS (post mortem human surrogates) and the Hybrid III ATD (Anthropomorphic Test Device). Tests were conducted at two charge levels: enhanced and mild. The surrogates were tested with and without PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), and in two different postures: nominal (knee angle of 90°) and obtuse (knee angle of 120°). The ALF reproduces damage in the PMHS commensurate with injuries experienced in theater, with the most common damage being to the pelvis and ankle. Load is transmitted through the surrogates in a caudal-to-cranial sequential fashion. Damage to the PMHS lower extremities begins within 2 ms after the initiation of foot/floor motion. The Hybrid III cannot assume the posture of the PMHS in rigid seats and exhibits a stiffer overall response compared to the PMHS. The ATD does not mimic the kinematic response of the PMHS lower extremities. Further, the Hybrid III does not have the capability to predict the potential for injury in the high-rate, vertical loading environment. A new ATD dedicated to under-body blast is needed to assist in the effort to mitigate injuries sustained by the mounted soldier.
Danelson, Kerry A., Kemper, Andrew R., Mason, Matthew J., Tegtmeyer, Michael, Swiatkowski, Sean A., Bolte IV, John H., Hardy, Warren N.
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