Semi-Active Wearable Tremor Mitigation Device Peter Marcote1, Sarah Sibert1, James Wagner2, Ramy Kila2, Nicholas Lamb3 1Dept of Biomedical Engineering RIT, Rochester, NY 2Dept of Mechanical Engineering RIT, Rochester, NY 3Dept of Electrical Engineering RIT, Rochester, NY RIT Multi-Disciplinary Sr. Design Prototypes Alpha Beta Clinical Implications Introduction Non-Drug based technique to mitigate tremors Higher level of independence for patients suffering from essential tremor Increased confidence in daily activities / higher quality of life for patients suffering from essential tremor Non-permanent solution (does not always have to be worn. Roughly 7 million Americans suffer from some form of Essential Tremor An Essential Tremor is an involuntary rhythmic shaking in an appendage of a patient Tremors most commonly manifest in the arms and hands The goal of this project is to research the current state of wearable tremor mitigation technologies and identify gaps in treatment options. The expected end result is a wearable tremor mitigation technology that decreases the intensity of the tremors and increases the patient’s dexterity and confidence in the daily life. Positives: Good power control to magnets Brake system resists hand motion Sufficient Battery Life Good test platform for software Negatives: Ribbing deforms Ribbing uncomfortable Brake too long Brake Housing movement on fabric during braking Breaks only stopping 1 Degree of movement. Changes from Alpha: 4 Breaks instead of 2 Brake size decreased Curved brakes Wrist piece changed from full cuff to 2 piece wristlet Mosfets covered Base changed from one layer high density cloth to a two layer Kevlar cloth Ribbing staggered and inlayed Positives: Actively resists tremor in two degrees of freedom Increased Comfort Mosfets covered to prevent abrasion Negatives: Exposed wiring Magnets get warm after extended use Increased weight from additional brakes Results Proved novel method of tremor mitigation is effective. Learned the value of an iterative building process. Learned how to follow an idea from its conception to building and testing. Methods (Process) Brainstorm, idea narrowing, idea selection Alpha design, Alpha Build, Alpha Test Beta design, Beta Build, Beta Test Potential Improvements Testing prototype on human subjects Inlay wiring Source each part from cheaper suppliers to decrease price Meet with Industrial Engineer(s) to increase the device’s aesthetic appeal Acknowledgements Edward C. Hanzlik, KGCOE, RIT Dr. Daniel Phillips, KGCOE, RIT Dr. Elizabeth DeBartolo, KGCOE, RIT