Researches on mechanical vibrations used in assistive devices manufacturing

Abstract

Deformable structures vibrate (oscillatory motion) under the action of impulses or variable forces. Vibration of a mechanical structure results from the transformation of potential energy into kinetic energy and could be used in the construction of assistive devices. The vibratory devices for posttraumatic rehabilitation of upper limbs can stimulate muscular, circulatory and neurological systems. The paper presents the necessary elements for the personalization of rehabilitation devices like orthoses and some theoretical and experimental results related to this subject. For the persons with disabilities, the integration of enabling technologies and attributes embracing mobility, sensors and actuators provides the possibility of achieving independence in their social life. The paper underlines the importance of the systematic application of technologies, engineering methodologies or other scientific principles used in order to overpass the barriers confronted by people with disabilities.