Tensegrisleeve
The Tensegrity Elbow Brace Project, also known as “Tensegrisleeve”, seeks to integrate a continuous-cable tensegrity system to form a soft wearable exosuit. The goal of this project is to design a cable-driven system that could be used in rehabilitation or strength augmentation.
Tensegrity systems are notable for their high strength-to-weight ratios. They can also be easily reconfigured to provide different stiffnesses. These properties make a tensegrity system ideal for an arm cast that replaces traditional materials. The end goal is to design a device that is initially stiff to keep bones in place while they set, but can be progressively relaxed as the bone heals to allow micromotion that promotes bone growth. This would have increased patient outcomes such as removing the brace sooner and reduced muscle atrophy. If successful, this project could be expanded to other parts of the body such as the shoulder, knee, hip, or back.
Currently, the team is developing a backpack outfitted with motors to actuate the elbow brace. The team is also working on a test stand outfitted with posture and pressure sensors to test the brace before applying it to human test subjects.
Currently, the team is developing a backpack outfitted with motors to actuate the elbow brace. The team is also working on a test stand outfitted with posture and pressure sensors to test the brace before applying it to human test subjects.