Design of a Novel Head Support for People With Hypermobile-Type Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome

Author(s):  
Robert S. Pierce ◽  
Martin L. Tanaka ◽  
Candace Ireton ◽  
Zachary Church ◽  
David Hudson

Abstract Hypermobile-type Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) is characterized by connective tissue laxity resulting in excessive joint mobility. This can lead to instability of the cervical spine resulting in spinal cord compression and neck pain. People with hEDS often utilize commercially available cervical collars to provide head support, but these devices are not well-suited for this population. This work describes the development of a novel head support designed specifically to meet the needs of people with hEDS. The head support was developed using the principles of human-centered design, in which the end user is an active participant in the design process. People with hEDS were interviewed to identify limitations of existing support devices and desirable features of a new device. Input from the interviews was combined with structured design methods to generate initial designs. A prototype of a selected initial design was developed and evaluated by a person with hEDS. Feedback from this evaluation was incorporated into a second-generation design. This improved design stabilizes and supports the head while flexing to allow limited motion. It has an open, well-ventilated structure, and can be worn under clothes. By including end users in the design process, making effective use of computer-aided design and additive manufacturing processes, and gaining feedback through rapid prototyping, the product development process has been accelerated and focused on the needs of the end-user. Future work will continue to include people with hEDS as part of the design team to develop a high-functioning, affordable head support.

2016 ◽  
Vol 47 (S 01) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Schroth ◽  
C. Reihle ◽  
M. Wachowsky ◽  
L. Travan ◽  
M. Buob ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Andrea CAPRA ◽  
Ana BERGER ◽  
Daniela SZABLUK ◽  
Manuela OLIVEIRA

An accurate understanding of users' needs is essential for the development of innovative products. This article presents an exploratory method of user centered research in the context of the design process of technological products, conceived from the demands of a large information technology company. The method is oriented - but not restricted - to the initial stages of the product development process, and uses low-resolution prototypes and simulations of interactions, allowing users to imagine themselves in a future context through fictitious environments and scenarios in the ambit of ideation. The method is effective in identifying the requirements of the experience related to the product’s usage and allows rapid iteration on existing assumptions and greater exploration of design concepts that emerge throughout the investigation.


Author(s):  
Volodymyr Karedin ◽  
Nadiya Pavlenko

CREDO RADON UA software provides an automated calculation of the strength of the pavement structures of non-rigid and rigid types, as well as the calculation of the strengthening of existing structures. In the article, one can see the main features and functionality of the CREDO RADON UA software, the main points in the calculations according to the new regulations. Information support of the design process includes necessary databases, informational and helping materials that make up the full support of the pavement design process. The concept of CREDO RADON UA 1.0 software is made on the use of elasticity theory methods in calculations of initial information models of pavements. Performing optimization calculations, the roadwear in CREDO RADON UA is designed in such a way that no unacceptable residual deformation occurs under the influence of short-term dynamic or static loading in the working layer of the earth bed and in the structural layers during the lifetime of the structure. The calculation algorithms were made in accordance with the current regulatory documents of Ukraine. CREDO RADON UA software allows user to create information bases on road construction materials and vehicles as part of the traffic flow for calculations. The presented system of automated modeling makes it easier for the customer to control the quality of design solutions, to reasonably assign designs to layers of reinforcement, to quickly make comparisons of calculations of different designs for the optimal use of allocated funds. Prospects for further improvement of the program should be the results of theoretical and experimental studies on filling the databases, which are used as information support for automated design of road structures. Keywords: CREDO RADON UA, road, computer-aided design, repair project, road pavement, strengthening, construction, rigid pavement, elasticity module, a transport stream, calculation method, information support, dynamic or static loading.


Science Scope ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 041 (01) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas Garafolo ◽  
Nidaa Makki ◽  
Katrina Halasa ◽  
Wondimu Ahmed ◽  
Kristin Koskey ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Daisy Vyas Shirk ◽  
Sarah D. Williams

Background: Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) comprise a group of heterogeneous hereditary connective tissue disorders [1, 2]. Psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, panic disorder, agoraphobia, schizophrenia, neurodevelopmental disorders, personality disorder, eating disorders, substance misuse and interpersonal issues have been reported in the literature to be associated with EDS [1-3]. Objectives: The case of a 15-year -old male who was hospitalized after a suicide attempt by gunshot was discovered to have symptoms suggestive of EDS is presented in this paper along with the results of a literature search of psychiatric manifestations of EDS in children and adolescents. Methods: Literature review was conducted on the UpToDate website on March 11, 2020 to review symptoms of EhlersDanlos Syndrome for the purpose of preliminary diagnosis of this patient. Additional literature search was conducted on PubMed on 4/2/20 at 12:10 P.M. and on 4/9/20 at 10:51 P.M. and on the search engine Google on 4/2/20 at 12:25 P.M. On May 11, 2020 at 2 P.M., another web search was conducted with review of 6 different websites pertaining to EhlersDanlos Syndrome. Results: A systematic review of psychiatric manifestations of Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes revealed a strong incidence of psychiatric symptoms. Conclusion: Our patient’s psychiatric symptoms of depression, suicidal ideations, anxiety and social and educational struggles may have been at least partially due to chronic pain- abdominal, headache and musculoskeletal, and social ostracization associated with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Education regarding this illness helped our patient’s recovery as he came to understand why he was so “odd” and the cause of his multisystemic chronic pain.


Author(s):  
Nadine Nagler ◽  
Armin Lohrengel

AbstractOverrunning clutches, also known as freewheel clutches, are frictionally engaged, directional clutches; they transmit torque depending on the Freewheel clutch rings’ rotation directions. The torque causes a tangential force in the Hertzian contact area. The hitherto “state-of-the-art design criterion” bases on this load situation. In practice, axial loads additionally act on the frictionally engaged Hertzian contact area. This additional axial load can cause the loss of the friction connection and so the freewheel clutch slips. This publication presents an improved design criterion for frictionally engaged contacts in freewheel clutches. It allows to consider tangential as well as axial loads during the design process. Additionally, it offers the possibility to estimate the probability of frictional engagement loss and gross slip based on the freewheel clutch’s application scenario. This publication points out how to use the improved design criterion to design freewheel clutches that are more robust against a loss of function.


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