Design of a 2-DOF wearable mechanism for support of human elbow and forearm

Abstract

A 2-DOF wearable mechanism for support of human elbow and forearm is proposed in this paper. An advantage of the mechanism is easy attachment to a human arm: rigorous adjustment of attachment positions is unnecessary when the mechanism is attached. This paper firstly illustrates design and a model of the mechanism, and then derives kinematics. A supporting method applicable to the mechanism is secondly described. Thirdly, a mockup for future design of a prototype is shown. An issue for future development of the mechanism is finally discussed. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.