Research on sensing and actuation technology for pressure ulcer prevention

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25560281
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Exploratory Research
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Rehabilitation science/Welfare engineering
• Research Institution: Industrial Research Institute of Shizuoka Prefecture
• Principal Investigator: HOSONO Minako 静岡県工業技術研究所, 沼津工業技術支援センター・機械電子科, 研究員 (70647974)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 褥瘡予防システム開発 / 水素吸蔵合金アクチュエータ / 力センシング

Outline of Final Research Achievements

A pressure ulcer prevention system was developed in this study. Metal hydride (MH) actuator, utilizing the properties of a hydrogen storage alloy which can reversibly absorb and release a large amount of hydrogen gas, was applied as a part of the system. The MH actuator consists of a bellows and a container of the hydrogen storage alloy as a source of bellows motion. The MH actuator derives mechanical power from the internal pressure changes, due to thermal control of the state of metal hydride i.e. heating for increasing pressure by releasing hydrogen from the hydride, and cooling for decreasing pressure by absorption of hydrogen. Triaxial force sensor was applied to measure pressure and shear forces working on the interface of the system and human body. By controlling temperature of the alloy from 293 K to 313 K according to the force sensor feedback, the system achieved cyclic movement of bellows expansion and contraction.

Free Research Field

リハビリテーション工学、機械工学