Integrated Exoskeleton to Assist Paraplegics in Driving a Car

Stroke is the leading cause of motor disabilities around the globe. Every year, 15 million people worldwide suffer a stroke. Patients with stroke find it difficult to walk and it is nearly impossible for them to drive the vehicle. This study focuses on development of exoskeleton which can be used by paraplegic patients for walking as well as for driving. The proposed orthoses is based on two modes of usage, one when it is used for walking and the other one when it is used for driving the vehicle.

Walking mode is a self-powered system which contains energy storage device (battery) and is coupled with a soft belt assembly to help a person move in the forward direction. This articulated design is also coupled with a motor which is controlled by microcontroller. Human response is given to the remote start/stop which is taken by microcontroller which senses the response and actuates the motor. Driving mode is activated when the paraplegic patient wishes to drive the vehicle. A novel design has been proposed which integrates the use of haptic sensor for the movement of ankle. In the proposed design, movement of the ankle is concentrated for positioning the pedal. Haptic sensor is connected at the back of the waist belt. While driving there is an external pressure on the both sides of the haptic sensor (Back and Seat). It helps to design the system such a way that, when the pressure is applied on the back it is sensed by the haptic sensor and the signal is given to the motor which helps in moving the ankle.