Prototype and Simulation of a Single-Board Computer Actuator Arm for Applications in

Published in: Global Partnerships for Development and Engineering Education: Proceedings of the 15th LACCEI International Multi-Conference for Engineering, Education and Technology
Date of Conference: July 19-21, 2017
Location of Conference: Boca Raton, FL, United States
Authors: Winston Sealy, PhD. (Minnesota State University, US)
Emma Encarnacion, PhD. (Universidad APEC, DO)
Full Paper: #123

Abstract:

Healthcare providers worldwide must adopt best practices to ensure patient safety and likewise their own safety. The utilization of a Patient lift assistive device is one such best practice used by most healthcare providers to mitigate the risks associated with both patient and provider injuries. In this research, the authors expand on the conceptual design of a patient lift by designing and analyzing a prototype actuator arm. The paper presents an overview of two critical components for actuator operations. Firstly, the functional operation of the actuator was developed using a DC motor, relays, sensors, and Python programming of a Single-Board Computer. Secondly, a compound spur gear box was designed and analyzed using Creo 3.0 Mechanism to simulate the kinematic behavior of the parametric model.