Low Budget Commercial Development of a Transfer Aid: A Case Study
By Normie, Lawrence; Bezalel, Guy; Assistive Technology - Shaping the Future: AAATE 2003 Conference Proceedings, Vol. 11, No. 1, pp. 611-617Publication Date: 2003
Paper discusses the commercial development of the Enduro transfer belt, which is a sit-to-stand transfer aid for people with reduced mobility. The concept of the Enduro is based upon an established technique in orthopedic physiotherapy in which a sling is used to move limbs and mobilize joints. This principle was adapted in the Enduro system to apply to manual lifting from a sitting to a standing position, therefore minimizing the risk of back injury to caregivers. To do so, it is necessary to use minimum force for the lifting action, especially in the first stage when the client is seated. The Enduro’s ergonomic design facilitates the maximizing of the pulling forces used to assist the client in rising through the hips of the caregiver, thus reducing the forces directed from the arms, lower back, and knees. A binary belt system is employed, in which the caregiver and client are linked via tension straps attached between the caregiver’s belt and the client’s sling. This configuration allows the majority of pulling forces to be directed through a vector passing through the hips of the client and his or her caregiver.
Published by: IOS Press (Website:http://www.iospress.nl)
Association for the Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe (AAATE) (Web Site: http://www.aaate.net )
ISBN: 1-58603-373-5
