Project
| # | Title | Team Members | TA | Documents | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65 | Active Postural Correction Vest |
Aparna Srinivasan Jordyn Andrews Sophia Sulkar |
Frey Zhao | proposal1.pdf |
|
| # Active Postural Correction Vest **Team Members:** - Aparna Srinivasan (aparnas3) - Jordyn Andrews (jandr25) - Sophia Sulkar (ssulkar2) # Problem Poor posture is an extremely common issue in modern society, especially in the workplace, where employees sit and slouch for hours on end. Long-term slouching can lead to musculoskeletal imbalances, chronic back pain, and reduced respiratory efficiency. Existing solutions are either braces (which do not require any muscular effort from the person) or simple notification (devices that buzz but do not actually enforce correction). There is a lack of active solutions that physically assist the user in regaining proper posture without requiring constant conscious effort, or just doing all the work for them with no effort at all. # Solution We propose an Active Postural Correction Vest. Unlike passive braces, this system uses an active electromechanical feedback loop to physically retrain the user’s posture, while also letting go so that good posture is maintained by the user, not just the device itself. The device consists of a wearable vest equipped with stretch sensors which attach to elastics. These sensors continuously monitor how much the elastics are extended. When the system detects a "slouch" state (shown by the stretch sensor reading shifting away from the calibrated threshold), the central PCB triggers a high-torque servo motor mounted on the back plate. The servo reels in a cabling system made of elastic connected to the shoulder straps, physically pulling the user's shoulders back into a proper position. Once the sensors detect that the user has returned to the correct posture, the servo releases tension, allowing for natural movement and self-maintained posture until the next slouch event. In terms of safety precautions, we plan to create an assistive device that does not use a lot of force, so it cannot cause any damage. We also are going to have an emergency stop button as well as an auto shut-off when the resistance level reaches a level that is too high. We also will filter out noise by adding a timer that only activates the motors if the person is sitting in a slouched position for a prolonged time. # Solution Components ## Subsystem 1 **Sensing and Input** This subsystem is responsible for detecting the user's postural state by measuring the tension and force exerted by the brace straps against the body. - Primary Sensors (Stretch Subsystem): We will use stretch sensors placed between the shoulder strap and the user's clavicle. When the user is well-postured, the straps are taut (indicated by high Resistance/Voltage). When slouching, the straps loosen or shift (indicated by low Resistance/Voltage). - Secondary Sensor (Pressure Subsystem): We will also use pressure sensors on the front of the vest to provide a safety check to make sure that the strap tension stays within a comfortable limit ## Subsystem 2 **Mechanical Correction** This subsystem provides the physical force required to retract the shoulders. - Actuator: We will use a Servo motor, which will be able to reel in the elastic band without being too powerful or dangerous. - Mechanism: The servo will be mounted on a central back plate, which could be 3D printed, using a spool-and-cable mechanism to shorten the effective length of the shoulder straps. ## Subsystem 3 **Control & Power** This subsystem processes sensor data and drives the motor. - Microcontroller: possibly an ESP32 for wireless support - Power Regulation: batteries, etc. - Failsafe: Kill switch/button ## Subsystem 4 **Bluetooth App** A Bluetooth-connected app will display posture behavior over time (how often and how long the user slouches). The app would also allow adjustment of sensitivity and comfort limits, and let the user switch between training and brace modes. # Criterion For Success - The system shall detect a slouched posture when the stretch sensor output drops below a calibrated upright threshold for >= 30 seconds. - Normal movements such as walking, reaching, or twisting shall not trigger motor actuation during a 10-minute movement test. - When a slouch is detected, the servo shall retract the shoulder straps by a fixed amount of mm within 10 -15 seconds, resulting in visible shoulder retraction. - The servo shall fully release strap tension within 5 seconds after the stretch sensor returns above the upright threshold. - Strap pressure shall remain below a predefined safe limit, and the system shall disable the motor immediately when the emergency stop button is pressed. - The vest shall operate continuously for at least 4 hours on battery power while maintaining full sensing and actuation functionality. |
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