• Journal of Institute of Control, Robotics and Systems
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.524-530
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• 2015

Early wearable robotic devices were big, powerful and manipulator-like. Recently, various applications of wearable robotics have shown a greater demand for lower weight and compliancy. One approach to achieve these objectives is the use of novel actuators such as twisted string actuators. These actuator are very light, quiet, mechanically simple and compliant. Therefore, they can drastically decrease the weight and size of robotic systems such as exoskeletons. However, one drawback of this actuator is its nonlinear transmission ratio, which is established as a ratio between the angle of twisting of the strings and their resulting contraction. In this paper, we propose a transmission mechanism with rotational motion as the output incorporating a twisted string actuator (TSA). The designed mechanism allows the linearization of the relationships between the input and output displacements and forces of a TSA. The proposed design has been validated theoretically and through a set of computer simulations. A detailed analysis of the performance of the proposed mechanism is presented in this paper along with a design guideline.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers B
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.414-426
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• 1997

Numerical computations were conducted to characterize the three-dimensional laminar flow through an injector orifice having an inclined angle of 30 .deg.. For this study, the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations in generalized curvilinear coordinates, using a pseudocompressibility approach for continuity equation, were solved. The computations were performed using the finite difference implicit, approximately factored scheme of Beam and Warming and multi-block grids of complete continuity at block interfaces. The multi-block computations were validated for the steady state using direct comparison of multi-block solutions with equivalent single-block ones, including 2-D 180.deg. TAD and 3-D 90.deg. pipe bend. The comparisons between the numerical solutions and the flow field measurements for a tube with sudden contraction were presented in this work for solution validation. Computational results showed the nature of complex flow fields within the inclined injector orifice, including strong pressure-driven secondary flows in the cross stream induced by the effect of streamline curvature. In addition, asymmetric secondary flows were induced in the Reynolds number range above assumed laminar flow regime considered. However, turbulence calculations and grid dependency studies are needed for more accurate computations.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.183-188
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• 2010

The purpose of this study is to investigate the stationarity of the electromyographic signal in various flexion angles, loads, and window sizes, which influence the result of the mean power frequency (MPF) and median frequency (MNF) analysis. Six healthy subjects participated in the experiment. They were tested in the combination of 3-level flexion angles (0 degree, 22.5 degree, 45 degree) and 3-level loads (0Nm, 30Nm, 60Nm). Electromyographic data were collected for 20 seconds during isometric contraction. The stationarity of collected data were analyzed with four different window sizes including 250, 500, 1000 and 2000ms. Two test methods for stationarity such as Reverse Arrangements Test and Modified Reverse Arrangements Test were used. In order to show the effect of nonstationarity, the increasing/decreasing trend of MPF and MNF trend were discussed. In results, the stationarity of the electromyographic signal decreased as flexion angle increased and load decreased while window size decreased based on Reverse Arrangements Test. The highest stationarity was shown at 500 ms window in Modified Reverse Arrangements Test. The inclination of MNF and MPF indicated 3.6-6.3%, 3.8-5.1% discrepancy compared to the result from stationary data.

• Proceedings of the KSME Conference
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• 2000.04a
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• pp.268-273
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• 2000

Velocity-dependent increase in tonic stretch reflexes is one of the prominent characteristics of spasticity. It is very important to evaluate spasticity objectively and quantitatively before and after treatment for physicians. An accurate quantitative biomechanical evaluation for the spasticity which is caused by the disorder of central nervous system is made in this study. A sudden leg dropper which is designed to generate objective testing environment at every trial gives very effective environment for the test. Kinematic data are archived by the 3-dimensional motion analysis system($Elite^{(R)}$, B.T.S., Italy). Kinematic data are angle and angular velocity of lower limb joints, and length and lengthening velocity of lower limb muscle. A program is also developed to analyze the kinematic data of lower limb, contraction and relaxation length of muscles, and dynamic EMG data at the same tim. To evaluate spasticity quantitatively, total 31 parameters extracted from goniogram, EMG and muscle model are analyzed. Statistical analysis are made for bilateral correlations for all parameters. The described instrumentation and parameters to make quantitative and objective evaluation of spasticity shows good results.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Aviation and Aeronautics
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.41-55
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• 2003

A calibration jet system using separate blower is developed to calibrate a flow sensor effectively. Designed open circuit type mini calibration jet system, which has the dimension of $0.5m(W){\times}1.17m(H)$ is small compared with conventional calibration jet systems. The exit of nozzle has exchangeable contractions with a cross section area of $38.5cm^2$ , and a cross section area of $113.1cm^2$, respectively. The ranges of wind speed at exit of exchangeable nozzles are $7.5{\sim}42\;m/s$ and $1.8{\sim}16.5\;m/s$, respectively. The input power for the high pressure blower is 1.18kW. The turning vanes for corner was rolled flat plate parallel to the flow direction. The flow conditioning screen was located immediately downstream of the wide-angle diffuser. The honeycomb and two flow conditioning screens were located in the stagnation chamber. From the economical point of view and the simplicity of the calibration jet system set up and handling, it can be said that the developed calibration jet system is an effective calibration jet system. This system can also be used to calibrate the flow sensor with high resolution.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Propulsion Engineers
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.23-29
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• 2006

In an annular injection supersonic ejector, the supersonic primary flow is injected along the side wall, therefore a funnel-shaped shock wave is generated by the contraction angle of the mixing chamber. In the present study, we developed a simple funnel shock wave model using 2-D wedge and conical shock wave relations. In result, the secondary flow pressure can be predicted more accurately than using a simple 2-D wedge shock wave model. Through the same analysis, the compression ratio and the adiabatic efficiency according to the entrainment ratio were calculated.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.555-577
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• 2015

In the work at hand, the development of a morphing flap, actuated through shape memory alloy load bearing elements, is described. Moving from aerodynamic specifications, prescribing the morphed shape enhancing the aerodynamic efficiency of the flap, a suitable actuation architecture was identified, able to affect the curvature. Each rib of the flap was split into three elastic elements, namely "cells", connected each others in serial way and providing the bending stiffness to the structure. The edges of each cell are linked to SMA elements, whose contraction induces rotation onto the cell itself with an increase of the local curvature of the flap airfoil. The cells are made of two metallic plates crossing each others to form a characteristic "X" configuration; a good flexibility and an acceptable stress concentration level was obtained non connecting the plates onto the crossing zone. After identifying the main design parameters of the structure (i.e. plates relative angle, thickness and depth, SMA length, cross section and connections to the cell) an optimization was performed, with the scope of enhancing the achievable rotation of the cell, its ability in absorbing the external aerodynamic loads and, at the same time, containing the stress level and the weight. The conceptual scheme of the architecture was then reinterpreted in view of a practical realization of the prototype. Implementation issues (SMA - cells connection and cells relative rotation to compensate the impressed inflection assuring the SMA pre-load) were considered. Through a detailed FE model the prototype morphing performance were investigated in presence of the most severe load conditions.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.53-63
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• 2009

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between neck pain and physical factors in female office workers. Methods : Neck pain group of 31 female subjects complained of neck and arm discomfort. Normal group of 20 female subjects had no complaints or minimal discomfort. Cervical curvature and muscle tone were assessed by whole spine x-ray, meridian-electromyography(MEMG), craniovertebral angle. Neck pain was evaluated by Neck Disability Index(NDI) and Visual Analog Scale(VAS). Results : The NDI score and contraction power of upper trapezius by MEMG had a relationship significantly. However, there was no relationship between NDI and cervical curvature. Conclusions : The results suggest that neck pain is related to muscle tone rather than physical stress and cervical curvature.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.1818-1822
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• 2019

Background: Ipsilateral pelvic elevation has been reported as a common compensatory movement during side-lying hip abduction. It has been reported that pelvic elevation inhibits sufficient contraction of gluteus medius. However, few studies have identified the effects of controlled pelvic elevation on the trunk and hip muscles. Objective: To examine the effects of controlled pelvic elevation using visual biofeedback on the muscle activity of the trunk and hip muscles. Design: Crossover study. Methods: Twelve healthy males performed side-lying hip abduction exercises with and without visual biofeedback for pelvic elevation. Electromyography (EMG) activities of the gluteus medius, quadratus lumborum, and multifidus were analyzed using a wireless EMG system while the ipsilateral pelvic elevation angle was measured using a motion sensor during side-lying hip abduction exercises. Results: EMG activities of the gluteus medius (p = .002), quadratus lumborum (p = .022), and multifidus (p = .020) were significantly increased and ipsilateral pelvic elevation was significantly decreased (p = .001) during side-lying hip abduction with visual biofeedback compared to without visual biofeedback. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that the application of biofeedback for pelvic motion could improve the trunk and hip muscle activation pattern and decrease compensatory pelvic motion during side-lying hip abduction exercise.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.293-299
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• 2008

Bite force is created by the force of adjacent teeth accompanied with tension of masticatory muscle. The bite force value is greater in male than in female and ha maximum value at first molar. Masseter muscle is associated with bite force and during muscle contraction the electric signal is expressed in EMG form. The aim of the study is to assess recovery time for masseter muscle activity and according to each part of bite force after open reduction with internal fixation when mandibular angle fracture and subcondyle fracture occurred. And to determine the appropriate period for mandibular fracture patients to have normal masticatory activity. 30 patients with normal bite condition was selected for control group and from April, 2007 to September, 2007, 20 patients who visited our department of oral and maxillofacial surgery of Dankook University, were selected for the study and were diagnosed as mandibular angle fracture and subcondyle fracture. For control group, the bite force for incisors, canine, premolars and molars and activity of the masseter muscle was measured and compared for 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 weeks. That was divided as fracture side and normal side. Mann-Whitney U test was performed for significant difference and the following result was obtained. 1. The maximum voluntary bite force for incisors, canine, premolars and molars portion were 0.113 kN, 0.182kN, 0.295kN and 0.486kN and the masseter muscle activity was 0.192 volts in the control group. 2. The maximum bite force at fracture side was recovered by 4th weeks for incisors, 6th weeks for canine and premolars and 8th weeks for molars and the masseter muscle activity was recovered by 6th weeks in the experimental group. 2. The maximum bite force at normal side was recovered by 4th weeks for incisors, 6th weeks for canine, premolars and molars and the masseter muscle activity was recovered by 3rd weeks in the experimental group. 3. The method for internal fixation by 2.0mm miniplates at both superior and inferior border had no complications according for twenty patients and had a satisfactory recovery. According to the result, patient with mandibular angle fracture and subcondyle fracture, 8 weeks was required for bite force recovery. Therefore, patients with open reduction and internal fixation under general anesthesis, it can be assumed that 8 weeks was needed after operation in order to have normal bite force and masseter muscle recovery.