Week 14

Presentation day is on 8 November 2012 which is on UniKL BMI Industry Day. The 2 assessors for my project presentation is sir Zulkifli Mahmoodin and madam Siti Nur Amalia. Both assessors are from Medical Electronics and Electronics Engineering section.

All preparation were done including presentation sheet and poster which is compulsory items that needed for assessment. Research and revision were done on the poster during consultation with supervisor. The supervisor advice that methodology must be related and parallel with literature review and problem statement.

Readmore...

Week 13

First PCB was failure because of many intermittent occurs within the board for unknown reasons. Several troubleshooting were done to find solution for the problems.
To avoid wasting amount of time, new UV board was used due to faster and simpler process required to finished the PCB. Also, with the new design, the connection of each components was simpler and separated to prevent any intermittent.

Next, the potentiometer was soldered and ready to be wired by using shrink tube to avoid messy connection or cut on the joints. The sensor holder was placed and positioned at the correct position in order to make it function and aligned. Finally, all mechanical structure and software are ready to be interfaced.

Readmore...

Week 12

Breadboard failure discovered after several troubleshooting. It has many intermittance produced within the board.Action taken is buy new breadboard and reconstruct the overall circuit.
By using DipTrace software, the PCB layout can be produced without putting more effort to measure each components dimension to determined its own pin configuration.

Next step involve the cutting and etching of finished PCB which is need to be done carefully. During the inspection of each copper connectivity, a multimeter tool was used. After confirmation all the connection were correct, the drilling process can be done for further components placement and soldering.  

Readmore...

Week 11

Through out this week, some unexpected error occurs with the LCD component.
It suddenly display some unknown symbol to understand. LED backlight still on and function properly.
Research on the internet and consultation with the supervisor were done, to find the solution for the error.
After 3 days of troubleshooting, the solution was found by consulting and findings during consultation with my friend.
It is because the declaration and connection of LCD pin must be parallel with each other in order to make it fully function.
Other works and development were delayed during this week, and need to re-plan to cover the loss of time.

Readmore...

Week 10

For mechanical development, sensor holder has arrived from Kota Bharu through courier. Both sensor plate were checked thoroughly to make sure there is no error or wrong position of placement at mechanical plate.

After inspection process, 2 dimension hole were made on he main steel plate. These dimension were measured accordingly on sensor holder. And lastly, the overall circuit was sketched on Proteus software because it is more easy and simpler compared than by doing manually by hand.

Readmore...

Week 9

For display, several testing were attempt to visualize for each function. There are to possible ways to visualize the the function, by using serial monitor or Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). All connection of each LCD pin were followed based on Arduino tutorial. The LCD function correctly as desired and supposed to be.

After consultation with co-supervisors, sir Zulkifli Mahmoodin and sir Hisham, they recommend me to use proper motor driver for high torque DC motor. So, I switch from L293D into L298N, which has different specification in term of current rating. Below are specification comparison between these 2 motor driver:

Readmore...

Week 8

To design the sensor/potentiometer holder, I have discuss with my family relative to assist me in designing AutoCAD  2012 for sensor holder. All the dimensions were measured to make sure it is accurately measure the angle of ROM.
Using same material with mechanical, I decided to pick same thickness and material due to it's availability and sturdiness. These are pictures of sensor holder from AutoCAD software, showing the dimension, position and placement.

For motor driver, the L293D IC was tested to check the strength of motor torque to move the mechanical structure. But there are some minor problem, which is the prediction of current allowed in the motor driver when the DC motor on load. This prediction was based on L293D specification

Readmore...

Week 7

Based on all components that involved in the project, I have listed and bought all the components from cytron company. All the components are used to construct a circuit that look and function alike Arduino kit.
After consultation with supervisor, she recommended different DC geared motor to be used in the project, to   drive the mechanical structure for moving smoothly.
These are technical specification of SPG30-150K and SPG50-100K

For programming section, I have configure the solution for loopback sub-routine.
Each function in the project must stay in loop, until enter button pressed to enter next function or cancel button to return to previous function.
This are sample of programming to loop in function.

Readmore...

Week 6

Based on the flowchart that I have design during previous semester, I found that it was just a basic overview for the total of this project.
So, I expanded more and focus toward of each function to give a better understanding to write the assembly language for micro-controller.
There are some minor issue to understanding the flow for re-direct into sub-routine of each function.
Several testing were done to overcome the problem but no solution to be found at moment.

Readmore...

Week 5

According to Mr. Fitri, the mechanical part has finished and ready to be operated for this project.
Due to material that has been used, the mild steel is heavier than stainless steel which is will be more cost to this project.
Total the weight of the mechanical part is around 10 kilograms or more.
Couples of testing were done to check the functionality of the mechanical.
The list of criteria is :
- When the motor rotating clockwise, the screw shaft has to rotate clockwise and the angle(ROM) is increased.
- When the motor rotating anti-clockwise, the screw shaft has to rotate anti-clockwise and the angle(ROM) is decreased.
- The lowest angle the mechanical can reached is 5 degree.
- The highest angle the mechanical can reached is 120 degree.

Readmore...

Week 4

Week 4 is Eidul Fitri ceremony week.
A little progress was done during this week by designing the sensor (potentiometer) holder that needed to be attached on the surface of the mechanical part.
This is important element for this overall project because the sensor act as feedback for micro-controller to operate. Without it, the ROM cannot be measured correctly.
This is basic sketch for the sensor holder

.

Readmore...

Week 3

For electronics circuit, I have done some research on what components that are related this project during previous semester. But this time, the research is more toward on micro-controller circuit which is Arduino board. These are components that I have bought for testing the project. All the components are bought at Jalan Pasar near Pudu.

List of components:

1.   Potentiometer
2.   Push buttons
3.   Crystal 16Mhz
4.   Resistor
5.   Ceramic capacitors
6.   Electrolytic capacitors
7.   Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
8.   Light Emitting Diode (LED), variable colours
9.   H-bridge (IC L293D)
10. 5V voltage regulator
11. 12V 1A adapter
12. DC jack for adapter

Readmore...

Week 2

For the construction of mechanical parts, I have consult with the 3rd party person, which is Mr. Fitri that has specialization doing steel works.
He ask for duration to designing the mechanical parts into AutoCAD (Computer Aided Design) for 2~3 week(s).
I agreed to deal with him by conditions to follow the design of the sketch.

Readmore...

Degree Semester 2, Week 1

For this week, I have sketch the mechanical structure for KJT device.
It is consists of bearing, screw shaft, ball nut, hinge, guiding set, and others.
All were made from mild steel because it is to reduce cost as to achieve the main purpose for this project.
I have measured all the length of leg parts for common people.
By referring to measurement that has been done, the first sketch was to shown the basic concept for leg movement or motion during treatment.
The second sketch is the re-improved sketch after doing some discussion with supervisor.

Readmore...

Week 14

Knee Joint Therapy cost:

Based on some survey that I have done through the internet, I have list down all the components that related with KJT device. After some consideration on wage cost and mechanical frame/structure, I have set estimated price because the cost is dependant on labour and type of material used. These are the budget for each components in KJT device:

Readmore...

Week 13

These are project planning for this semester and next semester:

Starting from 16/1/2012 and estimated finished at 9/11/2012

Final Year Project Semester 1

Final Year Project Semester 2

Readmore...

Week 12

KJT device benefits/contibutions for soicial environment:

Portability: These machines are light weight and can be used from hospital bed. Upon discharge from the hospital, a range of motion machine can be use at home.

Decreased Recovery Time: The constant slow motion of the machine can help reduce pain and swelling while soothing the joint. The range of motion machine will help reduce soft tissue stiffness, decrease the likelihood of developing scar tissue, promote healing of the joint's surface, and increase the circulation of blood throughout the affected joint.

Increased Range of Motion: The machine is used to maintain range of motion and the flexibility. This machine can help enhance the overall outcome of patient surgery, which supports the ability to perform daily tasks and activities that enjoy to the fullest extent. 

Green environmental: By using stainless steel material, the KJT device frame and mechanical structure were expected to constructed using high quality material. The reason why those material was used is because to prevent user or patient from any corrosion that can lead into virus and bacteria exposure.

Low cost: Most of all device that similar with KJT device were very expensive. The price range based on research is starting from RM 4,000 to RM 11,000. This device was expected to be low cost and target market is for home use and prototyping for research knee anatomy and parameters.

Readmore...

Week 11

What is the objectives of KJT device?


These are objective of this KJT device:
- to improve recovery by stimulating the healing of articular tissues
- to increase the amount of knee flexion for knee patients in the acute hospital setting
- to reduce the adverse effects of trauma or immobilization following surgery
- alternatives and adjuncts to conventional physical therapy following surgery or injury
- avoid arthrofibrosis following trauma or surgery on joints that are prone to stiffness

Anterior interval arthrofibrosis is the condition of abnormal scarring in the 'anterior interval' - the space below the kneecap and behind the patellar tendon.

Reference : http://www.kneeguru.co.uk/KNEEnotes/anterior-interval-arthrofibrosis

Readmore...

Week 10

Programming flowchart draft

I have sketched basic programming flowchart for KJT device but later it will need to be discussed with supervisor to make sure it is proper as function for device to work.

Readmore...

Week 9

Methodology of Knee Joint Therapy Device

The main operation for this Knee Joint Therapy (KJT) device is basically on ability to move knee joint in forward and reverse direction. This means the motion of knee can flex during the treatment by determine specific angle for knee flexion or based on range of motion. 

The KJT device is powered by AC or DC power supply whether it is operated in plugged in or battery mode. Also, power supply is needed to supply the voltage and current to microcontroller and DC motor to operate in the KJT device. These DC motor needed driving circuit in order to function because the microcontroller cannot control the DC motor directly due to low current output from microcontroller. 

Draft of block diagram of whole device

Possible components that are related with Knee Joint Therapy Device:

1. Microcontroller: ATmega328/Arduino UNO = Receive input, processing and control the output

2. Push button or switches = Interface between user and the device

3. Adjustable Power Supply = Supply electrical current to all electronics system

4. H-Bridge circuit = Control the directional of DC motor rotation clockwise @ anti-clockwise

5. DC Motor = Electrodynamic drive for moving the mechanical structure

6. Potentiometer = Work as sensor that give feedback to the microcontroller on flexion angle

7. Mechanical Structure:

     1) Bearing = to bear load between 2 moving parts with minimum amount of friction

     2) Linear actuator = convert rotary motion into linear motion

     3) Coupling = connect 2 shaft together, transmit power from driving shaft to driven shaft

Readmore...

Week 8

Literature review is crucial for understanding the importance and getting information about previous development...

A literature review is a body of text that aims to review the critical points of current knowledge including substantive findings as well as theoretical and methodological contributions to a particular topic. Literature reviews are secondary sources, and as such, do not report any new or original experimental work....

These are some journal that I have read:

1. Cheryl Rudisile, The effect of continuous passive motion on knee flexion, pain, and function after total knee arthroplast, School of Physical Therapy, Pacific University, 1-1-2011.

- The outcome measures used in these studies addressed the clinical question. Knee flexion ROM, pain, and function are the three main outcomes pertinent to patients who have had a TKA. Both studies addressed these outcomes with appropriate measurement tools.

2. Connor C, Berk DM. Continuous passive motion as an alternative treatment for iatrogenic hallux limitus. J Foot Ankle Surg. 1994 33: 177 – 179.

- KJT reduced the pain, and joint mobility was sufficiently restored to prevent a second surgery, even when the therapy was started 6 months after surgery. These findings lead one to speculate that if KJT, although passive, could improve ROM in subjects with surgical complications; the motion would aid functional recovery in people who had no complications following common corrective procedures of hallux valgus.

3. Milne S, Brosseau L, Robinson V, Noel M, Davis J, Drouin H, Wells G, Tugwell P (2003) Continuous passive motion following total knee arthroplasty.Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2:CD004260.

- KJT combined with PT, may offer beneficial results compared to PT alone in the short term rehabilitation following total knee arthroplasty.

Readmore...

Week 7

Week 7 is the phase test week...
So, I managed to completed some part of proposal that is problem statement...
Problem statement is a short summary of the research problem....
This is the problem statement of KJT devices...
These are main reasons of why this project and research ....

1. Knee replacement, or knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure to replace the weight-bearing surfaces of the knee joint to relieve the pain and disability of osteoarthritis. Knee replacement surgery can be performed as a partial or a total knee replacement. In general, the surgery consists of replacing the diseased or damaged joint surfaces of the knee with metal and plastic components shaped to allow continued motion of the knee.

Components of Total Knee Arthroplasty

2. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a cruciate ligament which is one of the four major ligaments of the human knee. The ACL originates from deep within the notch of the distal femur. It is referred to as the cranial cruciate ligament. Athletes commonly tear the ACL when the tibia translates anterior to the femur in combination with an internal tibial rotation.

Figure: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear (Left), and Internal Tibial Rotation (Right)

3. Cartilage structures and functions can be damaged. Such damage can result from a variety of causes, such as a bad fall or traumatic sport-accident, previous knee injuries or wear and tear over time. Immobilization for long periods can also result in cartilage damage. Articular cartilage does not usually regenerate (the process of repair by formation of the same type of tissue) after injury or disease leading to loss of tissue and formation of a defect.

Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI) Procedure

    

Readmore...

Week 6

Based on what I have research on the internet, I found a video that shows on how the KJT device working...

Here is the video.... 

The guideline for proposal FYP Degree Sem1 has been uploaded on rps.bmi.edu.my...

These are the list of main focus on writing the proposal...

1. Abstract

2. Introduction

3. Problem Statement

4. Literature Review

5. Methodology

6. Objectives

7. Benefits/contributions

8. Planning

9. Budget

10. Conclusion

11. References

Readmore...

Week 5

Introduction of this project is main overview to indicate of main idea and proper methods to execute it.

The introduction also should be at a level that make it easy to understand for readers with a general science background...
Many researches on internet have been done to gathered all main informations...
This is the introduction of this project...

Introduction

• Orthopaedic surgeons nowadays always looking into ways to improve the results after knee surgery. 
• Knee Joint Therapy (KJT) Device was develop assist recovery following joint surgery or injuries of upper or lower extremities. 
• KJT is used to reduce the adverse effects of trauma or immobilization following surgery. 
• KJT units are motorized devices which gradually move the joint through a defined range of motion for an extended period of time without patient effort. 
• There are two basic design principles that characterize KJT devices: 
1) the anatomical design, or

2) the free linkage design

Readmore...