The team created a magnetic bracelet with a metal sheet which can be slotted into a notebook. Once the user wears the bracelet and has the metal sheet inside the notebook, the magnetic force of the bracelet will hold the arm down on to the notebook while allowing the user's arm to slide around, thus minimising the user's tremor and maximising writing legibility. The team used silicone for the bracelet and created the magnetic force with rare earth magnets. To maximise the effect of the prototype, the elbow must be level with the notebook and the user must write in an upright posture.
Anat’s right-hand shakes and she finds it difficult to perform everyday activities, including writing and using utensils. Her left arm does not function very well because of weakness caused by its spasticity. Anat would like to improve her right-hand functions in order to be able to write and use utensils more easily and with more stability.
Our need-knower, Anat Bigos, suffered a brain injury as a result of a car accident in 2004. Anat was in a coma for 3 months and was an inpatient in the hospital for 13 months, where she underwent intensive rehabilitation which has since continued for many years. Anat’s brain injury causes loss of balance.
An open-source assistive technology project shared free by TOM: Tikkun Olam Makers.
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