Design of an affordable dynamic arm support for motorized wheelchairs

Upper limb impairments, resulting from various neurological and neuromuscular conditions, significantly impact daily activities and limit social participation. Assistive technologies, particularly dynamic arm supports, offer promising solutions to enhance independence for individuals facing these challenges. This paper presents the development of an affordable dynamic arm support, designed with a focus on static balancing. The support utilizes a four-bar linkage mechanism to allow smooth vertical movement while maintaining the orientation of the armrest. Furthermore, the integration of rotational and prismatic joints enhances the device's adaptability, enabling horizontal movements. Through comprehensive mathematical modeling and prototype testing, we introduce a cost-effective arm support that effectively counterbalances the arm's weight, ensuring ease of movement and stability across various spatial orientations.