Jesús Tamez-Duque

Mr. Jesús Tamez-Duque


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

12Years (2015-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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16 February 2015 in Sensors
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
JTJesús Tamez-Duque
Jesús Tamez-Duque
RCRebeca Cobian-Ugalde
Rebeca Cobian-Ugalde
AKAtilla Kilicarslan
Atilla Kilicarslan
AVAnusha Venkatakrishnan
Anusha Venkatakrishnan
RSRogelio Soto
Rogelio Soto
Jose L Contreras-VidalJose L Contreras-Vidal
Jose L Contreras-Vidal
Assistive and rehabilitative powered exoskeletons for spinal cord injury (SCI) and stroke subjects have recently reached the clinic. Proper tension and joint alignment are critical to ensuring safety. Challenges still exist in adjustment and fitting, with most current systems depending on personnel experience for appropriate individual fastening. Paraplegia and tetraplegia patients using these devices have impaired sensation and cannot signal if straps are uncomfortable or painful. Excessive pressure and blood-flow restriction can lead to skin ulcers, necrotic tissue and infections. Tension must be just enough to prevent slipping and maintain posture. Research in pressure dynamics is extensive for wheelchairs and mattresses, but little research has been done on exoskeleton straps. We present a system to monitor pressure exerted by physical human-machine interfaces and provide data about levels of skin/body pressure in fastening straps. The system consists of sensing arrays, signal processing hardware with wireless transmission, and an interactive GUI. For validation, a lower-body powered exoskeleton carrying the full weight of users was used. Experimental trials were conducted with one SCI and one able-bodied subject. The system can help prevent skin injuries related to excessive pressure in mobility-impaired patients using powered exoskeletons, supporting functionality, independence and better overall quality of life.