Design and development of assistive Devices to operate industrial sewing Machine suitable for persons with Locomotor disabilities

Abstract

In the world, physically challenged people are found in huge number among which the people suffering from locomotor disability are of higher proportion compared to other nature of disabilities. These persons with locomotor disability are partially healthy (Speak, Think, Read, Write etc.) with deficit lower limb disability (foot/leg). The person with locomotor disability faces severe challenges to meet their economic needs since they are deprived of any jobs due to their disability in performing the job. newlineGenerally all industrial sewing machines are operated by foot, using foot pedal attachment. The foot pedal based sewing method is not suitable for a locomotor disabled person. Our research focuses on designing and developing an assistive device for operating the industrial grade sewing machine by the persons with locomotor disability. The persons with locomotor disability are given proper training in the modified industrial sewing machine which helps them to build their sewing skill set. The training provided in the modified sewing machine supports them to get a job in sewing industry with good earnings which will be a revolution in the employability of the persons with locomotor disability. newlineAn assistive device which could be easily operated by the hand has been designed and developed for persons with locomotor disability. The devised assistive devices were developed in two different mechanisms. The first mechanism is Electro-mechanical type load cell sensor based which uses two techniques A and B. Technique A uses a clutch motor and technique B uses a servomotor in the modified sewing machine. newline