Smart Textiles For Quads And Paras

Smart Textiles For Quads And Paras prevents pressure soars Rate Topic:

#1 k_gordon

Group: Guests

Posted 28 November 2005 - 11:23 PM

Helloo all,
This may seem like a strange post, however I didnt really know where else to get feed back on this idea of mine!!
A little about me... Im a 3rd year idustrial design student at the University of Alberta and my father is a c5/6 quad ( my inspiration for the project), I am currently researching and developing the possibility of a product that would come in the form of a t shirt and would be able to monitor heart rate, cirrculation, body temp etc. This shirt would consist of basically a computer with sensors integrated into the very fabric of the shirt. With this technology I am proposing that the shirt would actually be able to warn the wearer via a voice command telling them where exactly on the body there is too much pressure being exerted, also to regulate and adjust body temperature (my dad has trouble with this but im not sure if other quads/paras do aswell??) it could store, display and send the info via wireless technology to the closest medical center and could immeadately send for help if needed.
I was hopeing to get some feedback on a product like this, would it be useful? what would you like it to look like? and what material should it be? Also a little info about other technologies that you might be using ( entertainment, computers, health) and what you would like to use?

If anyone at all could reply with their thoughts that would be awsome!! Ive been collaborating with my dad on this, but it would be great to get some other feedback !!
Thank you in advance and take care
kali

#2 Simon

Member

Group: Members
Posts: 363
Joined: 29-November 03
Gender:Male
Country:Algarve, Portugal
Spinal Injury Level / Relationship:C4 complete (1983)

Posted 29 November 2005 - 12:31 PM

Hi
I understand the idea and as your father is a quad you know some of the issues.

Yes most of us suffer from the cold but I reeckon if the shirt had the abilityy to gently warm the body it would sell like hot cakes! We need something which is safe, ie doesn't burn obviously. Also it needs to be undamageable when getting on/off.

Also, I would be concerned the wiring may cause presuure rather than help alleviate it by telling you when an area has pressure.

My solution and many others is a large sheepskin on the w/chair back (I'm c4 complete so no balance at all and all pressure goes thru my back and hips). Its done me fine for 22 yrs and 5 differeent electric chairs and cost about 50 GBP - about time it was washed though

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#3 Vera

Group: Guests

Posted 29 November 2005 - 02:14 PM

My partner has recently purchased a jacket which is battery operated and keeps him warm. He saw it in a Sunday supplement magazine and gave it a try.

May not work for all but it does for him.