• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A
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• v.41 no.6
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• pp.469-475
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• 2017

Workers in industrial fields are highly exposed to accidents or injuries caused by long working hours. An exoskeleton that is able to support the arm muscles of the worker and thereby reduce the probability of an accident and enhance working efficiency could be a solution to this problem. However, existing exoskeletons demand the use of high-priced sensors and motors, which makes them difficult to use in industrial fields. To solve this problem, we developed an arm assisting exoskeleton that consists only of mechanical components without any electronic sensors or motors. The exoskeleton follows the movement of the human arm by shoulder joint and ankle joint. In addition, counterbalance mechanisms are installed on the exoskeleton to support arm strength. The experimental validation of the exoskeleton was conducted using an EMG sensor, confirming the performance of the exoskeleton.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.250-264
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• 2000

A retrospective study has been carried out for 47 cases of traffic accident victims which was entered to the Dongguk Bundang O. M. Hosp. from Jan 1, 1999 to May 4, 2000. This study was focused on finding out the distribution, pattern of the traffic accidents, clinical characteristics of the patients, motives of their choosing oriental medical treatments, the kinds of oriental medical treatment. This results were as follows : 1. The highest incidence was shown in the age of twenties to thirties as much as 59.6% and the ratio of male to female was 17:30. 2. 80.9% of all patients was injured by car accidents. 68.2% of all patients was injured as drivers and passengers and 19.2% was injured as pedestrians. The highest type in the collision between cars, was rear impact. 3. The number of patient(61.7%) via other hosp. was more than that of the first visitor(38.3%) to our hosp. 4. In admission motives, The patients who had been treated by western medical treatment, expressed the dissatisfaction of that treatment, so hoped to be treated by oriental medical styles. Also The others wanted to be treated by oriental medical methods in the reason of no deep surgical, orthopaedical lesions 5. C-spine sprain(80.9%) was the most frequent out of all patients's diagnosis and then L-spine sprain(51.1%), contusion(46.8%), etc. 6. Head Cervix(80.9%) was the commonest pain region of all patients. and then shoulder back(70.2%), lumbar region(61.7%), etc. 7. In general, the pedestrian injuries were more serious than those sustained in the car as passengers. 8. After discharge, Duration of OPD treatment was long as much as that of admission treatment. 9. At first stage of admission period, Herb medication was frequently prescribed for hwalhyultonglakgige(活血通絡之劑). but As going to end stage, was frequently used for bogi(補氣) bohyul(補血), gudam(祛痰), ansin(安神).

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.149-163
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• 2016

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of Functional Cerebrospinal Therapy(FCST) on patients from traffic accidents with Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. Methods : We reviewed the medical records of 33 patients who were treated for injuries stemming from traffic accidents at the Dong-Eui University Korean Medicine Hospital from December 29th, 2015 to August 29th, 2016. The patients were divided into 2 groups: Group A(n = 15) and Group B(n = 18). In Group A, patients received Korean medical treatments with FCST using an Accurate Balancing Appliance(ABA) - a standard intra-oral appliance. In Group B, patients received Korean medical treatments without FCST. To estimate the efficacy of the treatments in decreasing pain, we analyzed the Visual Analogue Scale(VAS), Neck Disability Index(NDI) and Oswestry Disability Index(ODI). Results : In Group A, VAS of headache(VAS H), VAS of neck & nuchal pain(VAS N), VAS of shoulder pain(VAS S), and VAS of low back pain(VAS L) were significantly improved during each period. In Group B, VAS H was significantly improved during each period, except the period from the first visit to two weeks later. VAS N, S, L were significantly improved during each period, except the period from the first visit to one week later. The total VAS improvement during each period in Group A was significantly higher than Group B. In both groups, NDI and ODI were improved significantly during each period. The improvement of NDI and ODI during each period in Group A was significantly higher than Group B. Conclusion : According to the results, FCST using ABA may be an effective treatment for patients from traffic accidents.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.127-133
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• 2024

The elbow joint is made up of three different bones. X-rays or other radiological exams are commonly used to diagnose elbow injuries or disorders caused by physical activity and external forces. Previous research on the elbow joint reported a new examination method that meets the imaging evaluation criteria in the tilt position by Z-axis elevation of the forearm. Therefore, this study aims to design an optimized instrument and develop an aid applicable to other upper extremity exams. After completing the 2D drawing and 3D modeling design, the final design divided into four parts was fabricated with a 3D printer using ABS plastic and assembled. The developed examination aid consists of a four-stage Z-axis elevation tilt angle function (0°, 5°, 10°, and 15°) and can rotate and fixate 360° in 1-degree increments. It was designed to withstand a maximum equivalent stress of 56.107 Pa and a displacement of 1.6548e-5 mm through structural analysis to address loading issues caused by cumulative frequency of use and physical utilization. In addition to X-ray exams of the elbow joint, the developed aid can be used for shoulder function tests by rotating the humerus and also be applied to MRI and CT exams as it is made of non-metallic materials. It will contribute to the accuracy and efficiency of medical imaging diagnosis through clinical applications of various devices and medical imaging exams in the future.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.59-66
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• 2011

Purpose: We wanted to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes and the prognosis of various surgical treatments for the distal clavicle fracture with an acromioclavicular joint injury. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of 21 patients with a minimum of 12 months follow up was done. We classified acromioclavicular (AC) injury into type I (only intra-articular fracture (IAF), 5 cases), type II (IAF with widening of the AC joint > 7 mm, 9 cases) and type III (IAF with AC joint superior subluxation > 50%, 7 cases). The distal clavicle fractures were fixed using plate (9 cases), mini screws (1 case), K wire and tension band wiring (10 cases) and transarticular pinning (1 case). Acromioclavicular or coracoacromial ligament reconstruction was not done in all the cases. Results: In 20 of 21 cases, bone union was achieved at an average of 8.4 weeks. Traumatic arthritis (5 cases), AC joint widening (4 cases) and AC joint subluxation (2 cases) were noted at the last follow up. The average UCLA score was 32.6 in the type I AC joint injuries, 34 in type II and 34.1 in type III. There was no relationship between the clinical outcomes and the preoperative AC joint injury pattern, postoperative traumatic arthritis, AC joint widening or AC joint subluxation (p>0.05). Conclusion: Satisfactory results were achieved by acute reduction and firm fixation of the distal clavicle fracture with AC joint injury. There was no relationship between the pattern of AC joint injury, the residual radiologic findings and the functional outcome.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.159-166
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• 2009

Purpose: We wanted to evaluate the surgical results of early mobilization after rigid fixation of small coronoid fracture using the tension band technique Materials and Methods: Eight cases of coronoid fracture were fixed with the tension band technique and using K-wire and wire through the medial approach. All the cases were Regan-Morrey type 2. According to O'Driscoll, they were classified as 5 cases of the tip type (subtype 2) and 3 cases of the anteromedial type (1 case of subtype 2, and 2 case of subtype 3). The associated collateral ligament injuries (6 cases) and radial head/neck fractures (4 cases) were managed simultaneously. After immobilization for 5~7 days, active ROM exercise with a fitted hinge brace started and continued till postoperative 6 weeks. The patients were assessed for pain, ROM and functional disability using the Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) at an average of 11 months (range: 6~28 months). The ulnar nerve symptoms were also investigated. Results: We observed solid union in all the coronoid fractures without hardware failure. An average of 2.2 wires (range: 2~4) were used. The mean extension was $3^{\circ}$(range: $0^{\circ}\sim25^{\circ}$), the mean flexion was $137^{\circ}$(range: $130^{\circ}\sim140^{\circ}$), the mean pronation was $69^{\circ}$(range: $45^{\circ}\sim90^{\circ}$) and the mean supination was $78^{\circ}$(range: $45^{\circ}\sim90^{\circ}$). The mean MEPS was 96 (range: 65~100). Ulnar nerve symptoms occurred at postoperative one day and persisted in one patient with the terrible triad of taking radial head excision and residual medial instability. Conclusion: The tension band technique uses easily obtained, economic K-wires and the wire was strong enough to permit early elbow ROM exercise and the technique might improve the elbow function. It was especially useful for fixation of multiple small fragments.

• International Journal of Ocean System Engineering
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• v.2 no.3
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• pp.185-194
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• 2012

A Macroscopic combination of two or more distinct materials is commonly referred to as a "Composite Material", having been designed mechanically and chemically superior in function and characteristic than its individual constituent materials. Composite materials are used not only for aerospace and military, but also heavily used in boat/ship building and general composite industries which we are seeing increasingly more. Regardless of the various applications for composite materials, the industry is still limited and requires better fabrication technology and methodology in order to expand and grow. An example of this is that the majority of fabrication facilities nearby still use an antiquated wet lay-up process where fabrication still requires manual hand labor in a 3D environment impeding productivity of composite product design advancement. As an expert in the advanced composites field, I have developed fabrication skills with the use of machinery based on my past composite experience. In autumn 2011, the Korea government confirmed to fund my project. It is the development of a composite sanding machine. I began development of this semi-robotic prototype beginning in 2009. It has possibilities of replacing or augmenting the exhaustive and difficult jobs performed by human hands, such as sanding, grinding, blasting, and polishing in most often, very awkward conditions, and is also will boost productivity, improve surface quality, cut abrasive costs, eliminate vibration injuries, and protect workers from exposure to dust and airborne contamination. Ease of control and operation of the equipment in or outside of the sanding room is a key benefit to end-users. It will prove to be much more economical than normal robotics and minimize errors that commonly occur in factories. The key components and their technologies are a 360 degree rotational shoulder and a wrist that is controlled under PLC controller and joystick manual mode. Development on both of the key modules is complete and are now operational. The Korean government fund boosted my development and I expect to complete full scale development no later than 3rd quarter 2012. Even with the advantages of composite materials, there is still the need to repair or to maintain composite products with a higher level of technology. I have learned many composite repair skills on composite airframe since many composite fabrication skills including repair, requires training for non aerospace applications. The wind energy market is now requiring much larger blades in order to generate more electrical energy for wind farms. One single blade is commonly 50 meters or longer now. When a wind blade becomes damaged from external forces, on-site repair is required on the columns even under strong wind and freezing temperature conditions. In order to correctly obtain polymerization, the repair must be performed on the damaged area within a very limited time. The use of pre-impregnated glass fabric and heating silicone pad and a hot bonder acting precise heating control are surely required.