Abstract: A neck mechanism for a mannequin comprises three or more joint units serially connected to provide joints for three or more rotational degrees of freedom (DOF). A rotational axis of a first DOF is configured to be aligned with a lateral axis of the mannequin. A rotational axis of a second DOF is configured to be aligned with an anterior-posterior axis of the mannequin. A rotational axis of a third DOF is configured to be aligned with a cranial-caudal axis of the mannequin. A bottom one of the joint units is adapted to be connected to a torso of the mannequin, and a top one of the at least three joint units is adapted to be connected to a skull. The mannequin may also have a skull connected to the top one of the joint units, and a trunk connected to the bottom one of the joint units. A system for simulating cervical spine motions is also provided.

Abstract: A neck mechanism for a mannequin comprises three or more joint units serially connected to provide joints for three or more rotational degrees of freedom (DOF). A rotational axis of a first DOF is configured to be aligned with a lateral axis of the mannequin. A rotational axis of a second DOF is configured to be aligned with an anterior-posterior axis of the mannequin. A rotational axis of a third DOF is configured to be aligned with a cranial-caudal axis of the mannequin. A bottom one of the joint units is adapted to be connected to a torso of the mannequin, and a top one of the at least three joint units is adapted to be connected to a skull. The mannequin may also have a skull connected to the top one of the joint units, and a trunk connected to the bottom one of the joint units. A system for simulating cervical spine motions is also provided.

Abstract: A neck mechanism for a mannequin comprises three or more joint units serially connected to provide joints for three or more rotational degrees of freedom (DOF). A rotational axis of a first DOF is configured to be aligned with a lateral axis of the mannequin. A rotational axis of a second DOF is configured to be aligned with an anterior-posterior axis of the mannequin. A rotational axis of a third DOF is configured to be aligned with a cranial-caudal axis of the mannequin. A bottom one of the joint units is adapted to be connected to a torso of the mannequin, and a top one of the at least three joint units is adapted to be connected to a skull. The mannequin may also have a skull connected to the top one of the joint units, and a trunk connected to the bottom one of the joint units. A system for simulating cervical spine motions is also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an element for sensing strain, stress or force. The sensing element comprises a substrate, a pair of electrodes on the substrate, and a network of carbon nanotubes for sensing the strain, stress or force within a structure. The network of carbon nanotubes defines at least in part an electrical path between the electrodes of the pair, and the electrical path has a resistance which is altered by the sensed strain, stress or force. Combining a plurality of sensing elements coupled to a common substrate forms a sensing system.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an element for sensing strain, stress or force. The sensing element comprises a substrate, a pair of electrodes on the substrate, and a network of carbon nanotubes for sensing the strain, stress or force within a structure. The network of carbon nanotubes defines at least in part an electrical path between the electrodes of the pair, and the electrical path has a resistance which is altered by the sensed strain, stress or force. Combining a plurality of sensing elements coupled to a common substrate forms a sensing system.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an actigraphic device based on a universal actigraphic platform. Parameters from a plurality of sensors are acquired and correlated for determining a profile of use of the device. The device may be installed on a vehicle, for example a powered wheelchair, or be worn by a user. Two or more devices may form a network of communicating devices worn by a user. A method of using the actigraphic device for acquiring a profile of use is also provided.