The goal of this project was to modify an existing model of a human shoulder to achieve consistent abduction of the humerus from zero to 90 degrees with an anatomically accurate scapulohumeral rhythm. To inform our modifications, we researched the biomechanics of the shoulder and the material properties of muscles, tendons and ligaments. We selected synthetic soft tissue materials, their attachment methods, and motor placement for achieving accurate motion. Our model actuated each of five simulated muscles using stepper motors run by an Arduino Uno and coded such that the muscles would abduct the humerus and rotate the scapula in the accurate scapulohumeral rhythm. Our completed model abducted the humerus from zero to 41 degrees. The scapula consistently remained at rest until 20 degrees of humeral abduction, and then rotated 1 degree for each additional 1.67 degrees of humeral abduction. In the future, this model could be further developed and used for medical education or shoulder injury research.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Senger, Marilyn
• Miller, Kelly
• McEvilly, Fiona

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 106231
• E-project-042723-134158

Keyword

• Biomedical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Scapulohumeral Rhythm
• Biology
• Shoulder Model
• Biomechanics

Advisor

• Levey, Fiona

Year

• 2023

Date created

• 2023-04-27

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mechanical Engineering

Source

• E-project-042723-134158

Rights statement

• In Copyright

Last modified

• 2023-06-14