A ratcheting tool has been created by Chronova Engineering for precisely pulling on human tendons for biomechanics research.
While a conventional ratchet is useful for tightening bolts in hard-to-reach places, this custom-made ratchet has been superbly engineered to pull on the fleshy strings in human bodies to measure the movement of fingers or toes.
The device was created for bidirectional actuation; it alternately pulls and releases a tendon to simulate natural movements for investigation.
When surgeons and doctors treat people with disabilities, such a device could be used to measure the effect of their interventions.
In Chronova Engineering’s YouTube video, the device is attached to a chicken’s foot, a permitted ‘practice’ appendage that proves the efficacy of the invention.