Voluntary Opening
Also written as: VO — Voluntary Opening
A body-powered terminal device control scheme in which active cable tension opens the device against a spring-loaded closure.
Full Definition
In a voluntary-opening (VO) terminal device, the user exerts scapular or shoulder force through the Bowden cable to open the hook or hand, while a rubber band or spring provides resting grip force. This is the most common control scheme for hook-type terminal devices. Editors will encounter 'VO' as an abbreviation and should ensure it is defined on first use in formal documents. It is contrasted with voluntary-closing devices, in which cable tension produces grip force.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate as a compound modifier before a noun (e.g., 'voluntary-opening device'). Abbreviate as VO after first full use.
In Context
- "The patient was fitted with a voluntary-opening hook to facilitate light grasping tasks." — Functional assessment report
- "The prescription specified a voluntary-opening (VO) terminal device with two rubber bands." — Prosthetic prescription form