Vibration damping device for parkinson's patients

Abstract

The invention relates to a device with a vibration-damping interchangeable head that facilitates the dining experience of Parkinson's patients who tremble their hands. The device works with a passively controlled system and minimizes the trembling of their hands when using utensils such as spoons and forks that they hold while eating.

Description

[0001] VIBRATION DAMPING DEVICE FOR PARKINSON'S PATIENTS

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to a device with a vibration-damping interchangeable head that facilitates the dining experience of Parkinson's patients who tremble their hands. The device works with a passively controlled system and minimizes the trembling of their hands when using utensils such as spoons and forks that they hold while eating.

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] People with Parkinson's disease experience motor symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, and balance problems. The tremor in the hands of Parkinson's patients can make daily life activities difficult, and this leads to difficulties in meeting basic needs, especially eating. For this reason, specially designed devices have been developed that offer an effective solution to tremors. These devices should have an ergonomic structure and mechanisms that provide balance to reduce tremors. Thus, patients have more control while eating, can maintain their independence, and can increase their social interaction.

[0006] In the known art, such devices work with active control systems. However, active control systems are complex and costly. Therefore, vibration-damping devices that are low-cost, easy to access, and simple systems are needed.

[0007] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The invention relates to a device with an anti-tremor interchangeable head that works with a passively controlled system to facilitate the eating experience of patients with Parkinson's disease who tremble their hands and minimize the trembling of their hands when using utensils such as spoons and forks while eating. The fact that our invention works with a passively controlled system ensures that the cost is low and that a broader range of patients can access this product.

[0009] Our invention's vibration damping spoons make eating easier and more comfortable by reducing the tremors of Parkinson's patients. These spoons dampen the tremors by stabilizing the user's movements.

[0010] Needs fulfilled by our invention: - Ease of eating: Due to trembling, spooning food and bringing it to the mouth can be difficult. These spoons reduce this difficulty.

[0011] - Independence: People with Parkinson's can eat more independently with such aids, which increases their self-confidence.

[0012] - Less spillage: The vibration-damping feature prevents food from spilling, making clean-up easier.

[0013] - Improving the eating experience: It makes users' dining experience more enjoyable.

[0014] Therefore, the innovations enabled by our invention constitute an important step towards improving the quality of daily life for Parkinson's patients.

[0015] Advantages of our invention:

[0016] - Tremor Control: The spoon helps the user to take food more easily by dampening tremors.

[0017] - Ease of Eating: Ease of use allows patients to eat with less effort, making mealtimes more enjoyable.

[0018] - Less Spillage: The vibration damping feature reduces the likelihood of food spilling out of the spoon, thus ensuring cleanliness and tidiness.

[0019] - Independence: Increases patients' ability to eat on their own without the need for assistance.

[0020] - Increased self-confidence: Eating independently increases patients' self- esteem and self-confidence.

[0021] - Less Fatigue: Users feel less fatigue because they do not have to deal with the constant shaking that challenges motor skills.

[0022] - Social Interaction: It allows participation in social environments for eating with more comfort and self-confidence.

[0023] - Adaptability: The ability to adapt to different food types and textures increases the diversity of users' diets.

[0024] LIST OF FIGURES

[0025] Figure 1. General View of Vibration Damping Device

[0026] Corresponding Numbers in Figures

[0027] 1. Upper block 2. Apparatus connection channel

[0028] 3. Spoon and fork clamps

[0029] 4. Spoon and fork

[0030] 5. Spherical joint

[0031] 6. Vibration damping element

[0032] 7. Dynamic vibration absorber body

[0033] 8. Dynamic vibration absorber plate springs

[0034] 9. Dynamic vibration absorber mass

[0035] 10. Upper block cover

[0036] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] The invention consists of upper block (1 ), apparatus connection channel (2), spoon and fork connection apparatus (3), spoon and fork (4), spherical joint (5), vibration damping element, dynamic vibration absorber body (7), dynamic vibration absorber plate springs (8), dynamic vibration absorber mass (9) and upper block cover (10).

[0038] Our invention consists of two vibration-damping blocks: the upper block (1 ), which consists of two parts, and the dynamic vibration absorber body (7). The spoon and fork (4) placed in the spoon and fork clamping apparatus (3) are fixed to the upper block (1 ) by passing through the apparatus clamping channel (2) in the upper block (1 ).

[0039] The apparatus clamping channel (2) is connected to the upper block (1 ) by a spherical joint (5) at the center. There are vibration-damping elements (6) made of viscoelastic material on the parts of the apparatus clamping channel (2) coming to the edges of the spherical joint (5). The vibration-damping elements (6) are placed on each inner surface of the upper block (1 ) corresponding to the edges of the spherical joint (5), and 8 of these vibration-damping elements (6) are used. The upper block (1 ) is closed at both ends with upper block covers (10).

[0040] In our invention, the dynamic vibration absorber body (7) is connected to the upper block (1 ) with bolts. The dynamic vibration absorber body (7) contains dynamic vibration absorber plate springs (8) and dynamic vibration absorber mass (9). The equivalent stiffness value of the dynamic vibration absorber plate springs (8) and the equivalent mass value of the dynamic vibration absorber mass (9) are calculated according to the average vibration frequency value in the hands of Parkinson's patients, and thus, passive vibration control is provided.

Claims

CLAIMS1. It is a passively controlled vibration-damping interchangeable head device for Parkinson's patients, characterized by;- the upper block (1 ), consisting of two parts, closed at both ends by upper block covers (10),- apparatus connecting channel (2) connected to the upper block (1 ) at its center by a spherical joint (5),- spoon and fork (4) fixed to the upper block (1 ) by passing through the apparatus clamping channel (2) in the upper block (1 ) and inserted into the spoon and fork clamping apparatus (3),- eight vibration damping elements (6), made of viscoelastic material, placed on each inner surface of the upper block (1 ), on the parts of the apparatus clamping channel (2) coming to the edges of the spherical joint (5),- dynamic vibration absorber body (7), which is bolted to the upper block (1 ), and which includes dynamic vibration absorber plate springs (8) and a dynamic vibration absorber mass (9).

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