Wearable stabilization assembly and system

Abstract

A wearable stabilization assembly includes a sensor and a tensioning assembly operably coupled to the sensor. The mass is operably coupled to the tensioning assembly. The stabilization assembly also includes a power unit electrically coupled to the tensioning assembly, and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor. The controller is configured to activate the power unit to oscillate the mass via the tensioning assembly when the variable detected by the sensor is outside the predetermined variable parameter.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to stabilization assemblies. Background Art

[0002] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of generally presenting the background of the present disclosure. To the extent described in this section, the work of the presently named inventors, as well as aspects of the description that may not qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither explicitly nor implicitly admitted to be prior art with respect to the present disclosure.

[0003] The human body includes thousands of neural pathways for executing body movements. While these neural pathways are often associated with intentional body movements, they can also result in unintentional body movements. For example, tremors, movement disorders, or shaking of an appendage or the entire body can occur, which may be perceived as vibrations. Although an individual may try to control the tremors, tremors are often the result of a neurological condition that may limit the individual's ability to stop or otherwise control the tremors.

[0004] In some cases, unintentional body movements may be a persistent condition that the individual attempts to manage continuously. In other cases, tremors may be intermittent, as the individual may not anticipate the tremor until it strikes. The rapid onset of tremors may affect an individual's daily activities. For example, unintentional body movements such as tremors may make it challenging to operate a vehicle or other equipment. Summary of the invention

[0005] In some configurations, a wearable stabilization assembly includes a housing including a first sensor disposed at a first end of the housing. A tensioning assembly is disposed within the housing and is operably coupled to the first sensor via a connection extending through the tensioning assembly. The tensioning assembly includes a first tensioning element, a second tensioning element, and a tensioning device operably coupled to each of the first tensioning element and the second tensioning element. The wearable stabilization assembly also includes a mass operably coupled to each of the first tensioning element and the second tensioning element. A controller is communicatively coupled to the first sensor, and in response to the first sensor detecting a variable outside of a predetermined variable parameter, the controller is configured to translate the mass via the tensioning assembly.

[0006] In some aspects, the housing may include a first retention feature that may include a first sensor and a second retention feature that may include a second sensor. The controller may be configured to receive a first vibration variable from the first sensor and a second vibration variable from the second sensor, and may be configured to compare the first vibration variable and the second vibration variable. The controller may also be configured to activate a tensioning device to bias the first tensioning element and the second tensioning element when both the first variable and the second variable are outside a predetermined variable parameter. In some examples, the wearable stabilization assembly may include a power unit electrically coupled to each of the first sensor, the controller, and the tensioning device. In response to a predetermined variable parameter detected by the first sensor, the controller may be configured to activate the power unit and bias the first tensioning element and the second tensioning element via electrical communication between the power unit and the tensioning device. In a further example, the second tensioning element may be disposed on a side of the mass opposite to the first tensioning element. Each of the first tensioning element, the mass, and the second tensioning element may be operably coupled in series.

[0007] In another configuration, a stabilization assembly for an appendage includes a sensor and a tensioning assembly operably coupled to the sensor. A mass is operably coupled to the tensioning assembly. The stabilization assembly also includes a power unit electrically coupled to the tensioning assembly, and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor. The controller is configured to activate the power unit to oscillate the mass through the tensioning assembly when a variable detected by the sensor is outside of a predetermined variable parameter.

[0008] In some examples, each of the sensor, tensioning assembly, mass, power unit, and controller may be operably connected in series. In some aspects, the tensioning assembly may include a tensioning device and a first tensioning element operably connected to the tensioning device. The controller may be configured to bias the first tensioning element in response to the detected variable being outside of a predetermined variable parameter. The controller may also be configured to activate the tensioning device to suppress the detected variable to a variable that may be within the predetermined variable parameter. The tensioning assembly may include a second tensioning element, and the controller may be configured to activate the tensioning device to oscillate the mass between the first tensioning element and the second tensioning element to suppress the detected variable. Optionally, the first tensioning element and the second tensioning element may be arranged parallel to the mass. In other aspects, the mass may be a fluid-filled mass.

[0009] In another configuration, a wearable stabilization system includes a first stabilization device including a first sensor, a first tensioning assembly, a first mass, and a first controller communicatively coupled to the first sensor. The first controller is configured to oscillate the first mass via the first tensioning assembly in response to a variable detected by the first sensor being outside of a predetermined variable parameter. The wearable stabilization system also includes a second stabilization device including a second sensor, a second tensioning assembly, a second mass, and a second controller communicatively coupled to the second sensor and the first controller. The second controller is configured to oscillate the second mass via the second tensioning assembly in response to at least one of the first controller oscillating the first mass and the variable detected by the second sensor being outside of the predetermined variable parameter.

[0010] In some aspects, the second controller may be communicatively coupled to the first controller. The second controller may be configured to receive a signal from the first controller, which may correspond to a variable detected by the first sensor. The second controller may also be configured to activate a power unit of the second stabilizing device to bias the second tensioning assembly. Each of the first controller and the second controller may be configured to reduce the detected variable by activating the first tensioning assembly and the second tensioning assembly, respectively. In some examples, the second controller may be configured to activate the second tensioning assembly in response to a signal received from the first controller.

[0011] The wearable stabilization system may also include a third stabilization device, which may include a fluid-filled mass, a regulating valve, and a third controller. The third controller may be communicatively coupled to each of the first controller and the second controller. The third controller may be configured to adjust the volume of fluid within the fluid-filled mass through the regulating valve in response to a signal received from at least one of the first controller and the second controller. In other aspects, a vehicle may include an electronic control unit, which may be communicatively coupled to the wearable stabilization assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 1 is an enlarged partial elevation view of an example stabilizing assembly according to the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an individual wearing a stabilizing assembly according to the present disclosure communicating with a third party device;

[0015] Figure 3A is a device having a stabilizing assembly according to the present disclosure Figure 1 An enlarged partial perspective view of the hand of an individual in FIG.

[0016] Figure 3B is an enlarged partial perspective view of a hand having a stabilization assembly according to the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 4 is a side view of a stabilizing assembly according to the present invention having a housing;

[0018] Figure 5A is a side view of a stabilizing assembly according to the present invention without the housing;

[0019] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A A perspective view of a stabilizing assembly;

[0020] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a tensioning element of a stabilization assembly according to the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a mass of a stabilizing assembly according to the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 8 is a functional block diagram of an example stabilization assembly providing communication between a controller, a sensor, and a tensioning assembly according to the present disclosure; and

[0023] Fig. 9 is an example method of implementing a stabilization scheme according to the present disclosure.

[0024] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be implemented in many different forms, and that the specific details and exemplary configurations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0026] The terms used herein are only for describing specific exemplary configurations, not for limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a", "an" and "the" may also be intended to include plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprise", "include", "contain" and "have" are inclusive, thus specifying the presence of features, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes and operations described herein should not be interpreted as necessarily requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or shown, unless specifically identified as an execution order. Additional or alternative steps may be adopted.

[0027] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on another element or layer," "engaged to," "connected to," "attached to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached to, or coupled to another element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on another element or layer," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," "directly attached to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0028] The terms first, second, third, etc. can be used here to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts. These elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish each element, component, region, layer or part. Terms such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms do not imply order or sequence unless the context clearly indicates. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer or part discussed below can be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer or part, without departing from the teaching of the example configuration.

[0029] In this application, including the definitions below, the term module may be replaced by the term circuit. The term "module" may refer to or be part of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code; a memory (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by the processor; other suitable hardware components that provide the functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system on a chip.

[0030] The term code used above may include software, firmware and / or microcode, and may refer to a program, a routine, a function, a class and / or an object. The term shared processor includes a single processor that executes some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term group processor includes a processor that executes some or all of the code from one or more modules in combination with an additional processor. The term shared memory includes a single memory that stores some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term group memory includes a memory that stores some or all of the code from one or more modules in combination with an additional memory. The term memory may be a subset of the term computer-readable medium. The term computer-readable medium does not include transient electrical signals and electromagnetic signals propagated through the medium and can therefore be considered to be tangible non-transitory memory. Non-limiting examples of non-transitory memory include tangible computer-readable media, including non-volatile memory, magnetic memory, and optical memory.

[0031] The apparatus and methods described in this application may be implemented in part or in whole by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer program includes processor executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory tangible computer readable medium. The computer program may also include and / or rely on stored data.

[0032] Software applications (i.e., software resources) may refer to computer software that enables a computing device to perform tasks. In some examples, software applications may be referred to as "applications," "apps," or "programs." Example applications include, but are not limited to, system diagnostic applications, system management applications, system maintenance applications, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, messaging applications, media streaming applications, social networking applications, and gaming applications.

[0033] Non-transitory memory can be a physical device used to temporarily or permanently store programs (e.g., instruction sequences) or data (e.g., program state information) for use by a computing device. Non-transitory memory can be volatile and / or non-volatile addressable semiconductor memory. Examples of non-volatile memory include, but are not limited to, flash memory and read-only memory (ROM) / programmable read-only memory (PROM) / erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) / electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) (e.g., commonly used for firmware, such as bootloaders). Examples of volatile memory include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), phase change memory (PCM), and disk or tape.

[0034] These computer programs (also referred to as programs, software, software applications, or code) include machine instructions for a programmable processor and may be implemented in high-level procedural and / or object-oriented programming languages ​​and / or assembly / machine languages. As used herein, the terms "machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" refer to any computer program product, non-transitory computer-readable medium, apparatus, and / or device (e.g., disk, optical disk, memory, programmable logic device (PLD)) for providing machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including a machine-readable medium that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable signal. The term "machine-readable signal" refers to any signal for providing machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0035] Various implementations of the systems and techniques described herein can be realized in digital electronic and / or optical circuits, integrated circuits, specially designed ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various implementations may include implementations in one or more computer programs executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system comprising at least one programmable processor, which may be special purpose or general purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from a storage system, and to send data and instructions to the storage system.

[0036] The processes and logic flows described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable processors, also known as data processing hardware, executing one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating outputs. These processes and logic flows can also be performed by dedicated logic circuits, such as FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays) or ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits). For example, processors suitable for executing computer programs include general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Typically, the processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. The basic elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more storage devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer will also include or be operably connected to one or more large-capacity storage devices for storing data, such as magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks, to receive data from the large-capacity storage device or to transmit data to it, or both. However, a computer does not need to have such a device. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media and storage devices, including, for example, semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and memory may be supplemented by or incorporated in special purpose logic circuitry.

[0037] To provide interaction with a user, one or more aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented on a computer having a display device for displaying information to the user, such as a CRT (cathode ray tube), LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, or touch screen, and an optional keyboard and pointing device, such as a mouse or trackball, through which the user can provide input to the computer. Other types of devices may also be used to provide interaction with the user; for example, the feedback provided to the user may be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user may be received in any form, including sound, voice, or tactile input. In addition, the computer may interact with the user by sending documents to and receiving documents from a device used by the user; for example, by sending a web page to a web browser on a user's client device in response to a request received from the web browser.

[0038] refer to Figure 1-5B, the stabilization device or assembly 10 is shown as being positioned on the wearer's body. The stabilization assembly 10 is shown throughout as being positioned or otherwise attached to one or more fingers of the wearer. However, it is contemplated that the stabilization assembly 10 may be used in any feasible location on the wearer's body. For example, in some aspects, the stabilization assembly 10 may be positioned along the arm, leg, or torso of the wearer. In some embodiments, the stabilization assembly 10 may be used to replace organic and / or inorganic objects, including but not limited to trees and prosthetic appendages. Thus, the size of the stabilization assembly 10 may be adjusted to the corresponding appendage or body location of the wearer, or to a corresponding inorganic body. It is also contemplated that the wearer may use and wear more than one stabilization assembly 10. As Figure 3B As shown, the wearer may have a stabilizing assembly 10 on each phalanx. As described in more detail below, the combination of multiple stabilizing assemblies 10a-10c may be defined as a stabilizing system 100. Stabilizing system 100 may include one or more stabilizing assemblies 10a-10c that cooperate to suppress detected variables 200 as described herein.

[0039] Although the stabilizing components 10a-10c are shown on the wearer's finger, each stabilizing component 10a-10c can be positioned at a different location, as described above. By way of example and not limitation, the first stabilizing component 10a can be positioned on a finger and the second stabilizing component 10b can be positioned on an arm. The location of each stabilizing component 10a-10c can correspond to the degree of inhibition expected by the stabilizing system 100. In a further example, each stabilizing component 10a-10c of the stabilizing system 100 can be communicatively coupled and configured to cooperate to maximize the effect of each stabilizing component 10, as described in more detail below.

[0040] The stabilizing assembly 10 may include a housing 12 having a first end 14 and an opposing second end 16. Each of the first end 14 and the second end 16 may be equipped with a retention feature 18 configured to retain the stabilizing assembly 10 on the wearer. In some configurations, the stabilizing assembly 10 may be free of the housing 12, such that each element of the stabilizing assembly 10 may be suspended between the retention features 18 and generally exposed to the surrounding environment. Additionally or alternatively, the housing 12 may be configured to enclose the elements of the stabilizing assembly 10 described herein.

[0041] 3-5B, the retention features 18 of the stabilization assembly 10 may include at least one sensor 20 disposed within one or more of the retention features 18. For example, the first retention feature 18a may include a first sensor 20a, and the second retention feature 18b may include a second sensor 20b. In other aspects, the stabilization assembly 10 may include a single sensor 20 disposed in one of the retention features 18. In further aspects, the sensor 20 may be separate from the retention feature 18 and the housing 12. It is contemplated that the sensor 20 may be configured as a mechanical sensor, an electrical sensor, and / or any combination of a mechanical sensor and an electrical sensor. In a non-limiting example, the sensor 20 may be an electrode positioned along the wearer's head and configured to measure brain electrical activity in the form of an electroencephalogram (EEG). In this configuration, the sensor 20 communicates wirelessly with the controller 22 to transmit a detected electrical input 200 corresponding to a brain measurement measured by the EEG. In another configuration, the controller 22 and / or one or more sensors 20 may be separate from the retention feature 18. For example, the sensor 20 may be positioned along a neural pathway of the wearer. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor 20 may be mounted at any feasible location along the body.

[0042] In other examples, the sensor 20 may be one or more mechanical sensors, which may include an accelerometer and a gyroscope that detect the variable 200. In any configuration of the sensor 20, the sensor 20 is configured to detect the variable 200, and the stabilization assembly 10 utilizes the detected variable 200 to selectively suppress body movement. The variable 200 may include, but is not limited to, frequency, amplitude, acceleration, and angle. In some examples, a first variable 200a may be detected by a first sensor 20a, and a second variable 200b may be detected by a second sensor 20b. Each sensor is configured to detect one or more variables 200. The second sensor 20b may be used as a confirmation to identify whether the detected variable 200 has been suppressed by the stabilization assembly 10.

[0043] As described above, controller 22 is configured to receive detection variables 200 from sensor 20. In some examples, controller 22 may be configured to receive first vibration variable 200a from first sensor 20a and second vibration variable 200b from second sensor 20b and may then compare first vibration variable 200a and second vibration variable 200b. Figure 8 The controller 22 as outlined in FIG. 1 stores a baseline motion threshold 24 and a predetermined variable parameter 26 on a memory 28 of the controller 22. The controller 22 is also configured with a stabilization scheme 110 that may be stored in the memory 28 and utilizes each of the baseline motion threshold 24 and the predetermined variable parameter 26 to compare with the detected variable 200, as described in more detail below.

[0044] For example, the controller 22 may compare the detected variable 200 received from the sensor 20 with one or both of the baseline motion threshold 24 and the predetermined variable parameter 26 to determine whether to activate the stabilization scheme 110. If the detected variable 200 is outside the predetermined variable parameter 26, then the controller 22 will activate the stabilization scheme 110. In conjunction with the baseline motion threshold 24 and the predetermined variable parameter 26, the controller 22 may determine whether to activate the stabilization scheme 110. Figure 7-9 The stabilization scheme 110 is described in more detail.

[0045] Reference Figure 4-7 , the stabilization assembly 10 also includes a tensioning assembly 30 disposed within the housing 12 and operably coupled to the controller 22 and the sensor 20 via a connection 32 extending through the tensioning assembly 30. The tensioning assembly 30 includes a tensioning element 34, which may include a first tensioning element 34a and a second tensioning element 34b. Additionally or alternatively, the stabilization assembly 10 may use more than two tensioning elements 34 or a single tensioning element 34. A tensioning device 36 is operably coupled to the tensioning element 34 and is configured to bias the tensioning element 34 when the detected variable 200 is outside the predetermined variable parameter 26. For example, the tensioning device 36 may be a motor that biases the tensioning element 34 in response to the controller 22 executing the stabilization scheme 110. Although described as a motor, the tensioning device 36 may also be configured as a shaped metal alloy element, an electrorheological element, etc. The tensioning element 34 is shown as having a spring configuration and is positioned on either side of the mass 38. In some examples, the tensioning element 34 has a coil 40 and may be integrally formed with the connection 32. The tensioning element 34 may include, but is not limited to, a spring, a cable, a superelastic formed metal alloy, a formed metal alloy, and any other feasible tensioning element.

[0046] The tensioning element 34 may have other configurations such that the tensioning element 34 is not limited to a spring configuration. The tensioning element 34 is configured to bias or oscillate the mass 38. For example, the power unit 46 provides current to the tensioning device 36 to compress and expand each tensioning element 34 located on either side of the mass 38. The tensioning device 36 may be configured, for example, as a motor that can provide variable tension to induce and release the stiffness of the tensioning element 34. The resultant current along the tensioning element 34 can bias the mass 38 to eliminate the detection variable 200. As shown in FIG. Figure 5A and 5B As shown, the tensioning elements 34 and the mass 38 are arranged in series such that the first tensioning element 34a is located on the opposite side of the mass 38 from the second tensioning element 34b. For example, the mass 38 can be suspended between the first tensioning element 34a and the second tensioning element 34b, with the connection 32 extending through the hole 42 of the mass 38. With the connection 32 extending through the hole 42, the mass 38 can travel along a single axis between the tensioning elements 34.

[0047] It is also contemplated that in some examples, the tensioning element 34 and the mass 38 may be arranged in parallel, such that more than two tensioning elements 34 may be utilized to surround the mass 38. In the parallel configuration, the mass 38 may be biased by the tensioning element 34 and may travel along multiple axes to suppress or attenuate the detection variable 200. In some examples, six tensioning elements 34 may be used to bias the mass 38. The mass 38 may be a solid component with a predefined weight to balance or attenuate the detection variable 200 with the attenuation variable 202. In some examples, the mass 38 may be a fluid-filled mass 38. For example, the mass 38 may include an outer shell 44 in which the fluid may be disposed. In this example, the hole 42 may include a one-way valve through which the connection 32 may pass while the fluid remains within the outer shell 44. Optionally, a pump (not shown) may be used to regulate the fluid to achieve a selected fluid level that may promote attenuation of the detection variable 200.

[0048] Still refer to Figure 4-7 , the connection 32 can be defined with a predetermined tension configured to oscillate the mass 38 with a selected damping variable 202. In some examples, the tension of the connection 32 can be adjusted by the tensioning assembly 30, as the tensioning element 34 can be tightened or loosened by the tensioning device 36 according to the selected damping variable 202. The vibration along the stabilization assembly 10 is continuously sampled by the sensor 20 and monitored by the controller 22 to activate the tensioning assembly 30 as needed.

[0049] The stabilization assembly 10 also includes a power unit 46 electrically coupled to the controller 22 and the tensioning device 36. The power unit 46 may also be electrically coupled to the sensor 20. The power unit 46 is depicted as being coupled in series with each of the tensioning element 34, the mass 38, the tensioning device 36, and the controller 22 along the connection 32. In some aspects, the power unit 46 may be coupled to the stabilization assembly 10, but separate therefrom. The power unit 46 may provide power to the tensioning device 36 in response to activation by the controller 22 to activate the tensioning device 36 and ultimately translate the tensioning element 34 between the compressed state and the extended state. For example, the controller 22 may activate the power unit 46 when the stabilization scheme 110 is executed to bias the first tensioning element 34a and the second tensioning element 34b through electrical communication between the power unit 46 and the tensioning device 36. The power unit 46 may be configured as any feasible device configured to transmit power to the tensioning device 36.

[0050] refer to Figure 7-9, the stabilization assembly 10 is a wearable stabilization assembly 10 and is configured to detect a variable near the location of the stabilization assembly 10 on the wearer. As described above, the sensor 20 can be configured to detect an electrical input or can be configured to detect a mechanical input. The illustrated example provides an example where the sensor 20 detects a vibration frequency. The same or similar descriptions can be attributed to the electrical variable, with the primary difference being the location of the sensor 20. For example, in either configuration, the sensor 20 detects the variable 200 and transmits the detected variable 200 to the controller 22.

[0051] The vibrations are transmitted through various movements of the wearer, including but not limited to tapping fingers, waving hands or arms, walking, tapping feet, and / or any other body movement. Each vibration has a variable 200 detected by the sensor 20. The expected movements generally have a variable 200 that is constant or within a predetermined variable parameter 26. For example, most expected movements can be classified as a baseline motion threshold 24 or close to the baseline motion threshold 24. The baseline motion threshold 24 can be used to calibrate the predetermined variable parameter 26, and the baseline motion threshold 24 and the predetermined variable parameter 26 are stored in the memory 28 of the controller 22.

[0052] The baseline motion threshold 24 may be used as a marker for the controller 22 when activating the stabilization scheme 110. The stabilization scheme 110 is configured to activate the tensioning assembly 30 to oscillate the mass 38 and attenuate the detected variable 200. For example, the sensor 20 may detect a variable 200 that is outside of the predetermined variable parameter 26, and in response, the controller 22 may activate the tensioning assembly 30 until the detected variable 200 is within the predetermined variable parameter 26. That is, the stabilization scheme 110 is configured to stabilize the wearer's motion through the stabilization assembly 10 without preventing intended motion.

[0053] The baseline motion threshold 24 can be configured with a series of expected variables 204 and a calibration specification 60. The controller 22 can utilize the series of expected variables 204 when evaluating the detected variable 200. As described above, the placement of the sensor 20 can determine the detected variable 200, such that some placements can have naturally higher motion variables than other placements. Therefore, the series of expected variables 204 can be used to provide various reference points when determining the baseline motion threshold 24.

[0054] It should be noted that each of the baseline motion threshold 24, the series of expected variables 204, and the predetermined variable parameters 26 can be wearer-specific. Therefore, the baseline motion threshold 24 includes a calibration specification 60 so that the stabilizing assembly 10 can be specifically calibrated for the wearer. The calibration specification 60 can also be used to calibrate a specific location of the stabilizing assembly 10. For example, the stabilizing assembly 10 can be positioned on the wearer's finger, and the finger can have a different calibration specification 60 than the stabilizing assembly 10 positioned on the wearer's foot.

[0055] Further references Figure 7-9 , the controller 22 may be configured with a predetermined time frame 62, which may be defined as a period of time during which the detected variable 200 is outside of the predetermined variable parameters 26. The predetermined time frame 62 helps the controller 22 determine whether the detected variable 200 is an isolated event or a repetitive unintentional motion when the detected variable 200 is outside of the predetermined variable parameters 26. While the predetermined time frame 62 is a sufficiently long duration in which the controller 22 can identify the detected variable 200 as a repetitive unintentional motion, the predetermined time frame 62 is a sufficiently short period of time in which the controller 22 can execute the stabilization scheme 110 with minimal delay. The predetermined time frame 62 may also be configured with a dead period 64 during which the detected variable 200 is not outside of the predetermined variable parameters 26. The dead period 64 is defined as a period of time that is predetermined and stored in the memory 28 of the controller 22 when each detected variable 200 is within the predetermined variable parameters 26. The dead period 64 may be reset after each detected variable 200 is outside of the predetermined variable parameters 26.

[0056] The controller 22 may also include a counter 66 to determine how often the detected variable 200 is outside of the predetermined variable parameter 26 within the predetermined time frame 62. In some examples, the counter 66 may be configured with a minimum variable detection 68 that corresponds to a preset number of times the detected variable 200 is outside of the predetermined variable parameter 26 within the predetermined time frame 62. Thus, the controller 22 may wait to activate the stabilization scheme 110 based on the counter 66 and the predetermined time frame 62 until the detected variable 200 exceeds the minimum variable detection 68. The controller 22 may also reset the counter 66 after a stagnation period 64 during which the variable 200 detected by the sensor 20 is not outside of the predetermined variable parameter 26.

[0057] Still refer to Figure 7-9In some aspects, as part of the stabilization scheme 110, in response to the first variable 200a detected by the first sensor 20a and the second variable 200b detected by the second sensor 20b being outside the predetermined variable parameters 26, the tensioning device 36 activates the tensioning element 34. In determining whether to execute the stabilization scheme 110, the controller 22 can compare the first variable 200a with the second variable 200b to determine whether the detected variables 200a, 200b are similarly irregular, or whether one of the detected variables 200a, 200b is greater than the other. When both the first variable 200a and the second variable 200b exceed the predetermined variable threshold 26, the controller 22 can then activate the tensioning device 36 to bias the first tensioning element 34a and the second tensioning element 34b. In some examples, the position of the corresponding sensor 20 may affect the detected variable 200. Therefore, in addition to the predetermined variable parameters 26, the controller 22 can evaluate the detected variable 200 against a series of expected variables 204 alone to determine whether to execute the stabilization scheme 110.

[0058] The controller 22 may activate the stabilization scheme 110 to selectively suppress one or more detected variables 200. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 22 may execute the stabilization scheme 110 to suppress a single detected variable 200 when the variable 200 is outside of the predetermined variable parameter 26. The stabilization assembly 10 advantageously provides a selective suppression effect and, using the controller 22, distinguishes detected variables 200 by comparison to the baseline motion threshold 24 and the predetermined variable parameter 26. Furthermore, the selective suppression is further refined by the predetermined time frame 62, which helps the controller 22 distinguish abnormal variables from detected variables 200 that are consistently outside of the predetermined variable parameter 26 within the predetermined time frame 62.

[0059] Further references Figure 7-9 , the controller 22 is configured to activate the stabilization scheme 110, and thus the tensioner 36, when the sensed variable 200 is determined to be outside of the predetermined variable parameters 26, and in some examples, when the sensed variable 200 is outside of the predetermined variable parameters 26 for a predetermined time frame 62. In operation, the tensioner 36 biases the tensioning element 34 back and forth to translate the mass 38 located therebetween. The mass 38 oscillates with a selected attenuation variable 202. When the sensed variable 200 is outside of the predetermined variable parameters 26, the attenuation variable 202 is selected to counteract or attenuate the sensed variable 200.

[0060] In some aspects, the stabilization assembly 10 is configured to respond to detected variables in multiple directions. Thus, when the detected variable 200 is outside the predetermined variable parameter 26, the mass 38 can oscillate at multiple attenuation variables 202 to cancel or suppress the detected variable 200 from the sensor 20. To execute the stabilization scheme 110, the tensioner 36 receives power from the power unit 46 to subsequently bias the tensioning element 34. The bias of the tensioning element 34 and therefore the mass 38 is defined by the attenuation variables 202. As described above, the attenuation variables 200 are configured to cancel the detected variable 200 when the stabilization scheme 110 is executed to eliminate unintentional motion.

[0061] Reference again Figure 1-9 In some examples, the above-described stabilization system 100 may be considered a wearable stabilization system 100 having a first stabilization component or device 10a and a second stabilization component or device 10b. The first stabilization device 10a includes a first sensor 20a, a first tensioning component 30a, a first mass 38a, and a first controller 22a. The second stabilization device 10b includes a second sensor 20b, a second tensioning component 30b, a second mass 38b, and a second controller 22b. It is contemplated that the second controller 22b may be communicatively coupled to the first controller 22a such that the second controller 22b may receive a signal from the first controller 22a corresponding to a variable 200 detected by the first sensor 20a. The second controller 22b may activate a power unit 46b of the second stabilization device 10b in response to detecting the variable 200 to bias the second tensioning component 30b.

[0062] As with the stabilization assembly 10 described herein, the first controller 22a and the second controller 22b of the respective stabilization devices 10a, 10b are configured to reduce the detected variable 200 by activating the first tensioning assembly 30a and the second tensioning assembly 30b, respectively. In some aspects, the second controller 22b can activate the second tensioning assembly 30b in response to a signal received from the first controller 22a. The stabilization system 100 can also include a third stabilization assembly or device 10c, which includes a fluid-filled mass 38c with a regulating valve and a third controller 22c communicatively coupled to each of the first controller 22a and the second controller 22b. The third controller 22c can be configured to adjust the volume of the fluid-filled mass 38c via the regulating valve in response to a signal received from at least one of the first controller 22a and the second controller 22b.

[0063] Further references Figure 1-9, the stabilization assembly 10 can be configured in various ways to help the wearer control or otherwise counteract unintentional movement. In some examples, the controller 22 of the stabilization assembly 10 can be communicatively coupled to a third-party device 300 via a network 302. The third-party device 300 can include, but is not limited to, a vehicle, a user device, and / or a third-party receiver. The third-party device 300 can be equipped with an electronic control unit 304, which can receive a signal corresponding to the execution of the stabilization scheme 110 from the controller 22 of the stabilization assembly 10. For example, the controller 22 can notify the electronic control unit 304 that the detected variable 200 is outside the predetermined variable parameter 26 within the predetermined time frame 62, and therefore the stabilization scheme 110 has been executed in response.

[0064] The electronic control unit 304 may store signals received from the controller 22 and monitor updates from the stabilization assembly 10. Additionally or alternatively, the electronic control unit 304 may transmit a notification to the communication server 306 via the network 302 to monitor the wearer via the third-party device 300. Once the detected variable 200 is within the predetermined variable parameter 26, the controller 22 may then communicate with the electronic control unit 304 that any unintentional motion has been eliminated and the stabilization scheme 110 has been terminated. In response, the electronic control unit 304 may update the communication server 306 of the change in state. The communication server 306 may selectively continue to monitor the wearer through communication with the electronic control unit 304. The wearer may also communicate directly with the communication server 306 through the electronic control unit 304 via a user interface integrated with the vehicle 300.

[0065] Still refer to Figure 1-9 In operation, at 500, the sensor 20 detects the vibration variable 200 and communicates the vibration variable 200 to the controller 22. At 502, the controller 22 determines whether the variable 200 is outside the predetermined variable parameter 26. If the variable 200 is not outside the predetermined variable parameter 26, the controller 22 may continue to monitor the detected variable 200 at 504. If the variable 200 is outside the predetermined variable parameter 26, the controller 22 executes the stabilization scheme 110 at 506. Next, at 508, the tensioning assembly 30 is activated to oscillate or otherwise translate the mass 38.

[0066] At 510, the controller 22 continues to monitor the sensed variable 200 to determine whether the variable 200 has fallen within the predetermined variable parameter 26. The controller 22 may continue to execute the stabilization scheme 110 until the variable 200 falls within the predetermined variable parameter 26. Once the variable 200 is within the predetermined variable parameter 26, the controller 22 gradually reduces the stabilization scheme 110 at 512. The controller 22 continuously monitors the sensed variable 200 from the sensor 20 to determine whether to execute the stabilization scheme 110.

[0067] Still refer to Figure 1-9 , the stabilization assembly 10 advantageously helps eliminate unintentional movement of the wearer. Therefore, the stabilization assembly 10 can promote an improvement in quality of life by promoting the suppression of variables that may alter daily function. The optionality of sensor 20 placement further promotes flexibility in using the stabilization assembly 10. For example, by providing the ability to configure the stabilization assembly 10 with one or both of the electrical sensor 20 and the mechanical sensor 20, the stabilization assembly 10 can be used to detect electrical variables corresponding to brain activity and / or can detect vibration variables. In either configuration, the controller 22 is configured to determine whether one or more detected variables 200 are outside of the predetermined variable parameters 26 to determine whether to execute the stabilization protocol 110.

[0068] Many embodiments have been described. However, it should be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, other embodiments are also within the scope of the following claims.

[0069] The foregoing description has been provided for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but where applicable, they are interchangeable and can be used in a selected configuration even if not specifically shown or described. This can also be varied in a variety of ways. Such variations should not be considered a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A wearable stabilization assembly comprising: sensor; a tensioning assembly coupled to the sensor; a mass operably coupled to the tensioning assembly; a power unit electrically coupled to the tensioning assembly; as well as A controller is coupled in communication with the sensor and is configured to activate the power unit to oscillate the mass via the tensioning assembly when the variable detected by the sensor is outside of a predetermined variable parameter.

2. The wearable stabilization assembly according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the sensor, tensioning assembly, mass, power unit, and controller may be operably coupled in series.

3. The wearable stabilization assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The tensioning assembly includes a tensioning device and a first tensioning element operably coupled to the tensioning device, the controller being configured to bias the first tensioning element in response to a sensed variable being outside of the predetermined variable parameter.

4. The wearable stabilization assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The controller is configured to activate the tensioning device to suppress the detected variable to a variable within the predetermined variable parameter.

5. The wearable stabilization assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The tensioning assembly includes a second tensioning element, and the controller is configured to activate the tensioning device to oscillate the mass between the first tensioning element and the second tensioning element to suppress a sensed variable.

6. The wearable stabilization assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The first tensioning element and the second tensioning element are arranged parallel to the mass.

7. The wearable stabilization assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The sensor includes a first sensor and a second sensor.

8. The wearable stabilization assembly of claim 7, further comprising a housing comprising a first retention feature comprising a first sensor and a second retention feature comprising a second sensor, the controller being configured to receive a first vibration variable from the first sensor and a second vibration variable from the second sensor.

9. The wearable stabilization assembly according to claim 8, wherein: The controller is configured to compare the first vibration variable to the second vibration variable and to activate the tensioning assembly to bias the first and second tensioning elements when both the first and second vibration variables are outside of the predetermined variable parameters.

10. The wearable stabilization assembly of claim 1, wherein: The mass is a fluid filled mass.

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