Portable stabilization arrangement and portable stabilization system

Abstract

A portable stabilization arrangement comprises a sensor and a clamping assembly operationally coupled to the sensor. A mass is operationally coupled to the clamping assembly. The stabilization arrangement also includes a power unit electrically coupled to the clamping assembly and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor. The controller is configured to activate the power unit to oscillate the mass via the clamping assembly when a variable detected by the sensor falls outside a predefined variable parameter.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The information provided in this section serves to generally illustrate the context of the disclosure. Work by the inventors identified herein, to the extent described in this section, as well as aspects of the description that cannot otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither explicitly nor implicitly acknowledged as prior art to the present disclosure.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a stabilization assembly.

[0003] The human body contains thousands of neurological pathways used in the execution of bodily movements. These neurological pathways, although often associated with intentional bodily movement, can result in involuntary bodily movement. For example, tremors, dyskinesias, or shaking of limbs or the whole body may occur, which may be perceived as vibrations. Although a person may attempt to control tremors, the tremors are often the result of neurological conditions that may limit the person's ability to stop or otherwise control the tremors.

[0004] In some conditions, an involuntary body movement may be a persistent condition that the person attempts to manage on an ongoing basis. In other conditions, the tremors may be intermittent, meaning the person cannot anticipate a tremor until it onset. A rapid onset of tremors can impact the person's daily activities. Involuntary body movements such as tremors can, for example, pose challenges when operating vehicles or other equipment. SUMMARY

[0005] In some configurations, a portable 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 operatively coupled to the first sensor via a connection extending through the tensioning assembly. The tensioning assembly includes a first tensioning member, a second tensioning member, and a tensioning device operatively coupled to each of the first tensioning member and the second tensioning member. The portable stabilization assembly also includes a mass operatively coupled to each of the first tensioning member and the second tensioning member.A controller is communicatively coupled to the first sensor and is configured to translate the mass across the clamping assembly in response to the first sensor detecting a variable that is outside a predetermined variable parameter.

[0006] In some aspects, the housing may include a first support feature, which may include the first sensor, and a second support feature, which 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 to the second vibration variable. The controller may also be configured to activate the tensioning device to preload the first tensioning element and the second tensioning element when both the first variable and the second variable are outside the 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 the predetermined variable parameter detected by the first sensor, the controller may be configured to activate the power unit and preload the first tensioning element and the second tensioning element via electrical communication between the power unit and the tensioning device. In further examples, the second tensioning element may be disposed on an opposite side of the mass than the first tensioning element. Each of the first tensioning element, the mass, and the second tensioning element may be operatively coupled in series.

[0007] In another configuration, a stabilization assembly for a limb comprises a sensor and a tensioning assembly operatively coupled to the sensor. A mass is operatively 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 across the tensioning assembly when a variable detected by the sensor is outside a predetermined variable parameter.

[0008] In some examples, each of the sensor, the clamping assembly, the mass, the power unit, and the controller may be operatively coupled in series. In some aspects, the clamping assembly may include a clamping device and a first clamping element operatively coupled to the clamping device. The controller may be configured to pre-tension the first clamping element in response to the detected variable being outside the predetermined variable parameter. The controller may also be configured to activate the clamping device to attenuate the detected variable to a variable that may be within the predetermined variable parameter.The clamping assembly may include a second clamping element, and the controller may be configured to activate the clamping device to oscillate the mass between the first clamping element and the second clamping element to dampen the detected variable. Optionally, the first clamping element and the second clamping 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 having 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 a predetermined variable parameter. The wearable stabilization system also includes a second stabilization device comprising 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 clamping arrangement in response to the first controller oscillating the first mass and a variable detected by the second sensor being outside 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 that may correspond to the variable detected by the first sensor. The second controller may also be configured to activate a power unit of the second stabilization device to preload the second tensioning assembly. Each of the first controller and the second controller may be configured to decrease the detected variables 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 the signal received from the first controller.

[0011] The portable stabilization system may further include a third stabilization device that may include a fluid-filled mass, an adjustment 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 a fluid volume within the fluid-filled mass via the adjustment valve in response to a signal received from the first controller and / or the second controller. In other aspects, a vehicle may include an electronic control unit that may be communicatively coupled to the portable stabilization assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. They show: Fig. 1 is an enlarged partial elevational view of an example stabilization assembly according to the present disclosure; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a person wearing a stabilization assembly according to the present disclosure in communication with a third party device; Fig. 3A is an enlarged partial perspective view of a hand of the person in Fig. 1 with a stabilization arrangement according to the present disclosure; Fig. 3B is an enlarged partial perspective view of a hand having a stabilizing assembly according to the present disclosure; Fig. 4 is a side elevation view of a stabilization assembly according to the present disclosure including a housing; Fig. 5A is a side elevation view of a stabilization assembly according to the present disclosure free of a housing; Fig. 5B is a perspective view of the stabilization assembly of Fig. 5A; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a tensioning element of a stabilizing assembly according to the present disclosure; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a mass of a stabilization assembly according to the present disclosure; Fig. 8 is a functional block diagram of an example stabilization assembly providing communication between a controller, a sensor, and a tensioning assembly, in accordance with the present disclosure; and Fig. 9 illustrates an example method for executing a stabilization protocol in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0013] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Specific details are set forth, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, in order to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and example configurations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure.

[0015] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific example configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a," "an," and "the" can also include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having" are inclusive and therefore indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated unless specifically identified as such an order of performance.Additional or alternative steps may be used.

[0016] When an element or layer is described as being "on," "engaging," "connected," "attached to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaging, connected, attached to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intermediate elements or layers may be present. Conversely, when an element is described as being "directly on," "directly engaging," "directly connected," "directly attached to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, no intermediate elements or layers may be present. 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 combination of one or more of the related listed items.

[0017] The terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may only be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context.Accordingly, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the example configurations.

[0018] In this application, including the definitions below, the term module may be replaced by the term circuit. The term module may refer to, be a part of, 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 a processor; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system on a chip.

[0019] The term code, as used above, may include software, firmware, and / or microcode, and may refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, and / or objects. 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, in combination with additional processors, executes some or all of the code from one or more modules. The term shared memory includes a single memory that stores some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term group memory includes memory that, in combination with additional memory, stores some or all of the code from one or more modules. The term memory may be a subset of the term computer-readable medium.The term computer-readable medium does not encompass transitory electrical and electromagnetic signals propagating through a medium and can therefore be considered tangible and non-transitory memory. Non-limiting examples of non-transitory memory include tangible computer-readable medium, including non-volatile memory, magnetic storage, and optical storage.

[0020] The devices and methods described in this application may be implemented partially or entirely by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer programs include processor-executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory tangible computer-readable medium. The computer programs may also include and / or be based on stored data.

[0021] A software application (i.e., a software resource) may refer to computer software that causes a computing device to perform a task. In some examples, a software application may be referred to as an "application," "app," or "program." 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.

[0022] Non-transitory memory may be physical devices used to store programs (e.g., sequences of instructions) or data (e.g., program state information) on a temporary or permanent basis for use by a computing device. Non-transitory memory may 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) / electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) (e.g., typically used for firmware such as boot programs).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.

[0023] These computer programs (also known as programs, software, software applications, or code) comprise machine instructions for a programmable processor and may be implemented in a high-level procedural and / or object-oriented programming language and / or assembly / machine language. As used herein, the terms "machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" refer to any computer program product, non-transitory computer-readable medium, device, and / or apparatus (e.g., magnetic disks, optical disks, random access memory, programmable logic devices (PLDs)) used to deliver 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 used to convey machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0024] Various implementations of the systems and techniques described herein may be realized in digital electronic and / or optical circuitry, integrated circuitry, specially designed ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), computer hardware, computer firmware, computer software, and / or combinations thereof. These various implementations may include implementation in one or more computer programs executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system, including at least one programmable processor, which may be special-purpose or general-purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from, and send data and commands to, a memory system, at least one input device, and at least one output device.

[0025] The processes and logic described in this application may be performed by one or more programmable processors, also referred to as data processing hardware, that execute one or more computer programs to perform functions by manipulating input data and generating output. The processes and logic may also be performed by special-purpose logic circuitry, such as an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit). Processors suitable for executing a computer program include, by way of example, both general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors and any one or more processors of any type of digital computer. Generally, a processor receives instructions and data from read-only memory or random-access memory, or both.The essential elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, for receiving data from or transferring data to, or both, e.g., magnetic, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks. However, a computer need not include such devices. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and memory devices, including, by way of example, semiconductor memory devices, e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, e.g.,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 integrated with special-purpose logic circuitry.

[0026] To provide interaction with a user, one or more aspects of the disclosure may be implemented on a computer having a display device, e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) monitor, LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, or a touch screen, for displaying information to the user, and optionally a keyboard and a pointing device, e.g., 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 a user; for example, feedback provided to the user may be any form of sensory feedback, e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user may be received in any form, including auditory, voice, or tactile input.Additionally, a computer may interact with a user by sending documents to and receiving documents from a device used by the user; for example, by sending web pages to a web browser on a client device of the user in response to requests received from the web browser.

[0027] With reference to Fig. 1-5B, a stabilization device or stabilization assembly 10 is illustrated as positioned on a wearer's body. The stabilization assembly 10 is illustrated throughout as being positioned or otherwise attached to one or more of the wearer's fingers. However, it is contemplated that the stabilization assembly 10 may be used at any convenient location on the wearer's body. In some aspects, the stabilization assembly 10 may be positioned, for example, along an arm, a leg, or a torso of the wearer. In some examples, the stabilization assembly 10 may be used with alternative organic and / or inorganic bodies, including, but not limited to, a tree and a prosthetic body limb.Consequently, the size of the stabilizing assembly 10 can be adjusted to the wearer's corresponding limb or location, or adjusted to the corresponding inorganic body. It is also contemplated that more than one stabilizing assembly 10 may be used and worn by the wearer. As shown in FIG. Fig. 3B, the wearer may have a stabilization assembly 10 on each phalanx. As described in more detail below, the combination of multiple stabilization assemblies 10a-10c may be defined as a stabilization system 100. The stabilization system 100 may include one or more stabilization assemblies 10a-10c that cooperate to dampen a detected variable 200, as described herein.

[0028] Although the stabilization assemblies 10a-10c are illustrated on the wearer's fingers, each stabilization assembly 10a-10c may be positioned at various locations, as indicated above. By way of example and not limitation, a first stabilization assembly 10a may be positioned on a finger, and a second stabilization assembly 10b may be positioned on an arm. The position of the respective stabilization assembly 10a-10c may correspond to the degree of damping expected from the stabilization system 100. In further examples, each stabilization assembly 10a-10c of the stabilization system 100 may be communicatively coupled and configured to cooperate to maximize the effects of each stabilization assembly 10, as described in more detail below.

[0029] The stabilization assembly 10 may include a housing 12 having a first end 14 and an opposite second end 16. Each of the first end 14 and the second end 16 may be provided with a support feature 18 configured to support the stabilization assembly 10 on the support. In some configurations, the stabilization assembly 10 may be free of a housing 12 so that each element of the stabilization assembly 10 may be suspended between the support features 18 and generally exposed to the ambient environment. Additionally or alternatively, the housing 12 may be configured to enclose the elements of the stabilization assembly 10 described herein.

[0030] With reference to Fig. 3-5B, the support features 18 of the stabilization assembly 10 may include at least one sensor 20 disposed within one or more of the support features 18. For example, a first support feature 18a may include a first sensor 20a and a second support feature 18b may include a second sensor 20b. In other aspects, the stabilization assembly 10 may include a single sensor 20 disposed within one of the support features 18. In further aspects, the sensor 20 may be separate from the support features 18 and the housing 12. It is contemplated that the sensors 20 may be configured as mechanical sensors, electrical sensors, and / or any combination of mechanical sensors and electrical sensors.In one non-limiting example, the sensors 20 may be electrodes positioned along a wearer's head and configured to measure the electrical activity of the brain in the form of an electroencephalogram (EEG). In this configuration, the sensors 20 are in wireless communication with a controller 22 to communicate the detected electrical inputs 200 corresponding to the brain measurements measured by the EEG. In an additional configuration, the controller 22 and / or the one or more sensors 20 may be separate from the support features 18. For example, the sensor 20 may be positioned along a neural pathway of the wearer. Additionally or alternatively, the sensors 20 may be mounted at any convenient location along the body.

[0031] In other examples, sensors 20 may be one or more mechanical sensors, which may include an accelerometer and a gyroscope, that detect variables 200. In both configurations of sensors 20, sensors 20 are configured to detect a variable 200, and stabilization assembly 10 uses the detected variable 200 to selectively dampen body movement. 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 first sensor 20a, and a second variable 200b may be detected by second sensor 20b. Each sensor is configured to detect one or more variables 200. The second sensor 20b may be used as confirmation to identify whether the detected variable 200 has been dampened by stabilization assembly 10.

[0032] As described above, the controller 22 is configured to receive the detected variable 200 from the sensor 20. In some examples, the controller 22 may be configured to receive the first vibration variable 200a from the first sensor 20a and the second vibration variable 200b from the second sensor 20b, and may then compare the first vibration variable 200a with the second vibration variable 200b. The controller 22, which in Fig. 8, stores a baseline motion threshold 24 and a predetermined variable parameter 26 in a memory 28 of the controller 22. The controller 22 is also configured with a stabilization protocol 110, which may be stored in the memory 28, and uses each of the baseline motion threshold 24 and the predetermined variable parameter 26 in comparison to the detected variable 200, as described in more detail below.

[0033] For example, the controller 22 may compare the detected variable 200 received from the sensor 20 to one or both of the baseline motion threshold 24 and the predetermined variable parameter 26 to determine whether to activate the stabilization protocol 110. If the detected variable 200 is outside the predetermined variable parameter 26, then the controller 22 activates the stabilization protocol 110. The stabilization protocol 110 is described with reference to Fig. 7-9 in combination with the baseline movement threshold 24 and the predefined variable parameter 26 are described in more detail.

[0034] With reference to Fig. 4-7, the stabilization assembly 10 also includes a tensioning assembly 30 disposed within the housing 12 and operatively coupled to the controller 22 and the sensor 20 via a connection 32 extending through the tensioning assembly 30. The tensioning assembly 30 includes tensioning elements 34, which may include a first tensioning element 34a and a second tensioning element 34b. Additionally or alternatively, more than two tensioning elements 34 or a single tensioning element 34 may be used with the stabilization assembly 10. A tensioning device 36 is operatively coupled to the tensioning element 34 and is configured to bias the tensioning elements 34 when the detected variable 200 is outside the predetermined variable parameter 26. The tensioning device 36 may, for example, be a motor that biases the tensioning elements 34 in response to the controller 22 executing the stabilization protocol 110.Although described as a motor, the tensioning device 36 may also be configured as formed metal alloy elements, electrorheological elements, or the like. The tensioning elements 34 are shown having a spring configuration and are positioned on either side of a mass 38. In some examples, the tensioning elements 34 include coils 40 and may be integrally formed with the linkage 32. The tensioning elements 34 may include, but are not limited to, springs, cables, hyperelastic formed metal alloys, formed metal alloys, and any other suitable tensioning elements.

[0035] The tensioning elements 34 can have other configurations, so the tensioning elements 34 are not limited to a spring configuration. The tensioning elements 34 are configured to preload or oscillate the mass 38. The power unit 46, for example, supplies a current to the tensioning device 36 to compress and expand each of the tensioning elements 34 positioned on either side of the mass 38. The tensioning device 36 can, for example, be configured as a motor that can provide a variable voltage to induce and release stiffness for the tensioning elements 34. The resulting current along the tensioning elements 34 can preload the mass 38 to neutralize the detected variable 200. As shown in Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B, the tension members 34 and the mass 38 are arranged in series such that the first tension member 34a is positioned on an opposite side of the mass 38 from the second tension member 34b. For example, the mass 38 may be suspended between the first tension member 34a and the second tension member 34b, with the link 32 extending through an opening 42 of the mass 38. When the link 32 extends through the opening 42, the mass 38 may move along a single axis between the tension members 34.

[0036] It is also contemplated that, in some examples, the tensioning elements 34 and the mass 38 may be arranged in parallel such that more than two tensioning elements 34 may be used to surround the mass 38. In the parallel configuration, the mass 38 may be biased by the tensioning elements 34 and may move along multiple axes to dampen or otherwise attenuate the detected variable 200. In some examples, six tensioning elements 34 may be used to preload the mass 38. The mass 38 may be a solid component with a predefined weight to balance and otherwise attenuate the detected variable 200 to the damping variable 202. In some examples, the mass 38 may be a fluid-filled mass 38. For example, the mass 38 may include an outer casing 44 in which a fluid may be disposed.In this example, the openings 42 may include one-way valves through which the connection 32 may pass while the fluid is contained within the outer casing 44. Optionally, the fluid may be adjusted using a pump (not shown) to achieve a selected fluid level that may facilitate the attenuation of the detected variable 200.

[0037] Still referring to Fig. 4-7, the connection 32 may be defined with a predefined tension configured to oscillate the mass 38 at a selected attenuation variable 202. In some examples, the tension of the connection 32 may be adjusted via the tensioning assembly 30 by allowing the tensioning elements 34 to be tightened or loosened by the tensioning device 36 depending on the selected attenuation variable 202. Vibrations along the stabilization assembly 10 are continuously sensed by the sensor 20 and monitored by the controller 22 to activate the tensioning assembly 30 as needed.

[0038] 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 shown in series along the connection 32 with each of the tensioning elements 34, the mass 38, the tensioning device 36, and the controller 22. In some aspects, the power unit 46 may be coupled to the stabilization assembly 10 but separate therefrom. The power unit 46 may supply electrical 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 elements 34 between a compressed state and an extended state.For example, the controller 22 may activate the power unit 46 when the stabilization protocol 110 is executed to preload the first tensioning element 34a and the second tensioning element 34b via electrical communication between the power unit 46 and the tensioning device 36. The power unit 46 may be configured as any suitable device configured to transmit power to the tensioning device 36.

[0039] With reference to Fig. 7-9, the stabilization assembly 10 is a portable stabilization assembly 10 and is configured to detect variables near the location of the stabilization assembly 10 on a support. As stated above, the sensor 20 may be configured to detect electrical inputs or may be configured to detect mechanical inputs. The illustrated example provides the example of the sensor 20 detecting vibration frequencies. The same or a similar description may be attributed to an electrical variable, with the primary difference being the location of the sensor 20. In both configurations, for example, the sensor 20 detects the variable 200 and transmits the detected variable 200 to the controller 22.

[0040] Vibrations are transmitted by various wearer movements, 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 that is detected by sensor 20. Intended movements typically have a variable 200 that is constant or otherwise within the predetermined variable parameter 26. For example, most intended movements can be categorized as at or near the baseline movement threshold 24. The baseline movement threshold 24 can be used in calibrating the predetermined variable parameter 26, with both the baseline movement threshold 24 and the predetermined variable parameter 26 being stored in memory 28 of the controller 22.

[0041] The baseline movement threshold 24 can serve as a marker for the controller 22 when activating the stabilization protocol 110. The stabilization protocol 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 can detect a variable 200 that is outside the predetermined variable parameter 26, and in response, the controller 22 can activate the tensioning assembly 30 until the detected variable 200 is within the predetermined variable parameter 26. That is, the stabilization protocol 110, via the stabilization assembly 10, is configured to stabilize the wearer's movement without preventing intended movements.

[0042] The baseline motion threshold 24 may be configured with a range of intended variables 204 and calibration specifications 60. The range of intended variables 204 may be used by the controller 22 when evaluating the detected variables 200. As mentioned above, the placement of the sensor 20 may determine the detected variable 200, so some placements may have a naturally higher motion variable compared to other placements. Consequently, the range of intended variables 204 may be used to provide various reference points when determining the baseline motion threshold 24.

[0043] It should be noted that each of the baseline motion threshold 24, the range of intended variables 204, and the predetermined variable parameter 26 may be specific to the wearer. Thus, the baseline motion threshold 24 includes the calibration specifications 60 so that the stabilization assembly 10 can be calibrated specifically for the wearer. The calibration specifications 60 can also be used to calibrate to a specific location of the stabilization assembly 10. For example, the stabilization assembly 10 may be positioned on a finger of the wearer, which may have different calibration specifications 60 compared to the stabilization assembly 10 positioned on a foot of the wearer.

[0044] With further reference to Fig. 7-9, the controller 22 may be configured with a predetermined time frame 62, which may be defined as the time period during which the detected variable 200 is outside the predetermined variable parameter 26. The predetermined time frame 62 assists the controller 22 in determining, when the detected variable 200 is outside the predetermined variable parameter 26, whether the detected variable 200 was an isolated incident or a repeated, unintended movement. Although the predetermined time frame 62 is a sufficient period of time for the controller 22 to identify the detected variable 200 as a repeated, unintended movement, the predetermined time frame 62 is a sufficiently short period of time for the controller 22 to execute the stabilization protocol 110 with minimal delay.The predetermined time frame 62 can also be configured with a stagnation period 64 during which the detected variable 200 does not fall outside the predetermined variable parameter 26. The stagnation period 64 is defined as a time period that is predetermined and stored in the memory 28 of the controller 22 when each detected variable 200 falls within the predetermined variable parameter 26. The stagnation period 64 can be reset after each detected variable 200 falls outside the predetermined variable parameter 26.

[0045] The controller 22 may also include a counter 66 to determine how often the detected variable 200 is outside 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 corresponding to a predetermined number of times the detected variable 200 is outside the predetermined variable parameter 26 within the predetermined time frame 62. Consequently, based on the counter 66 and the predetermined time frame 62, the controller 22 may wait to activate the stabilization protocol 110 until the detected variables 200 exceed the minimum variable detection 68. The controller 22 may also reset the counter 66 after the stagnation period 64 during which the variables 200 detected by the sensor 20 are not outside the predetermined variable parameter 26.

[0046] Still referring to Fig. 7-9, in some aspects, the tensioning device 36 activates the tensioning elements 34 as part of the stabilization protocol 110 in response to both a first variable 200a detected by the first sensor 20a and a second variable 200b detected by the second sensor 20b being outside the predetermined variable parameter 26. In determining whether to execute the stabilization protocol 110, the controller 22 may compare the first variable 200a to the second variable 200b to determine whether the detected variables 200a, 200b are equally irregular or whether one of the detected variables 200a, 200b is greater than the other. The controller 22 may then activate the tensioning device 36 to preload the first tensioning element 34a and the second tensioning element 34b when both the first variable 200a and the second variable 200b exceed the predetermined variable threshold 26.In some examples, the location of the respective sensor 20 may influence the detected variable 200. Consequently, the controller 22 may individually evaluate the detected variable 200 against the range of intended variables 204 in addition to the predetermined variable parameter 26 to determine whether to execute the stabilization protocol 110.

[0047] The controller 22 can activate the stabilization protocol 110 to selectively attenuate one or more of the detected variables 200. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 22 can execute the stabilization protocol 110 to attenuate a single detected variable 200 when the variable 200 lies outside the predetermined variable parameter 26. The stabilization arrangement 10 advantageously provides selective attenuation effects and, with the controller 22, distinguishes between detected variables 200 by comparison to the baseline motion threshold 24 and the predetermined variable parameter 26. In addition, the selective attenuation is further refined by the predetermined time frame 62, which assists the controller 22 in distinguishing an outlier variable from a detected variable 200 that consistently lies outside the predetermined variable parameter 26 within the predetermined time frame 62.

[0048] With further reference to Fig. 7-9, the controller 22 is configured to activate the stabilization protocol 110 and, consequently, the tensioning device 36 when the detected variable 200 is determined to be outside the predetermined variable parameter 26 and, in some examples, when the detected variable 200 is outside the predetermined variable parameter 26 for the predetermined time frame 62. In operation, the tensioning device 36 longitudinally biases the tensioning elements 34 to translate the mass 38 positioned therebetween. The mass 38 oscillates with the selected attenuation variable 202. The attenuation variable 202 is selected to counteract or attenuate the detected variable 200 when the detected variable 200 is outside the predetermined variable parameter 26.

[0049] In some aspects, the stabilization assembly 10 is configured to respond to variables detected in multiple directions. Thus, the mass 38 may be oscillated with multiple attenuation variables 202 to neutralize or dampen the detected variable 200 from the sensor 20 when the detected variable 200 is outside the predetermined variable parameter 26. To execute the stabilization protocol 110, the tensioning device 36 receives power from the power unit 46 to subsequently preload the tensioning elements 34. The preload of the tensioning elements 34, and consequently the mass 38, is defined by the attenuation variable 202. As stated above, the attenuation variable 200 is configured to neutralize the detected variable 200 when the stabilization protocol 110 is executed to neutralize the unintended movement.

[0050] With further reference to Fig. 1-9, in some examples, the aforementioned stabilization system 100 may be considered a portable stabilization system 100 having the first stabilization assembly or stabilization device 10a and the second stabilization assembly or stabilization device 10b. The first stabilization device 10a includes a first sensor 20a, a first tensioning assembly 30a, a first mass 38a, and a first controller 22a. The second stabilization device 10b includes a second sensor 20b, a second tensioning assembly 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, in response to the detected variable 200, activate a power unit 46b of the second stabilizing device 10b to preload the second tensioning assembly 30b.

[0051] 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 decrease the detected variables 200 by activating the first tensioning assembly 30a and the second tensioning assembly 30b, respectively. In some aspects, the second controller 22b may activate the second tensioning assembly 30b in response to a signal received from the first controller 22a. The stabilization system 100 may further include a third stabilization assembly or stabilization device 10c comprising a fluid-filled mass 38c with an adjustment valve and a third controller 22c communicatively coupled to each of the first controller 22a and the second controller 22b.The third controller 22c may be configured to adjust a volume of the fluid-filled mass 38c via the adjustment valve in response to a signal received from the first controller 22a and / or the second controller 22b.

[0052] With further reference to Fig. 1-9, the stabilization assembly 10 can be used in various situations to assist a wearer in controlling or otherwise neutralizing unintended movements. 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 that can receive signals from the controller 22 of the stabilization assembly 10 corresponding to the execution of the stabilization protocol 110.For example, the controller 22 may notify the electronic control unit 304 that the detected variable 200 is outside the predetermined variable parameter 26 for the predetermined time frame 62, and consequently that the stabilization protocol 110 has been executed in response.

[0053] The electronic control unit 304 may store the signal received from the controller 22 and monitor for updates from the stabilization assembly 10. Additionally or alternatively, the electronic control unit 304 may communicate with a communication server 306 via the network 302 to monitor the wearer via the third-party device 300. The controller 22 may then communicate with the electronic control unit 304 once the detected variable 200 is within the predetermined variable parameter 26, such that any unintended movements have been neutralized and the stabilization protocol 110 has been terminated. In response, the electronic control unit 304 may update the communication server 306 with the status change. The communication server 306 may selectively continue to monitor the wearer by communicating with the electronic control unit 304.The wearer may also communicate directly with the communication server 306 via user interfaces integrated into the vehicle 300 through the electronic control unit 304.

[0054] Still referring to Fig. 1-9, in operation, the sensor 20 detects a vibration variable 200 at 500 and transmits the vibration variable 200 to the controller 22. The controller 22 determines at 502 whether the variable 200 is outside the predetermined variable parameter 26. If the variable 200 is not outside the predetermined variable parameter 26, then the controller 22 may continue to monitor the detected variables 200 at 504. If the variable 200 is outside the predetermined variable parameter 26, then the controller 22 executes the stabilization protocol 110 at 506. At 508, the tensioning assembly 30 is again activated to oscillate or otherwise displace the mass 38.

[0055] The controller 22 continues to monitor the detected variable 200 at 510 to determine whether the variable 200 has fallen within the predetermined variable parameter 26. The controller 22 may continue to execute the stabilization protocol 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 expires the stabilization protocol 110 at 512. The controller 22 continuously monitors the detected variables 200 from the sensor 20 to determine whether the stabilization protocol 110 should be executed.

[0056] Still referring to Fig.1-9, the stabilization assembly 10 advantageously assists in neutralizing unintentional movements by the wearer. Consequently, the stabilization assembly 10 can facilitate an improved quality of life by facilitating dampened variables that can otherwise alter everyday functionalities. The optionality of the sensor 20 arrangement further facilitates flexibility in the use of the stabilization assembly 10. By providing the ability to configure the stabilization assembly 10 with one or both of electrical sensors 20 and mechanical sensors 20, for example, the stabilization assembly 10 can be used to detect electrical variables corresponding to brain activity and / or can detect vibration variables.In both configurations, the controller 22 is configured to determine whether the detected variable 200 or the detected variables 200 are outside the predetermined variable parameter 26 to determine whether the stabilization protocol 110 should be executed.

[0057] A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it should be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

[0058] The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but are interchangeable and may be used in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. It may also be modified in many ways. Such changes are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

[1] Portable stabilization assembly comprising: a sensor; a clamping arrangement coupled to the sensor; a mass that is operatively coupled to the clamping arrangement; a power unit electrically coupled to the clamping arrangement; and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor and configured to activate the power unit to oscillate the mass across the clamping assembly when a variable detected by the sensor is outside a predetermined variable parameter. [2] A portable stabilization assembly according to claim 1, wherein the sensor, the tensioning assembly, the mass, the power unit and the controller are all operatively coupled in series. [3] The portable stabilization assembly of claim 1, wherein the tensioning assembly comprises a tensioning device and a first tensioning element operatively coupled to the tensioning device, the controller configured to pretension the first tensioning element in response to the detected variable being outside the predetermined variable parameter. [4] The portable stabilization assembly of claim 3, wherein the controller is configured to activate the tensioning device to dampen the detected variable to a variable that is within the predetermined variable parameter. [5] The portable stabilization assembly of claim 4, wherein the tensioning assembly includes a second tensioning member and the controller is configured to activate the tensioning device to oscillate the mass between the first tensioning member and the second tensioning member to dampen the detected variable. [6] A portable stabilizing assembly according to claim 5, wherein the first tensioning member and the second tensioning member are arranged parallel to the mass. [7] A portable stabilization assembly according to claim 5, wherein the sensor comprises a first sensor and a second sensor. [8] The portable stabilization assembly of claim 7, further comprising a housing including a first support feature having the first sensor and a second support feature having a second sensor, wherein the controller is configured to receive a first vibration variable from the first sensor and a second vibration variable from the second sensor. [9] The portable stabilization assembly of claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to compare the first vibration variable with the second vibration variable and is configured to activate the tensioning assembly to preload the first tensioning member and the second tensioning member when both the first vibration variable and the second vibration variable are outside the predetermined variable parameter. [10] A portable stabilization assembly according to claim 1, wherein the mass is a fluid-filled mass.

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