Adjustable Ear-Mounted Flap for Head Tremor Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for reducing head tremors, such as surgery and medication, come with risks and undesirable side effects, necessitating a non-invasive mechanical solution.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical device applying adjustable pressure behind the ear using a frame with pivotable flaps and a movable control system to adjust the pressuring force, similar to an eyeglass frame, allowing for customizable comfort and effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surgery is used to reduce head tremor, then tremor reduction effectiveness is improved, but safety and risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces surgical intervention with a mechanical device that applies pressure to the mastoid bone area. The mechanical system uses a frame with adjustable flaps that can be positioned and adjusted without invasive procedures, substituting the mechanical approach for surgical treatment while maintaining tremor reduction effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mechanical intermediary device between the user and the tremor reduction function. This intermediary system uses adjustable flaps and pressure application mechanisms that mediate the tremor reduction effect without requiring direct surgical intervention on the brain or nervous system.
2Reliability
If medication is used to reduce head tremor, then tremor reduction effectiveness is improved, but side effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes pharmacological treatment with a mechanical pressure application system. The mechanical device uses adjustable flaps that apply physical pressure to the mastoid bone, replacing the need for medication and its associated side effects while maintaining tremor reduction effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical device allows users to adjust the pressure and flap position themselves through simple mechanisms, eliminating the need for medication administration and its inherent side effects. The system serves the user's needs directly through mechanical means rather than chemical intervention.
3Device complexity
If fixed pressure is applied behind the ear, then device simplicity is improved, but adaptability to individual needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed pressure system into a dynamic, adjustable system. The flaps are made pivotable and adjustable, allowing users to modify the pressure application according to their individual needs. This dynamic adjustment capability is achieved through simple mechanical mechanisms that maintain overall device simplicity while significantly improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter changes in the pressure application system through adjustable flaps that can be repositioned and reconfigured. Users can modify the angle, position, and pressure distribution parameters to suit individual needs, transforming a fixed system into an adaptable one without complicating the overall device structure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable pressure mechanism is added, then adaptability to individual needs is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the adjustable mechanism into separate, independent components. Each flap can be adjusted independently through its own simple mechanism, allowing adaptability without requiring a complex integrated system. The segmentation of adjustment functions reduces overall mechanism complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements adjustability through simple dynamic mechanisms rather than complex systems. The flaps are designed to be pivotable and repositionable through straightforward mechanical links, achieving adaptability with minimal added complexity. The dynamic adjustment capability is achieved through elegant simplicity rather than mechanical complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A head tremor reduction device includes a frame mountable on the head of a person. The frame has two frame arms, each mountable on top of the ear of the person. A mechanical flap pivotably mounted on each of the frame arms to apply a pressuring force on a head area about the rear side of the ear. A section of the frame arm has an arm channel to accommodate a control plate for movement. The control plate has a tapered end portion operatively connected to the mechanical flap to adjust the flap angle in order to change the pressuring force. A control rod slidably engaged in a slot in the frame channel is used for moving the control plate along the arm channel to adjust the flap angle. The frame arm may have a rack movably engaged with a pinion for moving the control plate along the arm channel.