Wearable Gyroscope Precession Mount for Multi-Axis Tremor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tremor stabilization devices using gyroscopes are limited in their ability to address multi-dimensional involuntary movements, often restricting free movement and exacerbating the condition rather than alleviating it, due to their design which can only counter movements in one planar direction.
Innovation Solution
A wearable apparatus with multiple gyroscopic devices mounted on a wearable element, allowing for precession and controlled by a control arrangement that includes elastomeric dampers or magnetic control, enabling the device to counter tremors across multiple axes while maintaining finger and thumb mobility, and powered by rechargeable batteries or wireless power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single gyroscope is used to counter tremor, then the device can reduce involuntary movement in one planar direction, but it cannot address multi-dimensional involuntary movements
Solution Approach 1:
The gyroscope is mounted on a precession mechanism that allows it to dynamically adjust its orientation and counter tremor movements in multiple directions. The precession capability enables the single gyroscope to adapt its resistance vector to match the direction of tremor, providing multi-dimensional stabilization without requiring multiple fixed gyroscopes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds the dimension of precession motion to the traditional single-gyroscope setup. By allowing the gyroscope to precess around an axis, it can counter tremor movements in multiple planar directions (X, Y, and Z axes) rather than being limited to a single fixed direction, effectively using rotational freedom to achieve multi-dimensional control.
2Reliability
If the arm is bound in a splint to transfer involuntary movement, then all multi-dimensional tremor is transferred to the gyroscope, but free movement of the arm is severely restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the tremor-counteracting function from a rigid full-arm splint and relocates it to a wearable element that can be positioned specifically on the hand or wrist. This allows the rest of the arm to remain free and mobile while the gyroscope handles the tremor stabilization locally, separating the stabilization function from the structural support function.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of binding the entire arm, the gyroscope is mounted locally on a wearable element positioned at the hand or wrist where tremor manifestations are most problematic. This localized approach provides tremor counteraction precisely where needed while leaving the rest of the arm free for natural movement and activities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a wearable element with precession capability is used, then the gyroscope can counter multi-axis tremor, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The precession mechanism provides dynamic adaptability, allowing the gyroscope to automatically adjust its orientation in response to tremor movements. This dynamic capability enables multi-axis counteraction without requiring complex active control systems, as the precession motion naturally follows the tremor dynamics.
Solution Approach 2:
The precession mechanism is designed to automatically follow and counter tremor movements without requiring external control signals or complex sensor systems. The mechanical precession arrangement self-adjusts to the tremor direction and magnitude, providing autonomous multi-axis stabilization that reduces electronic control complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus effectively reduces tremor-induced angular velocity, allowing for greater mobility and reduced bulk, thereby alleviating tremor symptoms with improved dexterity and reduced power consumption compared to prior art devices.
Implementation Method 1
a battery-driven gyroscope is held against the back face of the hand by a strap. A gyroscope seeks to maintain the orientation of its spinning axis and resists any action that seeks to cause a change in that orientation.
Implementation Method 2
A gyroscope seeks to maintain the orientation of its spinning axis and resists any action that seeks to cause a change in that orientation.
Implementation Method 3
the at least one gyroscopic device is mounted within the housing by means of a mount which allows the gyroscope to precess with respect to the housing
Implementation Method 4
the control arrangement comprises a plurality of elastomeric dampers
Implementation Method 5
the control arrangement comprises a magnetic control arrangement, preferably comprising at least one magnetic disc or annular magnet associated with the gyroscope
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to improvements in or relating to tremor stabilisation apparatus and methods, in particular to gyroscopic devices for use in controlling tremors of parts of the body and for reducing effects of tremors on the human body. The apparatus includes a wearable element and at least one gyroscopic device mounted or mountable to the wearable element, the gyroscopic device including a gyroscope and a gyroscope housing. The at least one gyroscopic device may be mounted within the housing such that the gyroscope may precess with respect to the housing. The mount may include a hinge to which the gyroscope is mounted and a hinge plate or hinge mount to which the hinge is mounted for rotation with respect to the gyroscope housing, such as a turntable mounted to the gyroscope housing. The gyroscopic devices may include a control arrangement to control the precession of the gyroscope.