Handheld IMU Leveling Tool for Tremor-Stable Utensil Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies are inadequate for assisting individuals with motor impairment, particularly in performing everyday tasks due to extreme tremors or lack of muscle control, as existing solutions are either too bulky or unsuitable for small, lightweight handheld tools.
Innovation Solution
A handheld tool with auto-leveling and tremor stabilization capabilities, utilizing an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and actuator assembly with feedback control, allowing for real-time adjustment and adaptation to user-assistive devices like eating utensils, enabling stable operation despite uncoordinated movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing stabilization technologies are used, then tremor stabilization is achieved, but the device becomes too bulky for handheld use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical stabilization systems with a control system that uses sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes) and actuators to actively counteract tremors through feedback control. This substitution of mechanical systems with sensor-actuator systems enables tremor stabilization in a compact handheld form factor, resolving the contradiction between stabilization effectiveness and device weight.
2Reliability
If existing stabilization technologies are used, then tremor stabilization is achieved, but the device becomes too complex for practical handheld application
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to perform multiple functions: it detects tremors using sensors, processes the signal to identify tremor characteristics, generates compensation signals, and drives actuators to counteract tremors. This multi-functional integration reduces overall system complexity while achieving effective tremor stabilization, making the device suitable for handheld use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors tremor movements through sensors and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust actuator output in real-time. This closed-loop feedback control simplifies the stabilization process by automatically adapting to varying tremor conditions, reducing the need for complex manual adjustments or multiple specialized components.
3Ease of operation
If manual leveling is used, then device orientation can be adjusted, but user control is insufficient during uncoordinated movements
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects device orientation and tremor movements through integrated sensors and autonomously generates compensation signals without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability ensures continuous leveling stability even during uncoordinated movements, eliminating the insufficiency of manual control while maintaining ease of operation.
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 handheld tool provides effective stabilization and leveling of user-assistive devices, enhancing independence and self-control in routine tasks, while also collecting data for diagnostic purposes and allowing for incremental therapy adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
A handheld tool with auto-leveling and tremor stabilization capabilities, utilizing an inertial measurement unit (IMU)
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld tool includes a handle for holding by a user, an attachment arm extending from the handle that is configured to connect to a user-assistive device, a first inertial measurement unit (“IMU”) mounted to the attachment arm to acquire measurements of one or more of a motion or an orientation of the user-assistive device and to generate feedback data indicative of the measurements, an actuator assembly coupled to manipulate the user-assistive device via the attachment arm in at least two orthogonal dimensions, and a motion control system coupled to receive the feedback data from the first IMU and coupled to provide commands to the actuator assembly to provide auto-leveling of the user-assistive device to a frame of reference while the user manipulates the handheld tool.