Handheld Tool Auto-Leveling for Motor Impairments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies are inadequate for providing effective stabilization and leveling assistance for individuals with severe motor impairments, particularly in performing everyday tasks like eating and drinking, due to limitations in muscle control and tremor management, and are not suitable for integration into small, lightweight handheld tools.
Innovation Solution
A handheld tool with an auto-leveling and tremor-stabilizing system, incorporating a leveling IMU, actuator assembly, and feedback control system, which uses a combination of gyroscopes, accelerometers, and position sensors to maintain a stable orientation of user-assistive devices, such as utensils, through real-time feedback and control, allowing for adjustable therapy plans and data collection for user condition monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a handheld tool incorporates stabilization and leveling assistance for individuals with motor impairments, then the effectiveness of tremor management and muscle control is improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple stabilization mechanisms (IMU sensors, actuators, control systems) into a single integrated handheld tool platform that can accommodate various assistive devices (spoons, cups, utensils). This merging approach allows the system to provide comprehensive tremor management while maintaining a unified device structure rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld tool is designed as a universal platform that can support multiple types of assistive devices for different tasks (eating, drinking, grooming). The standardized interface and adaptable mounting system allow the same core stabilization technology to serve multiple functions and user needs, reducing overall system complexity through reuse of components.
2Reliability
If a handheld tool incorporates stabilization and leveling assistance for individuals with motor impairments, then the effectiveness of tremor management and muscle control is improved, but the weight of the tool increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components: a core handheld platform containing the IMU and control electronics, separate assistive devices (spoons, cups, etc.), and interchangeable mounting mechanisms. This segmentation allows the weight of stabilization components to be concentrated in the essential handheld portion while keeping individual assistive attachments lightweight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical stabilization mechanisms with electronic sensors (IMU) and control systems that use motors or actuators to provide stabilization. This substitution of mechanical systems with electronic control reduces overall weight while maintaining or improving stabilization effectiveness compared to purely mechanical approaches.
3Manufacturing precision
If a handheld tool provides real-time feedback and control for maintaining stable orientation, then the leveling precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the orientation and position of the assistive device using IMU sensors and provides real-time feedback to a control system. This closed-loop feedback mechanism automatically adjusts actuators to maintain the desired level position, achieving high precision without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback control system operates autonomously to maintain leveling, automatically detecting orientation changes and making corrections without user intervention. This self-service capability simplifies the user interface while achieving high precision through automated sensor-based control rather than manual mechanical adjustment.
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 quality of life for individuals with motor impairments by compensating for uncoordinated movements and tremors, while being compact and adaptable for various tasks, and allowing for data-driven therapy adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
uses a combination of gyroscopes, accelerometers, and position sensors to maintain a stable orientation
Implementation Method 2
uses a combination of gyroscopes, accelerometers, and position sensors to maintain a stable orientation
Implementation Method 3
feedback control system, which uses a combination of gyroscopes, accelerometers, and position sensors to maintain a stable orientation
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2
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.