Handheld tool for leveling uncoordinated motion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 feedback control system with actuators and sensors to maintain a stable orientation of user-assistive devices, allowing for independent performance of tasks like eating and drinking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stabilization technologies are implemented to assist individuals with motor impairment, then the ability to perform everyday tasks is improved, but the device becomes too bulky for handheld use
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two main segments: a handheld tool portion that the user holds and operates, and a separate assistive device portion that receives stabilization commands. This segmentation allows the critical stabilization functionality to be distributed, enabling the handheld portion to remain lightweight while still providing effective assistance for tasks like eating and drinking
Solution Approach 2:
A communication interface acts as an intermediary between the handheld tool and the separate assistive device. The handheld tool transmits stabilization commands through this interface to the assistive device, which then executes the stabilization function. This intermediary approach allows the heavy stabilization mechanisms to be located in a separate unit while maintaining control from the lightweight handheld portion
2Ease of operation
If existing stabilization technologies are used, then tremor assistance is provided, but the devices are unsuitable for small, lightweight handheld tools
Solution Approach 1:
The communication interface serves as an intermediary that transmits stabilization commands from the handheld tool to a separate assistive device. This allows the handheld tool to remain small and lightweight while still providing effective tremor stabilization through the connected device, which handles the complex stabilization mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into a handheld control portion and a separate execution portion. The handheld tool contains the control interface and communication systems, while the separate assistive device contains the stabilization mechanisms. This segmentation enables the handheld portion to be ergonomically suitable while the separate device provides the necessary stabilization power
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
Enables individuals with motor impairment to perform daily tasks with greater independence and control by providing a compact, effective stabilization solution that adapts to various degrees of tremor and muscle control limitations.
Implementation Method 1
A handheld tool with auto-leveling and tremor stabilization capabilities, utilizing an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and feedback control system
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.