Handheld Tremor Cancellation Grip Using Inertial Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tremor suppression devices cause discomfort and pain due to large forces applied to affected limbs, fail to distinguish between intended and unintended motions, and are impractical for daily activities due to size, weight, and metal fatigue issues with shape memory alloy components.
Innovation Solution
A handheld device with a base, handgrip, inertia sensor, processing unit, and actuator that detects and counteracts tremor-induced acceleration by stabilizing a gripping element, avoiding large forces and using a band pass filter to differentiate between intended and unintended motions, without relying on shape memory alloy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large forces are applied to physically force tremor to cease, then tremor suppression effectiveness is improved, but user comfort and pain levels deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical force-based tremor suppression system with a sensor-based detection and actuation system. Inertial sensors detect tremor acceleration, and electromagnetic actuators generate counteracting forces, substituting direct mechanical forcing with a controlled electromechanical system that applies only necessary counter-forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the magnitude and timing of counteracting forces based on real-time tremor parameters detected by inertial sensors. By changing force parameters (magnitude, direction, timing) to match the tremor characteristics, the system achieves effective suppression while minimizing discomfort and pain.
2Reliability
If grounded prosthetics with complex structure are used, then tremor suppression capability is improved, but device size, weight, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tremor suppression device is segmented into independent functional modules: inertial sensors for detection, processing units for signal analysis, and electromagnetic actuators for counteraction. This modular segmentation reduces overall structural complexity while maintaining suppression capability, and allows for compact integration in the handheld device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkage systems with electromagnetic actuators that can be precisely controlled through electronic signals. This substitution dramatically reduces mechanical complexity, device size, and weight while maintaining or improving tremor suppression performance.
3Ease of operation
If shape memory alloy is used to control device movements, then actuation capability is improved, but metal fatigue reliability deteriorates over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes shape memory alloy actuators with electromagnetic actuators controlled by inertial sensor feedback. Electromagnetic actuators do not suffer from metal fatigue in the same way, providing long-term reliability while maintaining actuation capability. The system uses electronic control rather than relying on the cyclic deformation of shape memory materials.
4Reliability
If devices cannot distinguish between intended and unintended motions, then tremor suppression coverage is improved, but user mobility and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses inertial sensors to continuously monitor motion characteristics and provides feedback to the control system. By analyzing acceleration patterns, frequency, and amplitude, the system can distinguish between intentional movements (which the user controls) and tremor-induced unintended movements, applying suppression only when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The system distinguishes between intended and unintended motions by analyzing changes in motion parameters such as frequency spectrum, acceleration magnitude, and movement patterns. Tremor typically occurs at specific frequency ranges, while intentional movements have different characteristics, allowing the system to selectively suppress only tremor-related motions.
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 device minimizes discomfort and pain by effectively counteracting tremor-induced acceleration, allowing for stable handling of objects during daily activities without the risk of metal fatigue, ensuring food or objects remain steady and reducing the risk of spilling.
Implementation Method 1
at least one inertia sensor for detecting an acceleration of the vibration movement
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld device includes a base comprising a handgrip for receiving a vibration movement, a gripping element linked to the base for releasably connecting the handheld device to an object, at least one inertia sensor for detecting an acceleration of the vibration movement to generate an acceleration signal, a processing unit for determining to generate a cancellation decision according to the acceleration signal, and at least one actuator for controlling movement of the gripping element according to the cancellation decision, such that the acceleration is counteracted.