Inertial Sensor Tremor Stabilization for Handheld Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for stabilizing unintentional muscle movements, such as those experienced by individuals with neurological motion disorders or under stress, are either invasive, costly, or ineffective in differentiating between intended and unintended movements, limiting their adoption and availability.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing an inertial sensor placed along an attachment arm with a motion-generating mechanism, including coreless micro-motors and miniature gear-reduction systems, to directly measure and cancel unintentional muscle movements without pre-programming for object length and weight, providing a robust and cost-effective handheld solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physically grounded tremor suppression devices are used to force tremor to cease, then tremor suppression effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase, and user comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanically grounded tremor suppression devices with an inertial sensor-based detection system combined with a motion-generating mechanism. The inertial sensor detects tremor movements, and the motion-generating mechanism produces counter-movements to cancel tremors, eliminating the need for complex physical grounding structures while maintaining suppression effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an inertial sensor as an intermediary element that mediates between the tremor source and the suppression mechanism. The sensor detects tremor characteristics and transmits this information to the motion-generating mechanism, enabling precise tremor cancellation without direct mechanical coupling between the user and the suppression device.
2Reliability
If physically grounded tremor suppression devices are used to force tremor to cease, then tremor suppression effectiveness is improved, but user comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physically grounded suppression devices that require strong mechanical coupling with the user's body with an inertial sensor-based system. The sensor detects tremors through minimal contact, and the motion-generating mechanism delivers counter-movements through the held object, significantly improving user comfort while maintaining suppression effectiveness.
3Reliability
If conventional tremor suppression devices are used, then tremor cancellation is achieved, but the devices cannot differentiate between intended and unintended movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the inertial sensor continuously monitors movements of the held object and the user's hand. The controller processes this feedback information to distinguish between intended movements (which the user consciously controls) and unintended tremor movements (which are involuntary). The motion-generating mechanism then applies counter-movements only to tremor components, preserving intended movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic analysis of movement characteristics to differentiate between intended and unintended movements. The inertial sensor captures temporal and spatial patterns of movement, and the controller analyzes these dynamic characteristics to identify tremor frequencies and patterns distinct from voluntary movements, enabling selective tremor cancellation.
4Manufacturing precision
If pre-programming for object length and weight is implemented, then control precision is improved, but adaptability to different objects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service approach where the inertial sensor automatically detects and adapts to the characteristics of any held object without requiring pre-programming. The sensor measures the actual mass and center of gravity of the object in real-time, and the controller uses this information to adjust the tremor cancellation algorithm, enabling the device to work with any object regardless of its properties.
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 system effectively stabilizes objects by canceling tremors across various frequencies, achieving robustness and reducing size and cost, while maintaining intended movements, thus improving quality of life for individuals with neurological disorders and enhancing performance in applications like manufacturing and military operations.
Implementation Method 1
an inertial sensor placed along an attachment arm... to directly measure and cancel unintentional muscle movements
Implementation Method 2
motion-generating mechanism, including coreless micro-motors and miniature gear-reduction systems, to directly measure and cancel unintentional muscle movements
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for stabilizing a position of an object are disclosed. The system comprises a housing that includes a subsystem. The system also includes an attachment arm coupled to the housing. At least one first sensor is placed along the attachment arm, wherein the attachment arm is configured to receive the object thereto. In response to an unintentional muscle movement by a user that adversely affects the motion of the object, the subsystem stabilizes the position of the object. The method comprises providing a subsystem within a housing and coupling an attachment arm to the housing. The method also includes placing at least one first sensor along the attachment arm, wherein the attachment arm is configured to receive the object thereto. In response to an unintentional muscle movement by a user that adversely affects the motion of the object, the subsystem stabilizes the position of the object.