Multi-Joint Adjustable Support Device for Tremor and Spill Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with neuromuscular disabilities and others face challenges in safely consuming beverages due to tremors, weakness, and the need for both hands, leading to frequent spills and contamination risks, with existing support devices not fully addressing these issues.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional adjustable support device that can be attached to various bases, featuring a clamping member, ball joint members, and a platform for securing objects, allowing for pivoting, elevational, and rotational adjustments to accommodate different objects and bases, enhancing usability and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed cup holder is used, then the container is stable, but it cannot accommodate different objects or positioning needs
Solution Approach 1:
The support device employs multiple ball joint members that enable dynamic adjustment of the platform to various positions and orientations. The first and second ball joint members allow the platform to be positioned at different angles and locations, transforming a static structure into a dynamically adjustable one that adapts to different objects and user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device is divided into multiple independent segments including a base, first ball joint member, second ball joint member, and platform. This segmentation allows each component to move independently, enabling the platform to reach various positions while keeping the overall device relatively simple in each individual component.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the platform is made large to support various objects, then versatility improves, but the device becomes harder to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is divided into multiple separable components including the base, ball joint members, and platform. This segmentation allows the platform to be easily removed and cleaned separately, maintaining ease of cleaning even while supporting various objects of different sizes and shapes.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform is designed with universal support capabilities through the ball joint mechanism, allowing it to accommodate various objects without requiring a large fixed surface area. The adjustable positioning enables the same platform surface to serve multiple functions for different objects.
3Measurement precision
If the support device includes multiple adjustment mechanisms, then positioning accuracy improves, but the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The support device uses dynamic ball joint mechanisms that provide continuous adjustment capability rather than discrete fixed positions. This allows precise positioning to be achieved through smooth rotational movement of the ball joints, reducing the need for multiple discrete adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball joint members introduce rotational degrees of freedom that enable precise positioning in multiple dimensions. Rather than using multiple linear adjustment mechanisms, the invention achieves positioning accuracy by utilizing rotational movement in spherical coordinates through the ball joints.
Data Source
AI summary
A support device is disclosed for supporting an object. The support device comprises a clamping member applying a compressive force against a base. A lower ball joint member is coupled to the clamping member. A sleeve remember is coupled to the lower ball joint member. An arm member slidably engages relative to the sleeve member. An upper ball joint member is coupled to the arm member. A platform is coupled to the upper ball joint member for supporting the object. The lower ball joint member defines a first pivoting non-planar adjustment. The pivot joint member defines a pivoting planar adjustment. The extension member defines an elevational adjustment. The upper ball joint member defines a second pivoting non-planar adjustment.