Three-axis rotation system and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for rotating a human body to diagnose and treat vestibular and other systems are limited as they cannot independently rotate a subject around three perpendicular axes without restriction, lacking the precision and safety needed for effective therapeutic interventions.
Innovation Solution
A three-axis rotation system comprising a yaw frame within a roll frame, with a pitch frame contained within the yaw frame, driven by respective motors and belts, allowing independent rotation around orthogonal pitch, roll, and yaw axes, and featuring a unique drive train system with motors located outside the rotational space to minimize electromagnetic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If motors are placed inside the rotational space to directly drive the frames, then the drive mechanism becomes simpler and more direct, but electromagnetic interference increases and compromises safety
Solution Approach 1:
The motors are extracted from the rotational space and placed in the stationary base structure. This removes the source of electromagnetic interference from the environment where subjects rotate, eliminating the harmful effect while the drive belts transmit power externally to maintain functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Drive belts serve as intermediaries to transmit mechanical power from the stationary motors to the rotating frames. This mediator approach allows motors to remain outside the rotational space (avoiding electromagnetic interference) while still providing direct drive capability through the belt transmission system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system allows unlimited rotation degrees to provide comprehensive therapeutic coverage, then treatment versatility improves, but mechanical stability and precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation system is segmented into three independent axes (pitch, roll, yaw), each controlled by its own motor and drive mechanism. This segmentation allows each axis to be precisely controlled within its own range while collectively providing comprehensive three-dimensional rotational coverage for therapeutic applications.
3Volume of moving object
If drive components are placed within the rotational space for compact design, then the system size decreases, but access for maintenance and operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The motors are extracted from the rotating assemblies and placed in the stationary base, making them easily accessible for maintenance and operation. The drive belts extend externally to connect the stationary motors to the rotating frames, maintaining a compact overall system while ensuring component accessibility.
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 precise and safe independent rotation around three axes, facilitating advanced therapeutic interventions such as vestibular, visual, and proprioceptive therapies, and improving blood perfusion, thereby enhancing treatment options for neurological and motor disorders.
Implementation Method 1
a yaw frame driven by a yaw drive motor to rotate about a yaw axis within the roll frame
Implementation Method 2
the roll frame is driven by a roll drive motor to rotate about a roll axis
Implementation Method 3
a pitch frame contained within the yaw frame, wherein the pitch frame is driven by a pitch drive motor to rotate about a pitch axis within the yaw frame
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method are disclosed that allows a practitioner to rotate a human subject in three different axes of rotation, independently from one another and without limitation on the degree of rotation, which allows for the treatment of various systems of the human subject.