Wearable Gyroscope Array for Tremor Control Without Motion Restriction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tremor stabilization devices, such as those using a single gyroscope or a splint with multiple gyroscopes, restrict free movement and exacerbate the practical consequences for patients with neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease.
Innovation Solution
A wearable apparatus with multiple gyroscopic devices mounted on a hinge system, allowing precession and controlled by a control arrangement, which includes elastomeric dampers or magnetic controls, distributed across the body part to counter tremors without restricting movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single gyroscope is used to counter tremors, then the device structure is simple, but it can only reduce involuntary movement in one planar direction
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the single gyroscope into multiple smaller gyroscopes distributed across the wearable element. Each gyroscope handles tremors in specific directions, collectively providing comprehensive three-dimensional tremor stabilization while maintaining manageable device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from one-dimensional tremor counteraction (single gyroscope) to three-dimensional tremor stabilization by distributing multiple gyroscopes across different spatial locations and orientations on the wearable element, enabling comprehensive coverage of all tremor directions
2Stability of the object's composition
If a splint with multiple gyroscopes is used to counter tremors in all directions, then tremor stabilization is improved, but free movement of the arm and hand is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the tremor counteraction function into multiple independent small gyroscopes distributed across the wearable element rather than using a single large restrictive splint. This allows tremor stabilization without constraining the natural range of motion of the arm and hand
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable element with distributed gyroscopes allows dynamic, free movement of the limb while the gyroscopes actively counter tremors. The system adapts to natural movement patterns rather than restricting them, maintaining ease of operation while providing stabilization
3Reliability
If larger gyroscopes are used to effectively counter tremors, then tremor reduction is improved, but the device weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces one or two large gyroscopes with multiple smaller gyroscopes distributed across the wearable element. Each small gyroscope handles a portion of the tremor counteraction task, collectively providing effective stabilization while significantly reducing total device weight and size
Solution Approach 2:
Each small gyroscope is positioned at specific locations on the wearable element where it can most effectively counter local tremor components. This distributed arrangement optimizes tremor reduction effectiveness while minimizing overall device mass compared to centralized large gyroscope configurations
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 apparatus effectively reduces tremors by minimizing angular velocity while allowing for greater dexterity and movement, using smaller gyroscopes powered by rechargeable batteries or wireless energy, with additional features for monitoring and feedback.
Implementation Method 1
a battery-driven gyroscope is held against the back face of the hand by a strap. A gyroscope seeks to maintain the orientation of its spinning axis and resists any action that seeks to cause a change in that orientation.
Implementation Method 2
the at least one gyroscopic device is mounted within the housing by means of a mount which allows the gyroscope to precess with respect to the housing
Implementation Method 3
the control arrangement comprises a plurality of elastomeric dampers
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to improvements in or relating to tremor stabilisation apparatus and methods, in particular to gyroscopic devices for use in controlling tremors of parts of the body and for reducing effects of tremors on the human body. The apparatus includes a wearable element and at least one gyroscopic device mounted or mountable to the wearable element, the gyroscopic device including a gyroscope and a gyroscope housing. The at least one gyroscopic device may be mounted within the housing such that the gyroscope may precess with respect to the housing. The mount may include a hinge to which the gyroscope is mounted and a hinge plate or hinge mount to which the hinge is mounted for rotation with respect to the gyroscope housing, such as a turntable mounted to the gyroscope housing. The gyroscopic devices may include a control arrangement to control the precession of the gyroscope.