Wearable Gyroscope Mounting for Multi-Axis Tremor Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tremor stabilization devices, such as those using a single gyroscope, severely restrict arm movement and are ineffective in addressing multi-dimensional involuntary movements, potentially exacerbating the condition rather than alleviating it.
Innovation Solution
A wearable apparatus with multiple gyroscopic devices mounted to a wearable element, allowing each gyroscope to precess within its housing, utilizing a hinge and turntable mechanism for controlled precession, and incorporating elastomeric or magnetic dampers, motors, and adjustable torque settings to provide comprehensive tremor stabilization across multiple axes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single gyroscope is used to counter tremor movements, then tremor reduction in one direction is achieved, but the device cannot address multi-dimensional involuntary movements
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the single gyroscope into multiple gyroscopes (at least two), each responsible for counteracting tremors in different directions. This segmentation allows the system to address multi-dimensional involuntary movements effectively, resolving the limitation of single-direction tremor reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a one-dimensional single gyroscope system to a multi-dimensional array of gyroscopes. By distributing gyroscopes across different orientations and positions on the wearable element, the system gains the capability to counteract tremors in multiple spatial dimensions simultaneously.
2Reliability
If a splint with bound arm is used to transfer involuntary movement to a gyroscope, then tremor counteraction is achieved, but all free movement within the lower arm is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the tremor-counteracting function from a restrictive splint structure and implements it through wearable elements with gyroscopes. This allows tremor counteraction to be achieved without binding the arm, preserving the user's range of motion and ability to perform activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable element acts as an intermediary between the user's body and the gyroscopes. It provides a flexible mounting platform that allows gyroscopes to counteract tremors without requiring rigid binding of the limb, thus maintaining ease of operation and range of activities.
3Reliability
If gyroscopes are rigidly mounted to prevent movement, then tremor stabilization is achieved, but dexterity and movement freedom are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from rigid mounting to dynamic, flexible mounting of gyroscopes on wearable elements. This allows the gyroscopes to maintain their stabilizing function while accommodating natural limb movements and user activities, preserving dexterity and movement freedom.
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 tremor-induced movements by applying a cumulative gyroscopic moment while allowing for greater dexterity and movement freedom, as demonstrated by significant reduction in angular velocity and amplitude of tremors in both simulated and real patient scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
A gyroscope seeks to maintain the orientation of its spinning axis and resists any action that seeks to cause a change in that orientation. Thus the theory of using a gyroscope is that the onset of a muscle tremor causes a movement in the hand but the gyroscope acts against that movement, substantially cancelling out the tremor.
Implementation Method 2
the control arrangement comprises a plurality of elastomeric dampers
Implementation Method 3
the control arrangement comprises a magnetic control arrangement, preferably comprising at least one magnetic disc or annular magnet associated with the gyroscope
Data Source
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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, both physiological and pathological, especially the hands. We describe an apparatus for reducing effects of tremors on the human body. The apparatus comprises a wearable element and at least one gyroscopic device mounted or mountable to the wearable element, the gyroscopic device comprising a gyroscope and a gyroscope housing. 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. In one embodiment, the mount comprises 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. Preferably the hinge plate or hinge mount comprises a turntable mounted to the gyroscope housing. Preferably, the or each gyroscopic device further comprises a control arrangement to control the precession of the gyroscope.