Gyroscopic-assisted device to control balance
AssigneeKhalifa University of Science, Technology & Research (KUSTAR)
InventorsHEIKE VALLERY, DUSTIN JUHN-YIN LI
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Abstract
The embodiment herein generally relates to a system to apply moments to a user, particularly during gait. The system is a portable gyroscopic-assisted system, mounted on a user's body, particularly the upper body, particularly to influence orientation of users having difficulty with balancing during gait. The system comprises a plurality of variable-speed control moment gyroscopes (VSCMGs). The VSCMGs generate moments, particularly to counteract a fall to any direction. The VSCMGs are placed close to the center of mass of the user. The couple moments of the VSCMGs are transmitted to the user through a support structure that is tightly attached to the user. Particularly, the system controls moments based on detecting pre-fall conditions.
Claims20
A portable gyroscopic-assisted system, the system comprising:
- a plurality of gyroscopes attached to a user to transmit a control moment on the user, particularly to influence orientation of the user, wherein the plurality of gyroscopes comprises an assembly of two or more control moment gyroscopes (CMGs) or variable-speed control moment gyroscopes (VSCMGs).
A method for stabilizing user gait with gyroscopic assistance, the method comprising the steps of:
- attaching a support structure to the back of the user, and wherein the support structure comprises a plurality of control moment gyroscopes (CMGs) or variable-speed control moment gyroscopes (VSCMGs), and wherein each of the plurality of CMGs or VSCMGs contains a flywheel that is gimbaled and actuated by at least a first actuator, and wherein a plurality of sensors for detecting a fall condition is connected to the user, and wherein;
- moments are generated by means of the plurality of CMGs or VSCMGs, to produce a net control moment on the user, wherein moments are controlled based on a model of the user and/or a model of falling, in order to bring the user to a stable configuration or help the user get to a stable configuration.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.