Related Experiment Videos
A wearable tremor-suppression orthosis.
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Davis 95616, USA. kotovsky@mae.engr.ucdavis.edu
Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development
|April 29, 1999
Summary
The Viscous Beam, a wearable tremor-suppression orthosis, effectively reduces wrist tremor amplitude using a novel constrained-layer-damping system. This compact device allows full hand and wrist mobility while providing significant damping.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Rehabilitation Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Tremor, particularly in the wrist, significantly impacts daily activities and quality of life.
- Existing tremor-suppression devices often lack comfort, portability, or sufficient damping capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel wearable tremor-suppression orthosis, the Viscous Beam.
- To assess the efficacy of a constrained-layer-damping (CLD) system for wrist tremor suppression.
Main Methods:
- The Viscous Beam orthosis utilizes a CLD system with a bending-plate transmission to convert wrist motion into shear motion within a viscous fluid.
- High-viscosity silicone fluids (up to 10 million cS) and thin shear layers (0.76 mm) were employed.
- Damping constants and elastic stiffness were measured at high strain rates (up to 4,580 degrees/s).
Main Results:
- The CLD system demonstrated the ability to damp large rotary deflections through a small bending radius.
- Measured damping constants reached as high as 2.0x10^-3 N-m/(degrees/s).
- The device exhibited low elastic stiffness (4.1x10^-2 N-m/degrees) while providing substantial damping.
Conclusions:
- The Viscous Beam is a promising wearable orthosis for tremor suppression, offering significant damping with a compact and comfortable design.
- The CLD system effectively damps wrist motion, allowing for full user mobility.
- This technology has the potential to improve the functional capabilities of individuals with tremor.