Rotational swing systems and methods for providing vestibular stimulation
Inventors
Aumalis, Deana Jo • Krueger, Stephanie Rose • Brunick, Haley B. • Kelley, Chris • Banwell, Scott • Langley, Jr., Michael E. • Carmen, Christina
Assignees
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Publication Number
US-11559457-B1
Publication Date
2023-01-24
Expiration Date
2039-09-30
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Abstract
A rotational swing system is used for providing vestibular stimulation. The rotational swing system may include a rotational swing that is actuated by a motor. The system has a support frame arranged so that the motor does not need to bear the weight of the swing, thereby reducing the cost of the motor. When the system is used in a classroom to provide vestibular stimulation to a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the automatic actuation of the swing by the motor helps to free the teacher's attention for addressing the needs of the other children in the classroom.
Core Innovation
The invention is directed to a rotational swing system for providing vestibular stimulation. The system comprises a swing actuated by a motor, where the system’s unique support frame is designed so that the motor does not bear the weight of the swing. This configuration allows the use of a less expensive motor, lowering the overall cost of the system.
The main problem addressed by the invention is the need for improved, reliable, and cost-effective vestibular stimulation devices for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Traditional methods often require the teacher's direct involvement, such as spinning a child in a chair, which diverts the teacher’s attention from other children in the classroom. Reliable systems that automate this sensory intervention and are economical to produce are highly desirable in educational and therapeutic settings.
The inventive system supports the swing’s weight via the mechanical frame while transferring rotational motion from the motor to the swing through a series of connectors, a coupler, and bearing plates. This arrangement enables automatic, motorized vestibular stimulation, which can be controlled via a user interface to adjust parameters such as speed, direction, and duration. The system is adaptable to various swing types, such as hammock or bucket swings, and offers mechanical stability and reduced stress on motor components.
Claims Coverage
There are three independent claims in this patent, each highlighting a key inventive feature.
Motorized rotational swing system with weight-bearing support elements
The system comprises: - Multiple support elements, including at least a first and second support element. - A motor mounted on the first support element, with a motor shaft. - A first connector with a head that rests on the second support element. - A coupler between the connector and motor shaft. - A seating mount and swing attached through these components. The inventive feature is that the motor rotates the shaft, transferring movement through the coupler, connector, and seating mount to the swing, with the weight of the swing pressing the connector's head against the second support element so the motor does not bear the swing’s weight.
Swinging system with connector supporting swing weight on the frame
The inventive feature disclosed includes: - A frame. - A motor with a motor shaft. - A first connector, with a first shaft. - A coupler connects the motor shaft to the connector's first shaft. - A seating mount and swing connected through these components. The key inventive element is positioning the first connector on the frame so the swing's weight causes the connector to press against the frame’s surface, and rotational movement is transferred from motor to swing through the series of connections. The motor is mounted so it is not required to support the weight of the swing.
Method of providing vestibular stimulation with swing weight supported by frame
This method covers: - Positioning a user in a swing which is coupled to a motor via a seating mount, first connector, and coupler, with the motor mounted on a first support element and the connector’s head resting on a second support element such that the swing’s weight is supported by the frame (not the motor). - Driving the motor to rotate the motor shaft, transferring rotational movement through the coupler, connector, and seating mount to the swing, thereby delivering vestibular stimulation.
The inventive features focus on a unique motorized swing system for vestibular stimulation where the support structure bears the swing’s weight instead of the motor, allowing economical and automatic operation suitable for therapeutic applications.
Stated Advantages
The system reduces the cost of the motor by having the support frame bear the weight of the swing, not the motor.
The automatic actuation of the motor frees the teacher’s attention for addressing other classroom needs.
The system enables reliable and cost-effective vestibular stimulation suitable for adoption into the marketplace.
The design reduces stress on components, especially the motor shaft, thereby increasing reliability.
Documented Applications
Providing vestibular stimulation to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in classroom environments.
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