Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a wearable wound management device that is capable of assisting a user in treatment of their wound by allowing air circulation which allows proper ventilation to limb, thus heals the wound and prevent adverse effect on the wound due to any chances of accumulation of moisture around the wound.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] User generally in their day-to-day lives gets several kinds of injuries over their limb portion either while playing any sports or driving any vehicle or while performing any daily activity. And for a better treatment of the injury, they used to go to the clinics or to the hospital for dressing the wound as in most of the cases the injuries wounds require dressing over a wound for healing purpose. However, dressing a wound manually takes physical efforts as well as are quite time-consuming, also there is a chance that human-errors might occurs while dressing a wound. Dressing of wound is also an appropriate method for carrying out treatment of wound as dressing fails to allow proper ventilation to the wound which causes adverse effect on the wound due accumulation of moisture around the wound. Hence, an equipment needs to be developed that aids the person in carrying out treatment of the wound in a precise manner and within minimal manual efforts required.

[0003] Conventionally, some ways were used by people for carrying out proper treatment of wound present over the certain body portion of the user. People usually apply bandage over the wound in order to cover the wound present over the body and prevent the wound from any kind of infection. However, these bandages fail to provide proper ventilation or air circulation which causes adverse effect on the wound due to accumulation of moisture around the wound. So, people also use the assistance of medical nurse or healthcare’s workers for wrapping or applying dressing over the wound in order to carry out treatment of wound in a precise manner. But the method quite takes a lot of time to heal the wound as there is proper ventilation to the wound is not present or is negligible.

[0004] CN117531124A discloses about an invention that includes a wearable intelligent self-adaptive photon auxiliary wound repair equipment and a method, wherein the equipment comprises a flexible electronic layer, a power supply layer, a hydrogel layer and a flexible packaging substrate, wherein the flexible electronic layer comprises a power management module and a circuit control module which are symmetrically distributed on two sides of the electronic layer, a detection module and a flexible light-emitting module in the middle area, a photoelectric detection module connected with the circuit control module, a Bluetooth module and an image processing module which are embedded on the circuit control module; the power supply layer comprises a flexible paper battery which is connected with the power supply management module; the hydrogel layer is below the power supply layer; the entire system is encapsulated by a flexible encapsulation substrate. The invention is suitable for healing various chronic and acute wounds, can evaluate the wound state at any time, promotes the repair of the wounds under the condition of not affecting the normal activities of animals, reduces the time of wound healing and improves the quality of wound healing. Although CN’124 relates to a wearable intelligent self-adaptive photon-assisted wound repair equipment and method that aids in repairing the wound detected on the certain body portion. But the cited invention lacks in determining the presence of microorganisms in the wound and fails to emit UV light onto the wound to prevent infection.

[0005] US11955030B2 discloses about an invention that includes a wound treatment simulation device and method of operating thereof are disclosed. The device includes a housing, a simulated wound structure, a pump, a power supply, a sensor, a feedback device, and a microprocessor. The housing is configured to be secured to the live subject and to cover at least a portion of a body of the subject. The wound structure is configured to simulate a structure associated with the type of simulated wound treatment. The at least one feedback device is configured to provide a feedback signal to the live subject. The microprocessor is connected to the sensor and the feedback device. The microprocessor is programmed to operate the feedback device to provide haptic feedback based upon input (e.g. force or pressure) generated from interaction between a treatment provider and the simulated wound structure. The disclosed device may be used to simulate a variety of wound care and treatments. Though US’030 relates to a wearable wound treatment simulation device, that carryout the treatment of detected wound in a precise manner. But the cited invention lacks in allowing proper ventilation to limb, which causes adverse effect on the wound due to accumulation of moisture around the wound.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of carrying out proper treatment of wound present over the limb portion of the user. However, these devices are incapable of determining the presence of microorganisms in the wound and fails to emit UV light onto the wound to prevent infection. Additionally, these existing devices also lack in allowing proper ventilation to limb over which the wound is present, that causes adverse effect on the wound due to accumulation of moisture around the wound.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of providing a means for determining the presence of microorganisms in the wound and in accordance with that emit UV light onto the wound to prevent infection. In addition, the developed device also aids the user in treatment of their wound by allowing air circulation which allows proper ventilation to limb, thus heals the wound and prevent adverse effect on the wound due to any chances of accumulation of moisture around the wound.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of aiding a user in treatment of their wound by allowing air circulation which allows proper ventilation to limb, thus heals the wound and prevent adverse effect on the wound due to any chances of accumulation of moisture around the wound.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting a muscular strain over the limb portion of the user and accordingly provides an EMS therapy to muscles of the user, thus provide relief to the user from the strain.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of providing a means for determining the presence of microorganisms in the wound and in accordance with that emit UV light onto the wound to prevent infection.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a wearable wound management device that is capable of aiding a user in treatment of their wound by allowing air circulation which allows proper ventilation to limb, thus heals the wound and prevent adverse effect on the wound due to any chances of accumulation of moisture around the wound. Additionally, the proposed device also provides a means to determine the presence of microorganisms in the wound and in accordance with that emit UV light onto the wound to prevent infection.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a wearable wound management device comprises of, a cylindrical member, adapted to be positioned over a limb of a user, the member having a plurality of openings for allowing air circulation, plurality of pop-out balls mounted on an inner surface of the member for aligning the member with a wound on the limb, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit, installed on the member to determine a wound on the limb, plurality of nozzles installed on the member, connected via conduits, to a tank mounted on the member, for spraying an antibiotic solution onto the wound, an EMS (electronic muscle stimulation) unit installed within the member for providing EMS therapy to muscles of the user, an EMG (electromyography) sensor embedded in the member to detect a muscular strain, and a temperature sensor provided in the member to detect a skin temperature of the user.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of, a Peltier unit configured with the member to alter temperature of the member to be within a predetermined range if the detected temperature is outside a predetermined temperature range, a pressure sensor provided within the member to detect a pressure applied by the limb within the member, a speaker provided on the member to generate an audio alert for the user regarding an inflammation if the detected pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure, a microphone, provided on the member for receiving an audio command from the user regarding positioning the member, a biosensor provided on the member detects microorganisms in the wound, plurality of ultraviolet (UV) emitter to emit UV light onto the wound to prevent infection, and a battery is associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a wearable wound management device; and
Figure 2 illustrates an internal view of the proposed device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to a wearable wound management device that is capable of providing an assistance for a user in treatment of their wound by allowing air circulation which allows proper ventilation to limb, thus heals the wound and prevent adverse effect on the wound due to any chances of accumulation of moisture around the wound. In addition, the proposed device also detects a muscular strain over the limb portion of the user and accordingly provides an EMS therapy to muscles of the user, thus provide relief to the user from the strain.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, a perspective view of a wearable wound management device and an internal view of the proposed device, is illustrated, respectively, comprising a cylindrical member 101, adapted to be positioned over a limb of a user, plurality of openings 102 are crafted over the member 101, plurality of pop-out balls 201 mounted on an inner surface of the member 101, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103, installed on the member 101, plurality of nozzles 104 installed on the member 101, connected via conduits 105, to a tank 106 mounted on the member 101, an EMS (electronic muscle stimulation) unit 202 installed within the member 101, a speaker 107 provided on the member 101, a microphone 108, provided on the member 101, plurality of ultraviolet (UV) emitter 203 embedded within the member 101.

[0023] A cylindrical member 101 which is positioned over a limb of a user, comprises of a handy and portable cylindrical enclosure encasing various components associated with the device, wherein the member 101 is made up of material that includes but not limited to plastic or nylon or cotton that ensures that the device is of generous size and is light in weight.

[0024] The member 101 having multiple openings 102 which are preferably 2 to 6 in numbers and aids in allowing air circulation which allows proper ventilation to limb, thus heals the wound and prevent adverse effect on the wound due to any chances of accumulation of moisture around the wound.

[0025] A user provides an audio command via a microphone 108 which is integrated over the member 101, regarding positioning of the member 101 over the wound along with actuating various components associated with the device. The microphone 108 mentioned herein works as a transducer that converts sound waves into audio signal. The microphone 108 on receiving the input commands from the user converts the input signal into electrical signal and sends it to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received signals in order to position the member 101 over the wound in a precise manner. The voice inputs of the user is further analyzed by the microcontroller and accordingly aids user in actuating several components associated within the proposed device.

[0026] Once the microphone 108 receives the command regarding the positioning of the member 101 over the wound, the microphone 108 sent the command to the microcontroller for further processing. The microcontroller herein performs analyzation of the received command and synchronously actuates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103, which is installed on the member 101. The imaging unit 103 herein captures multiple images of the surrounding and sent the captured images to a processor paired with the imaging unit 103, for further processing. The processor processes the captured images and sent the data to the microcontroller in order to perform specified operation.

[0027] The imaging unit 103 disclosed herein comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images of the surroundings and the captured images are stored within memory of the imaging unit 103 in form of an optical data. The imaging unit 103 also comprises of the processor which processes the captured images. This pre-processing involves tasks such as noise reduction, image stabilization, or color correction. The processed data is fed into AI protocols for analysis which utilizes machine learning techniques, such as deep learning neural networks, to extract meaningful information from the visual data which are processed by the microcontroller to determine presence of a wound on the limb.

[0028] Once presence of wound over the limb is detected, the microcontroller generates a command and actuates multiple pop-out balls 201 which are preferably 4 to 8 in numbers and are mounted on an inner surface of the member 101. Each motorized pop-out balls 201 are equipped with a motor that provides the necessary power for movement. Upon activation, these motors engage that causes the balls 201 to extend or retract as needed. This extension or retraction action allows the balls 201 to pop out from the surface of the conveyor belt and altering the direction of movement for the conveyed items. By coordinating the activation of these motors, the pop-out balls 201 translate the wearable member 101 in order to align the member 101 with a wound on the limb in a precise way, thus prevents the wound from any kind of infection.

[0029] For proper treatment of the wound, an antibiotic solution is sprayed over the wound via plurality of nozzles 104 which are preferably 4 to 8 in numbers and installed on the member 101. The nozzle 104 is connected via conduits 105 which is arranged with a tank 106 in which the solution is stored. The tank 106 mentioned herein is mounted on the member 101 and is preferably constructed of materials which includes but not limited to steel, iron and hard plastic, as these materials provides strength or durability and flexibility to the device.

[0030] The electronic nozzle 104 works by utilizing electrical energy to automize the flow solution in a controlled flow pattern by converting the pressure energy of a fluid into kinetic energy, which increases the fluid's velocity to solution. Upon actuation of nozzle 104 by the microcontroller, the electric motor or the pump pressurizes the incoming antibiotic solution, increasing its pressure significantly. High pressure enables the solution to be sprayed out with a high force, thus aid in treatment of the wound in a precise manner and prevent the user from any kind of infection.

[0031] The member 101 is embedded with an EMG (electromyography) sensor which determines a muscular strain over a certain portion of the body. The EMG sensor work by detecting and recording the electrical activity produced by the muscles. These sensors typically consist of small electrodes that are placed on the surface of the skin or inserted into the muscle tissue. When a muscle contracts, it generates electrical signals known as action potentials. The EMG sensor picks up these signals and converts them into a measurable output, allowing for the analysis of muscle activity. The detected muscle activity is further transmitted to the microcontroller where it analyses to detect the muscle activity of the user. Based on detection, the microcontroller determines area at which the massage is to be provided to the user, along with decoding a time duration for which the massage is to be provided to the user

[0032] Once the presence of strain is detected by the EMG sensor the microcontroller generates a command and actuates an EMS (electronic muscle stimulation) unit 202 which is installed on the unit and used to provide EMS therapy to muscles of the user. The EMS (electronic muscle stimulation) unit 202 consist of electrodes (which are attach to the skin, as they deliver the electrical impulses to the muscles), wires or cables (these connect the electrodes to the microcontroller, allowing the transmission of electrical signals).

[0033] The unit works as the electrodes are placed on the muscles you want to stimulate and intensity is set via microcontroller. Start with a low intensity and gradually the intensity increases it to a comfortable level. The mode settings may vary depending on the device (e.g., muscle recovery, strength training). When the unit gets activated, the microcontroller sends electrical impulses through the electrodes to the muscles. These impulses mimic the action potential that comes from the central nervous system, causing the muscles to contract. Typically, EMS sessions last around 20-30 minutes per muscles group. The duration and frequency of sessions may vary depending on the goal of the individual and recommendations from the healthcare professionals.

[0034] It’s crucial to use EMS units according to instructions and avoid placing electrodes over areas with skin conditions, broken skin, or near sensitive areas like eyes or throat. Also, consultant with the healthcare professional before starting to use an EMS unit is necessary, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

[0035] After the EMS therapy is provided to muscles of the user by the EMS unit, the temperature of the skin needs to be measured, and for that a temperature sensor is used which is integrated on the member 101. The temperature sensor comprises crucial components such as an infrared sensor, an optical arrangement, and a detector. It functions on the principle of detecting infrared radiation emitted by the user. When the temperature exceeds absolute zero, it emits infrared radiation. The sensor captures this radiation using its optical arrangement, directing it onto a detector. Common detectors, like thermopiles or pyroelectric sensors, then convert the received infrared energy into an electrical signal. This signal undergoes processing by electronic components, translating it into a temperature reading of the user’s skin.

[0036] And for altering the temperature of the member 101 as per the determined user’s skin temperature, a Peltier unit which is configured with the member 101 is used by the device. The Peltier unit consists of two semiconductor plates, known as Peltier plates, connected in series and sandwiched between two ceramic plates. When an electric current is applied to the Peltier unit, one side of the unit absorbs heat from its surroundings, while the other side releases heat, thereby alter temperature of the member 101 as per the determined temperature of the user’s skin or to be within a predetermined range if the detected temperature is outside a predetermined temperature range.

[0037] After that the user who wears the member 101 over the limb portion feels uncomfortable sometimes due to the applied pressure by the limb within the member 101, exceeds the limit. The pressure herein is measures by a pressure sensor which is integrated over the member 101. The Pressure sensors mentioned above includes a sensing element that is the core component that directly interacts with the pressure being measured. It typically consists of a diaphragm or a membrane that deforms under the applied pressure. When pressure is applied to the sensing element, it causes a diaphragm or membrane present within the sensor to flex or deform. The amount of deformation is proportional to the applied pressure. The deformation of the sensing element is converted into a measurable electrical signal which is processed by the microcontroller to determine the pressure applied by the limb within said member 101.

[0038] Once the pressure applied by the limbs within member 101 is detected, the microcontroller analyzes the data and in case the detected pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure, then the microcontroller generates a command and actuates a speaker 107 which is installed over the member 101 for generating an audio alert for the user regarding an inflammation if the detected pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure. The speaker 107 consists of audio information, which is in the form of recorded voice, synthesized voice, or other sounds, generated or stored as digital data. The digital audio data is converted into analog electrical signals. Further the analog signal is amplified by an amplifier and the amplified audio signal is then sent to the speaker 107. The core of the speaker 107 is an electromagnet attached to a flexible cone. These sound waves travel through the air as pressure waves and are picked by the user’s ear. The speaker 107 is connected to the microcontroller and when detected pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure, the microcontroller activates the speaker 107 for notifying the user regarding an inflammation of the member 101.

[0039] The member 101 is integrated with a biosensor which detects microorganisms in the wound. The biosensor comprises of a bio receptor, a transducer and a signal processor. The bio sensor is an analytical device that converts the biological signals into electrical signals and send to the microcontroller for further processing, wherein in case of detection of microorganisms in the wound, the microcontroller generates a command and actuates multiple ultraviolet (UV) emitter 203 which are preferably 4 to 6 in numbers and are integrated on inner portion of the member 101.

[0040] The ultraviolet (UV) emitter 203 comprises of a UV lamp that is effective against all pathogens, bacteria, molds, yeasts, etc. The ultraviolet light emitted by the lamp breaks down the chemical bonds, thus, scrambling the structure of DNA, RNA and proteins, which inhibit the growth of the microorganisms present over the wound and prevent the user from any kind of infection.

[0041] Moreover, a battery is associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device and supplying a voltage to the components. The battery used herein is preferably a Lithium-ion battery which is a rechargeable unit that demands power supply after getting drained. The battery stores the electric current derived from an external source in the form of chemical energy, which when required by the electronic component of the device, derives the required power from the battery for proper functioning of the device.

[0042] The present invention works in the best manner where the cylindrical member 101, adapted to be positioned over the limb of the user. The member 101 having multiple openings 102 which aids in allowing air circulation which allows proper ventilation to limb, thus heals the wound and prevent adverse effect on the wound due to any chances of accumulation of moisture around the wound. Then the user provides an audio command via the microphone 108 which is integrated over the member 101, regarding positioning of the member 101 over the wound along with actuating various components associated with the device. Once the microphone 108 receives the command regarding the positioning of the member 101 over the wound, the microphone 108 sent the command to the microcontroller for further processing. The microcontroller herein performs analyzation of the received command and synchronously actuates the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 to determine presence of the wound on the limb. Once presence of wound over the limb is detected, the microcontroller generates a command and actuates multiple pop-out balls 201 to align the member 101 with the wound on the limb in a precise way, thus prevents the wound from any kind of infection. For proper treatment of the wound, the antibiotic solution is sprayed over the wound via plurality of nozzles 104, the nozzles 104 is connected via conduits 105 which is arranged with the tank 106 in which the solution is stored. Thereafter the member 101 is embedded with the EMG (electromyography) sensor which determines the muscular strain over the certain portion of the body. Once the presence of strain is detected by the EMG sensor the microcontroller generates a command and actuates the EMS (electronic muscle stimulation) unit 202 which is installed on the unit and used to provide EMS therapy to muscles of the user. After the EMS therapy is provided to muscles of the user by the EMS unit, the temperature of the skin needs to be measured, and for that the temperature sensor is used which is integrated on the member 101. And for altering the temperature of the member 101 as per the determined user’s skin temperature, the Peltier unit which is configured with the member 101 is used by the device. After that the user who wears the member 101 over the limb portion feels uncomfortable sometimes due to the applied pressure by the limb within the member 101 exceeds the limit. The pressure which is applied here is measures by the pressure sensor which is integrated over the member 101. Afterwards the speaker 107 generates an audio alert for the user regarding an inflammation if the detected pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure. Then the member 101 is integrated with the biosensor which detects microorganisms in the wound. In case of detection of microorganisms in the wound, the microcontroller actuates multiple ultraviolet (UV) emitter 203 which are integrated on inner portion of the member 101 to inhibit the growth of the microorganisms present over the wound and prevent the user from any kind of infection.

[0043] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A wearable wound management device, comprising:

i) a cylindrical member 101, adapted to be positioned over a limb of a user, said member 101 having a plurality of openings 102 for allowing air circulation, wherein a plurality of pop-out balls 201 mounted on an inner surface of said member 101 for aligning said member 101 with a wound on said limb;
ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103, installed on said member 101 and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of said member 101, to determine a wound on said limb to trigger a microcontroller to actuate said pop-out balls 201 to translate said member 101 to said wound;
iii) a plurality of nozzles 104 installed on aid member 101, connected via conduits 105, to a tank 106 mounted on said member 101, for spraying an antibiotic solution onto said wound;
iv) an EMS (electronic muscle stimulation) unit 202 installed within said member 101 for providing EMS therapy to muscles of said user, wherein an EMG (electromyography) sensor embedded in said member 101 detects a muscular strain to trigger a microcontroller to actuate said EMS unit to provide EMS therapy to said strained muscle;
v) a temperature sensor provided in said member 101 detects a skin temperature of said user to trigger said microcontroller to actuate a peltier unit configured with said member 101 to alter temperature of said member 101 to be within a predetermined range if said detected temperature is outside a predetermined temperature range; and
vi) a pressure sensor provided within said member 101 detects a pressure applied by said limb within said member 101 to trigger said microcontroller to actuate a speaker 107 provided on said member 101 to generate an audio alert for said user regarding an inflammation if said detected pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure.
2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a microphone 108, linked with said microcontroller, provided on said member 101 for receiving an audio command from said user regarding positioning said member 101 to trigger said microcontroller to actuate said imaging unit 103 to determine a wound on said limb to actuate said pop-out balls 201 to translate said member 101 to said wound.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a biosensor provided on said member 101 detects microorganisms in said wound to trigger said microcontroller to actuate a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) emitter 203 to emit UV light onto said wound to prevent infection.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.