Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated fomentation providing device that is designed to address foot discomfort, deformities, and inflammation caused by the condition by providing therapeutic support, thereby relieving pain and improving mobility while adapting to the unique foot condition of the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] When someone experiences muscle pain or stiffness, then they often turn to methods like using hot water bottles, heated towels, or even sitting in a hot bath to get some relief. These methods provide temporary comfort but might become uncomfortable to use. Hot water bottles might leak, towels need to be reheated, and it’s hard to keep the heat at a consistent level. Plus, it's not always easy to target the exact area of pain. People needed a better way to apply steady, controlled heat without the hassle. The challenge was creating something that provide the right amount of heat, be easy to use, and last longer without causing burns or discomfort.

[0003] Traditional methods of fomentation often included the use of hot water bottles, heated towels, and hot baths. These methods were accessible, simple, and easy to implement but had several limitations. For instance, hot water bottles, while portable, often didn't retain heat for long and cause burns if misused. Heated towels required frequent reheating and are not easily applied to specific areas of the body, making them inefficient for targeted treatment. Hot baths, although effective for general muscle relaxation, but are time-consuming, impractical for use in specific body areas, and not always ideal for individuals with mobility issues. So, people use electric heating pads and infrared heat lamps as these offered more consistent and controlled heat application but still came with drawbacks, such as difficulty in targeting specific areas, bulky designs, and limited flexibility in movement during use. Additionally, some heating pads overheat or malfunction, posing safety risks. Despite improvements, these still lacked portability and were not suitable for all users.

[0004] US6149611A discloses about an invention that includes a foot massager, which includes a casing, a massaging disk supported on elastic blocks inside the casing, two massaging foot plates suspended in respective foot recesses at the massaging disk, a plurality of infrared light emitting devices respectively installed in the foot recesses below the massaging foot plates, a motor mounted in the casing and controlled to rotate two massaging plates through a worm and two gear meshed with the worm at two opposite sides, and a weight fastened to the motor shaft of the motor to increase the amplitude of vibration.

[0005] CN202270103U discloses about an invention that includes a medical fomentation device, which comprises a container body manufactured from a heat-conducting material, wherein hand grips are arranged at two sides of the container body; a water injection port is formed on the side of the container body; a sealed blanking cap is covered on the water injection port; the container body is a sealed cavity; and the bottom of the container body is an inward concave cambered surface, the upper part of the container body is an outward convex cambered surface, the right side of the container body is an inward concave cambered surface, the left side of the container body is an outward convex cambered surface, and the radians of the side cambered surfaces are smaller than those of the upper and lower cambered surfaces. By implementing the medical fomentation device provided by the utility model, medicament steaming treatment is increased to traditional fomentation on the basis of retaining heating treatment, thus the curative effect is improved. According to the utility model, different cambered surfaces can adapt to the curves of different parts of a human body; and at the same time, the medical fomentation device is simple in structure, low in cost and convenient for use.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of providing fomentation. However, these devices are fails to provide a customizable footwear that support users with deformed toes caused by gout, thereby result in improper accommodation and discomfort. Additionally, these existing devices also lack in monitoring the foot condition of the user including inflammation and pressure points, and are insufficient in adjusting its therapeutic functions based on real-time data.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that requires to provide a customizable footwear aid that offers a highly adaptive solution to fit the user’s foot condition, supporting users with deformed toes caused by gout and ensuring proper accommodation and comfort. In addition, the developed device also needs to continuously monitor the foot condition of the user including inflammation and pressure points, and accordingly adjusting its therapeutic functions based on real-time data to enhance user comfort and recovery.

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 provides a customizable footwear aid that offers a highly adaptive solution to fit the user’s foot condition, supporting users with deformed toes caused by gout and ensuring proper accommodation and comfort.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is able to provides therapies to manage pain, inflammation, and discomfort, to help alleviate symptoms of gout effectively.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that continuously monitors the foot condition of the user including inflammation and pressure points, and accordingly adjusts its therapeutic functions based on real-time data to enhance user comfort and recovery.

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that enhances the user's mobility by reducing foot strain and ensuring proper foot alignment, thereby helping to prevent further damage caused by gout.

[0013] 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

[0014] The present invention relates to an automated fomentation providing device that facilitates a customizable footwear aid which delivers a highly adaptive solution to accommodate the user’s foot condition, for providing support to individuals with deformed toes caused by gout, thereby ensuring proper fit and comfort.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated fomentation providing device comprises of a wearable member accessed by a user with gout disease to wear the member over a foot of the user with deformed toe, a pair of straps configured with the member to aid the user in wearing the member over the foot, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit installed over the member to determine dimensions of the foot, plurality of motorized hinge joints integrated with each of the straps to regulate length of the straps to accommodate the foot in an appropriate manner, a motorized sliding unit installed over periphery of the member to provide translation to a pair of C-shaped extendable plates configured with the siding unit and position in proximity to the user’s toe, a motorized drawer arrangement is integrated with each of the plate to provide extension to the plates in view of accommodating the user’s toe in between the plates in an appropriate manner, an electromagnetic spring is arranged in between the plates to contract to enable the plates to grip the user’s toe, and inner periphery of each of the plates are layered with an inflatable layer that is connected with an air compressor to inflate the layer in view of comfortably gripping the user’s toe.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of an thermal camera installed over the member to determine inflammation in the user’s toe, a Peltier unit integrated with each of the plates to provide cooling temperature to the user’s toe for reducing the detected inflammation, a microphone mapped over the member to receive voice command of the user regarding providing heating effect to the user’s toe, an infrared unit integrated with each of the plates to provide heat to the user’s toe, for providing heating effect to the user’s toe, a vibration unit is integrated with the member to produce vibrations of a specific intensity to provide massaging effect to the user’s sole, in case user via the microcontroller provides command regarding massaging a specific portion of the user’s foot, the sliding unit provide translation to a motorized roller configured with the sliding unit via a L-shaped extendable link to position the roller over the user-specified portion to massage the user-specified portion, plurality of shock absorbing units are integrated with the member to absorb shock experienced by the member during walking of the user over a ground surface, a database is integrated with the microcontroller to save information regarding user's foot condition, including foot posture, pressure points, and movement to evaluate improvement in gout disease and a speaker installed over the member to produce a voice command to notify the user regarding the evaluated improvement.

[0017] 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

[0018] 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 top view of an automated fomentation providing device; and
Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a pair of C-shaped extendable plates associated with the proposed device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] The present invention relates to an automated fomentation providing device that offers a customizable footwear aid that adapts to the user's specific foot condition, for providing support for individuals with deformed toes caused by gout while ensuring optimal comfort and fit. Additionally, the proposed device continuously monitors the user's foot health, including inflammation and pressure points, and adjusts its therapeutic functions in real-time based on this data to improve comfort and support recovery.

[0023] Referring to Figure 1 and 2, a top view of an automated fomentation providing device and a perspective view of a pair of C-shaped extendable plates associated with the proposed device are illustrated, respectively, comprising a wearable member 101, a pair of straps 102 configured with the member 101, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 103 installed over the member 101, plurality of motorized hinge joints 104 integrated with each of the straps 102, a motorized sliding unit 105 installed over periphery of the member 101, a pair of C-shaped extendable plates 106 configured with the siding unit.

[0024] Figure 1 further illustrates an thermal camera 107 installed over the member 101, a microphone 108 mapped over the member 101, an electromagnetic spring 201 is arranged in between the plates 106, a vibration unit 109 is integrated with the member 101, inner periphery of each of the plates 106 are layered with an inflatable layer 202 that is connected with an air compressor 110, a motorized roller 111 configured with the sliding unit 105 via a L-shaped extendable link 112, plurality of shock absorbing units 113 are integrated with the member 101, a speaker 114 installed over the member 101, an infrared unit 203 integrated with each of the plates 106.

[0025] The device disclosed herein comprising a wearable member 101 that is designed for use by individuals suffering from gout, specifically to be worn over the foot of the user, particularly in cases where the user has a deformed toe. The wearable member 101 is structured to accommodate the unique anatomical shape and requirements of the affected foot. The member 101 includes a pair of straps 102 that are configured to assist the user in properly wearing and securing the member 101 over the foot.

[0026] These straps 102 are designed to facilitate ease of application, ensuring that the member 101 remains securely in place during use while providing comfort and support. The straps 102 is adjusted to provide a customized fit, addressing the varying levels of swelling and deformity associated with gout, especially in the toe area. The member 101, in conjunction with the straps 102, works to stabilize and alleviate pressure on the affected areas, thereby reducing discomfort caused by the condition. The design is intended to promote the user’s mobility and comfort while managing the symptoms associated with gout.

[0027] The member 101 is installed with an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 103 which determine dimensions of the foot. The imaging unit 103 disclosed herein comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images of the foot and the captured images are stored within memory of the imaging unit 103 in form of an optical data.

[0028] 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 dimensions of the foot.

[0029] In synchronization, the microcontroller actuates plurality of motorized hinge joints 104 (preferably 2 to 6 in numbers) that are integrated with each of the straps 102. The hinge joints 104 mentioned above are preferably a motorized hinge joints 104 that involves the use of an electric motor to control the movement of the hinge and the connected component. The hinge joints 104 provide the pivot point around which the movement occurs. The motor is the core component responsible for generating the rotational motion. It converts the electrical energy into mechanical energy, producing the necessary torque that drives the hinge joints 104. As the motor rotates, the motorized hinge joints 104 regulate length of the straps 102 to accommodate the foot in an appropriate manner.

[0030] Over periphery of the member 101 a motorized sliding unit 105 is installed that is synchronously actuated by the microcontroller. The sliding unit 105 consists of a pair of sliding rails fabricated with grooves in which the wheel of a slider is positioned that is further connected with a bi-directional motor via a shaft. The microcontroller actuates the bi-directional motor to rotate in clockwise and anti-clockwise direction that aids in rotation of shaft, wherein the shaft converts the electrical energy into rotational energy for allowing movement of the wheel to translate over the sliding rail by a firm grip on the grooves. The movement of the slider results in translation of a pair of C-shaped extendable plates 106 configured with the siding unit and position in proximity to the user’s toe.

[0031] Each of the plates 106 are embedded with a motorized drawer arrangement which extend the plates 106 as per the determined dimensions of the foot. The drawer arrangement consists of multiple plates that are overlapped to each other with a sliding unit 105, wherein upon actuation of the drawer arrangement by the microcontroller, the motor in the sliding unit 105 starts rotating a wheel coupled via a shaft in clockwise/anticlockwise direction providing a movement to the slider in the drawer arrangement to extend plates 106 in view of accommodating the user’s toe in between the plates 106 in an appropriate manner.

[0032] In between the plates 106 an electromagnetic spring 201 is arranged which is energized by the microcontroller to contract to enable the plates 106 to grip the user’s toe. The electromagnetic spring 201 is a specialized type of spring 201 in which the magnetic field is produced by an electric current. When the current is passed through the spring 201, it creates a magnetic field around the spring 201 that energizes the spring 201 of opening and closing the closed structure thereby resulting in contraction of plates 106 to enable the plates 106 to grip the user’s toe.

[0033] The inner periphery of each of the plates 106 forming part of the wearable member 101 is designed to be lined with an inflatable layer 202. This layer 202 is specifically engineered to provide a comfortable and secure grip on the user’s toe. The inflatable layer 202 is connected to an air compressor 110, which is controlled and regulated by the microcontroller integrated with the device.

[0034] Upon activation by the microcontroller, the air compressor 110 inflates the layer 202 to a predetermined level of pressure, ensuring that the inflatable layer 202 gently conforms to the shape of the user’s toe, providing a snug yet comfortable fit. This inflation enables the plates 106 to apply a consistent, controlled force around the deformed toe, offering support and stabilization. The microcontroller's ability to adjust the inflation pressure helps in customizing the level of grip and comfort according to the user's needs, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of the wearable member 101 for users with gout or other related foot conditions.

[0035] The air compressor 110 works by drawing in air through an intake valve, compressing it using a piston or diaphragm inside a chamber. As the air is compressed, its volume decreases, causing an increase in pressure. The compressed air is then directed through a valve to the inflatable layer 202, inflating it to the required pressure. The air compressor 110 is powered by an electric motor, which is controlled by a microcontroller. The microcontroller regulates the compressor 110 operation by adjusting the timing and pressure levels to ensure the inflatable layer 202 maintains the desired grip and comfort around the user's toe.

[0036] Over the member 101 a thermal camera 107 is installed which determine inflammation in the user’s toe. The thermal camera 107 emits infrared- rays towards the user’s toe. The reflected infrared from the user’s toe portion is received by receiver and sent to the microcontroller in the form of electrical output. The electrical output is analyzed by the microcontroller in order to determine the presence of the inflammation in the user’s toe.

[0037] In the event of detecting inflammation in the user’s toe, the microcontroller is programmed to initiate the operation of a Peltier unit integrated within each of the plates 106 of the wearable device. Upon activation, the Peltier unit generates a temperature differential, causing one side of the unit to cool down. The cooled surface is then applied to the affected area of the user's toe, effectively providing localized cooling. This cooling action assists in reducing inflammation and discomfort associated with conditions such as gout.

[0038] The microcontroller continually monitors the performance, for ensuring that the temperature is maintained within a therapeutic range to optimize the reduction of inflammation without causing discomfort or harm to the user. The Peltier units are specifically controlled to offer consistent and adjustable cooling therapy based on the detected inflammation, ensuring effective treatment in real-time.

[0039] Over the member 101 a microphone 108 is installed which facilitates a user in providing voice command regarding providing heating effect to the user’s toe. 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 analyze the voice inputs of the user and upon analyzing the voice commands the microcontroller actuates the device and accordingly commands the device to provide heating effect to the user’s toe.

[0040] The microcontroller analyzes the command of the user and accordingly actuates an infrared unit 203 which is integrated with each of the plates 106. The infrared unit 203 operates by emitting infrared radiation through a series of infrared LEDs. When activated by the microcontroller, the unit directs this radiation towards the affected area of the user’s toe. The infrared radiation penetrates the skin and underlying tissues, causing an increase in blood circulation and promoting healing by stimulating cellular activity. The unit is designed to provide controlled intensity and wavelength of infrared light, ensuring effective treatment. The microcontroller monitors the data to provide heat to the user’s toe, for providing heating effect to the user’s toe.

[0041] The member 101 is integrated with a vibration unit 109 which produce vibrations of a specific intensity to provide massaging effect to the user’s sole. The vibration unit 109 works by converting electrical energy into mechanical energy which causes the unit to vibrate. The vibration unit 109 comprises of a motor, eccentric weight and shaft, as the microcontroller directs the motor the shaft rotates which in turn rotates the weight. The rotation of weigh creates the unbalanced forces which leads in vibration of the unit 109 resulting in the providing vibrations of a specific intensity to provide massaging effect to the user’s sole.

[0042] In the event that the user provides a command via the microcontroller to massage a specific portion of their foot, the microcontroller reactivates the sliding unit 105, which is responsible for providing translational movement. This movement is transferred to a motorized roller 111, which is configured with the sliding unit 105 through an L-shaped extendable link 112. The motorized roller 111 then moves to the targeted area of the foot, delivering the desired massage.

[0043] The link 112 is pneumatically actuated, wherein the pneumatic arrangement of the link 112 comprises of a cylinder incorporated with an air piston and the air compressor 110, wherein the compressor 110 controls discharging of compressed air into the cylinder via air valves which further leads to the extension/retraction of the piston. The piston is attached to the telescopic link 112, wherein the extension/retraction of the piston corresponds to the extension/retraction of the link 112. The actuated compressor 110 allows extension of the link 112 to position the roller 111 over the user-specified portion.

[0044] Synchronously, the microcontroller actuates the roller 111. The motorized roller 111 mentioned above is a mechanical unit designed to rotate on its axis with the help of an integrated electric motor that provides the rotational power necessary to turn the roller 111. The motor is connected to the roller tube through a drive mechanism, which involves gears, belts to transfer the motor’s rotational force to the roller 111, causing it to rotate to massage the user-specified portion.

[0045] The member 101 is integrated with plurality of shock absorbing units 113 (preferably 2 to 6 in numbers) that are directed by the microcontroller to absorb shock experienced by the member 101 during walking of the user over a ground surface. The shock- absorbing units 113 function by utilizing compressible materials, such as rubber or foam, that deform under pressure. When the user walks, the force from the impact with the ground is transferred to the shock- absorbing units 113. These units compress and absorb the energy generated by the impact, reducing the amount of force transmitted to the user's foot. Once the pressure is released, the material returns to its original shape, ready to absorb the next shock. This cycle continues during walking, minimizing discomfort and protecting the foot from the stress caused by walking on hard surfaces.

[0046] A database is integrated with the microcontroller to store and manage data related to the user's foot condition. This data includes key information such as the user's foot posture, pressure points, and movement patterns. The microcontroller continuously collects and processes this data, allowing for an ongoing evaluation of the user's condition. The stored information enables the microcontroller to track changes over time, monitor progress, and assess the effectiveness of the treatment in alleviating symptoms of gout disease. By analysing this data, the microcontroller provides insights via a computing unit which is wirelessly connected and help to improve the management of the user's foot health and contribute to personalized care plans.

[0047] The computing unit includes but not limited to a mobile and laptop that comprises a processor where the input received from the user is stored to process and retrieve the output data in order to display in the computing unit. The microcontroller is wirelessly linked with the computing unit via a communication module which includes but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module. GSM (Global System for Mobile communication). The communication module acts as a medium between various electronic unit for establishing communication between the computing unit and device to process the the evaluated improvement.

[0048] The communication module employed herein acts as an intermediate between various electronic components, wherein the module is used to establish the communication between the user’s computing unit and the microcontroller. The customized Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) module is designed for establishing a wireless connection between computing unit and the microcontroller. This module is able to receive serial data from radiation monitoring devices such as computing unit and transmit the data as text SMS to the microcontroller.

[0049] Simultaneously, the user gets notified regarding the evaluated improvement by means of a speaker 114 which is installed over the member 101. The speaker 114 disclosed herein works by receiving signals from the microcontroller, converting them into sound waves through a diaphragm’s vibration, and producing audible sounds with the help of amplification and control circuitry in order to notify the user regarding the evaluated improvement.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.
, C , C , C , Claims:1) An automated fomentation providing device, comprising:

i) a wearable member 101 accessed by a user with gout disease to wear said member 101 over a foot of said user with deformed toe, wherein a pair of straps 102 configured with said member 101 to aid said user in wearing said member 101 over said foot;

ii) an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 103 installed over said member 101 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing images of said foot, wherein based on said captured images, a microcontroller linked with said imaging unit 103 determines dimensions of said foot and accordingly actuates plurality of motorized hinge joints 104 integrated with each of said straps 102 to regulate length of said straps 102 to accommodate said foot in an appropriate manner;

iii) a motorized sliding unit 105 installed over periphery of said member 101 that is actuated by said microcontroller to provide translation to a pair of C-shaped extendable plates 106 configured with said siding unit and position in proximity to said user’s toe, wherein a motorized drawer arrangement is integrated with each of said plate that actuates to provide extension to said plates 106 in view of accommodating said user’s toe in between said plates 106 in an appropriate manner;

iv) a thermal camera 107 installed over said member 101 to determine inflammation in said user’s toe, wherein in case of detection of inflammation, said microcontroller actuates a Peltier unit integrated with each of said plates 106 to provide cooling temperature to said user’s toe for reducing said detected inflammation; and

v) a microphone 108 mapped over said member 101 to receive voice command of said user regarding providing heating effect to said user’s toe, wherein based on said user-input voice command, said microcontroller directs an infrared unit 203 integrated with each of said plates 106 to provide heat to said user’s toe, for providing heating effect to said user’s toe.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an electromagnetic spring 201 is arranged in between said plates 106 that actuates to contract to enable said plates 106 to grip said user’s toe.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a vibration unit 109 is integrated with said member 101 that actuates to produce vibrations of a specific intensity to provide massaging effect to said user’s sole.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein inner periphery of each of said plates 106 are layered with an inflatable layer 202 that is connected with an air compressor 110 commanded by said microcontroller to inflate said layer 202 in view of comfortably gripping said user’s toe.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein in case user via said microcontroller provides command regarding massaging a specific portion of said user’s foot, said microcontroller actuates said sliding unit 105 to provide translation to a motorized roller 111 configured with said sliding unit 105 via a L-shaped extendable link 112 to position said roller 111 over said user-specified portion followed by actuation of said roller 111 to massage said user-specified portion.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein plurality of shock absorbing units 113 are integrated with said member 101 to absorb shock experienced by said member 101 during walking of said user over a ground surface.

7) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a database is integrated with said microcontroller to save information regarding user's foot condition, including foot posture, pressure points, and movement to evaluate improvement in gout disease and accordingly actuates a speaker 114 installed over said member 101 to produce a voice command to notify said user regarding said evaluated improvement.