Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a knee alignment and osteoarthritis management device that is capable of assisting user with knee alignment issues by providing support that helps in maintaining proper knee positioning, aiding in the management of osteoarthritis by monitoring the knee's alignment and accordingly adjusts posture to enhance stability and reduce the risk of further osteoarthritis progression.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that commonly affects the knee, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. As the condition progresses, improper knee alignment can exacerbate these symptoms, leading to increased discomfort, instability, and a higher risk of further joint degeneration. Maintaining proper knee alignment is crucial in managing osteoarthritis, as misalignment can place additional strain on the joint, accelerating wear and tear on cartilage, and increasing inflammation. Support for individuals with knee alignment issues helps alleviate this strain, reduce pain, and prevent further damage to the knee. Proper alignment not only improves mobility but also enhances the effectiveness of rehabilitation exercises and therapies aimed at managing OA. With advancements in wearable technologies, devices that monitor and correct knee alignment have become essential tools in OA management. These systems provide real-time feedback to users, guiding them in maintaining proper posture and performing exercises that strengthen the knee while minimizing the risk of injury. Furthermore, by continuously tracking knee movement and providing personalized recommendations, these devices ensure that exercises are tailored to each user’s unique needs and comfort levels, enhancing overall outcomes and quality of life for individuals managing osteoarthritis.

[0003] Individuals with knee alignment issues, such as those caused by osteoarthritis, often benefit from various assistive equipment to help manage pain and improve mobility. Common options include knee braces, insoles, orthotic devices, and walking aids like canes or walkers. Knee braces provide support by stabilizing the joint, reducing strain on affected areas, and preventing further misalignment. Insoles or custom orthotics can help redistribute weight and reduce pressure on the knee, promoting better alignment and alleviating discomfort. Walking aids, such as canes, can assist in reducing weight-bearing stress on the knee while enhancing balance and stability. However, knee braces are bulky or uncomfortable, limiting mobility or causing skin irritation. They may also create a false sense of security, potentially leading users to overexert themselves. Insoles and orthotics require proper fitting to avoid discomfort or exacerbating other foot issues, and they may not be effective for everyone. Walking aids, while beneficial, can lead to a dependency that reduces muscle strength over time and may not fully address the root causes of misalignment. Additionally, some individuals find these devices cumbersome, potentially hindering their daily activities and social engagement.

[0004] US4487200A discloses a knee brace for alleviating problems with tibia rotation and tibia desubluxation with respect to a femur of a wearer and including conventional first and second pairs of elongate braces having their respective hinges connected at their central ends and having conventional straps and harness for adjustably placing and holding the respective pairs of elongate braces and hinges at a desired attained position; characterized by the improvement comprising an anterior cuff connected with a second pair of braces below the hinges and adapted to firmly engage the leg at the inside anterior of the tibia with a wedge for preventing rotation of the tibia. In a preferred embodiment, the knee brace also includes a posterior cuff connected with the first pair of braces and adapted to engage the posterior portion of the thigh posteriorly of the femur for also preventing desubluxation of the tibia with respect to the femur. Straps are provided for respectively holding the anterior and posterior cuffs close engagement with their respective distal and proximal members of the leg.

[0005] US4241730A discloses a knee support is provided for opposing excessive or abnormal strain or torque on the joint. The support has a pair of pivotally interconnected rigid braces one of which snugly embraces the front of the thigh just above the patella and the other of which snugly embraces the front of the shin just below the patella. The pivots are aligned approximately on the mean medial-lateral axis of flexion of the knee and at least the pivot on the lateral side has freedom of universal pivotal motion while that on the medial side has limited freedom of relative bodily displacement in the anterior-posterior direction. Both freedoms are of sufficient magnitude to accommodate the wearer's normal degree of tibial rotation during flexion and extension. Means are provided for locating each brace firmly on its respective component of the limb.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed in order to align knee, however the devices mentioned in the prior arts have limitations pertaining to monitor user’s knee movement during activities like exercises, for analyzing pain levels, alignment, and movement patterns, and providing instructions to guide users in performing rehabilitation exercises correctly.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of supporting user experiencing knee alignment problems by keeping the knee properly aligned, which aids in managing osteoarthritis and further evaluates knee alignment and makes adjustments to improve posture, enhancing stability and lowering the risk of osteoarthritis progression. In addition, the device also tracks knee movement during exercises, analyzes pain, alignment, and movement patterns, and offers guidance to ensure the user performs rehabilitation exercises correctly.

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 aids user having issues in knee alignment by supporting knee to keep in alignment such that helps to manage osteoarthritis problem.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of determining knee alignment of user’s knee and accordingly corrects the user’s posture in view of enhancing stability and minimizing risk of further osteoarthritis progression.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of monitoring movement of user’s knee during various activities such as while performing exercise and analyzes user’s pain levels, knee alignment, and movement patterns, accordingly guides the user to perform exercises correctly for proper rehabilitation exercise.

[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 knee alignment and osteoarthritis management device that is designed to assist individuals with knee alignment issues, helping to keep the knee aligned, providing support to manage osteoarthritis by monitoring the knee's position and adjusts posture to enhance stability while minimizing the risk of further osteoarthritis deterioration.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a knee alignment and osteoarthritis management device comprises of a dual-layered wearable body configured to be worn around waist portion of a user, a pair of straps are attached with the body for securing the body around waist portion of the user, allowing the user to alter tightness of belt to suit different support needs, a pair of flexible cylindrical fabric tubes configured to be worn on user’s knees, with the tubes connected to the body via multiple cables, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit is installed on the body and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of surroundings, respectively to detect alignment of the user’s lower limbs and determine improper knee alignment.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed invention comprises of multiple fastening locking point provided on an upper section of each of the fabric tubes, each point being operable by a motor to rotate and adjust tension of an adjustable cable that connects the tubes to the belt, thereby modifying alignment of user’s knee and leg for posture correction, ensuring that knee joint maintains correct angle, enhancing stability and minimizing risk of further osteoarthritis progression, multiple vibrational motors arranged along the fabric tubes that generate specific vibration patterns to alert the user when incorrect movements are detected during exercises, the motors are positioned to provide targeted feedback at key areas of leg to guide real-time form correction, plurality of motion sensor embedded within the tubes to monitor position and movement of knee during various activities, the microcontroller analyzes sensor data in real-time, providing feedback on a primary and secondary computing unit accessed by the user and authorized healthcare professionals, respectively, on knee alignment and correlation to osteoarthritis progression.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed invention further comprises of a machine learning module integrated with the microcontroller analyzes user’s reported pain levels, knee alignment, and movement patterns, and the microcontroller accordingly provides suitable exercise, ensuring that exercises are always tailored to the user’s comfort level and capability, a holographic projection unit mounted on the body displays 3D (three-dimensional) visuals of exercises directly onto user's field of view, guiding the user through each step of workout, showing how to perform exercises correctly for proper rehabilitation exercises, multiple gel-storage patches facing the user’s leg, each patch containing a Peltier unit to control temperature of gel, enabling the user to adjust temperature as needed for therapeutic purposes.

[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 an isometric view of a knee alignment and osteoarthritis management 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 a knee alignment and osteoarthritis management device that is aids user with knee alignment problems by offering support to keep the knee properly aligned, which contributes to managing osteoarthritis by detecting knee alignment and adjusts posture to improve stability, reducing the likelihood of osteoarthritis worsening.

[0023] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a knee alignment and osteoarthritis management device is illustrated, comprises of a dual-layered wearable body 101 having a pair of straps 102, a pair of flexible cylindrical fabric tubes 103 connected to the body 101 via multiple cables 104, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 installed on the body 101, multiple fastening locking point 106 provided on an upper section of each of the fabric tubes 103, multiple vibrational motors 107 arranged along the fabric tubes 103, a holographic projection unit 108 mounted on the body 101, the tubes 103 are equipped with multiple gel-storage patches 109, a speaker 110 configured on the body 101, and a microphone 111 integrated into the body 101.

[0024] The proposed invention includes a wearable body 101 preferably in dual-layered shape incorporating various components associated with the device, developed to be worn around waist portion of a user. The body 101 is made up of any material selected from but not limited to flexible material such as cotton, nylon etc. that ensures structural integrity of the body 101 for longevity of the device.

[0025] A microcontroller is associated with the device for operating of all the linked components for performing their respective functions upon actuation. The microcontroller, mentioned herein, is preferably an Arduino microcontroller. The Arduino microcontroller used herein controls the overall functionality of the components linked to it. The Arduino microcontroller is an open-source programming platform.

[0026] The body 101 is attached with a pair of straps 102 for securing the body 101 around waist portion of the user such that allows the user to alter tightness of belt to suit different support needs. The user is required to wear a pair of flexible cylindrical fabric tubes 103 configured with the body 101, around the knees. The tubes 103 are connected with the body 101 by means of multiple cables 104.

[0027] After the body 101 worn by the user, the microcontroller generates a command to activate an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 integrated on the body 101 for capturing multiple images of the surroundings to detect alignment of the user’s lower limbs and determine improper knee alignment. The imaging unit 105 incorporates a processor that is encrypted with an artificial intelligence protocol. The artificial intelligence protocol operates by following a set of predefined instructions to process data and perform tasks autonomously. Initially, data is collected and input into a database, which then employs protocol to analyze and interpret the captured images. The processor of the imaging unit 105 via the artificial intelligence protocol processes the captured images and sent the signal to the microcontroller.

[0028] The upper section of the fabric tubes 103 are attached with multiple fastening locking point 106. Each of the point is operable by means of a direct current (DC) motor such that upon rotation, tightens the tubes 103 by adjusting tension of an adjustable cable that connects the tubes 103 to the belt. The increased tension in the cable applied pressure of over the user’s knees via the tubes 103 such that modifies the alignment of the user’s knees and leg for posture correction. The improved posture of the user’s leg by the tubes 103 ensures knee joint maintains correct angle, enhancing stability and minimizing risk of further osteoarthritis progression.

[0029] The tubes 103 are equipped with multiple gel-storage patches 109 facing the user’s leg. Each of the patch 109 is arranged with a Peltier unit to control temperature of gel. The Peltier units are based on the Peltier effect that stated that the cooling of one junction and the heating of the other when electric current is maintained in a circuit of material consisting of two dissimilar conductors. The Peltier effect related to production or absorption of heat at the junction of two metals on the passage of a current such that regulate the temperature of the gel as per requirement. The regulation of the temperature relates to therapeutic purposes of the gel of medical application to relieve pain of knees.

[0030] Post correcting the user’s posture, the incorrect movements of the user while performing exercises are monitored by the imaging unit 105. The tubes 103 are integrated with multiple vibrational motors 107. The vibrational motors 107 are positioned to provide targeted feedback at key areas of leg to guide real-time form correction. In accordance to alert the user regarding the incorrect movements of the leg during exercise, the microcontroller actuates the vibrational motors 107. If the user performs an exercise incorrectly, the AI alerts the trainer, who can guide the user to adjust their position to ensure proper form and avoid injury.

[0031] The vibrational motors 107 subject the tubes 103 to the action of moving or causing to move back and forth or from side to side very quickly leading to controlled and reproducible mechanical vibration to alert the user. The motors are positioned to provide targeted feedback at key areas of leg to guide real-time form correction.

[0032] The tubes 103 incorporate multiple motion sensor to monitor position and movement of knee during various activities. The motion sensor used herein detects the infrared rays emitted towards the knees of the user and the bounced back rays are received by the sensor that further converts the bounced back rays into an electronic signal. The electronic signal is received by the microcontroller for detecting movement of knees of the user.

[0033] The microcontroller is integrated with a machine learning module integrated with the microcontroller analyzes user’s reported pain levels, knee alignment, and movement patterns, and the microcontroller accordingly provides suitable exercise, ensuring that exercises are always tailored to the user’s comfort level and capability.

[0034] The body 101 is mounted with a holographic projection unit 108 to project 3D (three-dimensional) visuals of exercises directly onto user's field of view. The holographic projection unit 108 uses interference patterns of light to create realistic 3D (three-dimensional) images in mid-air. It typically consists of a laser source, beam splitters and mirrors, associated with the sheet holographic screen working as projection surface. The projection unit 108 projects light onto a surface from multiple angles, using the interference of light waves to produce 3D images visible from different perspectives. In a setting to provide instructions or guidance, this allows the user to perform repair work by following guided instructions through the projected visuals. The visuals guides the user through each step of workout, showing how to perform exercises correctly for proper rehabilitation exercises.

[0035] The microcontroller analyzes sensor data in real-time, providing feedback on a primary and secondary computing unit via a communication module. The communication module which includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module. The computing units are accessed by the user and authorized healthcare professionals, respectively, on knee alignment and correlation to osteoarthritis progression. Additionally, the vibrational motors 107 are also configured to provide massaging functions, with adjustable intensity controlled by the primary computing unit.

[0036] The audio feedback and assistive voice notifications to user during operation, is provided by the microcontroller via a speaker 110 mounted over the body 101. The speaker 110 works by taking the input signal from the microcontroller, it then processes and amplifies the received signal through a series of equipment in a specific order within the speaker 110, and then sends the output signal in form of audio notification through the speaker 110 for providing audio notifications to the user.

[0037] Additionally, the body 101 is integrated with a microphone 111 that allows user to issue voice commands, including pausing or adjusting operations in case of emergency or discomfort. The microphone 111 turns the sound energy emitted by the user into electrical energy. The sound waves created by the user carry energy towards the microphone 111. Inside the microphone 111, a diaphragm, made of plastic, is present and moves back and forth when the sound wave hits the diaphragm. The coil attached to the diaphragm also moves in same way. The magnetic field produced by the permanent magnet cuts through the coil. As the coil moves, the electric current flows. The electric current from coil flows to an amplifier which convert the sound into electrical signal. The microcontroller linked to the microphone 111 recognize the voice and perform the operations according to the command given by the user regarding pausing or adjusting operations in case of emergency or discomfort such as regulation of temperature of the Peltier units. Accordingly, the microcontroller executes the respective operation as required by the user via the microphone 111. For example, if the user experiences unbearable pain during exercise, they can instruct the device to pause through voice commands, which the microphone will detect.

[0038] A battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrodes named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the device.

[0039] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the proposed invention includes the body 101 with adjustable straps 102 for the customizable fit, and flexible cylindrical fabric tubes 103 worn around the user’s knees. These tubes 103 are connected to the body 101 via cables 104 and equipped with motion sensors. The imaging unit 105 analyze knee alignment and detect improper posture. The motorized fastening points on the tubes 103 to adjust cable tension, which helps correct knee alignment and improve posture. Vibrational motors 107 within the tubes 103 provide real-time feedback on incorrect movements, guiding the user to maintain proper form during exercises. The microcontroller analyzes data and reports knee alignment and movement patterns to the user and healthcare professionals, while the machine learning module analyzes the user’s exercises to report comfort and pain levels. Additionally, the holographic projection unit 108 displays 3D exercise visuals to assist with rehabilitation. The device also features gel-storage patches 109 with temperature-controlling Peltier units for therapeutic use, and the vibrational motors 107 can offer massaging functions with adjustable intensity. The speaker 110 provides audible feedback and voice notifications, while the microphone 111 enables the user to issue voice commands for emergency adjustments or pauses during operation.

[0040] 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 knee alignment and osteoarthritis management device, comprising:

i) a dual-layered wearable body 101 configured to be worn around waist portion of a user, wherein a pair of straps 102 are attached with said body 101 for securing said body 101 around waist portion of said user, allowing said user to alter tightness of belt to suit different support needs;
ii) a pair of flexible cylindrical fabric tubes 103 configured to be worn on user’s knees, with said tubes 103 connected to said body 101 via multiple cables 104, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 is installed on said body 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of surroundings, respectively to detect alignment of said user’s lower limbs and determine improper knee alignment;
iii) multiple fastening locking point 106 provided on an upper section of each of said fabric tubes 103, each point being operable by a motor to rotate and adjust tension of an adjustable cable that connects said tubes 103 to said belt, thereby modifying alignment of user’s knee and leg for posture correction, ensuring that knee joint maintains correct angle, enhancing stability and minimizing risk of further osteoarthritis progression;
iv) multiple vibrational motors 107 arranged along said fabric tubes 103 that generate specific vibration patterns to alert said user when incorrect movements are detected during exercises, wherein said motors are positioned to provide targeted feedback at key areas of leg to guide real-time form correction;
v) plurality of motion sensor embedded within said tubes 103 to monitor position and movement of knee during various activities, wherein said microcontroller analyzes sensor data in real-time, providing feedback on a primary and secondary computing unit accessed by said user and authorized healthcare professionals, respectively, on knee alignment and correlation to osteoarthritis progression; and
vi) a machine learning module integrated with said microcontroller analyzes user’s reported pain levels, knee alignment, and movement patterns, and said microcontroller accordingly provides suitable exercise, ensuring that exercises are always tailored to the user’s comfort level and capability.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a holographic projection unit 108 mounted on said body 101 displays 3D (three-dimensional) visuals of exercises directly onto user's field of view, guiding said user through each step of workout, showing how to perform exercises correctly for proper rehabilitation exercises.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said tubes 103 are equipped with multiple gel-storage patches 109 facing said user’s leg, each patch 109 containing a Peltier unit to control temperature of gel, enabling said user to adjust temperature as needed for therapeutic purposes.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said vibrational motors 107 are also configured to provide massaging functions, with adjustable intensity controlled by said primary computing unit.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a speaker 110 is configured on said body 101 to provide audible feedback and assistive voice notifications to user during operation, and a microphone 111 is integrated into said body 101 that allows user to issue voice commands, including pausing or adjusting operations in case of emergency or discomfort.