Description:. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
1. The present invention discloses a Posture Correction Vest with Integrated Biofeedback System, specifically designed to support postoperative nursing rehabilitation by enabling real-time posture monitoring, patient feedback, and nurse supervision.
005.1. Vest Construction and Materials
2. The vest is made of a breathable, lightweight, and stretchable fabric (e.g., neoprene, polyester-cotton blend) suitable for prolonged daily wear.
3. It features adjustable straps or Velcro closures on the shoulders, chest, and waist regions to accommodate patients of different body types and ensure a snug fit without impeding mobility.
4. The vest design considers anatomical alignment, allowing free arm movement and spinal support without applying rigid compression, thus enhancing patient comfort and compliance.
005.2. Sensor Assembly
5. A set of Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs)—comprising triaxial accelerometers and gyroscopes—are embedded at strategic points such as:
• Between the scapulae (upper back),
• Lower thoracic/lumbar region,
• Shoulders or clavicular area.
6. These sensors are configured to detect deviation angles, shoulder slouch, spinal curvature, and forward head posture, using calibrated reference posture data programmed during the initial setup.
7. The IMU sensors continuously transmit orientation and angular position data to the central microcontroller unit (MCU) housed within a fabric-encased electronic module.
005.3. Biofeedback Mechanism
8. When a postural deviation exceeds the pre-set clinical threshold, the MCU triggers a biofeedback response.
9. The biofeedback is delivered via:
• Vibration motors embedded near the shoulder blades or lumbar region,
• Optionally, audio buzzers or LED alerts to notify the patient gently to correct their posture.
10. The feedback is non-invasive and customizable in duration, intensity, and mode, depending on patient tolerance and nursing preferences.
005.4. Wireless Communication and Nurse Interface
11. The vest includes a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module or Wi-Fi chip that enables wireless data transfer to a nursing dashboard interface.
12. The nurse interface, accessible via a mobile app or hospital computer system, allows for:
• Real-time tracking of patient posture status,
• Alert notifications in case of repeated poor posture,
• Visualization of compliance trends over time,
• Remote adjustment of posture thresholds or feedback settings.
13. The dashboard can support multiple patients simultaneously, making it suitable for ward settings or home-based tele-nursing programs.
005.5. Power and Control System
14. The system is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with at least 6–8 hours of continuous operation.
15. The control unit includes:
• Low-power microcontroller,
• Embedded firmware for posture calibration, feedback logic, and data encryption for secure transmission.
16. A USB-C or magnetic charging port is provided, with LED indicators for charging status.
17. The system includes a sleep mode to conserve power when the vest is not worn or during inactivity beyond a certain threshold.
005.6. Clinical and Nursing Applications
18. The vest is designed for use in:
• Postoperative rehabilitation following orthopedic, thoracic, abdominal, and spinal surgeries,
• Geriatric care to prevent postural deterioration,
• Home health nursing with remote monitoring needs,
• Pediatric use for scoliosis management with clinical supervision.
19. The device enables nurses to monitor posture compliance passively, reduce physical supervision burden, and promote patient independence and recovery.
20. The modular structure allows cleaning and disinfection, and the electronics can be detached from the fabric for machine washing.
, C , Claims:Independent Claim:
Claim 1
A wearable posture correction system comprising:
• a vest made of flexible, wearable fabric material;
• one or more inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors integrated within the vest and configured to detect spinal or shoulder posture deviation in real time;
• a microcontroller unit operatively connected to said sensors for processing posture data;
• a feedback module comprising one or more vibration motors configured to activate upon detection of postural deviation beyond a predefined threshold; and
• a wireless communication module configured to transmit posture data and alert signals to an external nurse monitoring interface.
Dependent Claims:
Claim 2
The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vest includes adjustable straps or fasteners to accommodate different body sizes and ensure ergonomic fit.
Claim 3
The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the feedback module includes at least one of a vibration motor, audible buzzer, or visual indicator to notify the user of postural deviation.
Claim 4
The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the microcontroller is programmed to allow customizable posture deviation thresholds, feedback intensity, and feedback duration.
Claim 5
The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wireless communication module is selected from Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi, or any other short-range wireless protocol.
Claim 6
The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the nurse monitoring interface comprises a mobile application, tablet-based dashboard, or hospital information system for real-time visualization and alert reception.
Claim 7
The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system further comprises a rechargeable battery and power management unit for continuous operation up to at least 6 hours.
Claim 8
The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein posture compliance data is logged and displayed in graphical format for nurse assessment of patient rehabilitation progress.
Claim 9
The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vest is configured for use in postoperative recovery following surgeries such as spinal fixation, thoracotomy, or orthopedic reconstruction.
Claim 10
The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensors and control module are detachable from the vest for the purpose of washing or replacement.