Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to assistance device for disabled individual(s), more particularly to a posture changing assistive device that assists a disabled user laying over a bed in changing posture with less efforts and ease.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Changing posture over a bed for disabled individuals presents several challenges. Many people with disabilities have limited mobility or physical strength, making manual repositioning difficult and uncomfortable. Without proper assistance, frequent posture changes can lead to pressure sores, muscle strain, or joint discomfort. Manual methods often require significant effort from caregivers, potentially causing physical strain or injury. Additionally, ensuring correct positioning to prevent complications like respiratory issues or poor circulation adds complexity. These difficulties highlight the need for specialized assistive devices that simplify and automate posture changes, improving comfort, reducing risk of complications, and easing the burden on caregivers.

[0003] Traditional methods for assisting a disabled person in changing posture over a bed often involve manual lifting or repositioning by caregivers. Techniques include using bedrails, transfer boards, or slide sheets to move the individual. These methods, however, have significant drawbacks. Manual repositioning can be physically demanding and lead to caregiver strain or injury. Slide sheets may not provide sufficient support, leading to discomfort or skin irritation. Additionally, manual methods can be slow and cumbersome, increasing the risk of pressure sores. These limitations highlight the need for more advanced assistive devices to improve comfort, efficiency, and safety for both the user and caregivers.

[0004] US20210100704A1 discloses a method and apparatus may measure a pressure applied to a part of a body of a user, acquire information about a torque corresponding to the measured pressure, and provide an assistance force to the body of the user based on the information about the torque. Though US’704 relates to a method and/or apparatus for assisting a standing-up motion, however this cited prior art is incapable of assisting a disabled user laying over a bed in changing posture with less efforts and ease, hindering comfortable posture changes, permitting pressure sores, and impairing overall ease and safety.

[0005] US10335341B2 discloses a method and apparatus, in detail, a control device that may estimate a gait motion of a user based on pressure data indicating information on a pressure applied to a sole of the user, and provide a feedback corresponding to the gait motion to the user by controlling a vibrator to apply a vibration to the sole of the user, is provided. Although US’341relates to a walking assistance method and/or apparatus, however this cited prior art lacks in assisting a disabled user laying over a bed in changing posture with less efforts and ease, hindering comfortable posture changes, permitting pressure sores, and impairing overall ease and safety.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that relates to a method and/or apparatus for assisting a standing-up motion, however this cited prior art is incapable of assisting a disabled user laying over a bed in changing posture with less efforts and ease, hindering comfortable posture changes, permitting pressure sores, and impairing overall ease and safety.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that assists a disabled user laying over a bed in changing posture with less efforts and ease, thereby ensuring comfortable posture changes, preventing pressure sores, and enhancing overall ease and safety.

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 directed to assist a disabled user laying over a bed in changing posture with less efforts and ease, thereby ensuring comfortable posture changes, preventing pressure sores, and enhancing overall ease and safety.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of determine falling condition of the user towards any side of the bed and accordingly alerts the concerned authority regarding the detected falling condition of the user, ensuring timely intervention, preventing injury and providing immediate assistance, thereby enhancing safety and responsiveness in care environments.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of monitoring vital health parameters of the user while lying on the bed and accordingly alerts the concerned authority regarding the degrading health parameters of the user, ensuring prompt intervention, improving patient safety by addressing deteriorating conditions quickly and effectively.

[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] Aspects of the invention, in some embodiments thereof, relate to a posture changing assistive device for disabled. More specifically, the invention relates to a hovering device that is used for assisting a disabled user laying over a bed in changing posture with less efforts and ease.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a posture changing assistive device, comprises of an inverted U-shaped frame attached with headrest of a bed over which a disabled user is laying by means of a pair of clamps configured with the frame, an inverted L-shaped rod configured with the frame and installed with a touch interactive display panel that is accessed by the user to provide input regarding requirement of assistance in changing posture, wherein based in user input, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit installed over the frame determines location of the user’s hands over the bed, a ring inserted over horizontal portion of the rod and installed with plurality of motorized pop out balls arranged over inner periphery of the ring provide translation to the ring over the rod in order to position the ring over the detected location, plurality of pneumatic pins installed over the rod extend up-to a pre-set length in order to create a boundary around the positioned ring and restrict movement of the ring over the rod, a proximity sensor integrated in the ring monitor distance of the user’s hand from the ring a telescopic bar attached with the ring to extend and position a handgrip configured with the bar in proximity to the user’s hand, a curved member configured with vertical portion of the rod by means of an extendable robotic link position the member behind back portion of the user, wherein upon positioning of the member, the microcontroller directs the link to extend in view of supporting the back portion to aid the user in changing posture.

[0015] 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

[0016] 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 posture changing assistive device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] The present invention relates to assistance device for disabled individual(s), more particularly to a posture changing assistive device that assists a disabled user laying over a bed in changing posture with less efforts and ease, thereby ensuring comfortable posture changes, preventing pressure sores, and enhancing overall ease and safety.

[0021] Referring to Figure 1, a perspective view of a posture changing assistive device is illustrated, comprising an inverted U-shaped frame 101 having a pair of clamps 102, an inverted L-shaped rod 103 configured with the frame 101 and installed with a touch interactive display panel 104, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 105 installed over the frame 101, a ring 106 inserted over horizontal portion of the rod 103 and installed with plurality of motorized pop out balls 107 arranged over inner periphery of the ring 106, plurality of pneumatic pins 108 installed over the rod 103, a telescopic bar 109 attached with the ring 106, a handgrip 110 configured with the bar 109, and a curved member 111 configured with vertical portion of the rod 103 by means of an extendable robotic link.

[0022] The device proposed herein includes an inverted U-shaped frame 101 that is developed to be attached with headrest of a bed over which a disabled user is laying by means of a pair of clamps 102 configured with the frame 101. The frame 101 as mentioned herein serves as a structural support to various components associated with the device, wherein the frame 101 is made up of material that includes but not limited to stainless steel, which in turn ensures that the device is of generous size and is light in weight.

[0023] In order to activate functioning of the device, a user is required to manually switch on the device by pressing a button positioned on the frame 101, wherein the button used herein is a push button. Upon pressing of the button, the circuits get closed allowing conduction of electricity that leads to activation of the device and vice versa.

[0024] Upon activation of the device by the user, an inbuilt microcontroller embedded within the frame 101 and linked to the switch generates a command to actuate the clamps 102 in order to acquire a grip over the headrest of the bed in view of securing the frame 101 over the headrest in an effective manner. The clamps 102 utilizes an electric motor to drive a screw-driven unit that translates rotational motion from the motor into linear movement for closing or tightening the clamp jaws. The microcontroller regulates speed and operating direction of shaft of the motor for regulating closing or tightening the clamp jaws in order to acquire a grip over the headrest of the bed in view of securing the frame 101 over the headrest in an effective manner.

[0025] The microcontroller then activates a touch interactive display panel 104 installed with the frame 101 via an inverted L-shaped rod 103 configured with the frame 101 in order to enable the user for providing input commands regarding a requirement in assistance for changing of posture over the bed. The touch interactive display panel 104 as mentioned herein is typically an (Liquid Crystal Display) screen that presents output in a visible form. The screen is equipped with touch-sensitive technology, allowing the user to interact directly with the display using their fingers. A touch controller IC (Integrated Circuit) is responsible for processing the analog signals generated when the user inputs details regarding a requirement in assistance for changing of posture over the bed. The touch controller is typically connected to the microcontroller through various interfaces which may include but are not limited to SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) or I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit).

[0026] Based on input commands of the user, the microcontroller activates an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 105 installed over the frame 101 to determine a location of hands of the user over the bed. The imaging unit 105 comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images in surrounding of the bed, and the captured images are stored within memory of the imaging unit 105 in form of an optical data. The imaging unit 105 also comprises of a processor that is integrated with artificial intelligence protocols, such that the processor processes the optical data and extracts the required data from the captured images. The extracted data is further converted into digital pulses and bits and are further transmitted to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received data and determines the location of hands of the user over the bed.

[0027] In accordance to the determined location of hands of the user over the bed, multiple motorized pop out balls 107 arranged over an inner periphery of the ring 106 to provide translation to the ring 106 over the rod 103 in order to position the ring 106 over the detected location of hands of the user over the bed. Each motorized pop-out balls 107 are equipped with a motor that provides the necessary power for movement. Upon activation, these motors engage that causes movement of the balls 107 as needed. This movement of the balls 107 allows the balls 107 to pop out from a casing associated with the pop-out balls 107. By coordinating the activation of these motors, the pop-out balls 107 guides the ring 106 over the rod 103 in various directions to position the ring 106 over the detected location of hands of the user over the bed.

[0028] Multiple pneumatic pins 108 installed over the rod 103 are actuated by the microcontroller to extend up-to a pre-set length in order to create a boundary around the positioned ring 106 in order to restrict movement of the ring 106 over the rod 103. The pneumatic pins 108 is linked to a pneumatic unit associated with the frame 101, including an air compressor, air cylinders, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of the pins 108. The pneumatic unit is operated by the microcontroller, such that the microcontroller actuates valve to allow passage of compressed air from the compressor within the cylinder, the compressed air further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston. The piston is connected with the pins 108 and due to applied pressure the pins 108 extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the pneumatic pins 108 by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. Thus, the microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the pins 108 in order to create a boundary around the positioned ring 106 in order to restrict movement of the ring 106 over the rod 103.

[0029] The ring 106 is integrated with a proximity sensor that monitors distance of hand of the user from the ring 106. The proximity sensor used herein is an ultrasonic proximity sensor to detect the distance of hand of the user from the ring 106. The ultrasonic proximity sensor consists of a transducer and a receiver, where the transducer emits ultrasonic waves such that upon hitting the hand of the user, the waves are reflected back. The reflected waves are received by the receiver of the sensor. The received waves are converted into an analogue value which is further converted into an electrical signal and is sent to the microcontroller. The microcontroller then processes the received signal and thereby detects distance of hand of the user from the ring 106.

[0030] In accordance to the detected distance of hand of the user from the ring 106, the microcontroller actuates a telescopic bar 109 integrated with the ring 106 to get extended/retracted as per the detected distance in order to position a handgrip 110 configured with the bar 109 in proximity to the user’s hand.

[0031] The telescopic bar 109 is linked to a pneumatic unit, including an air compressor, air cylinders, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of the bar 109. The pneumatic unit is operated by the microcontroller, such that the microcontroller actuates valve to allow passage of compressed air from the compressor within the cylinder, the compressed air further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston. The piston is connected with the bar 109 and due to applied pressure the bar 109 extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the telescopic bar 109 by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. Thus, the microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the bar 109 in order to position the handgrip 110 in proximity to the user’s hand in view of enabling the user to acquire a grip over the handgrip 110, which acts as a support for assistance to the user for changing posture over the bed.

[0032] The microcontroller then actuates an extendable robotic link configured with vertical portion of the rod 103 to position a curved member 111 integrated with the link behind back portion of the user. The robotic link is made of several segments that are attached together by joints also referred to as axes. Each joint of the segments contains a step motor that rotates and allows the robotic link to complete a specific motion of the link. Upon actuation of the robotic arm by the microcontroller, the motor drives the movement of the link to position the curved member 111 behind back portion of the user. Upon positioning of the member 111 behind back portion of the user, the microcontroller directs the link to get extended in view of supporting the back portion to aid the user in changing posture. The curved member 111 consists of a high-grade foam pad with multiple sections that are connected via hinges joint to for altering shape of the member 111 as per back portion of the user, in view of proper support to the back portion of the user to aid the user in changing posture.

[0033] Multiple motorized hinge joints integrated in the member 111 are actuated by the microcontroller to modulate shape of the member 111 as per the detected dimension of the user’ back portion via the imaging unit 105. The motorized hinge joints comprises of a pair of leaf that is screwed with the surfaces of the member 111. The leaf are connected with each other by means of a cylindrical member 111 integrated with a shaft coupled with a DC (Direct Current) motor to provide required movement to the hinge joints. The rotation of the shaft in clockwise and anti-clockwise aids in opening and closing of the hinge respectively. Hence the microcontroller actuates the hinge joints that in turn provides movement to the member 111 for modulating shape of the member 111 as per the detected dimension of the user’ back portion.

[0034] An FBG sensor installed over the hand grip monitors vital health parameters of the user. The FBG sensor consists of an interrogator with a source of light, a detector and a sensor unit with an optical fiber. The light source in the interrogator is the ASE (Amplified spontaneous emission) light source that emits an infrared light ray to the hand of the user through the core of the optical fiber. The light ray after striking the hand bounce back to the sensor unit of the FBG sensor. After sensing the bounced back light ray a diffraction grating is formed when its refractive index is periodically changed along the axis of the core of the optical fiber.

[0035] The light then reflects only a specific wavelength corresponding to the pre-fed vitals of the user by interval period of diffraction grating. This wavelength of the reflected light is sent to the detector unit along with data of user pulse rate contained in it. This contained data of pulse rate of the user, then photo-electrically converted and sent to the microcontroller in the form of electrical signals. The microcontroller processes the signal to determine vital health parameters of the user.

[0036] The microcontroller further processes the determined data to compare the determined vital health parameters of the user to a threshold range stored within a database linked with the microcontroller. In case the determined vital health parameters is detected to mismatch the threshold range, the microcontroller sends an alert signal to a computing unit accessed by a concerned authority in order to enable the concern authority to take action accordingly.

[0037] The microcontroller is wirelessly linked with a computing unit associated with the device via a communication module. The communication module mentioned herein includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module in order to enable the concern authority to take action accordingly.

[0038] In case the microcontroller determines any falling condition of the user towards any side of the bed via the imaging unit 105, the microcontroller sends an alert notification to the computing unit to notify the concerned authority regarding the detected falling condition of the user.

[0039] The microcontroller is integrated with a facial recognition module for monitoring facial expressions of the user in sync with the imaging unit 105. The facial recognition module monitors facial expressions by using the imaging unit 105 to capture images of the user’s face. The module employs image processing protocols to analyze facial features and movements and identifies key facial landmarks, such as the eyes, mouth, and eyebrows, to detect changes in expression. This data is then processed by the microcontroller to interpret emotions or reactions. In case distressed facial expressions are detected, the microcontroller sends an alert to the computing unit to inform the concerned authority regarding the detected distressed facial expressions of the user.

[0040] Lastly, a battery is installed within the device which is connected to the microcontroller that supplies current to all the electrically powered components that needs an amount of electric power to perform their functions and operation in an efficient manner. The battery utilized here, is preferably a dry battery which is made up of Lithium-ion material that gives the device a long-lasting as well as an efficient DC (Direct Current) current which helps every component to function properly in an efficient manner. As the device is battery operated and do not need any electrical voltage for functioning. Hence the presence of battery leads to the portability of the device i.e., user is able to place as well as moves the device from one place to another as per the requirements.

[0041] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the inverted U-shaped frame 101 as mentioned in the invention is developed to be attached with headrest of the bed over which the disabled user is laying by means of the pair of clamps 102. Upon activation of the device by the user, the inbuilt microcontroller embedded within the frame 101 and linked to the switch generates the command to actuate the pair of clamps 102 in order to acquire the grip over the headrest of the bed in view of securing the frame 101 over the headrest in the effective manner. The microcontroller then activates the touch interactive display panel 104 in order to enable the user for providing input commands regarding the requirement in assistance for changing of posture over the bed. Based on input commands of the user, the microcontroller activates the artificial intelligence based imaging unit 105 determine the location of hands of the user over the bed. In accordance to the determined location of hands of the user over the bed, multiple motorized pop out balls 107 provide translation to the ring 106 over the rod 103 in order to position the ring 106 over the detected location of hands of the user over the bed. Multiple pneumatic pins 108 are actuated by the microcontroller to extend up-to the pre-set length in order to create the boundary around the positioned ring 106 in order to restrict movement of the ring 106 over the rod 103. The proximity sensor monitors distance of hand of the user from the ring 106. In accordance to the detected distance of hand of the user from the ring 106, the microcontroller actuates the telescopic bar 109 to get extended/retracted as per the detected distance in order to position the handgrip 110 in proximity to the user’s hand. The microcontroller then actuates the extendable robotic link to position the curved member 111 behind back portion of the user. Multiple motorized hinge joints are actuated by the microcontroller to modulate shape of the member 111 as per the detected dimension of the user’ back portion via the imaging unit 105. The FBG sensor monitors vital health parameters of the user. In case the determined vital health parameters is detected to mismatch the threshold range, the microcontroller sends the alert signal to the computing unit in order to enable the concern authority to take action accordingly.

[0042] In continuation, in case the microcontroller determines any falling condition of the user towards any side of the bed via the imaging unit 105, the microcontroller sends the alert notification to the computing unit to notify the concerned authority regarding the detected falling condition of the user. The facial recognition module monitors facial expressions of the user in sync with the imaging unit 105. In case distressed facial expressions are detected, the microcontroller sends the alert to the computing unit to inform the concerned authority regarding the detected distressed facial expressions of the user.

[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 posture changing assistive device, comprising:

i) an inverted U-shaped frame 101 attached with headrest of a bed over which a disabled user is laying, wherein said frame 101 is attached with said headrest by means of a pair of clamps 102 configured with said frame 101;

ii) an inverted L-shaped rod 103 configured with said frame 101 and installed with a touch interactive display panel 104 that is accessed by said user to provide input regarding requirement of assistance in changing posture, wherein based in user input, a microcontroller linked with said display panel 104 actuates an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 105 installed over said frame 101 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing images of said user based on which said microcontroller determines location of said user’s hands over said bed;

iii) a ring 106 inserted over horizontal portion of said rod 103 and installed with plurality of motorized pop out balls 107 arranged over inner periphery of said ring 106 that are actuated by said microcontroller to provide translation to said ring 106 over said rod 103 in order to position said ring 106 over said detected location, wherein plurality of pneumatic pins 108 installed over said rod 103 that actuates to extend up-to a pre-set length in order to create a boundary around said positioned ring 106 and restrict movement of said ring 106 over said rod 103;

iv) a proximity sensor integrated in said ring 106 to monitor distance of said user’s hand from said ring 106 and accordingly actuates a telescopic bar 109 attached with said ring 106 to extend and position a handgrip 110 configured with said bar 109 in proximity to said user’s hand to enable said user to grip said handgrip 110 for support; and

v) a curved member 111 configured with vertical portion of said rod 103 by means of an extendable robotic link that is commanded by said microcontroller to position said member 111 behind back portion of said user, wherein upon positioning of said member 111, said microcontroller directs said link to extend in view of supporting said back portion to aid said user in changing posture.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein in case said microcontroller by means of said imaging unit 105 determine falling condition of said user towards any side of said bed, said microcontroller sends an alert notification to a computing unit accessed by a concerned authority to notify said authority regrading said detected falling condition of said user.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an FBG sensor installed over said hand grip to monitor vital health parameters of said user and in case said monitored vital health parameters mismatches a threshold range, said microcontroller sends an alert to said computing unit in order to enable said concern authority to take action accordingly.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a facial recognition module integrated with said microcontroller and synced with said imaging unit 105 to monitor facial expressions of said user and in case distressed facial expressions are detected, said microcontroller sends an alert to said computing unit to inform said concerned authority regrading said detected distressed facial expressions of said user.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein plurality of motorized hinge joints are integrated in said member 111 that are commanded by said microcontroller to regulate shape of said member 111 based on detected dimension of said user’ back portion via said imaging unit 105.

6) 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.