Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an adaptable arm supporting device that is capable of supporting the arm of the user by adjusting to the different dimensions of the arm, monitoring the real time location and evaluating a path to be followed to reach a user specified location and providing assistance to the user in consuming medication on the basis of the schedule given by the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Arm support is essential for providing stability, comfort, and reducing strain during activities requiring prolonged arm use. Arm support aids individuals with limited strength, injuries or conditions like arthritis, enhancing mobility and reducing fatigue. The support distribute pressure evenly, prevent discomfort, and improve posture. Commonly used in walking aids, rehabilitation devices, and workstations, they promote better ergonomics and enable users to perform tasks more efficiently and comfortably.

[0003] Traditional arm-supporting devices, such as crutches, walking canes, or splints, rely on fixed structures made of wood or metal to provide stability and support. These devices use padded hand grips and underarm supports for comfort. The main drawbacks of traditional arm-supporting devices are limited adjustability, lack of ergonomic design, and discomfort during prolonged use. They cause pressure points, fatigue or skin irritation due to rigid structures. Additionally, they fail to provide dynamic support or shock absorption, making them less effective for diverse user needs and extended activities.

[0004] US9737374B2 discloses a system and method for supporting an arm of a user using a harness configured to be worn on a body of a user; and an arm support coupled to the harness configured to support an arm of the user, the arm support configured to accommodate movement of the arm while following the movement without substantially interfering with the movement of the user's arm. One or more compensation elements may be coupled to the arm support to apply an offset force to at least partially offset a gravitational force acting on the arm as the user moves and the arm support follows the movement of the user's arm, the one or more compensation elements providing a force profile that varies the offset force based on an orientation of the arm support.

[0005] EP2567636A1 discloses a arm support, comprising: a carrier, connectable to or forming part of a user support, such as a (wheel) chair; a first arm-part, pivotably connected to the carrier; a second arm-part, rotatably connected to the first arm-part, comprising a support, such as a scale, for an fore arm; a first spring-element, for exerting a force on the first arm-part with respect to the carrier, and a second spring-element, for exerting a force on the second arm-part with respect to a reference outside the second arm part.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed in order to provide arm support however, the devices mentioned in the prior art have limitations since they do not adjust to the different dimensions of the user’s arm to provide support and assistance in consuming medication on the basis of the user-defined schedule.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that supports the arm of the user by adjusting to the different dimensions of the arm and provides assistance to the user in consuming medication on the basis of the schedule given by the user.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

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

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of supporting the arm of the user by adjusting to the different dimensions of the arm.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that monitors the real time location and evaluates a path to be followed to reach a user specified location.

[0011] Yet, another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of providing assistance to the user in consuming medication on the basis of the schedule given by the user.

[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 an adaptable arm supporting device that is capable of supporting the arm of the user by automatically adjusting to the different dimensions of the arm and monitoring the real time location and evaluating a path to be followed to reach a user specified location.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an adaptable arm supporting device comprises of a curved plate accessed by a user to place an arm over the plate, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit installed over the plate for capturing images of the user on basis of which an inbuilt microcontroller determines dimensions of the arm, multiple motorized hinge joints integrated with the plate to regulate shape of the plate in view of comfortably accommodating the arm, an inflatable cushioned layer installed over curved portion of the plate and connected with an air compressor arranged with the plate to inflate the layer to grip the user’s arm, a laser sensor installed over the plate to determine height of the user, a hydraulic rod installed beneath the plate to extend and place a supporting member attached with the rod in contact with the surface, a touch interactive display panel installed over plate to enable the user to provide input regarding a location at which the user is required to reach.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a GPS module integrated with the microcontroller to monitor real time location of the device and evaluate a path to be followed to reach the user-specified location, a speaker installed over the plate to guide the user, a shock absorbing unit is installed between the member and rod to absorb shock experienced by the rod during walking, multiple curved links installed over a side of the plate each by means of a motorized hinge joint to orient the links over the accommodated arm to grip the arm, a multi-sectioned chamber stored with medication of various types is attached with the rod, a timer is integrated with the microcontroller to monitor time duration, an PPG sensor is integrated with the plate to monitor heart rate of the user and a battery is associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of an adaptable arm supporting device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

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

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

[0021] The present invention relates to an adaptable arm supporting device that is capable of supporting the arm of the user by automatically adjusting to the different dimensions of the arm and providing assistance to the user in consuming medication on the basis of the schedule given by the user.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view an adaptable arm supporting device is illustrated, comprising a curved plate 101 accessed by a user to place an arm over the plate 101, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 102 installed over the plate 101, plurality of motorized hinge joints 103 integrated with the plate 101, an inflatable cushioned layer 104 installed over curved portion of the plate 101 and connected with an air compressor 105 arranged with the plate 101, a hydraulic rod 106 installed beneath the plate 101, a supporting member 113 attached with the rod 106 in contact with the surface, a touch interactive display panel 107 installed over plate 101, a speaker 108 installed over the plate 101, a shock absorbing unit 109 is installed between the member 113 and rod 106, plurality of curved links 110 installed over a side of the plate 101 each by means of a motorized hinge joint 111, a multi-sectioned chamber 112 is attached with the rod 106.

[0023] The device disclosed herein employs a curved plate 101 that is accessed by a user to place an arm over the plate 101. The plate 101 is preferably made up of but not limited to plastic and steel, where the plastic is light weight and easy to handle while the steel is corrosion resistance and provides stability.

[0024] For activating the device, the user need to press a push button which is arranged on the plate 101 which in turn activates all the related components for performing the desired task. After pressing the button, a closed electrical circuit is formed and current start to flow that powers an inbuilt microcontroller to allow all the linked components to perform their respective task upon actuation.

[0025] Upon activation, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 102 installed over the plate 101, captures the image of the user based on which the microcontroller determines the dimensions of user’s arm. The artificial intelligence (AI) based imaging unit 102 consists of a camera and a processor, where the camera comprises of a frame, electronic shutter, lens, lens aperture and image sensor, working in the sequential manner to capture the image of the user. The imaging unit 102 at the core comprises of deep learning architectures such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs), trained on vast datasets to detect patterns and features of image. The data is processed using AI protocol to perform function of object detection, image enhancement, segmentation and classification to determine dimensions of the user’s arm.

[0026] Based on the determined dimensions of the user’s arm, the shape of the plate 101 is regulated by the help of multiple motorized hinge joints 103 that are integrated with the plate 101 for accommodating the arm of the user comfortably. The motorized hinge joint being a mechanical component, enables controlled movement between the connected parts, allowing them to pivot around the axis. When applied to the regulation of the shape of the plate 101, the motorized hinge joint provides precise control over the angle and orientation of different sections of the plate 101. This adjustability is used to dynamically change the plate's 101 overall shape or configuration for proper accommodation in the arm of the user.

[0027] After accommodation, the arm of the user is gripped by multiple curved links 110 that are installed over a side of the plate 101. These links 110 are installed by the means of a motorized hinge joint which upon actuation orients the links 110 over the accommodated arm. Multiple curved links 110 designed to acquire a grip on the user’s arm work by conforming to the natural contours of the arm to distribute pressure evenly and enhance stability. These links 110 are interconnected and pivot at point, allowing them to adjust and adapt to different arm shapes and sizes. When the user places their arm within the structure, the curved links 110 move and tighten to create a snug fit. The ergonomic design ensures that the pressure is distributed across a larger surface area, reducing discomfort and providing a good hold, securely gripping the arm of the user.

[0028] An inflatable cushioned layer 104 is installed over the curved portion of the plate which is also connected with an air compressor 105 that is arranged with the plate 101 to inflate the layer 104 to grip the arm of the user. The inflatable cushioned layer 104 offers portability and is also adjustable in nature. By using air as the primary cushioning medium, the layer 104 allows users to customize firmness and support levels to suit the preferences. The lightweight and compact design of the inflatable layer 104 make it more ideal to be used on the plate 101. Additionally, this layer 104 have the ability to conform to different shapes of arm, enhancing comfort and reducing pressure points. The air compressor 105 facilitates the inflation of the layer 104 by supplying pressurized air efficiently and quickly. The air compressor 105 works by drawing in ambient air, compressing it to a higher pressure, and then delivering it through a nozzle to the inflatable layer 104 to grip the arm of the user.

[0029] Further, the height of the user is determined by a laser sensor which is installed over the plate 101 and synced with the imaging unit 102. The height of the user is determined using the laser sensor synced with the imaging unit 102 through precise distance measurement and visual analysis. The laser sensor emits a narrow beam of light toward the user, and the reflected light is detected by the sensor to calculate the distance between the sensor and the top of the user's head. Simultaneously, the imaging unit 102 outlines their position relative to a reference point, such as the floor. By combining data from the laser sensor and imaging unit 102, the microcontroller calculates the user's height.

[0030] On detection of the height of the user, the microcontroller actuates a hydraulic rod 106 that is installed beneath the plate 101 to extend and place a supporting member 113 attached with the rod 106 in contact with the surface. The rod 106 is designed to withstand significant stress and pressure as it transfers the hydraulic force to perform extension. The rod 106 is preferably made from but not limited to high-strength materials that is hardened steel, the hydraulic rod 106 is precision-engineered to ensure durability, resistance to wear, and smooth operation. The rod 106 features seals and coatings to prevent fluid leakage and protect against corrosion. So, the extension of hydraulic rod 106 places the supporting member 113 in contact to the surface.

[0031] Between the hydraulic rod 106 and supporting member 113, a shock absorbing unit 109 is positioned that absorb the shock experienced by the rod 106 when the user is walking using the device as support. The shock- absorbing unit 109 works by dissipating the energy generated from the impact of the rod 106 along with the member 113 hitting the ground, reducing the strain on the user’s hand and arm. This unit consists of a spring or housed within the rod 106. When the member 113 strikes the ground, the force compresses the spring, absorbing the shock energy. As the force is removed, the compressed material returns to its original state, cushioning the impact.

[0032] A multi-sectioned chamber 112 is also attached with the hydraulic rod 106 and equipped with a motorized lid for storing medication of various types. The motorized lid operates using an electric motor to automate the opening and closing process, enhancing convenience and precision. The lid is connected to a motor via a linkage mechanism, such as gears or actuators. When activated, the motor generates motion, which is transferred through the linkage to move the lid. The motion is controlled by a microcontroller that responds to inputs. On the basis of the command, the lid is opened to access the medications.

[0033] By the means of a touch interactive display panel 107 that is installed over the plate 101, the user provides the input regarding a location where the user is required to reach. The touch interactive display panel 107 allows users to interact directly with a screen through touch, combining touch-sensing technology with display functionality. The panel 107 consists of a touch sensor, a controller, and a display unit. The touch sensor detects the location of touch by sensing changes in electrical signals. The controller processes the raw data from the touch sensor, determines the precise touch coordinates, and translates into commands for the device. The display unit presents visual information and integrates with the touch sensor for seamless interaction and input the location required to reach.

[0034] When the location where the user wants to reach is given as input, the real time location of the device is determined and also the evaluation is done for the path required to reach user specified location by the help of a GPS module that is integrated with the microcontroller. The GPS module determines location and navigational paths using a network of satellites orbiting the Earth. The module receives signals from at least four satellites, each transmitting information about its position and the time the signal was sent. By calculating the time taken for these signals to reach the module, the distance to each satellite is determined. Using a process called trilateration, the GPS module calculates its precise position in terms of latitude, longitude, and altitude. To navigate to a specific location, the GPS module uses mapping data and protocol to calculate the shortest or most efficient path, continuously updating the position and compares to the target location, providing turn-by-turn directions and real-time adjustments based on the user’s movement, thereby evaluating the path to be followed to reach the user specified location.

[0035] Further, the input is given by the user regarding a schedule at which the medications of various types is to be consumed. A timer is integrated with the microcontroller for monitoring the time duration. The timer monitors the time duration by counting clock cycles or intervals from a reference time point. The timer relies on a clock source, such as an internal oscillator, to generate consistent timing signals. When the timer is started, it begins counting these signals based on a pre-set configuration, such as a specific number of seconds. The timer's internal circuitry or software compares the elapsed counts with the target value. Once the specified duration is reached, the timer triggers an interrupt to indicate that the time period has ended for alerting the user.

[0036] After reaching the used specified schedule, the speaker 108 is actuated by the microcontroller for providing the voice command to notify the user regarding the achievement of the specified schedule. At this point, the motorized lid is also actuated to open which allows the user to consume the required medication.

[0037] To monitor the heart rate of the user, a PPG (Photoplethysmography) sensor is positioned with the plate 101. The PPG sensor monitors heart rate by using light-based technology to detect blood volume changes in the skin's microvascular tissue. The sensor consists of a light source, such as an LED, and a photodetector. The LED emits light into the skin, and the photodetector measures the intensity of the light that is reflected or transmitted back. With each heartbeat, the heart pumps blood through the vessels, causing periodic changes in blood volume. These changes affect the amount of light absorbed or reflected by the blood. The PPG sensor detects these variations as a waveform, and the frequency of the waveform corresponds to the heart rate. Advanced protocols process the data to filter out noise caused by motion or ambient light, ensuring accurate readings of the user’s heart rate.

[0038] In case, the monitored heart rate by the PPG sensor does not matches with a specified threshold range, the speaker 108 is actuated by the microcontroller to notify the user for taking the necessary medication to prevent the chances of any accident.

[0039] For supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components, a battery is associated with the device. The battery powers electrical and electronic components by converting stored chemical energy into electrical energy. The battery’s terminals provide a voltage difference, allowing current to flow through circuits that supplies consistent energy to actuate and operate components like motors, sensors and microcontrollers, ensuring seamless functionality.

[0040] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the curved plate 101 is accessed by the user to place the arm over the plate 101, the artificial intelligence based imaging unit 102 for capturing images of the user to determine dimensions of the arm, multiple motorized hinge joints 103 to regulate shape of the plate 101 in view of accommodating the arm in a comfortable manner, the inflatable cushioned layer 104 connected with the air compressor 105 to inflate the layer 104 to grip the user’s arm, the laser sensor to determine height of the user, the hydraulic rod 106 to extend and place a supporting member 113 attached with the rod 106 in contact with the surface, the touch interactive display panel 107 to enable the user to provide input regarding a location at which the user is required to reach, the GPS module to monitor real time location of the device and accordingly evaluates the path to be followed to reach the user-specified location, the speaker 108 to guide the user, the shock absorbing unit 109 to absorb shock experienced by the rod 106 during walking using the device as support, multiple curved links 110 supported by the motorized hinge joint 111 to orient the links 110 over the accommodated arm to grip the arm, the multi-sectioned chamber 112 stored with medication of various types and configured with a motorized lid, the timer to monitor time duration, the PPG sensor to monitor heart rate of the user.

[0041] 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) An adaptable arm supporting device, comprising:
i) a curved plate 101 accessed by a user to place an arm over said plate 101, wherein an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 102 is installed over said housing and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing images of said user, respectively, based on said processed images, a microcontroller linked with said imaging unit 102, determines dimensions of said arm;
ii) plurality of motorized hinge joints 103 integrated with said plate 101 that actuates to regulate shape of said plate 101 in view of accommodating said arm in a comfortable manner, wherein an inflatable cushioned layer 104 installed over curved portion of said plate 101 and connected with an air compressor 105 arranged with said plate 101 to inflate said layer 104 to grip said user’s arm;
iii) a laser sensor installed over said plate 101 and synced with said imaging unit 102 to determine height of said user, wherein based on said detected height, said microcontroller actuates a hydraulic rod 106 installed beneath said plate 101 to extend and plate 101 a supporting member 113 attached with said rod 106 in contact with said surface; and
iv) a touch interactive display panel 107 installed over plate 101 to enable said user to provide input regarding a location at which said user is required to reach, wherein a GPS (Global Positioning System) module is integrated with said microcontroller to monitor real time location of said device and accordingly evaluates a path to be followed to reach said user-specified location and accordingly actuates a speaker 108 installed over said plate 101 to guide said user.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a shock absorbing unit 109 is installed between said member 113 and rod 106 to absorb shock experienced by said rod 106 during walking over said user using said device as support.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein plurality of curved links 110 installed over a side of said plate 101 each by means of a motorized hinge joint 111 that actuates to orient said links 110 over said accommodated arm to grip said arm.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said user is required to input a schedule at which medications of various types is to be consumed.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a multi-sectioned chamber 112 stored with medication of various types is attached with said rod 106 and configured with a motorized lid.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1 and 4, wherein a timer is integrated with said microcontroller to monitor time duration and at said user-specified schedule, said microcontroller actuates said speaker 108 to produce a voice command to notify said user regarding said schedule and accordingly actuates said lid to open and enable said user to consume said medication.

7) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an PPG sensor is integrated with said plate 101 to monitor heart rate of said user and in case said monitored heart rate mismatches a threshold range, said microcontroller actuates said speaker 108 to notify said user to take specific medication to prevent chances of any accident.

8) 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.