Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a wheelchair mounted neck supporting device that automatically adjusts according to the user to enhance neck support and eliminate the probability of injuries and continuously monitors the orientation of the user’s neck taking corrective measures when needed to maintain comfort and ensure optimal support for the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The need of wheelchair neck supporting is essential for individuals with limited neck mobility or muscle weakness, providing them with stability and support. Many wheelchair users struggle to maintain proper neck posture, leading to discomfort, pain, or further injury. This device helps alleviate strain by providing additional neck support, allowing users to sit comfortably for longer periods. The device ensures proper alignment of the head and neck, reducing the risk of muscle fatigue or tension. This support also promotes independence, enhancing the quality of life for individuals who rely on wheelchairs for mobility, particularly in daily activities and prolonged sitting situations.

[0003] Traditional methods for neck support involve using soft cushions, pillows, or adjustable headrests. While these provide some comfort, they lack adequate stability or adjustability to meet individual needs. Cushions and pillows are shift out of place, offering inconsistent support, leading to neck strain or poor posture. Adjustable headrests are not being suitable for all users and often don’t provide enough secure support for those with severe neck weakness. These methods also don’t account for different sitting positions or extended periods of use, limiting long-term comfort and increasing the risk of neck discomfort or injury.

[0004] JP2010268868A discloses a head supporting device for a wheelchair is constituted by forming a head support part and a neck support part in two upper and lower steps in the upper part of the backrest of the wheelchair. The head support part comprises a pair of support belts whose outside ends are supported by right and left support posts and which have surface fasteners between them, the neck support part comprises a pair of right and left bending bars whose outside ends are supported by the right and left support posts. The head part and the neck part of the user can be individually supported. Only the head support part can be opened while supporting the neck part in the case of hair washing and cosmetic formation.

[0005] CN111920606A discloses an invention relates to the technical field of nursing, in particular to a neck supporting device and a nursing wheelchair thereof. The neck supporting device comprises an incomplete supporting circular ring; two hidden grooves symmetrically formed in the incomplete supporting circular ring, wherein incomplete gear rings are connected into the hidden grooves in a sliding mode; a gear mounted in through hole formed in the incomplete supporting circular ring, wherein the through hole is communicated with the hidden groove, and the gear is driven by a motor. The device has the beneficial effects that the motor is arranged to drive the gear to rotate during rotation; therefore, the gear can drive the incomplete gear ring to rotate; the incomplete gear ring can be moved out of the hidden groove; the two incomplete gear rings are combined together, the notch of the incomplete supporting circular ring is closed, at the moment, the contraction air bag can form a complete circle, air is input into the contraction air bag through the air inlet system, the contraction air bag can be opened to become large, the neck of a patient is softly supported, and the comfort degree of the patient is higher.

[0006] Conventionally, many methods are available in the market for neck support but these devices have lack automating adjustments, require manual repositioning, and provide limited comfort. They are not effectively monitor neck posture or pressure, leading to discomfort and increased injury risks over time.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device automating adjusts to provide enhanced neck support, minimizing injury risk. The device continuously monitors neck orientation and pressure, making corrective adjustments for optimal comfort and ensuring proper alignment to improve overall user safety and well-being.

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 automatically adjusts as per the user to enhance the neck support in order to eliminate the probability of injuries from to improper alignment of the neck due to inadequate support.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that continuously monitors the orientation of the user’s neck and takes corrective measures when required in order to maintain the comfort of the user.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that monitors the pressure exerted by the user and automatically regulates its adjustments in order to eliminate the chances of injuries.

[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 wheelchair mounted neck supporting device that continuously monitors the orientation of the user’s neck and takes corrective measures when required to maintain comfort and also monitors the pressure exerted by the user automatically regulating its adjustments to eliminate the chances of injuries ensuring optimal support and safety for the user.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a wheelchair mounted neck supporting device, comprises of a U-shaped body developed to be attached securely to an upper portion of a wheelchair’s backrest, a multiple extendable sections for adjusting size of the body based on dimensions of the backrest as detected by an ultrasonic sensor installed on the body, a pair of motorized clippers installed at each end of the body that are actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller for grabbing edges of the upper portion in view of securely attaching the body on the backrest, a multiple suction cups are arranged along inner periphery of the body to provide additional grip over the backrest surface during use, a microphone installed on the body for enabling a user to provide input voice commands regarding requirement of assistance in supporting the user’s neck portion, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit is mounted on the body and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of the body to determine dimensions of the user’s neck portion, a plurality of curved flaps arranged vertically at mid-section of the body via an extendable bar that extends/retracts for deploying the flaps over neck portion of the user, the flaps are incorporated with multiple plates integrated with motorized hinges for adjusting orientation of the flaps as per the user’s neck dimensions and a multiple inflatable members equipped with each of the flaps to get inflated for providing a cushioning effect to the user’s neck portion while resting on the flaps for providing support to the user’s neck portion.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the device further comprises of, a gyroscopic sensor coupled with a motion sensor is integrated in the body for monitoring irregular movements of the user neck during the support, a motorized ball and socket joint arranged in between the bar and body for adjusting direction of the flaps, the flap is provided with multiple pressure sensor for monitoring pressure distribution onto the flaps, the inflatable member for adjusting inflation to ensure consistent support and comfort for the user, a speaker is installed on the body to provide audio alerts to caregivers in case of emergencies or the irregular movements, a wireless notification on a computing unit wirelessly for allowing caregivers or medical professionals to remotely review the emergencies and a battery is configured with the device for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with the device.

[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 a wheelchair mounted neck 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 a wheelchair mounted neck supporting device that is accommodated over the headrest of the wheelchair that automatically adjusts according to the user to enhance neck support and eliminate the chances of injuries and also monitors the pressure exerted by the user, automatically regulating its adjustments to ensure optimal comfort and safety, effectively preventing any potential injuries or discomfort during use.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a wheelchair mounted neck supporting device is illustrated, comprising a U-shaped body 101 developed to be attached securely to an upper portion of a wheelchair’s backrest, the body 101 is equipped with multiple extendable sections 102, a pair of motorized clippers 103 installed at each end of the body 101, multiple suction cups 104 are arranged along inner periphery of the body 101, a microphone 105 installed on the body 101, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 is mounted on the body 101, a plurality of curved flaps 107 arranged vertically at mid-section of the body 101 via an extendable bar 108, the flaps 107 are incorporated with multiple plates 109 integrated with motorized hinges 110, multiple inflatable members 111 equipped with each of the flaps 107, a motorized ball and socket joint 112 arranged in between the bar 108 and body 101 and a speaker 113 is installed on the body 101.

[0023] The proposed device features a U-shaped body 101 developed to attach securely to the upper portion of a wheelchair’s backrest. The body 101 is equipped with multiple extendable sections 102, allowing the body 101 to adjust its size to fit the backrest dimensions accurately.

[0024] To activate the device, the user manually presses a push button which is installed on the body 101. Upon pressing the button, the circuits within the device gets close, allowing electric current to flow. The push button has an outer casing and an inner mechanism, including a spring and metal contacts. When the button is pressed, the spring-loaded mechanism inside is pushes down on. In the default state, the internal contacts are apart, so the circuit is open and no electricity flows. Pressing the button makes the contacts touch each other, closing the circuit and allowing electricity to flow, which activates an inbuilt microcontroller that regulates the further options of the device.

[0025] Upon activation of the microcontroller, an ultrasonic sensor installed on the body 101 is activated to detect the dimensions of the backrest of the wheelchair. The ultrasonic sensor operates by emitting high-frequency sound waves from a transducer which travels through the air to hit the backrest of the wheelchair and reflects to the sensor. The sensor measures the time taken by the sound waves to return after bouncing off. The time delay is used to calculate the dimensions of the backrest.

[0026] Based on the detected dimensions of the backrest of the wheelchair, the microcontroller actuates multiple extendable sections 102 for adjusting size of the body 101 securely accommodate the backrest rest of the wheelchair. The extendable section 102 operates through a pneumatic arrangement comprising an air compressor, air cylinder, air valves, and a piston, working together to extend and retract the extendable section 102. The extendable section 102 features a nested tube arrangement, with multiple concentric hollow tubes. The air cylinder, attached at the bottom of the nested tubes, houses a piston at the top. The air cylinder has an inlet and outlet valve connected to the compressor, which compresses air drawn from the surroundings. The pressurized air from the compressor enters the inlet valve, driving the piston forward. As the piston moves, the nested tubes are sequentially extended, lengthening the extendable section 102 for adjusting the size of the body 101

[0027] Based on the determined dimensions from the ultrasonic sensor, a pair of motorized clippers 103 installed at each end of the U-shaped body 101 is actuated by the microcontroller to grab the edges of the wheelchair’s backrest securely. The motorized clipper operates through an electric motor, gear assembly, and gripping arms. When activated by a signal from the microcontroller, the motor generates rotational motion. The rotational motion is converted into linear movement using a lead screw. The linear motion drives a pair of gripping arms, enabling them to move inward to securely grip the backrest of the wheelchair.

[0028] Multiple suction cups 104 arranged along the inner periphery of the U-shaped body 101 to provide additional grip on the backrest surface. The suction cup is made up of rubber material. When the suction cup is pushed on the surface removes the air inside the cup which creates a partial vacuum inside. The air pressure outside is high in comparison to the partial vacuum inside the cup which keeps the cup attached to a surface. The rim of the suction cup maintains an airtight seal between the cup and the fixed surface by stopping the outside air from entering the cup.

[0029] Upon securing the body 101 on the backrest the user provides voice commands regarding assistance in neck supporting through a microphone 105 installed on the body 101. When the user speaks to give voice commands to the microphone 105, the given commands are first captures by the microphone 105. These sound waves from the captured voice commands hit the diaphragm which vibrates back and forth in response to sound waves. The back and forth movement of the diaphragm is then transferred to a capacitor connected to the microphone 105 that converts the vibrations into an electrical signal that mirrors the pattern of the sound waves. The electrical signal is sent to the microcontroller which further activates an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 106 mounted on the body 101 paired with a processor, which captures multiple images in the vicinity of the body 101.

[0030] The imaging unit 106 comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images in vicinity of the body 101, and the captured images are stored within a memory of the imaging unit 106 in form of an optical data. The imaging unit 106 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 evaluate the dimensions of the neck portion of the user.

[0031] A plurality of curved flaps 107 vertically arranged at the mid-section of the U-shaped body 101. These flaps 107 are mounted on an extendable bar 108 that extend or retract as needed. The extendable bar 108 operates through a pneumatic arrangement comprising an air compressor, air cylinder, air valves, and a piston, working together to extend and retract the bar 108. The bar 108 features a nested tube arrangement, with multiple concentric hollow tubes. The air cylinder, attached at the bottom of the nested tubes, houses a piston at the top. The air cylinder has an inlet and outlet valve connected to the compressor, which compresses air drawn from the surroundings. The pressurized air from the compressor enters the inlet valve, driving the piston forward. As the piston moves, the nested tubes are sequentially extended, lengthening the bar 108 to deploy the flaps 107 over the neck portion of the user for providing support.

[0032] A gyroscopic sensor coupled with a motion sensor works together to monitor irregular neck movements by detecting changes in orientation, angular velocity, and acceleration. The gyroscopic sensor measures rotational motion and tilts of the neck, while the motion sensor detects linear movements and sudden shifts. When integrated, these sensors provide real-time data on the neck's position and movement patterns. This data is processed by the microcontroller to identify irregular or unexpected movements. Based on which the microcontroller actuates a ball and socket joint 112 arranged in between the bar 108 and the body 101 for adjusting the direction of the flaps 107.

[0033] The motorized ball and socket joint 112 allows for smooth, adjustable movement of the flaps 107 in various directions. The joint 112 herein, has a ball-shaped part that fits into a cup-like socket. A motor controls this ball, making the ball to move around inside the socket. Actuators adjust the ball’s position to ensure that the ball moves accurately and flexibly, enabling accurate and controlled positioning of the flaps 107 in multiple directions.

[0034] The flaps 107 are equipped with multiple plates 109 integrated with motorized hinges 110, allowing the orientation of the flaps 107 to be adjusted based on the user’s neck dimensions. The motorized hinges 110 are controlled by the microcontroller. The hinge joint 112 comprises of two parts, one part of the hinge has a cylindrical shape, while the other part has a corresponding groove to fit the first part over the corresponding groove. The configuration herein, allows the hinge to pivot around a fixed axis. The joint 112 is powered by a motor to provide a rotational force that is transmitted through a mechanical linkage that to the hinge joint 112, involving gears, belts, or direct coupling. The transmission mechanism converts the rotational force of the motor into movement of the hinge joint 112 which allows the joint 112 to rotate around its axis, guided by the movement of the motor.

[0035] Each flap is equipped with inflatable members 111 that activate to provide a cushioning effect for the user’s neck when resting on the flaps 107. Upon activation, these members 111 inflate to create a soft, supportive surface, enhancing comfort and reducing strain on the neck. This feature ensures gentle and effective support while adapting to the user’s needs, making it particularly suitable for extended use. The combination of cushioning and support enhances the device's ergonomic functionality.

[0036] Each flap 107 is equipped with multiple pressure sensors to monitor pressure distribution across its surface. These sensors provide real-time data to the microcontroller, which regulates the operation of the inflatable members 111. The pressure sensor used here is a capacitive pressure sensor that works by measuring changes in capacitance. It consists of two conductive plates 109 separated by a small gap. When pressure is applied, the gap between these plates 109 changes, altering the capacitance. The sensor detects this change and converts it into an electrical signal that relates to the amount of pressure. This signal is then sent to the microcontroller to be processed to give a precise pressure reading.

[0037] A speaker 113 is installed on the body 101 to provide audio alerts to caregivers in case of emergencies or irregular neck movements. The speaker 113 works by converting the electrical signal into the audio signal. The speaker 113 consists of a cone known as a diaphragm attached to a coil-shaped wire placed between two magnets. When the electric signal is passed through the voice coil, a varying magnetic field is generated by the coil that interacts with the magnet causing the diaphragm to move back and forth. The movement of the diaphragm pushes and pulls air creating sound waves just like the electrical signal received and used to notify the user.

[0038] The microcontroller also generates a wireless notification, sent to a computing unit linked remotely, allowing caregivers or medical professionals to receive real-time updates. The wireless notification is sent through a wireless communication module integrated with the microcontroller. The wireless communication module includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module. The Wi-Fi module contains transmitters and receivers that use radio frequency signals to transmit data wirelessly to the microcontroller. The wireless module typically includes components such as antennas, amplifiers, and processors to facilitate communication and further connected to networks such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular networks, allowing devices to exchange information over short or long distances. The feedback from the microcontroller regarding the postural irregularities enable the user to correct the posture.

[0039] Moreover, a battery 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 known as a cathode and an anode. A voltage is generated between the anode and cathode via oxidation/reduction and thus produces the electrical energy to provide to the device.

[0040] The present invention, works best in the following manner, where the U-shaped body 101 that securely attaches to the upper portion of the wheelchair’s backrest, with multiple extendable sections 102 for adjusting its size according to the backrest’s dimensions, detected by the ultrasonic sensor. Motorized clippers 103 at each end of the body 101 grab the edges of the backrest, ensuring the secure attachment. Additionally, suction cups 104 along the inner periphery provide extra grip for stability. The microphone 105 enables the user to give voice commands for neck support assistance. The body 101 is also equipped with the artificial intelligence based imaging unit 106 paired with a processor that captures and processes images to determine the dimensions of the user’s neck. This data helps in adjusting the device for optimal support. At the mid-section of the body 101, curved flaps 107 are mounted on the extendable bar 108, which extend or retract to cover the user’s neck. These flaps 107 are integrated with motorized hinges 110, allowing them to adjust their orientation based on the user’s neck dimensions. To provide enhanced support, inflatable members 111 within the flaps 107 are activated, inflating to create a cushioning effect for the neck.

[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) A wheelchair mounted neck supporting device, comprising:

i) a U-shaped body 101 developed to be attached securely to an upper portion of a wheelchair’s backrest, wherein said body 101 is equipped with multiple extendable sections 102, for adjusting size of said body 101, based on dimensions of said backrest, as detected by an ultrasonic sensor installed on said body 101;
ii) a pair of motorized clippers 103 installed at each end of said body 101 that are actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller for grabbing edges of said upper portion, in view of securely attaching said body 101 on said backrest, wherein multiple suction cups 104 are arranged along inner periphery of said body 101 to provide additional grip over said backrest surface during use;
iii) a microphone 105 installed on said body 101 for enabling a user to provide input voice commands regarding requirement of assistance in supporting said user’s neck portion, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 is mounted on said body 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of said body 101, respectively to determine dimensions of said user’s neck portion; and
iv) a plurality of curved flaps 107 arranged vertically at mid-section of said body 101 via an extendable bar 108 that extends/retracts for deploying said flaps 107 over neck portion of said user, wherein said flaps 107 are incorporated with multiple plates 109 integrated with motorized hinges 110 for adjusting orientation of said flaps 107 as per said user’s neck dimensions, followed by activation of multiple inflatable members 111 equipped with each of said flaps 107 to get inflated for providing a cushioning effect to said user’s neck portion while resting on said flaps 107, thereby providing support to said user’s neck portion.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a gyroscopic sensor coupled with a motion sensor, is integrated in said body 101 for monitoring irregular movements of said user neck during said support, in accordance to which said microcontroller actuates a motorized ball and socket joint 112 arranged in between said bar 108 and body 101 for adjusting direction of said flaps 107.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said flaps 107 are provided with multiple pressure sensors for monitoring pressure distribution onto said flaps 107, based on which said microcontroller regulates operation of said inflatable member for adjusting inflation to ensure consistent support and comfort for said user.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a speaker 113 is installed on said body 101 to provide audio alerts to caregivers in case of emergencies or said irregular movements, and said microcontroller generates a wireless notification on a computing unit wirelessly linked with said microcontroller, for allowing caregivers or medical professionals to remotely review said emergencies, thereby ensures timely intervention.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sections are equipped with a pneumatic unit for extension/retraction to adjust size of said body.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is configured with said device for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with said device.