Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a finger rehabilitating assistive device that provides an automated means for finger rehabilitation in order to help a user recover from injuries or conditions while providing vibrations in view of improving blood flow, reducing stiffness, and relieving pain from the fingers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Finger rehabilitation is a vital aspect of recovery for individuals experiencing hand-related injuries, surgeries, or conditions such as arthritis and neurological disorders. Proper rehabilitation ensures the restoration of hand functionality, enabling individuals to regain their ability to perform essential daily tasks, including grasping, lifting, and writing. The hand is one of the most intricate parts of the human body, with its movements and dexterity relying on the coordinated functioning of bones, joints, muscles, and tendons. Effective rehabilitation enhances dexterity, strength, and coordination, enabling individuals to perform daily tasks independently. Any disruption to this intricate system due to trauma, disease, or immobilization leads to reduced mobility, stiffness, and pain. This underscores the need for innovative solutions that facilitate efficient and personalized rehabilitation experiences.

[0003] Traditional finger rehabilitation methods include physical therapy exercises, manual stretching, and the use of simple tools like therapy putty or hand grippers. While these approaches are beneficial, they often lack the ability to provide precise, measurable progress and not adequately address individual patient needs. However, traditional methods often involve repetitive exercises under the guidance of therapists, which is time-consuming and physically demanding. Additionally, these methods lack personalized feedback, making it challenging to assess progress or adapt therapy to an individual's unique requirements.

[0004] TW201041572A discloses about an invention that has a finger rehabilitation device and method is disclosed. About the device, it has a main body, five finger mechanisms, 15 driving units, and a controlling system. Concerning the method, it includes the steps of preparing a finger rehabilitation step, a setting step, an executing step, and a finishing step. First, place a user's fingers secured on the finger mechanisms. Depending upon the user's need, the bending degree and variation period for the user's fingers can be controlled by these driving units. So, this invention can provide suitable the finger rehabilitation actions and exercises. Therefore, the bending degree can be set. Specific finger can be exercised individually. In addition, the variation period of the fingers can be adjusted.

[0005] KR20180078534A discloses about an invention that has a a finger rehabilitation device and a finger rehabilitation method using the same. For the above, the finger rehabilitation device includes: a control device which receives a control signal from a user terminal, determines an operation mode according to the control signal, and controls the operation of a motor connected with a chain gear according to the determined operation mode; a curved finger rail which has a chain installed to be connected with the chain gear and is formed according to the movement direction of a finger except a thumb; a plurality of finger holders which are installed in the finger rail to move according to the operation mode; and a finger contact unit which is combined with the finger holder by being attached to the end of a finger and has a fixing means so that the finger is fixated on the finger holder. The present invention assists the finger rehabilitation exercise of patients with finger problems and people who need finger rehabilitation treatment.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices are available in the market for finger rehabilitation. However, the cited invention lacks the capability to provide comprehensive, real-time adaptability to individual user needs, which is essential for effective and personalized rehabilitation and does not adequately address the precise monitoring of progress or the dynamic adjustment of therapy parameters based on the user's condition.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device capable of securely gripping the user’s finger for rehabilitation without causing discomfort or restricting blood flow and provides personalized, real-time feedback, precise adjustability, and a user-friendly interface to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of rehabilitation, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

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 providing an automated means to aid in the rehabilitation of a user's fingers, enabling the users to recover from injuries or conditions ensuring progress in finger strength, flexibility, and coordination.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of securely stabilising the user’s finger for rehabilitation without causing discomfort or restricting blood flow.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of providing a vibration therapy for improving blood flow, reducing stiffness, and relieving pain from the fingers, thus enhancing the overall healing process.

[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 finger rehabilitating assistive device that assist a user in finger rehabilitation by incorporating real-time health monitoring, and adjustable features for promoting recovery and relaxation.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a finger rehabilitating assistive device comprises of, a curved-shaped body constructed with plurality of curved-shaped extendable plates, adapted to be fitted beneath finger portion of a user, a microphone is provided with the body for receiving voice commands of the user for securing the with the finger, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit configured on the body and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of the user’s finger portion, a microcontroller linked with the imaging unit processes the detected dimensions and actuates the plates to extend/retract and synchronously actuates plurality of motorized hinges configured between the plates for tilting the plates towards/away from each other in view of securing the body with the finger, an inflating member fabricated over the body and coupled with an air compressor provided on the body, the microcontroller actuates the air compressor for inflating the inflating member, a pressure sensor is integrated with the inflatable member, configured to monitor and regulate inflation level of the inflatable member to ensure a perfect grip without causing discomfort or restricting blood flow.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed invention further comprises of, an inverted U-shaped frame attached with the body via a pair of motorized sliding units, a thermal camera is mounted on the frame to detect joint stiffness or inflammation in the finger, in accordance to which the microcontroller regulates actuation of the sliders for positioning the frame above the detected portion of finger, a motorized linear actuator attached with ceiling portion of the frame and integrated with a padded structure that is actuated by the microcontroller to position the padded structure in proximity to the detected stiffness/ inflammation, followed by actuation of plurality of pneumatic pins provided with the structure to extend and retract in a repetitive manner and provide thumping movement to the pins, enhancing blood circulation within the finger, a temperature sensor integrated with the structure to detect temperature of the user’s fingers, based on which the microcontroller regulates actuation of a Peltier unit coupled with the structure to provide targeted heating therapy to the user’s fingers, multiple vibrating units are attached with the structure, actuated by the microcontroller to impart vibrational intensity over the finger, improving blood flow, reducing stiffness, and relieving pain from the fingers, a flex sensor is integrated with the body that works in collaboration with the imaging unit to monitor bending and straightening of finger, and the progress is displayed on a computing unit accessed by the user.

[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 finger rehabilitating assistive 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 finger rehabilitating assistive device that provides personalized rehabilitation for a user to straighten and align finger joints affected by injuries or conditions like arthritis, with controlled force, vibrations, and heat to improve movement safely and comfortably.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a finger rehabilitating assistive device is illustrated, comprises of a curved-shaped body 101 constructed with plurality of curved-shaped extendable plates 102, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 configured on the body 101, plurality of motorized hinges 104 configured between the plates 102, an inverted U-shaped frame 105 attached with the body 101 via a pair of motorized sliding units 106, and a motorized linear actuator 107 attached with ceiling portion of the frame 105, an inflating member 108 fabricated over the body 101 and coupled with an air compressor 109 provided on the body 101, a thermal camera 110 is mounted on the frame 105, a microphone 111 is provided with the body 101, and plurality of pneumatic pins 112 provided with the structure.

[0023] The device discloses a curved-shaped body 101 to be worn over a user’s hand beneath finger portion. A push button is associated with the device functions as a user interface for controlling various features of the device. The button is typically connected to the device's internal circuitry, allowing the user to activate or deactivate the device through a simple press. When the button is pressed, leads to completing a circuit, and sending an electrical signal to an inbuilt microcontroller linked with the device.

[0024] The microcontroller activates a microphone 111 provided with the body 101 for receiving voice commands of the user for securing the with the finger. The microphone 111 consists of a diaphragm, typically made of a thin, flexible material such as metal or plastic. When sound waves reach the microphone 111, leads to providing a vibrating movement to the diaphragm.

[0025] These vibrations are directly proportional to the variations in air pressure caused by the sound waves. The diaphragm is coupled to a coil of wire, as the diaphragm vibrates, the coil moves within a magnetic field, inducing an electric current in the wire. This current is proportional to the amplitude and frequency of the sound waves. The electrical signal generated by the diaphragm-coil is transmitted to the microcontroller.

[0026] Based on the input command, the microcontroller then triggers an imaging unit 103, installed on the device, to determine the dimensions of the fingers. The imaging unit 103 starts with imaging hardware such as a camera that captures images of the user’s finger portion to gather comprehensive visual information. The imaging unit 103 is linked with a processor that preprocesses the captured images which involves noise reduction to clean the distortions followed by adjusting brightness, contrast, and color balance to make the images more uniform.

[0027] Then, the feature extraction is done using artificial intelligence protocol to identify and extract key features or patterns from the images to highlight significant elements within the image. Artificial intelligence protocols involve deep learning models that are trained to recognize and classify objects, detect anomalies, or segment images into different regions. At last, the processed images are sent to the microcontroller that determines the determines the dimension of the finger.

[0028] The body 101 is constructed with plurality of curved-shaped extendable plates 102 to accommodate the user’s fingers. These plates 102, when activated, move in coordination with the user’s finger movements, helping to restore mobility and improve rehabilitation. Based on this analysis, the microcontroller actuates plurality of motorized hinges 104 configured between the plates 102 for tilting the plates 102 towards/away from each other in view of securing the body 101 with the finger. Motorized hinges 104 use motors to control the movement of plates 102 allowing them to move in a converging or diverging manner. The hinges 104 typically have a mechanical structure that allows for rotation or movement of the plates 102 in multiple directions.

[0029] The motor is connected to this hinge mechanism and provides the energy for the movement to adjust the angle or position of the attached plates 102. When the motor is activated, the linkages within the hinge move and this movement translates into the rotation or shifting of the plates 102 attached to the hinge 104. The motor makes the plates 102 converge by moving them closer together or diverge by moving them further apart for securing the body 101 with the finger.

[0030] The body 101 is fabricated with an inflating member 108 coupled with an air compressor 109 provided on the body 101 for inflating the inflating member 108. The air compressor 109 inflates an inflatable member 108 by drawing in atmospheric air and compressing with a piston compressor 109. In the compressor 109, air is first drawn into a chamber when the piston moves down. Then, when the piston moves back up, squeezing the air, making it more pressurized. This high-pressure air is then pushed out through a valve and sent into the inflatable unit to inflate the member 108 up.

[0031] The inflatable member 108 is integrated with a pressure sensor to monitor and regulate inflation level of the inflatable member 108 to ensure a perfect grip without causing discomfort or restricting air flow. The pressure sensor used here is a load cell to determine the force is transmitted directly onto the load cell which comprises of strain gauges that are small electrical devices bonded to a metal body of the load cell.

[0032] The metal body deforms slightly under applied pressure by the member 108 and stretches or compresses the strain gauges. This deformation changes the electrical resistance of the gauges which alters the voltage output of the strain gauge connection. The load cell converts this voltage change into a force measurement which is then translated into a readable force measurement, which indicates the pressure applied by the inflatable member 108 to ensure a perfect grip without causing discomfort or restricting blood flow.

[0033] The body 101 is attached with an inverted U-shaped frame 105 via a pair of motorized sliding unit for positioning the frame 105 above the detected portion of finger. The sliding units 106 works by using a linear motion mechanism that allows the frame 105 to move smoothly along a set track. The units consist of a moving component, such as a slider mounted on bearings that reduce friction and ensure smooth movement. The slider driven by a motor, as the motor moves, driving the belt that converts rotational motion into linear motion, leading to the movement of frame 105 above the detected portion of finger.

[0034] To position the frame 105, a thermal camera 110 mounted on the frame 105 is actuated by the microcontroller to detect joint stiffness or inflammation in the finger. The thermal camera 110 detects joint stiffness or inflammation in the finger by capturing the heat emitted from the finger using an infrared sensor. The sensor converts this heat into a thermal image, where different temperatures are shown in different colors. The presence of strain or stress leads to changes in blood flow and temperature, which the camera 110 picks up as warm or cool spots on the signal. By analyzing this thermal image, the areas where the temperature has changed are detected, which indicating the stiffness or inflammation in the finger.

[0035] Based on the detected joint stiffness or inflammation, the ceiling portion of the frame 105 is integrated with a motorized linear actuator 107 and integrated with a padded structure that is actuated by the microcontroller to position the padded structure in proximity to the detected stiffness/ inflammation. The linear actuator 107 is powered by a pneumatic pressure that converts rotational motion into linear motion, allowing for precise movement along a straight line. The actuator 107 consists of a motor connected to a lead screw mechanism. When activated, the motor turns the lead screw causing the connected sturcture to extend or retract. This motion is controlled by the microcontroller to adjust the actuator's position with accuracy.

[0036] After positioning the padded structure, the microcontroller actuates plurality of pneumatic pins 112 provided with the structure to extend and retract in a repetitive manner and provide thumping movement to the pins 112, enhancing blood circulation within the finger. Pneumatic pins 112 operate by using compressed air to extend and retract for provide thumping movement to the pins 112.

[0037] When air pressure is introduced into the pneumatic cylinder connected to the pins 112 to push the pin outward for effectively extending the pins 112 to provide thumping movement. To retract the pins 112, the air pressure is released to allow a spring mechanism to pull the pin back into its housing, hence, provide thumping movement to from the pins 112 to the finger, enhancing blood circulation within the finger.

[0038] Further, a temperature sensor integrated with the structure monitors the temperature of the user’s fingers. The temperature sensor operates by using a temperature-sensitive element, such as Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD), which changes its electrical resistance with temperature variations. As the temperature rises or falls, the resistance of the element changes accordingly. This change in resistance is converted into an electrical signal by the sensor's circuitry, which then processes the signal to determine the temperature.

[0039] The microcontroller, based on the temperature readings, activates a Peltier unit coupled with the structure to provide targeted heating therapy to the user’s fingers. Peltier unit works on the Peltier effect where a temperature difference is created by transferring heat between two electrical junctions. A voltage applied across two conductors joined together creates an electrical current.

[0040] When an electric current is passed, electrons move from a high-energy state to a lower-energy state and release energy in the form of heat. At one junction, the movement of electrons absorbs heat from the surroundings making that side cold while other side where the movement of electrons releases energy, it becomes hot to provide targeted heating therapy to the user’s fingers.

[0041] The structure is integrated with vibrating units that are activated by the microcontroller to to impart vibrational intensity over the finger, improving blood flow, reducing stiffness, and relieving pain from the fingers. The vibrating unit comprises of an electric motor and an unbalanced weight. The weight is connected to the rotor of the motor. The rotation of the rotor of the motor due to the electric current causes the rotation of the unbalanced weight generating vibrations. The vibration from the vibrating unit is translated to user’s fingers to improve blood flow, reducing stiffness, and relieving pain from the fingers.

[0042] Furthermore, a flex sensor is integrated with the body 101 that works in collaboration with the imaging unit 103 to monitor bending and straightening of finger, and the progress is displayed on a computing unit accessed by the user. The flex sensor is a resistive sensor that detects changes in resistance as the finger bends or straightens. When the finger bends, the sensor experiences deformation, causing a change in electrical resistance, which is detected and processed by an inbuilt microcontroller.

[0043] The imaging unit 103, equipped with a camera captures real-time images or motion data of the finger's position. The data from the flex sensor and imaging unit 103 are combined to accurately track finger movements that is displayed on a computing unit accessed by the user. The microcontroller sends the progress to the user through a connected interface on a computing unit like a display screen. This wireless communication allows users to track finger movements.

[0044] A battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the device to supply power to all the electronic and electrically operated components, ensuring smooth and continuous operation throughout the rehabilitation process.

[0045] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the curved-shaped body 101 is developed to be worn over the user’s finger. The device integrates the microphone 111 to receive voice commands, which are processed to trigger the imaging unit 103 equipped with the camera for capturing real-time images of the user's fingers. The images are processed using artificial intelligence protocols for feature extraction to determine the dimensions of the finger. The body 101 is composed of curved, extendable plates 102 that move in coordination with the user's finger, controlled by motorized hinges 104 to secure the device around the finger. Additionally, the device includes the inflatable member 108, inflated by the air compressor 109, monitored by the pressure sensor to regulate pressure for a comfortable grip. The frame 105 is mounted with the thermal camera 110 to detect joint stiffness or inflammation, guiding the motorized linear actuator 107 to position the padded structure over the affected area. Pneumatic pins 112 provide thumping movements to improve blood circulation. Temperature sensors and the Peltier unit deliver targeted heating therapy to the fingers. The flex sensor tracks finger bending and straightening, working alongside the imaging unit 103 to monitor movement.

[0046] 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 finger rehabilitating assistive device, comprising:

i) a curved-shaped body 101 constructed with plurality of curved-shaped extendable plates 102, adapted to be fitted beneath finger portion of a user, wherein a microphone 111 is provided with said body 101 for receiving voice commands of said user for securing said with said finger;
ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 configured on said body 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of said user’s finger portion, wherein a microcontroller linked with said imaging unit 103 processes said detected dimensions and actuates said plates 102 to extend/retract and synchronously actuates plurality of motorized hinges 104 configured between said plates 102 for tilting said plates 102 towards/away from each other in view of securing said body 101 with said finger;
iii) an inflating member 108 fabricated over said body 101 and coupled with an air compressor 109 provided on said body 101, wherein said microcontroller actuates said air compressor 109 for inflating said inflating member 108, wherein a pressure sensor is integrated with said inflatable member 108, configured to monitor and regulate inflation level of said inflatable member 108 to ensure a perfect grip without causing discomfort or restricting blood flow;
iv) an inverted U-shaped frame 105 attached with said body 101 via a pair of motorized sliding units 106, wherein a thermal camera 110 is mounted on said frame 105 to detect joint stiffness or inflammation in said finger, in accordance to which said microcontroller regulates actuation of said sliders for positioning said frame 105 above said detected portion of finger;
v) a motorized linear actuator 107 attached with ceiling portion of said frame 105 and integrated with a padded structure that is actuated by said microcontroller to position said padded structure in proximity to said detected stiffness/ inflammation, followed by actuation of plurality of pneumatic pins 112 provided with said structure to extend and retract in a repetitive manner and provide thumping movement to said pins 112, enhancing blood circulation within said finger; and
vi) a temperature sensor integrated with said structure to detect temperature of said user’s fingers, wherein based on which said microcontroller regulates actuation of a Peltier unit coupled with said structure to provide targeted heating therapy to said user’s fingers.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein multiple vibrating units are attached with said structure, actuated by said microcontroller to impart vibrational intensity over said finger, improving blood flow, reducing stiffness, and relieving pain from said fingers.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a flex sensor is integrated with said body 101 that works in collaboration with said imaging unit 103 to monitor bending and straightening of finger, and said progress is displayed on a computing unit accessed by said user.

4) 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.