Description:BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a bed and particularly to a touch-based adjustable bed system for immobile patients.
Description of Related Art
[002] Adjustable beds have been widely used in medical and home-care settings to provide comfort and support for individuals with limited mobility. Traditional adjustable beds rely on manual or motorized mechanisms that allow users to modify bed positions, often through remote controls or wired switches. These beds are essential for improving posture, alleviating medical conditions, and enhancing the quality of sleep. However, despite their benefits, existing systems often present challenges for users with severe mobility impairments who may struggle with remote control handling or manual adjustments.
[003] In recent years, technological advancements have led to the integration of automation, sensors, and IoT-enabled systems in various assistive devices. Smart home technologies, including voice-controlled assistants and mobile app-based automation, have been increasingly adopted to improve accessibility and convenience. However, the application of such innovations to adjustable beds remains limited, with most solutions still relying on traditional remote-controlled mechanisms. The absence of intuitive control methods that do not require significant hand dexterity poses a limitation for individuals with severe physical disabilities.
[004] Existing adjustable bed designs also face challenges in cost-effectiveness, space efficiency, and real-time monitoring. Many high-end motorized beds are expensive and primarily designed for hospital environments rather than home use. Additionally, current solutions often lack real-time status monitoring, making it difficult for caregivers to track and adjust bed positions remotely. The need for a more intuitive, accessible, and cost-effective adjustable bed system remains unaddressed in the current market.
[005] There is thus a need for an improved and advanced touch-based adjustable bed system for immobile patients that can administer the aforementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a touch-based adjustable bed system for immobile patients. The system comprising a bed frame. The bed frame comprises a sleeping plateau. The sleeping plateau is adapted to accommodate an immobile patient. The bed frame further comprises a motorized screw jack, arranged underneath the sleeping plateau. The motorized screw jack is adapted to adjust a height of the sleeping plateau, such that the motorized screw jack is actuated by a motor driver circuit. The bed frame further comprises a headboard adapted to accommodate a first input unit and a second input unit. The first input unit is adapted to actuate the motorized screw jack to raise up the sleeping plateau and the second input unit is adapted to actuate the motorized screw jack to lower down the sleeping plateau. The system further comprising a Micro Controller Unit (MCU), communicatively connected to the first input unit, the second input unit, and to the motor driver circuit. The Micro Controller Unit (MCU) is configured to receive an input from the first input unit and activate the motor driver circuit to actuate the motorized screw jack for raising the height of the sleeping plateau.
[007] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for adjusting a bed for immobile patients. The method comprising steps of receiving an input from a first input unit; and activating a motor driver circuit to actuate a motorized screw jack for raising up a height of a sleeping plateau.
[008] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on their particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a touch-based adjustable bed system for immobile patients.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide an adjustable bed system that features touch sensors that allow users with limited mobility to adjust bed height with a simple touch for eliminating the need for button-based remotes.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide an adjustable bed system that enables users or caregivers to monitor and adjust bed height remotely via a mobile application for providing real-time updates and increased convenience.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide an adjustable bed system that ensures stable, precise, and smooth height adjustments to prevent sudden movements that could cause discomfort or injury.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide an adjustable bed system that provides real-time visual feedback on the bed movement to ensure clarity and ease of use for both the user and caregiver.
[0013] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide an adjustable bed system that offers a compact, affordable, and easy-to-install solution tailored for home settings.
[0014] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0015] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a touch-based adjustable bed system for immobile patients, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method for adjusting a bed for immobile patients, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0019] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method for adjusting a bed for immobile patients, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] 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 scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0022] 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.
[0023] 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.
[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a touch-based adjustable bed system 100 (hereinafter referred to as the system 100) for immobile patients, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 may enable an immobile patient to autonomously adjust a height of a bed with least physical interaction possible. The system 100 may further enable a caretaker and/or a user to remotely adjust the height of the bed. The system 100 may be installed in a location such as, but not limited to, a hospital, a nursing home, a house, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any location, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies, for installation of the system 100.
[0025] In an embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may be incorporated into a bed frame 102. The system 100 may comprise a sleeping plateau 104, a motorized screw jack 106, a motor driver circuit 108, a headboard 110, a first input unit 112, and a second input unit 114, a Micro Controller Unit (MCU) 116, a communication unit 118, a computing unit 120, an indication unit 122, and a power supply unit 124.
[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, the bed frame 102 may be designed to provide a stable and durable structure for supporting the sleeping plateau 104. The bed frame 102 may be constructed from materials such as, but not limited to, metal, wood, composite materials, or reinforced polymer to ensure strength and longevity. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the bed frame 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, the sleeping plateau 104 may be adapted to accommodate the immobile patient. The sleeping plateau 104 may comprise beddings, such as, but not limited to, a mattress, a bedsheet, a blanket, a pillow, a quilt, a comforter, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the beddings, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the motorized screw jack 106 may be arranged underneath the sleeping plateau 104. The motorized screw jack 106 may be adapted to adjust the height of the sleeping plateau 104. The motorized screw jack 106 may be electronically actuated and driven by the motor driver circuit 108.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the headboard 110 may be arranged perpendicularly to the sleeping plateau 104. The headboard 110 may be adapted to accommodate the first input unit 112 and the second input unit 114. The first input unit 112 may be adapted to actuate the motorized screw jack 106 to raise up the sleeping plateau 104. The second input unit 114 may be adapted to actuate the motorized screw jack 106 to lower down the sleeping plateau 104. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first input unit 112 and the second input unit 114 may be capacitive touch sensors. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the first input unit 112 and the second input unit 114, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention, the headboard 110 may be arranged in such a manner that the immobile patient lying on the sleeping plateau 104 may be able to touch with the headboard 110 with his/her head. In another embodiment of the present invention, the headboard 110 may be arranged on both sides of the sleeping plateau 104 to enable the immobile patient to touch either side of the headboard 110 based on their positioning and/or requirements. In a further embodiment of the present invention, if the immobile patient has some mobility in legs, the immobile patient may be positioned such that his/her legs may touch the headboard 110. In some embodiments of the present invention, the positioning of the headboard 110 may allow the patient to reach and make contact with the headboard 110 using his/her hands.
[0031] Upon making contact of body part of the immobile patient with the headboard 110, the first input unit 112 and/or the second input unit 114 may be actuated based on a change in capacitance caused by the contact of the body part, such as a hand, head, or leg. The capacitive touch sensors in the first input unit 112 and the second input unit 114 may detect a change in capacitance and may generate a corresponding activation signal. The system 100 may actuate the motorized screw jack 106 upon receiving the activation signal from the respective input unit. If the first input unit 112 is activated, the system 100 may instruct the motorized screw jack 106 to raise up the sleeping plateau 104. If the second input unit 114 is activated, the system 100 may instruct the motorized screw jack 106 to lower down the sleeping plateau 104.
[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention, the Micro Controller Unit (MCU) 116 may be connected to the first input unit 112, the second input unit 114, and to the motor driver circuit 108. The Micro Controller Unit (MCU) 116 may be configured to receive an input from the first input unit 112, and activate the motor driver circuit 108 to actuate the motorized screw jack 106 for raising up the height of the sleeping plateau 104. The Micro Controller Unit (MCU) 116 may further be configured to receive the input from the second input unit 114, and activate the motor driver circuit 108 to actuate the motorized screw jack 106 for lowering down the height of the sleeping plateau 104. The Micro Controller Unit (MCU) 116 may be configured to transmit the real-time height of the sleeping plateau 104 to the computing unit 120. The Micro Controller Unit (MCU) 116 may be, but not limited to, a Programmable Logic Control (PLC) unit, a microprocessor, a development board, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the Micro Controller Unit (MCU) 116, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, the communication unit 118 may be adapted to establish a communicative link between the Micro Controller Unit (MCU) 116 and the computing unit 120. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the communication unit 118 may be a Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi) enabled Internet of Things (IoT) module. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the communication unit 118, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, the computing unit 120 may be an electronic device used by the caretaker and/or the user. The computing unit 120 may enable the caretaker and/or the user to remotely adjust the height of the sleeping plateau 104. The computing unit 120 may receive the real-time height of the sleeping plateau 104 and may further enable the caretaker and/or the user to view the received real-time height of the sleeping plateau 104.
[0035] The computing unit 120 may be, but not limited to, a personal computer, a desktop, a server, a laptop, a tablet, a mobile phone, a notebook, a netbook, a smartphone, a wearable device, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the computing unit 120 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0036] In an embodiment of the present invention, the indication unit 122 may be adapted to provide a visual feedback while adjusting the height of the sleeping plateau 104 and the real-time height of the sleeping plateau 104. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the indication unit 122 may be Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the indication unit 122, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0037] In an embodiment of the present invention, the power supply unit 124 may be adapted to supply operational power to the Micro Controller Unit (MCU) 116.
[0038] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method 200 for adjusting a bed for the immobile patients, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] At step 202, the system 100 may receive the input from the first input unit 112.
[0040] At step 204, the system 100 may activate the motor driver circuit 108 to actuate the motorized screw jack 106 for raising up the height of the sleeping plateau 104.
[0041] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method 300 for adjusting the bed for the immobile patients, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] At step 302, the system 100 may receive the input from the second input unit 114.
[0043] At step 304, the system 100 may activate the motor driver circuit 108 to actuate the motorized screw jack 106 for lowering down the height of the sleeping plateau 104.
[0044] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0045] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A touch-based adjustable bed system (100) for immobile patients, the system (100) comprising:
a bed frame (102) comprises:
a sleeping plateau (104) adapted to accommodate an immobile patient;
a motorized screw jack (106), arranged underneath the sleeping plateau (104), wherein the motorized screw jack (106) is adapted to adjust a height of the sleeping plateau (104), such that the motorized screw jack (106) is actuated by a motor driver circuit (108); and
a headboard (110) adapted to accommodate a first input unit (112) and a second input unit (114), wherein the first input unit (112) is adapted to actuate the motorized screw jack (106) to raise up the sleeping plateau (104) and the second input unit (114) is adapted to actuate the motorized screw jack (106) to lower down the sleeping plateau (104); and
a Micro Controller Unit (MCU) (116), communicatively connected to the first input unit (112), the second input unit (114), and to the motor driver circuit (108), characterized in that the Micro Controller Unit (MCU) (116) is configured to;
receive an input from the first input unit (112); and
activate the motor driver circuit (108) to actuate the motorized screw jack (106) for raising up the height of the sleeping plateau (104).
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Micro Controller Unit (MCU) (116) is configured to receive the input from the second input unit (114) and activate the motor driver circuit (108) to actuate the motorized screw jack (106) for lowering down the height of the sleeping plateau (104).
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first input unit (112) and the second input unit (114) are capacitive touch sensors.
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a communication unit (118) adapted to establish a communicative link between the Micro Controller Unit (MCU) (116) and a computing unit (120).
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a computing unit (120) adapted to remotely adjust the height of the sleeping plateau (104).
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Micro Controller Unit (MCU) (116) is configured to transmit a real-time height of the sleeping plateau (104) to the computing unit (120).
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising an indication unit (122) adapted to provide a visual feedback while adjusting the height of the sleeping plateau (104) and a real-time height of the sleeping plateau (104).
8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a power supply unit (124) adapted to supply operational power to the Micro Controller Unit (MCU) (116).
9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sleeping plateau (104) comprises beddings selected from a mattress, a bedsheet, a blanket, a pillow, a quilt, a comforter, or a combination thereof.
10. A method (200) for adjusting a bed for immobile patients, the method (200) is characterized by steps of:
receiving an input from a first input unit (112); and
activating a motor driver circuit (108) to actuate a motorized screw jack (106) for raising up a height of a sleeping plateau (104).
Date: March 04, 2025
Place: Noida

Nainsi Rastogi
Patent Agent (IN/PA-2372)
Agent for the Applicant