[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dynamometer. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus to measure grip strength by detecting force exerted by human on the apparatus.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] The assessment of grip strength by means of static muscle effort is easy to implement and requires the use of inexpensive and non-invasive instruments. Due to the fact that upper limb function has a crucial role in the normal activities of daily life, grip strength tests are important and support the diagnosis of diseases that are associated with the loss of muscle strength. It assists health professionals to interpret diagnostic results and to establish appropriate treatment goals. Grip strength is necessary for the execution of many activities of daily living, the assessment of grip strength is often used in the clinical scenario as an indicator of the overall physical strength and health.
[0004] Handgrip dynamometers are the instruments for measuring the strength of hand and forearm muscles. These dynamometers facilitate testing strength of handgrip of patients suffering from conditions that impair hand strength and for tracking improvements during rehabilitation. The dynamometer are also used by sports person to check the strength of hand which is essential in catching, throwing of lifting the equipments of sport.
[0005] There are ranges of dynamometers available to measure grip strength Jamar hydraulic hand dynamometer and Rolyan hydraulic hand dynamometer rare one of them. These dynamometers are ideal for routine screening of grip strength and hand functionality. They can be used to evaluate initial and ongoing impacts of hand trauma and dysfunction and measure isometric force and peak strength with adjustable grip positions, and display the strength value on a display unit. But, the problem with these dynamometers is that in the world plurality of people are blind and deaf, there is no dynamometer which assists those impaired person while using the dynamometer. When impaired persons use this device, they need proper assistance of other to use this device and it takes time to tell them everything one by one.
[0006] There is, therefore, a need in the art to provide an efficient, convenient apparatus to assist impaired persons in measuring the grip strength that overcome above-mentioned and other limitations of existing dynamometers.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0007] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies are as listed herein below.
[0008] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus for measuring grip strength.
[0009] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus for measuring grip strength that facilitates audio biofeedback for hearing impaired users.
[0010] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus for measuring grip strength that facilitates visual biofeedback for visually impaired users.
[0011] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus for measuring grip strength that is cost-effective and easy to implement.
[0012] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus for measuring grip strength that that enables user to hold the elastic part of apparatus for long time easily.

SUMMARY
[0013] The present disclosure relates to a dynamometer. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus to measure grip strength by detecting force exerted by human on the apparatus.
[0014] According to an aspect, the present disclosure provides an apparatus for measuring the grip strength of a user. The apparatus comprises a compressible unit adapted to be gripped by a hand of the user to measure the grip strength and one or more sensors operatively coupled to the compressible unit to detect one or more parameters associated with the grip, and correspondingly generate a first set of signals.
[0015] In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises a processing unit operatively coupled to the one or more sensor, the processing unit comprising one or more processors and a memory storing instructions executable by the one or more processors to: receive the first set of signals from the one or more sensors; and extract a second set of signals from the received first set of signals, the second set of signals pertains to force exerted by the user.
[0016] In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises one or more visible indication units operatively coupled to the processing unit, wherein the at least one of the one or more visible indication unit gets actuated based on the force exerted by the user; and one or more acoustic units operatively coupled to the processing unit, wherein the one or more acoustic units configured to generate acoustic signals corresponding to the force exerted by the user.
[0017] In an embodiment, the compressible unit may be made of any or a combination of rubber, elastic and plastic.
[0018] In an embodiment, the one or more parameters may comprise any or a combination of force, pressure and tension.
[0019] In an embodiment, the one or more indication units may be any or a combination of Light Emitting Diode (LED), Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and bulbs.
[0020] In an embodiment, the one or more acoustic units may be any or a combination of speakers and sound transducers.
[0021] In an embodiment, the apparatus may comprise a casing to support the one or more sensors, the one or more visible indication units and the one or more acoustic units.
[0022] In an embodiment, the casing may be coupled to the compressible unit through a tubular member.
[0023] In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises a power supply unit configured to the processing unit to supply power.
[0024] In an embodiment, the power supply unit comprises battery, inverter, direct supply line and solar cell.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0026] The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure, and wherein:
[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary block diagram of the proposed grip strength measuring apparatus to illustrate its overall working in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary structural diagrams of the proposed grip strength measuring apparatus, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0030] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[0031] In some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
[0032] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0033] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0034] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.
[0035] The present disclosure relates to a dynamometer. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus to measure grip strength by detecting force exerted by human on the apparatus.
[0036] According to an aspect, the present disclosure provides an apparatus for measuring the grip strength of a user. The apparatus can be including a compressible unit adapted to be gripped by a hand of the user to measure the grip strength and one or more sensors can be operatively coupled to the compressible unit to detect one or more parameters associated with the grip, and correspondingly generate a first set of signals.
[0037] In an embodiment, the apparatus can includes a processing unit operatively
coupled to the one or more sensor, the processing unit can be including one or more processors and a memory storing instructions executable by the one or more processors to: receive the first set of signals from the one or more sensors; and extract a second set of signals from the received first set of signals, the second set of signals pertains to force exerted by the user.
[0038] In an embodiment, the apparatus can comprises one or more visible indication units operatively coupled to the processing unit, where the at least one of the one or more visible indication unit gets actuated based on the force exerted by the user; and one or more acoustic units operatively coupled to the processing unit, where the one or more acoustic units can be configured to generate acoustic signals corresponding to the force exerted by the user.
[0039] In an embodiment, the compressible unit can be made of any or a combination of rubber, elastic and plastic.
[0040] In an embodiment, the one or more parameters can comprise any or a combination of force, pressure and tension.
[0041] In an embodiment, the one or more indication units can be any or a combination of Light Emitting Diode (LED), Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and bulbs.
[0042] In an embodiment, the one or more acoustic units can be any or a combination of speakers and sound transducers.
[0043] In an embodiment, the apparatus can comprises a casing to support the one or more sensors, the one or more visible indication units and the one or more acoustic units.
[0044] In an embodiment, the casing can be coupled to the compressible unit through a tubular member.
[0045] In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises a power supply unit that can be configured to the processing unit to supply power.
[0046] In an embodiment, the power supply unit can comprises battery, inverter, direct supply line and solar cell.
[0047] FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary block diagram of the proposed grip strength measuring apparatus to illustrate its overall working in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0048] In an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the proposed grip strength measuring apparatus 100, which can be configured to include the compressible unit 102, adapted to be
gripped by a hand of the user to measure the grip strength, where the hand can be left hand or right hand. In another embodiment, the compressible unit 102 can be made of any or a combination of rubber, elastic and plastic, which enables the user to hold the compressible unit 102 easily.
[0049] In an embodiment, the proposed grip strength measuring apparatus 100 (also, referred to as apparatus 100, herein) can include the one or more sensors 104, where the one or more sensors can be operatively coupled to the compressible unit 102 to detect one or more parameters associated with the grip, and correspondingly generate a first set of signals. In another embodiment, the sensors 104 can be any or a combination of force sensor, capacitive force sensor and force sensitive sensor, which can detect the one or more parameters such that force, pressure and tension.
[0050] In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 can include a processing unit 106, where the processing unit 106 can be operatively coupled to the one or more sensors 104. The processing unit 106 can be configured to receive the first set of signal from the one or more sensors 104, and extract a second set of signals from the received first set of signals, where the first set of signals pertains to the force exerted by the user on the compressible unit 102.
[0051] In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 can include one or more indication units 108 operatively coupled to the processing unit 106, where the at least one of the indication units 108 gets illuminated corresponding to the force exerted by the user on the compressing unit 102 to indicate the grip strength on receipt of the second set of signals from the processing unit 106. In another embodiment, the indication units 108 can be any or a combination of Light Emitting Diode (LED), Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and bulbs, but not limited to the likes.
[0052] In an exemplary embodiment, when the one or more indication units 108 gets illuminated corresponding to the force exerted by the user on the compressing unit 102, a hearing impaired person can easily see the value of grip strength on the apparatus 100.
[0053] In an exemplary embodiment, the indication unit 108 can be one LED, which can be illuminated by different colours based on the force exerted by the user on the compressing unit 102.
[0054] In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 can include one or more acoustic units 110 operatively coupled to the processing unit 106, where the at least one of the acoustic unit can be configured to generate acoustic signals corresponding to the force exerted by the user on the compressing unit 102 to indicate the grip strength on receipt of the second set of signals from the processing unit 106. In another embodiment, the acoustic units 110 can be any or a combination of speakers and sound transducers, but not limited to the likes.
[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, when the one or more acoustic units 110 generates acoustic signals corresponding to the force exerted by the user on the compressing unit 102, a visually impaired person can easily hear the value of grip strength on the apparatus 100.
[0056] FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary structural diagrams of the proposed grip strength measuring apparatus, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0057] Referring now to FIG. 2, in an embodiment, the apparatus 100 can include a casing 202 to accommodate the one or more sensors 104, the processing unit 106, the one or more visible indication units 108, and the one or more acoustic units 110. In another embodiment, the casing can include a measuring scale 202, where values of grip strength can be displayed adjacent to the each indication unit 102.
[0058] In an exemplary embodiment, the processing unit 106 can receive the first set of signals from the sensors 108, and extract second set of signals from the received first set of signals, which pertains the value of grip strength estimated from the force exerted by the user, where the at least one indication unit 108 can be illuminated adjacent to the received value of grip strength to inform the user regarding the grip strength.
[0059] In an embodiment, the casing 202 can be coupled to the compressing unit 102 through a tubular member 206.
[0060] In an exemplary embodiment, the casing 202 can comprises a display unit to display the value of grip strength receipt from the second set of signals, corresponding to the force exerted by the user on the compressing unit 102.
[0061] In an exemplary embodiment, when a user uses the apparatus 100, firstly therapist can explain the process of using the apparatus 100 to the user. A power switch (not shown) can be actuated to turn ON the apparatus 100, and the user can be instructed to squeeze the compressing unit 102. When the user squeezes the compressing unit 102, the at least one indication unit can be illuminated, and acoustic signals can be generated to inform the user regarding the value of grip strength corresponding to the force exerted by the user. The therapist can suggest the user to squeeze the compressing unit 102 as hard as possible with full strength.

[0062] In an embodiment, the power supply unit (not shown) can comprises battery,
inverter, direct supply line and solar cell, but not limited to the likes, where the power supply unit is configured to the apparatus 100 to supply power to the one or more sensors 104, the processing unit 106, the one or more indication unit 108, and the one or more acoustic unit 110.
[0063] Thus, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the diagrams, schematics, illustrations, and the like represent conceptual views or processes illustrating systems and methods embodying this invention. The functions of the various elements shown in the figures may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing associated software. Similarly, any switches shown in the figures are conceptual only. Their function may be carried out through the operation of program logic, through dedicated logic, through the interaction of program control and dedicated logic, or even manually, the particular technique being selectable by the entity implementing this invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art further understand that the exemplary hardware, software, processes, methods, and/or operating systems described herein are for illustrative purposes and, thus, are not intended to be limited to any particular named.
[0064] While embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the invention is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as described in the claim.
[0065] In the foregoing description, numerous details are set forth. It will be apparent, however, to one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, to avoid obscuring the present invention.
[0066] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term "coupled to" is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other)and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously. Within the context of this document terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are also used euphemistically to mean “communicatively coupled with” over a network, where two

or more devices are able to exchange data with each other over the network, possibly via one or
more intermediary device.
[0067] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C …. N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.
[0068] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCOSURE
[0069] The present disclosure provides an apparatus for apparatus for measuring grip strength.
[0070] The present disclosure provides an apparatus for measuring grip strength that facilitates audio biofeedback for hearing impaired users.
[0071] The present disclosure provides an apparatus for for measuring grip strength that facilitates visual biofeedback for visually impaired users.
[0072] The present disclosure provides an apparatus for an apparatus for measuring grip strength that is cost-effective and easy to implement.

[0073] The present disclosure provides an apparatus for an apparatus for measuring grip
strength that enables user to hold the elastic part of apparatus for long time easily.

WE CLAIM

An apparatus for measuring grip strength of a user, the apparatus comprising:
a compressible unit adapted to be gripped by a hand of the user to measure the grip strength;
one or more sensors operatively coupled to the compressible unit to detect one or more parameters associated with the grip, and correspondingly generate a first set of signals;
a processing unit operatively coupled to the one or more sensor, the processing unit comprising one or more processors and a memory storing instructions executable by the one or more processors to:
receive the first set of signals from the one or more sensors; and
extract a second set of signals from the received first set of signals, the second set of signals pertains to force exerted by the user;
one or more visible indication units operatively coupled to the processing unit, wherein at least one of the one or more visible indication unit gets actuated based on the force exerted by the user; and
one or more acoustic units operatively coupled to the processing unit, wherein the one or more acoustic units configured to generate acoustic signals corresponding to the force exerted by the user.
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the compressible unit is made of any or a combination of rubber, elastic and plastic.
3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more parameters comprise any or a combination of force, pressure and tension.
4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more indication units are any or a combination of Light Emitting Diode (LED), Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and bulbs.
5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more acoustic units are any or a combination of speakers and sound transducers.
6. The apparatus a claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors are any or a combination of force sensor, capacitive force sensor and force sensitive sensor.
7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a casing to support the one or more sensors, the one or more visible indication units and the one or more acoustic units.
8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the casing is coupled to the compressible unit through a tubular member.
9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a power supply unit configured to the processing unit to supply power.
10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the power supply unit comprises battery, inverter, direct supply line and solar cell.