Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a therapeutic wound healing assistive device that is developed to be worn by a user over the user’s wound portion and determines the condition of the wound to evaluate a routine for applying ointment on the wound along with applying a prepared ointment to the wound in a precise and controlled manner, ensuring proper coverage for effective healing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Wound healing is a complex biological process that involves various stages such as inflammation, tissue formation, and tissue remodeling. The healing process can be affected by multiple factors, including the severity of the wound, the presence of infections, and the overall health of the individual. Traditional wound care methods often involve manual cleaning and the application of ointments or antiseptics, but these methods can be inconsistent, labor-intensive, and may not always provide optimal healing results. Moreover, monitoring the wound's condition and applying the correct treatment requires constant attention and is often difficult for individuals with limited mobility or caregivers managing multiple patients.

[0003] Existing wound care devices are normally passive, providing basic coverage without actively assessing the condition of the wound or adjusting treatment based on real-time data. There is a need for a more advanced, automated solution that not only monitors the wound’s condition but also applies the appropriate treatment, ensuring the wound receives consistent and effective care. The present invention addresses these needs by offering a device that integrates real-time monitoring, precise ointment application, and automated treatment routines, providing users with more efficient and reliable wound care.
45748A1
[0004] US20110245748A1 discloses about a wearable article formed of a gelatinous elastomer composition having 100 parts by weight of triblock copolymer of the general configuration poly(styrene-ethylene-butyiene-styrene) wherein the styrene end block to ethylene and butylene center block ratio is within the range of from between 31;69 to 40:60, from about 300 Io about 1,600 parts by weight of a plasticizing oil and having a gel rigidity of about 20 gram to about 700 gram Bloom.

[0005] US20110040289A1 discloses about a wound care devices which are capable of one-way, directional flow of fluids and contaminants away from the wound site to the opposite side of the wound care device, which functions as a fluid reservoir. This fluid transport mechanism generally aids in reducing wound maceration by removing excess fluid, and potentially even bacteria, and is carried out without loss of physical integrity of the wound care device itself. In addition to providing a uni-directional fluid transport mechanism, the wound care device may contain a topically applied silver-based antimicrobial finish which provides certain levels of antimicrobial agent to the wound in order to clear infection from the wound site and control bacterial growth in the wound care dressing. Exemplary topical antimicrobial finishes include silver ion-releasing compounds.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed to assist in wound healing, such as manual wound dressings and basic ointment applicators, however these devices fail to provide real-time monitoring of the wound's condition or adjust treatment based on the wound's evolving needs. Additionally, they lack precision in the application of ointments, leading to inconsistent treatment and longer healing times.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that actively monitors the wound's condition, precisely applies the necessary treatment and adapts to the wound's needs in real time. Such a device provide users with consistent, reliable, and efficient wound care ensuring faster and more effective healing.

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 developed to be worn by a user over the user’s wound portion and determines the condition of the wound to evaluate a routine for applying ointment on the wound along with applying a prepared ointment to the wound in a precise and controlled manner, ensuring proper coverage for effective healing.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that monitors the duration of ointment application, ensuring the treatment is applied for the appropriate time to promote optimal healing.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that integrates a database to store medical records, ensuring the treatment is personalized based on the user’s wound history and providing data-driven decisions for future treatment applications.

[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 therapeutic wound healing assistive device that is designed to be worn by a user over the wound area and assesses the wound's condition to determine an appropriate treatment plan for applying ointment and subsequently applying a prepared ointment to the wound to ensure thorough coverage for optimal healing.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a therapeutic wound healing assistive device comprises of a cylindrical wearable component developed to be wrapped over a wound on a user’s body part and installed with an expandable pulley arrangement that is actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to expand/contract the component for ensuring a safe distance between inner periphery of the component and the wound, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the component to determine dimensions of the user’s wound, a sensing module integrated on inner periphery of the component and synced with the imaging unit for determining intensity of the wound to evaluate a routine for applying ointment on the wound, a container arranged on the component and integrated with an electronically controlled nozzle to dispense an anti-septic disinfectant over the user’s wound for cleaning the wound, a multi-sectioned chamber arranged on the component accessed by the user for accommodating a herbal extract inside one of multiple sections of the chamber, a motorized blade integrated in the section to rotate for grinding the extract, an electronically controlled valve integrated on the section to dispense the grinded extract onto a mixing receptacle integrated underneath the chamber, another electronically controlled valve integrated on another section to dispense a gel stored in the chamber over the receptacle to form a healing ointment, an electronically controlled dispenser integrated underneath the receptacle to dispense an optimum amount of the ointment onto the user’s wound, a motorized gripper mounted on the component and integrated with a padding for spreading the dispensed ointment onto the wound for applying the ointment onto the wound, a timer integrated with the microcontroller for monitoring time duration for which the ointment is being applied on the user’s wound, in accordance to which healing of the wound is monitored by the imaging unit and a database is linked with the microcontroller for storing medical record of the user in accordance to which the microcontroller dispenses the optimum amount of ointment onto the wound.

[0015] 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

[0016] 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 internal view of a therapeutic wound healing assistive device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] The present invention relates to a therapeutic wound healing assistive device that The present invention relates to a therapeutic wound healing assistive device that is developed to be worn by a user over the user’s wound portion and determines the condition of the wound to evaluate a routine for applying ointment on the wound along with applying a prepared ointment to the wound in a precise and controlled manner.

[0021] Referring to Figure 1, an internal view of a therapeutic wound healing assistive device is illustrated, comprising a cylindrical wearable component 101 developed to be wrapped over a wound on a user’s body part and installed with an expandable pulley arrangement 102, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on the component 101, a sensing module 104 integrated on inner periphery of the component 101, a container 105 arranged on the component 101 and integrated with an electronically controlled nozzle 106, a multi-sectioned chamber 107 arranged on the component 101, a motorized blade 108 integrated in the section, an electronically controlled valve 109 integrated on the section, a mixing receptacle 110 integrated underneath the chamber 107, an electronically controlled dispenser 111 integrated underneath the receptacle 110 and a motorized gripper 112 mounted on the component 101 integrated with a padding.

[0022] The proposed device herein comprises of a cylindrical wearable component 101 developed to be wrapped over a wound on a user’s body part, wherein the component 101 is installed with an expandable pulley arrangement 102 that is actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller associated with the device to expand/contract the component 101 for ensuring a safe distance between inner periphery of the component 101 and the wound. The wearable component 101 is constructed from a flexible, durable material such as medical-grade silicone, polyurethane, or a breathable fabric with antimicrobial properties. These materials are chosen for their comfort, skin compatibility, and ability to conform to the contours of the user's body while maintaining the necessary structure to house the expandable pulley arrangement 102.

[0023] The microcontroller actuates the expandable pulley arrangement 102 which consists of a set of pulleys, flexible cables and a motorized actuator. The pulleys are mounted on the cylindrical wearable component 101 and are connected to cables that loop around them. These cables are designed to stretch or contract as they are manipulated by the motorized actuator. The actuator, driven by the microcontroller, adjusts the tension of the cables, causing the pulleys to rotate and either expand or contract the cylindrical component 101. The microcontroller continuously monitors the distance between the inner periphery of the component 101 and the wound, ensuring that the component 101 adjusts to maintain the required safe distance for optimal healing.

[0024] The microcontroller activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on the component 101 to determine dimensions of the user’s wound. The imaging unit 103 comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images of the wound, and the captured images are stored within a memory of the imaging unit 103 in form of an optical data. The imaging unit 103 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 determines dimensions of the user’s wound.

[0025] The microcontroller activates a sensing module 104 integrated on inner periphery of the component 101 and synced with the imaging unit 103 for determining intensity of the wound. The sensing module 104 used herein is preferably a pressure sensor, temperature sensor and biosensor that detect changes in the wound's characteristics, such as moisture level, temperature variations, or signs of infection.

[0026] The pressure sensor work by detecting changes in pressure exerted on a sensing element, which could be a piezoelectric material, strain gauge, or capacitive element. When the sensor is placed on the inner periphery of the cylindrical component 101, it measures the pressure at the wound site. Any change in pressure due to swelling, inflammation, or other changes in the wound's condition alters the sensor’s readings. The sensing element undergoes deformation in response to pressure changes, which is then converted into an electrical signal by the sensor’s circuitry. This signal is transmitted to the microcontroller, allowing for the assessment of wound conditions, such as edema or internal changes that require attention.

[0027] The temperature sensor measure the temperature by detecting changes in resistance or voltage based on temperature fluctuations. The temperature sensor integrated into the sensing module 104 detects heat variations at the wound site, which can indicate inflammation, infection, or the body’s natural healing response. A thermistor, for example, experiences a change in electrical resistance as the temperature of the wound area rises, which is then converted to an electrical signal. The microcontroller processes these signals to determine whether the wound is healing normally or showing signs of abnormal conditions like infection, where elevated temperature is a common indicator.

[0028] The biosensor used for wound assessment typically consist of a biological element (such as antibodies, enzymes, or microorganisms) and a transducer that converts the biological response into a measurable signal. In the context of wound healing, biosensors can detect specific markers such as glucose, lactate, or cytokines that are indicative of infection, inflammation, or tissue repair. For example, an enzyme-based biosensor might detect elevated levels of inflammatory markers in the wound exudate, while a glucose sensor might indicate changes in metabolic activity at the wound site. The biosensor detects these biochemical changes and produces a corresponding electrical signal, which is sent to the microcontroller.

[0029] The sensing module 104 gathers all the information from the pressure sensors, temperature sensors, and biosensors and sends the data to the microcontroller for processing and analysis. The microcontroller acts as the central processing unit, where it interprets the signals received from each sensor. The compares the sensor data with predefined thresholds or algorithms to assess the condition of the wound, such as detecting abnormal swelling, elevated temperature or changes in biochemical markers. Based on this analysis, the microcontroller then evaluates the appropriate treatment routine for the user such as applying ointment on the wound.

[0030] A container 105 is arranged on the component 101 and integrated with an electronically controlled nozzle 106 that is actuated by the microcontroller to dispense an anti-septic disinfectant over the user’s wound. The electronically controlled nozzle 106 operates through precise control facilitated by a solenoid valve actuated by the microcontroller. When the microcontroller sends an electrical signal to the solenoid coil, it generates a magnetic field that moves the valve’s armature, allowing pressurized anti-septic disinfectant to flow through the nozzle 106 in view of cleaning the wound. Further, a multi-sectioned chamber 107 is arranged on the component 101 that is accessed by the user for accommodating herbal extract inside one of multiple sections of the chamber 107.

[0031] A motorized blade 108 is integrated in the section that is actuated by the microcontroller to rotate for grinding the herbal extract. The blade 108 is powered by a DC (direct current) motor that is capable of converting the electric current provided from an external force into mechanical force for providing the required power to the blade 108, thus for grinding the herbal extract.

[0032] The microcontroller then actuates an electronically controlled valve 109 integrated on the section to dispense the grinded herbal extract onto a mixing receptacle 110 integrated underneath the chamber 107. The valve 109 comprises of an upper body that serves to hold down all the components present inside the valve 109 including a permanent magnet that is incorporated with a shaft, a thread, a needle, and a seat to carry out the specified function of opening and closing the valve 109 in accordance with the user.

[0033] A stepper motor equipped with copper coils is used in the electronic valve 109 to ensure smooth movement inside the valve 109 when the grinded herbal extract are dispensed in the receptacle 110. The valve 109 further includes a holder to hold down all the components aside from the motor and coil to maintain the longevity of the motor and is connected with the microcontroller to dispense the necessary amount of grinded herbal extract in the receptacle 110. After accommodation of the extract, the microcontroller directs actuation of another electronically controlled valve 109 integrated on another section to dispense a gel stored in the chamber 107 over the receptacle 110 to form a healing ointment.

[0034] An electronically controlled dispenser 111 is integrated underneath the receptacle 110 that is actuated by the microcontroller to dispense an optimum amount of the ointment onto the user’s wound. The electronically controlled dispenser 111, operates by using a controlled pump typically a peristaltic pump which is actuated by the microcontroller to dispense an optimum amount of ointment onto the wound. The pump consists of a flexible tube that is connected to the receptacle 110 containing the ointment.

[0035] When the microcontroller sends a signal, it activates the pump, causing the diaphragm to create pressure that forces the ointment through the tube and out of the nozzle 106. The pump's flow rate and activation time are precisely controlled by the microcontroller, ensuring that the correct amount of ointment is dispensed.

[0036] The microcontroller then actuates a motorized gripper 112 mounted on inner periphery of the component 101 and integrated with a padding for spreading the dispensed ointment on the wound. The motorized gripper 112 consists of a DC motor that drives the movement of the gripper’s arms 112, which are responsible for spreading the ointment onto the wound. The motor is connected to a mechanical linkage that translates the rotational movement of the motor into controlled motion of the gripper's arms 112.

[0037] The arms are equipped with soft, flexible padding or material designed to gently spread the ointment over the wound without causing additional trauma or discomfort. The motor's operation is controlled by the microcontroller, which sends signals to the motor to initiate movement, adjust speed, and ensure precise, uniform application of the ointment.

[0038] A timer is integrated with the microcontroller for monitoring time duration for which the ointment is being applied on the user’s wound. The timer functions by utilizing a real-time clock (RTC) to track and monitor the elapsed time. The timer's main component is a clock oscillator that generates regular time intervals, which are then counted by the microcontroller. When the microcontroller activates the ointment dispensing and spreading process, it simultaneously starts the timer. The timer continuously tracks the duration of the ointment application, and its value is stored in the microcontroller's memory.

[0039] Once the predetermined application time is reached, the timer sends a signal to the microcontroller to stop the ointment dispensing process. This allows the device to ensure that the ointment is applied for the appropriate duration, based on the wound's condition. Additionally, the timer’s readings is used in conjunction with data from the imaging unit 103 to track the progress of the wound healing, adjusting treatment routines accordingly to optimize healing over time.

[0040] A database linked with the microcontroller stores the user's medical records, including detailed information about their wound history, treatment preferences, and healing progress. This data allows the microcontroller to personalize the treatment by accessing the relevant medical history, such as the type of wound, any previous treatments, and specific healing needs. Based on this information, the microcontroller determines the optimum amount of ointment to dispense for the current wound, adjusting the dosage and application method accordingly. The database ensures that the treatment is adapted to the user's unique requirements, allowing for precise and effective wound care. Additionally, the microcontroller continuously updates the database with new data from the sensors and imaging unit 103, ensuring that the treatment remains aligned with the evolving condition of the wound.

[0041] The device is associated with a battery for providing the required power to the electronically and electrically operated components including the microcontroller, electrically powered sensors, motorized components and alike of the device. The battery within the device is preferably a lithium-ion-battery which is a rechargeable battery and recharges by deriving the required power from an external power source. The derived power is further stored in form of chemical energy within the battery, which when required by the components of the device derive the required energy in the form of electric current for ensuring smooth and proper functioning of the device.

[0042] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the user’s wound is first assessed by the sensing module 104 integrated on the inner periphery of the wearable cylindrical component 101. This module 104 containing various sensors such as the pressure sensor, temperature sensor and biosensor which collects real-time data about the wound such as moisture levels, temperature fluctuations, and signs of infection. The data is then sent to the microcontroller which processes the information and references the user’s medical record stored in the linked database. The database holds key information about the user's medical history, previous treatments, and wound healing progress, allowing the microcontroller to determine the most effective treatment routine. The microcontroller then activates the expandable pulley arrangement 102, ensuring a safe and comfortable distance between the component 101 and the wound. The imaging unit 103 synchronized with the sensing module 104 continuously monitors the wound’s dimensions and intensity further guiding the treatment process. Following the evaluation, the microcontroller signals the electronically controlled dispenser 111 to release the appropriate amount of ointment. The dispenser 111 utilizing the pump which dispenses the ointment directly onto the wound. To ensure proper application the microcontroller then activates the motorized gripper 112 which gently spreads the ointment over the wound using soft padding to promote healing. The microcontroller keeps track of the time duration for which the ointment is applied through the integrated timer ensuring the treatment is maintained for the necessary period.

[0043] 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. , C , Claims:1) A therapeutic wound healing assistive device, comprising:

i) a cylindrical wearable component 101 developed to be wrapped over a wound on a user’s body part, wherein said component 101 is installed with an expandable pulley arrangement 102 that is actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to expand/contract said component 101 for ensuring a safe distance between inner periphery of said component 101 and said wound;
ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on said component 101 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of said component 101, respectively to determine dimensions of said user’s wound, wherein a sensing module 104 is integrated on inner periphery of said component 101 and synced with said imaging unit 103 for determining intensity of said wound, in accordance to which said microcontroller evaluates a routine for applying ointment on said wound;
iii) a container 105 arranged on said component 101 and integrated with an electronically controlled nozzle 106 that is actuated by said microcontroller to dispense an anti-septic disinfectant over said user’s wound in view of cleaning said wound, wherein a multi-sectioned chamber 107 is arranged on said component 101 that is accessed by said user for accommodating a herbal extract inside one of multiple sections of said chamber 107;
iv) a motorized blade 108 integrated in said section that is actuated by said microcontroller to rotate for grinding said extract, followed by actuation of an electronically controlled valve 109 integrated on said section to dispense said grinded extract onto a mixing receptacle 110 integrated underneath said chamber 107, wherein upon accommodation of said extract, said microcontroller directs actuation of another electronically controlled valve 109 integrated on another section to dispense a gel stored in said chamber 107 over said receptacle 110 to form a healing ointment; and
v) an electronically controlled dispenser 111 integrated underneath said receptacle 110 that is actuated by said microcontroller to dispense an optimum amount of said ointment onto said user’s wound, followed by actuation of a motorized gripper 112 mounted on inner periphery of said component 101 and integrated with a padding for spreading said dispensed ointment onto said wound in view of applying said ointment onto said wound.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a timer is integrated with said microcontroller for monitoring time duration for which said ointment is being applied on said user’s wound, in accordance to which healing of said wound is monitored by said imaging unit 103.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a database is linked with said microcontroller for storing medical record of said user, in accordance to which said microcontroller dispenses said optimum amount of ointment onto said wound.