Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a wearable osteoarthritis detection and exercise recommendation device that is capable of providing a means to detect different stages of osteoarthritis in user’s knee and assist the user in performing exercises as per user specified personal details such as name, age, gender in order to correct Q-angle of muscles in the user’s knee for proper mobility.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Osteoarthritis detection plays an important role for early diagnosis and effective management of this degenerative joint disease, as timely identification helps to mitigate symptoms, slow disease progression, and improve patients' quality of life. Most of the time, osteoarthritis in knee causes problems in mobility, pain management, and performing daily activities. Physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications are common treatment options recommended by healthcare providers to improve the overall function and reduce pain associated with knee osteoarthritis. In severe cases, surgical interventions such as knee replacement may be necessary to restore mobility and alleviate pain. It is crucial for individuals with knee osteoarthritis to work closely with their healthcare team to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses their specific needs and goal.

[0003] Traditionally, the user performs exercise and tools for curing osteoarthritis in knee that includes physical therapy, medication, and possibly surgery. The exercises for curing osteoarthritis are designed to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the affected joint. These exercises help to reduce pain and improve overall function, allowing individuals to maintain an active lifestyle despite their condition. The exercises include supported leg raise, lying leg raise, bridging, seated knee extension stretch, etc. to cure the osteoarthritis in knee but requires proper assistance of a skilled trainer due to which there is less flexibility in performing the exercises.

[0004] US8551178B2 discloses a method for treating arthritis of a joint includes identifying a bone lesion in a bone adjacent to the joint; and implanting in the bone a reinforcing member in or adjacent to the bone lesion. A kit for conducting the method includes: at least one reinforcing member having a proximal face adapted to face the joint, a distal face adapted to face away from the joint, and a wedge-shaped edge adapted to pierce bone, wherein the at least one reinforcing member is planar and sterile; and a container adapted to maintain the at least one reinforcing member sterile. Another kit includes: a sterile fluid; a syringe for injecting the fluid into a bone; a curing agent adapted to cure the fluid to polymerize and/or cross-link; and a container adapted to maintain the sterility of contents of the container.

[0005] US5569676A discloses a method is described for alleviating the symptoms of non-rheumatoid arthritis by administering to the afflicted subject a therapeutically effective amount of cetyl myristoleate either orally, topically, or parenterally.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices are disclosed in prior art that provide ways to cure the osteoarthritis in the user’s knee by using physical therapy, medication, or surgery but are not always effective in fully alleviating the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Moreover, such devices lack in recognizing Q-angle of muscles and stage of the osteoarthritis, hence are not capable of providing any solution for curing the stage of osteoarthritis and correcting the Q-angle of the muscles in the user’s knee.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of assisting a user in performing different exercise for curing different stages of osteoarthritis in the user’s knee by providing appropriate suggestions that are required for healing or curing the stage of the osteoarthritis along with correction of the Q-angle of the muscles.

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 detecting different stages of osteoarthritis in user’s knee and assist the user in performing exercises as per user specified personal details such as name, age, gender in order to correct Q-angle of muscles in the user’s knee.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of upgrading the suggestions or solutions automatically by accessing internet.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of dispensing pain relief solution on the user’s knee to provide relief to the user from pain due to osteoarthritis.

[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 wearable osteoarthritis detection and exercise recommendation device that is capable of curing osteoarthritis based on different stages of osteoarthritis level in the user’s knee by assisting the user in performing the exercise as per profile details of the user in order to allow the user to walk and move properly.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a wearable osteoarthritis detection and exercise recommendation device, comprises of a flexible body constructed with a first, second, and third section developed to be accommodated over knee portion of a user via a pair of straps attached with the first and third section, the second portion is accommodated over knee portion of the user and the first and third sections are accommodated above and below knee portion, respectively, a user-interface inbuilt in a computing unit wirelessly associated with the device for enabling the user to give input commands for creating a user profile by entering personal details such as name, age, gender, a first sensing module installed with the second section for detecting swelling and stiffness of knee muscles, a second sensing module arranged with the second section for detecting pressure and angle of the user’s knee, an internet module integrated within the microcontroller to fetch suitable exercises to be performed by the user based on the determined stage of osteoarthritis, an electronic nozzle configured with the second section and connected with a mini chamber stored with pain relief solution, via a conduit to open for dispensing the solution to provide relief to the user from pain, a GPS (Global Positioning System) module is installed with one of the sections for detecting real-time location of the user, and a battery associated with the device for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[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 isometric view of a wearable osteoarthritis detection and exercise recommendation 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 wearable osteoarthritis detection and exercise recommendation device that is capable of curing osteoarthritis of the user’s knee based on different stages of osteoarthritis level in the user’s knee by assisting the user in performing the exercise in addition with providing relief to the user from pain as per user requirement.

[0021] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a wearable osteoarthritis detection and exercise recommendation device is illustrated, comprising a flexible body 101, a pair of straps 102 attached with the first and third section, a first sensing module 103 installed with the second section, a second sensing module 104 arranged with the second section, and an electronic nozzle 105 configured with the second section and connected with a mini chamber 106 via a conduit 107.

[0022] The proposed device comprises of a flexible body 101 constructed with a first, second, and third section, encased with various component associated with the device arrange in sequential manner that aids in detecting wearable osteoarthritis in a user and accordingly recommending exercise. Herein, the user access a pair of straps 102 attached with the first and third section to accommodate the body 101 over knee portion of the user and first and third sections are accommodated above and below knee portion, respectively. After that the user accesses a user-interface inbuilt in a computing unit wirelessly associated with the device for giving input commands for creating a user profile by giving personal details such as name, age, gender. Herein, the profile provides database of different user to monitor the correction facility by different exercise for different users.

[0023] The computing unit mentioned herein, includes but not limited to mobile and laptop that comprises a processor where the input in the user’s interface is received and stored to process and retrieve the output data in order to display in the computing unit. The microcontroller is wirelessly linked with the computing unit via a communication module which includes but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module. GSM (Global System for Mobile communication). The communication module acts as a medium between various electronic unit for establishing communication between the user’s interface and the device for processing the input given by the user.

[0024] Upon processing the input given by the user, the microcontroller creates the user’s profile which is saved in a database linked with the microcontroller and based on that a first sensing module 103 integrated with the second section detects swelling and stiffness of knee muscles which is saved in synch with the user’s profile. The first sensing module 103 includes a capacitive sensor and stiffness sensor for detecting swelling and muscle stiffness, respectively. The capacitive sensor works by measuring changes in capacitance caused by variations in the distance or dielectric properties between its conductive plates. When placed near the knee, the sensor detects swelling by sensing changes in the surrounding tissue’s composition or proximity, which affects the electric field between the plates. These changes alter the capacitance value, which is then processed by the microcontroller to detect the extent of swelling.

[0025] The stiffness sensor mentioned herein works by measuring the resistance of the knee muscles to deformation or movement. It operates using strain gauges, pressure sensors, or force-displacement mechanisms to evaluate the muscle's response to applied force. By analyzing the changes in force or pressure and the corresponding displacement, the sensor quantifies the stiffness level. The microcontroller to monitor muscle stiffness processes the data collected. Based on detection, in case the swelling and stiffness is detected, it is categorized as potential indication of inflammation, injury, or a condition like joint stiffness, arthritis, or muscle strain.

[0026] Based on that the microcontroller categorizing and sensing the values through the first sensing module 103 for a threshold period of time that is standardized as 24 hours and increased or decreased as per the requirement. After that the microcontroller activates a second sensing module 104 integrated with the second section for detecting pressure and angle of the user’s knee. The sensing module 104 includes a pressure and angle sensor detection of pressure and angle of the user’s knee muscles which is saved in synch with the user’s profile.

[0027] The pressure sensor mentioned herein works by converting the force applied to surface of the user’s knee into an electrical signal. The pressure sensor typically uses piezoelectric, capacitive, or resistive technologies to detect pressure. When the user’s knee exerts force on the sensor, it generates a proportional change in electrical properties, such as voltage or resistance, which is then measured and processed by the microcontroller to detect the pressure of the user’s knee with the body. Further, the angle sensor works based on the principle of detecting changes in magnetic fields or optical signals.

[0028] By analyzing these changes, the angle sensor accurately determines the angle or position of the knee with respect to the device being measured. This information is then further is transmitted to the microcontroller in the form of digital signal to analyze and detect angle of the user’s knee. Based on detecting the pressure of the user’s knee with the body and angle of the user’s knee, the microcontroller determines Q-angle of muscles and stage of the osteoarthritis that includes early, moderate, or advanced stages of osteoarthritis.

[0029] After determining stage of the osteoarthritis, the microcontroller actuates an internet module integrated within the microcontroller for retrieving internet to fetch suitable exercises to be performed by the user. The internet module works by enabling the microcontroller to connect to the internet via the wireless communication protocols such as Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or cellular networks. Once connected, the internet module uses standard communication methods, such as HTTP or MQTT, to access online databases or platforms. The module retrieves information about suitable exercises tailored to the user’s osteoarthritis stage, based on the profile and data stored in the microcontroller that are displayed over the computing unit for allowing the user to perform the exercise for correcting the Q-angle.

[0030] For different stages of the osteoarthritis that includes early, moderate, or advanced stages of osteoarthritis, the recommended exercise that includes in the early stage, gentle range-of-motion exercises and low-impact activities such as walking, stretching, and bodyweight strengthening exercises are beneficial to maintain joint mobility and support surrounding muscles. In the moderate stage, exercises focus on strengthening muscles around the joint, including leg presses, squats, and water therapy, while balance exercises enhance stability. For the advanced stage, the emphasis shifts to pain management and maintaining function with low-impact exercises like range-of-motion movements, isometric strengthening, and water aerobics to correct the Q-angle in different stages.

[0031] Additionally, in case the user is facing excessing pain, the user can give input commands from the user in the computing unit for dispensing pain relief solution, then the microcontroller actuates an electronic nozzle 105 configured with the second section and connected with a mini chamber 106 via a conduit 107 for dispensing the solution to provide relief to the user from pain. The nozzle 105 includes solenoids, piezoelectric actuators, or motor-driven mechanisms that converts electrical signals into mechanical motion. The nozzle 105 is controlled by a control unit that sends electrical signals to the actuation mechanism. The control unit includes a pulse width modulation (PWM) or analog voltage control. The primary function of the nozzle 105 is to control the opening and closing of the nozzle’s orifice or aperture to dispense the pain relief solution to provide relief to the user from pain.

[0032] Moreover, a GPS (Global Positioning System) module is integrated with one of the sections for detecting real-time location of the user. The GPS module sends the signals of the detected location of the user to the satellite and after then a controller process that signal to analyze the location coordinates of the user. Further, that data of coordinates are sent back to the GPS module where the microcontroller analyzes coordinates data and based on the fetched location coordinates. Based on detection if the detected path is not suitable as per the stage of osteoarthritis, for instance the path includes some barriers or several potholes, then the microcontroller suggests an alternative path to the user and determine path being followed by the user for walking/running.

[0033] A battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the system to offer power to all electrical and electronic components necessary for their correct operation. The battery is linked to the microcontroller and provides (DC) Direct Current to the microcontroller. And then, based on the order of operations, the microcontroller sends that current to those specific electrical or electronic components so they effectively carry out their appropriate functions.

[0034] The present invention works best in following manner, where the flexible body 101 constructed with a first, second, and third section, developed to be accommodated over knee portion of a user via the pair of straps 102. After that the second portion is accommodated over knee portion of the user and the first and third sections are accommodated above and below knee portion, respectively. Herein, the user accesses the user-interface inbuilt in the computing unit to give input commands for creating a user profile by entering personal details such as name, age, gender based on that the microcontroller wirelessly linked with the computing unit processes the input commands and creates the user’s profile which is saved in a database linked with the microcontroller. Also, the first sensing module 103 includes capacitive sensor and stiffness sensor detects swelling and stiffness of knee muscles. Upon detection of the swelling and muscle stiffness is determined as osteoarthritis in the user’s knee, and thereafter the microcontroller activates the second sensing module 104 includes pressure and angle sensor for detecting pressure and angle of the user’s knee, based on which the microcontroller determines Q-angle of muscles and stage of the osteoarthritis. Herein, the internet module integrated is activated for accessing internet to fetch suitable exercises to be performed by the user based on the determined stage of osteoarthritis and the fetched exercises are displayed over the computing unit for allowing the user to perform the exercise for correcting the Q-angle. Upon receiving input commands from the user for dispensing the solution via the computing unit, the microcontroller actuates the nozzle 105 to open for dispensing the pain relief solution from the mini chamber 106 to provide relief to the user from pain.

[0035] 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 wearable osteoarthritis detection and exercise recommendation device, comprising:

i) a flexible body 101 constructed with a first, second, and third section, developed to be accommodated over knee portion of a user via a pair of straps 102 attached with said first and third section, wherein said second portion is accommodated over knee portion of said user and said first and third sections are accommodated adjacent to knee portion, respectively;

ii) a user-interface inbuilt in a computing unit wirelessly associated with said device for enabling said user to give input commands for creating a user profile by entering personal details such as name, age, gender, wherein a microcontroller wirelessly linked with said computing unit processes said input commands and creates said user’s profile which is saved in a database linked with said microcontroller;

iii) a first sensing module 103 installed with said second section for detecting swelling and stiffness of knee muscles, wherein in case swelling and muscle stiffness is determined, it is categorized as osteoarthritis condition in said user’s knee and is saved in sync with the user’s profile;

iv) a second sensing module 104 arranged with said second section that is activated on detecting the osteoarthritis condition for detecting pressure and angle of said user’s knee, based on which said microcontroller determines Q-angle of muscles along with the stage of said osteoarthritis which is saved in synch with the user’s profile;

v) an internet module integrated within said microcontroller that is activated for accessing internet to fetch suitable exercises to be performed by said user based on said determined stage of osteoarthritis, wherein said fetched exercises are displayed over said computing unit for allowing said user to perform said exercise for correcting said Q-angle; and

vi) an electronic 105 configured with said second section and connected with a mini chamber 106 stored with pain relief solution, via a conduit 107, wherein upon receiving input commands from said user for dispensing said solution, said microcontroller actuates said electronic 105 to open for dispensing said solution to provide relief to said user from pain.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a GPS (Global Positioning System) module is installed with one of said sections for detecting real-time location of said user, based on which said microcontroller determines path being followed by said user for walking/running, and in case said detected path is not suitable as per said stage of osteoarthritis, said microcontroller suggests an alternative path to said user.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first sensing module 103 includes a capacitive sensor and stiffness sensor for detecting swelling and muscle stiffness, respectively.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second sensing module 104 includes a pressure and angle sensor detection of pressure and angle of said user’s knee muscles.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said microcontroller is wirelessly linked with said computing unit via a communication module which includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.