ADAPTABLE NECK AND CHIN REHABILITATION DEVICE

Abstract

An adaptable neck and chin rehabilitation device, comprising an extendable U-shaped frame accessed by a user to position the frame around neck portion of the user, a curved member 102 developed to accommodate chin of the user and configured with the ends of the frame by means of a pair of telescopic links 103 that actuates to regulate height of the member 102, an imaging unit 104 installed over the frame and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing images of the user, based on the captured images, a microcontroller linked with the processor determines dimensions of the neck portion, a motorized drawer arrangement installed in the frame to provide appropriate extension and retraction to the frame in order to enable the frame to accommodate the neck portion in a secured manner.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an adaptable neck and chin rehabilitation device that is capable of providing rehabilitation exercise to the chin and neck portion of a user, to provide comfort to the user and the device is also capable of monitoring the abnormalities in the user's health, for notifying the concerned person to provide necessary aid.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The neck and chin are critical areas of the body involved in supporting the head, facilitating movement, and housing important structures such as the cervical spine, nerves, and muscles. Injuries or conditions affecting these areas can significantly impact mobility, daily activities, and overall quality of life. Rehabilitation devices are integral in restoring function and alleviating symptoms associated with neck and chin issues. Traditional neck and chin rehabilitation devices encompass a range of tools and methods that have been used over time to aid in the recovery and rehabilitation of injuries or conditions affecting these areas. These devices often focus on providing support, promoting healing, and restoring functionality through non-invasive techniques. Like cervical collars are one of the most commonly used traditional devices for neck rehabilitation. They provide support and immobilization to the neck, limiting movement and reducing strain on injured tissues.

[0003] Major drawbacks faced by the traditional neck and chin rehabilitation tools are rigid collars are uncomfortable to wear for extended periods due to their stiff construction and pressure on the neck. And prolonged use of collars, especially rigid ones, may cause skin irritation or pressure sores, particularly around the chin and neck areas. Also improper fitting or excessive tightening of collars can restrict breathing, causing discomfort and anxiety for the patient. Thus, there is a need to develop an innovative tool that provide a consistent way of providing rehabilitation exercise to the chin and neck portion of a user, to provide comfort to the user where traditional methods may fall short and to meet the evolving demands of modern requirements.

[0004] US20130333708A1 discloses a chin and neck support device includes a chin support with a chest pad , both are connected to a telescopic rod which keeps the mouth closed and the head in an erect position. To keep the rod central, a malleable "U" shaped frame with both arms being parallel to the sides of the neck, is attached to the front of the telescopic rod . A padded strap is provided behind the neck and is attached to affixed Velcro (or another means of attachment) on both arms of the "U" shaped frame to hold the device securely and comfortably in a central position so that the pressure holding the device is distributed equally across the back of the neck. The "U" shaped frame does not interfere with swallowing or breathing.

[0005] US5441479A discloses the cervical traction device comprises: a body including a shoulder portion, a head portion and a bellows which extends substantially across the width and height of the body between and connected to the head portion and to the shoulder portion and acting against and between substantially the full inner end surface of the head portion and the full inner end surface of the shoulder portion. The bellows, the shoulder portion and the head portion have aligned U-shaped openings therein adapted to receive a patient's neck. A hand operated air pump is connected to the bellows for pumping air into the bellows and for relieving or pumping air out of the bellows.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices exist that are capable of providing rehabilitation exercise to the chin and neck portion of a user, to provide comfort to the user, however these devices fail in monitoring heart rate, blood pressure and respiration rate of the user and notifies the concerned person to provide necessary aid, if any abnormalities in health parameters are detected.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of providing rehabilitation exercise to the chin and neck portion of a user, to provide comfort to the user. Additionally the device is capable of monitoring heart rate, blood pressure and respiration rate of the user and notifies the concerned person to provide necessary aid, if any irregularities in health parameters are detected.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of providing rehabilitation exercise to the chin and neck portion of a user, to provide comfort to the user.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of monitoring heart rate, blood pressure and respiration rate of the user and notifies the concerned person to provide necessary aid, if any abnormalities in health parameters are detected.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of providing massaging effect to chin or neck portion in order to improve blood flow in chin and neck portion, providing relief from pain and strain.

[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 an adaptable neck and chin rehabilitation device that is providing rehabilitation exercise to the chin and neck portion of a user, to provide comfort to the user and also capable of detecting the abnormalities in the user's health and inform the appropriate person to provide essential assistance.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an adaptable neck and chin rehabilitation device, comprising, an extendable U-shaped frame accessed by a user to position the frame around neck portion of the user, a curved member developed to accommodate chin of the user and configured with the ends of the frame by means of a pair of telescopic links that actuates to regulate height of the member, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit installed over the frame and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing images of the user, wherein based on the captured images, a microcontroller linked with the processor determines dimensions of the neck portion, a motorized drawer arrangement installed in the frame to provide appropriate extension and retraction to the frame in order to enable the frame to accommodate the neck portion in a secured manner, a sliding unit attached over the member and configured with a cushioned plate that is accessed by the user to position the chin over the plate for support, plurality of pressure sensors installed over the plate to monitor pressure distribution of the chin over the plate, wherein in case pressure over a specific side is detected, the microcontroller actuates the sliding unit to provide translation to the plate in the specific direction to aid the user in turning the user's head, a primary computing unit accessed by the user to provide input regarding requirement of rehabilitation exercise over the chin and neck portion, wherein based on user input, the microcontroller wirelessly linked with the computing unit actuates plurality of motorized rollers that are installed over the plate and inner periphery of the frame to rotate on axis in order to provide rehabilitation exercise to the chin and neck portion.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, proposed device further comprises, a sensing module installed over the plate to monitor heart rate, blood pressure, respiration rate of the user, wherein in case the monitored heart rate, blood pressure, respiration rate mismatches a threshold range, the microcontroller sends an alert to a secondary computing unit accessed by concerned authority to enable the authority to take actions accordingly, wherein the frame, member and links are layered with cushioned layer for providing comfort to the user while wearing the frame, a microphone is installed over the frame to receive voice command of the user regarding regulation of height of the member based on which the microcontroller actuates the links to regulate height of the member in accordance with the detected dimensions. the sensing module includes a ball echocardiography (BCG) Sensor and Respiratory Inductive Plethysmography sensor, wherein in case the user by means of the primary computing unit provides input regarding requirement of massage over the chin or neck portion, the microcontroller wirelessly linked with the primary computing unit actuates plurality of pop out silicon balls installed over the inner periphery and plate to rotate on axis to provide massaging effect to the chin or neck portion, a communication module is integrated with the microcontroller to establish a wireless connection between the microcontroller and computing units, a battery is associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of an adaptable neck and chin rehabilitation device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises," and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having" and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to an adaptable neck and chin rehabilitation device that is capable of providing rehabilitation exercise to the chin and neck portion of a user, along with detecting abnormalities in the user's health and notify the concerned person to give necessary aid.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an adaptable neck and chin rehabilitation device is illustrated, comprising an extendable U-shaped frame 101, a curved member 102, assembled at the ends of the frame 101, by means of a pair of telescopic links 103, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 104 installed over the frame 101, a sliding unit 105 is attached over the member 102 and configured with a cushioned plate 106, plurality of motorized rollers 107 that are installed over the plate 106, a microphone 108 is installed over the frame 101, and plurality of pop out silicon balls 109 installed over the inner periphery and plate 106.

[0023] The proposed device comprises of an extendable U-shaped frame 101 that is developed as a structural support of the device over which the various components associated with the device, are mounted. The frame 101 is made up of material that includes but not limited to stainless steel, which in turn ensures that the device is of generous size and is light in weight. The frame 101 is positioned by the user around neck portion and the frame 101 is attached to a curved member that accommodates chin of the user.

[0024] In between the frame 101 and the members, a telescopic link 103 is attached which aids in regulating the height of the member 102 as per the user's preferences. Initially the user is needed to access a push button configured with the frame 101 to activate the device. The button is linked with a microcontroller, wherein the push button is consisting of a spring, when the user presses the button for actuating the strap, the springs gets compressed and circuit gets completed and an inbuilt Microcontroller generates a command for determining the dimension of the user's neck portion by an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 104 installed over the frame 101 that functions accordingly to determine dimensions of the neck portion.

[0025] The imaging unit 104 comprises of a processor and a camera which on actuation capture multiple image of the user. The camera is comprised of a lens and a digital camera sensor, wherein the camera lens takes all the light rays rebounding around the user and utilizes the lenses to transmit them to a single point for creating a sharp image. When all of those light rays rebound back and meet together on a digital camera sensor, create a digital image of the user by performing various operations like pre-processing, feature extraction and classification which is transmitted to the processor. The processor further extracts all the required information from the digital images and transmit to an inbuilt microcontroller associated with the device, which further processes the information shared by the processor in order to detect the dimension of the neck portion.

[0026] In accordance to the determined dimension, the microcontroller actuates a motorized drawer arrangement integrated in the frame 101 to alter the dimension of the frame 101. The drawer arrangement consist of a motor, hollow compartment and multiple compartments that are connected with sliders. After actuating by the microcontroller, an electric current passes through the motor of the drawer mechanism and energized the motor. The energized motor further actuates the compartments which are initially at the stowed condition to move in a successive manner within the hollow compartment and extends length of the compartments.

[0027] Simultaneously, each of the compartments having a fixed groove track, wherein upon actuation of the slider, the motor of the slider gets energized and provides a movement to the compartment to move in a linear direction on the groove track of the successive compartment as directed by the microcontroller and extends length of the frame 101 in accordance to the determined dimension of the neck portion in a manner that the neck portion gets accommodated in a secured manner.

[0028] Simultaneously a sliding unit 105 which is attached over the member 102 and configured with a cushioned plate 106 that is accessed by the user to position the chin over the plate 106 for support. The cushion plate 106 provides cushioning effect in order to provide comfort to the user and within the plate 106, plurality of pressure sensors are installed over the plate 106 that monitors pressure distribution of the chin over the plate 106.

[0029] The pressure sensors consists of a measuring coil which measures the strain generated due to pressure applied and converts the measured strain into electrical pulse. Further, the microcontroller processes the electric pulse in order to detect the amplitude of the pulse in order to detect pressure distribution of chin over late. At any instance while taking support, the pressure distribution is sensed to be exceeding at a specific side then microcontroller actuates the sliding unit 105 to move the plate 106 in the specific direction.

[0030] The sliding unit 105 provides the sliding movement to the plate 106 by a motor-driven arrangement. The sliding unit 105 comprises of a set of motorized rollers 107, and a guiding rail which guides the plate 106 along a designated path. The motorized roller 107 is further comprises of a hub motor which enables the rotation of the roller 107 to roll it along the guiding rail in order to translate the plate 106 towards the slot. The hub motor is further comprises of a series of permanent magnets and electromagnetic coils. When the motor is activated, a magnetic field is set up in the coil and when the magnetic field of the coil interacts with the magnetic field of the permanent magnets, a magnetic torque is generated causing the stator of the motor to turn and that provides the rolling action to the rollers 107 on the guiding rail for translating the plate 106 in specific direction in order to ensure proper weight distribution to aid the user in turning the user's head.

[0031] In case the user requires rehabilitation exercise over the chin and neck portion, then needs to access a primary computing unit that is wirelessly linked with the device, to provide input regarding same. The primary computing unit is wirelessly linked with microcontroller via a communication module which includes but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module. The communication module employed herein acts as an intermediate between various electronic components, wherein the module is used to establish the communication between the user's computing unit and the microcontroller. The Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) module is designed for establishing a wireless connection between computing unit and the microcontroller. This module is able to receive serial data from radiation monitoring devices such as primary computing unit and transmit the data to the microcontroller.

[0032] On receiving the command regarding the rehabilitation exercise via the primary computing unit, the microcontroller actuates plurality of motorized rollers 107 integrated in plate 106 and inner periphery of the frame 101. On getting the command to rotate on axis in order to rub the chin and neck portion to provide rehabilitation exercise to the chin and neck portion. The hub motor is comprises of a series of permanent magnets and electromagnetic coils. When the motor is activated, a magnetic field is set up in the coil and when the magnetic field of the coil interacts with the magnetic field of the permanent magnets, a magnetic torque is generated causing the stator of the motor to turn and rub the neck and chin portion in order to provide rehabilitation exercise.

[0033] In the plate 106, a sensing module is installed over the plate 106 to monitor heart rate, blood pressure, respiration rate of the user. The sensing module comprises of a ball echocardiography (BCG) Sensor and Respiratory Inductive Plethysmography sensor that ministers heart rate, blood pressure, respiration rate of the user. The Ballistocardiography (BCG) sensor and Respiratory Inductive Plethysmography (RIP) sensor represent cutting-edge technologies in physiological monitoring, providing comprehensive insights into vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration rate with remarkable accuracy and convenience.

[0034] The BCG sensor detects minute movements of the body caused by the beating heart. By measuring the forces generated as blood is ejected from the heart and circulated throughout the body, the BCG sensor derives heart rate and assess cardiac function. On the other hand, the Respiratory Inductive Plethysmography (RIP) sensor measures respiratory parameters by monitoring changes in thoracic and abdominal volumes during breathing. Utilizing principles of inductance, the RIP sensor captures chest wall movements, allowing for precise calculation of respiratory rate and patterns. When combined, these sensors provide a holistic view of a user's physiological state. Moreover, the integration of these sensors into the device enhances their utility for continuous health monitoring outside of traditional clinical environments. This capability is crucial for remote patient monitoring, where real-time data is transmitted to the microcontroller.

[0035] During rehabilitation, any abnormalities in above parameters is detected then the microcontroller sends an alert to a secondary computing unit accessed by concerned authority to enable the authority to provide necessary aid to the user. The device is equipped with a microphone 108 that is accessed by the user desiring to regulate height of the member 102, to provide voice command regarding same.

[0036] The microphone 108 works by converting sound waves into electrical signals. The microphone 108 is designed to detect variations in air pressure caused by user's voice in the surrounding and transform those pressure fluctuations into electrical signals that is further processed, stored, or transmitted to the microcontroller. Whenever, the user speaker, it creates a series of compressions and rarefactions in the surrounding medium, which constitute sound waves. The microphone 108 typically consists of a diaphragm, a magnet, and a coil. The diaphragm is a thin, flexible membrane that vibrates in response to the changes in air pressure caused by sound waves in the housing.

[0037] When the diaphragm vibrates, it moves the coil relative to the magnet, inducing an electric current in the coil due to electromagnetic induction. As the coil moves within the magnetic field of the sensor, it generates a varying electrical voltage proportional to the diaphragm's motion. This voltage represents the electrical analog of the sound waves and is often referred to as the audio signal. The electrical signal is amplified and converted into an analog electrical signal which is processed by the microcontroller. After processing the microcontroller fetches the user's voice input and based on which the microcontroller actuates the links 103 to regulate height of the member 102.

[0038] The extension of the links 103 are powered by a pneumatic unit which includes an air compressor, air valves, and a piston. The air compressor used herein extract the air from surrounding and increases the pressure of the air by reducing the volume of the air. The air compressor is consist of two main parts including a motor and a pump. The motor powers the compressor pump which uses the energy from the motor drive to draw in atmospheric air and compress to elevated pressure. The compressed air is then sent through a discharge tube into the cylinder across the valve. The compressed air in the cylinder tends to pushes out the piston to extend which extends the links 103 to regulate the height of the member 102 as per the comfort of the user.

[0039] If the user desires to get massage over the chin or neck portion then needs to access the primary computing unit for providing command regarding the same and based on the command the microcontroller actuates plurality of pop out silicon balls 109 installed over the inner periphery and plate 106 to rotate on axis to provide massaging effect to the chin or neck portion in order to provide comfort to the user's chin and neck portion.

[0040] A battery is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrode named as a cathode and an anode. The battery use a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the device.

[0041] The present invention works well in the following manner where the extendable U-shaped frame 101 is positioned by the user around neck portion and the frame 101 is attached to a curved member 102 that accommodates chin of the user. In between the frame 101 and the member 102, the telescopic link 103 is attached which aids in regulating the height of the member 102 as per the user's preferences. Initially the user is needed to access the push button configured with the frame 101 to activate the device and thereafter the artificial intelligence based imaging unit 104 determines dimensions of the neck portion. In accordance to the determined dimension, the microcontroller actuates the motorized drawer arrangement to alter the dimension of the frame 101. Simultaneously the sliding unit 105 which is attached over the member 102 and configured with the cushioned plate 106 is accessed by the user to position the chin over the plate 106 for support. Plurality of pressure sensors are installed over the plate 106 that monitors pressure distribution of the chin over the plate 106. At any instance while taking support, the pressure distribution is sensed to be exceeding at a specific side then microcontroller actuates the sliding unit 105 to move the plate 106 in the specific direction. In case the user requires rehabilitation exercise over the chin and neck portion, then needs to access the primary computing unit to provide input regarding same. On receiving the command regarding the rehabilitation exercise via the primary computing unit, the microcontroller actuates motorized rollers 107 integrated in plate 106 and inner periphery of the frame 101. On getting the command to rotate on axis in order to rub the chin and neck portion to provide rehabilitation exercise to the chin and neck portion. In the plate 106, the sensing module is installed over the plate 106 to monitor heart rate, blood pressure, respiration rate of the user. During rehabilitation, any abnormalities in above parameters is detected then the microcontroller sends an alert to the secondary computing unit accessed by concerned authority to enable the authority to provide necessary aid to the user. The device is equipped with a microphone 108 that is accessed by the user desiring to regulate height of the member 102, to provide voice command regarding same. After processing the microcontroller fetches the user's voice input and based on which the microcontroller actuates the links 103 to regulate height of the member 102. If the user desires to get massage over the chin or neck portion then needs to access the primary computing unit for providing command regarding the same and based on the command the microcontroller actuates plurality of pop out silicon balls 109 installed over the inner periphery and plate 106 to rotate on axis to provide massaging effect to the chin or neck portion in order to provide comfort to the user's chin and neck portion.

[0042] 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) An adaptable neck and chin rehabilitation device, comprising:

i) an extendable U-shaped frame accessed by a user to position said frame around neck portion of said user, wherein a curved member 102 is developed to accommodate chin of said user and assembled at said ends of said frame by means of a pair of telescopic links 103 that actuates to regulate height of said member 102;
ii) an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 104 installed over said frame and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing images of said user, wherein based on said captured images, a microcontroller linked with said processor determines dimensions of said neck portion;
iii) a motorized drawer arrangement installed in said frame to provide appropriate extension and retraction to said frame in order to enable said frame to accommodate said neck portion in a secured manner, wherein a sliding unit 105 is attached over said member 102 and configured with a cushioned plate 106 that is accessed by said user to position said chin over said plate 106 for support;
iv) plurality of pressure sensors installed over said plate 106 to monitor pressure distribution of said chin over said plate 106, wherein in case pressure over a specific side is detected, said microcontroller actuates said sliding unit 105 to provide translation to said plate 106 in said specific direction to aid said user in turning said user's head;
v) a primary computing unit accessed by said user to provide input regarding requirement of rehabilitation exercise over said chin and neck portion, wherein based on user input, said microcontroller wirelessly linked with said computing unit actuates plurality of motorized rollers 107 that are installed over said plate 106 and inner periphery of said frame to rotate on axis in order to provide rehabilitation exercise to said chin and neck portion; and
vi) a sensing module installed over said plate 106 to monitor heart rate, blood pressure, respiration rate of said user, wherein in case said monitored heart rate, blood pressure, respiration rate mismatches a threshold range, said microcontroller sends an alert to a secondary computing unit accessed by concerned authority to enable said authority to take actions accordingly.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said frame, member 102 and links 103 are layered with cushioned layer for providing comfort to said user while wearing said frame.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a microphone 108 is installed over said frame to receive voice command of said user regarding regulation of height of said member 102 based on which said microcontroller actuates said links 103 to regulate height of said member 102 in accordance with said detected dimensions.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sensing module includes a ball echocardiography (BCG) Sensor and Respiratory Inductive Plethysmography sensor.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein in case said user by means of said primary computing unit provides input regarding requirement of massage over said chin or neck portion, said microcontroller wirelessly linked with said primary computing unit actuates plurality of pop out silicon balls 109 installed over said inner periphery and plate 106 to rotate on axis to provide massaging effect to said chin or neck portion.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a communication module is integrated with said microcontroller to establish a wireless connection between said microcontroller and computing units.

7) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.

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