ANKLE SUPPORT DEVICE FOR REHABILITATION

Abstract

An ankle support device for rehabilitation, comprising an L-shaped body 101 to be worn by a user on a leg, a set of straps 102 that are coiled around foot, calf and ankle of leg, multiple laser sensors for detecting dimensions of user’s foot, calf, and ankle, a motorized roller 103 configured with straps 102 to rotate for wrapping straps 102 for securing body 101 with user’s leg, an imaging unit 104 for detecting type of ground surface user is walking on, an inflatable unit to provide comfort to user while walking, a PPG (Photoplethysmography) sensor configured with first portion for detecting blood flow rate in user’s foot, a motorized slider 105 configured with body 101 for providing a to-and-fro motion to a cushion pad to rub sole of user’s foot to maintain an optimum blood flow rate.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an ankle support device for rehabilitation that is capable of providing effective rehabilitation support for ankle by securely wrapping the foot, calf and ankle for facilitating healing and stability. In addition, the proposed device is also capable of accurately measuring and adjusting the dimensions of the user's foot, calf, and ankle, optimizing comfort and support.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Ankle support aids in injury prevention, recovery, and ongoing management of ankle-related conditions. For athletes and active individuals, ankle supports provide stability and protection against sprains and strains during rigorous physical activities, reducing the risk of injury and promoting confidence in movement. In rehabilitation settings, the ankle supports aid in the recovery process by immobilizing and supporting the ankle joint post-injury, facilitating healing and preventing further damage. Moreover, individuals with chronic conditions such as arthritis or ligament weaknesses benefit from the ongoing support provided by this support, which helps manage symptoms and improve mobility. Beyond injury and medical conditions, ankle supports are also used in occupational settings where prolonged standing or repetitive motions strain the ankle joint, offering comfort and reducing fatigue. Ankle support serve a dual purpose of both proactive injury prevention and supportive rehabilitation, catering to a diverse range of needs across sports, medical, and occupational domains to enhance safety, performance, and quality of life.

[0003] Traditional methods of ankle support often involve basic techniques such as elastic bandages or lace-up braces. Elastic bandages provide compression to reduce swelling and offer minimal stabilization. However, they need to apply correctly, leading to inconsistent support and potential circulation issues if wrapped too tightly. Moreover, bandages tend to loosen over time for necessitating frequent readjustment for continued effectiveness. Lace-up braces, while more structured restrict natural ankle movement and flexibility, affecting performance and comfort during activities. They also accumulate sweat and heat in view of leading to discomfort and potential skin irritation. Another common traditional method is the use of rigid ankle braces or stirrup braces, which provide more robust support by immobilizing the ankle joint. These braces are effective in preventing lateral movement and protecting against sprains, making them popular in sports and rehabilitation settings. However, their rigidity limit ankle range of motion and not accommodate individual anatomical variations, leading to discomfort or inadequate support.

[0004] WO2018056812A1 discloses about an invention that relates to an ankle support having a lateral side and a medial side, wherein the ankle support at least comprises a one-piece support frame and at least two draw straps which, when the ankle support is arranged on the foot, each run along different sides of the lower leg, wherein the one-piece support frame comprises a top section and a connection section, the connection section connects the top section with the bottom section on the medial side of the ankle support, such that, when the ankle support is arranged on the lower leg, the ankle and the foot, the top section of the support frame is located above the medial malleolus.

[0005] US10117767B2 discloses about an invention that relates to an ankle support is disclosed and described. The ankle support can include a sleeve that can have a non-stretchable bottom portion to extend under a bottom of a foot. In addition, the sleeve can have side portions extending from the bottom portion to at least an ankle joint. The ankle support can also include non-stretchable support straps connected to the bottom portion, and free ends extending therefrom. In addition, the ankle support can have removable coupling features for the free ends of the support straps located on the side portions. The support straps can cross on a top side of the foot. Along with the bottom portion, the support straps can form a non-stretchable support structure for minimizing movement of the subtalar joint of the ankle.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices are available in the market that aid the user in supporting ankle for rehabilitation. However, the devices mentioned in the prior arts are lacks in determining the blood flow rate of the user's leg for regulating the blood flow rate. In addition, the mentioned devices are incapable of maintaining an optimum temperature of the body for providing comfort to the user.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of facilitating a user by providing effective rehabilitation support for ankles by wrapping the foot completely. Also, the device is capable of monitoring the user's blood flow rate in real-time for ensuring optimal circulation of blood in the user's leg.

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 effective rehabilitation support for ankle by securely wrapping the foot, calf and ankle for facilitating healing and stability.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of ensuring personalized usage and user satisfaction for adjusting the fit and comfort levels.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of accurately measuring and adjusting the dimensions of the user's foot, calf, and ankle, optimizing comfort and support.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting the type of ground surface the user is walking on for adjusting and providing optimal cushioning and comfort.

[0013] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of monitoring the user's blood flow rate in real-time and accordingly rub the user's foot for ensuring optimal circulation of blood in the user's leg.

[0014] 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

[0015] The present invention relates to an ankle support device for rehabilitation that is capable of detecting the type of ground surface the user is walking on for adjusting and providing optimal cushioning and comfort. Additionally, the proposed device is also capable of monitoring the user's blood flow rate in real-time for ensuring optimal circulation of blood in the user's leg.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an ankle support device for rehabilitation, comprises of an L-shaped body having a first and second portion developed to be worn by a user on a leg, a set of straps are configured with body that are coiled around the foot, calf and ankle of the leg, plurality of laser sensors configured with the straps for detecting dimensions of the user's foot, calf, and ankle, a motorized roller configured with each of the straps to rotate in view of wrapping the straps, thus securing the body with the user's leg, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit for detecting type of the ground surface the user is walking on and an air compressor installed with the body for filling suitable amount of air within an inflatable unit configured underneath the first portion to provide comfort to the user while walking.

[0017] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a PPG (Photoplethysmography) sensor configured with the first portion for detecting blood flow rate in the user's foot, a motorized slider configured with the body for providing a to-and-fro motion to a cushion pad to rub sole of the user's foot to maintain an optimum blood flow rate, a temperature sensor is configured with the body for detecting temperature of surroundings, plurality of Peltier units configured with the body for maintaining an optimum temperature of the body to provide comfort to the user, a pressure sensor is configured with each of the straps for detecting pressure applied by the straps on the user's foot, ankle, and calf and a battery is associated with the device for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[0018] 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

[0019] 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 ankle support device for rehabilitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] The present invention relates to an ankle support device for rehabilitation that is capable of providing effective rehabilitation support for ankle by securely wrapping the foot, calf and ankle for facilitating healing and stability. Furthermore, the proposed device is also capable of detecting the type of ground surface the user is walking on for adjusting and providing optimal cushioning and comfort.

[0024] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an ankle support device for rehabilitation is illustrated, comprising an L-shaped body 101 having a first and second portion developed to be worn by a user on a leg, wherein a set of straps 102 are configured with body 101, a motorized roller 103 configured with each of the straps 102, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 mounted on the body 101, mounted on the body 101, a motorized slider 105 configured with the body 101 and plurality of Peltier units 106 configured with the body 101.

[0025] The device disclosed herein includes an L-shaped body 101 that comprises of a first and second portion that are designed in such a manner that is to be worn by a user on a leg as per the requirement. The first portion referred herein is the horizontal portion of the body 101, wherein the second portion is defined as the vertical portion of the body 101. The body 101 is crafted from materials that ensure comfort and flexibility, allowing the user to wear it comfortably over their leg. The wearable body 101 is fabricated with a pair of straps 102 that are to be coiled around the foot, calf and ankle of the leg. The straps 102 are integral in securing in securing the body 101 to the user's leg in a secured manner. They are adjustable to accommodate different leg's sizes and dimension for ensuing a snug fit. These straps 102 are typically made from durable, adjustable materials such as nylon or reinforced fabric. The straps 102 are designed to withstand the complete fit for the user's leg while ensuring the device remains securely attached to the user's leg.

[0026] Initially, a user provides an input command via a user-interface integrated in a computing unit that is wirelessly associated with the device for securing the body 101 with the user's leg. The input is provided through various means such as typing the command for securing the body 101 with the leg. An inbuilt microcontroller is wirelessly linked with the computing unit for carrying out the processing of the input commands provided by the user through user-interface. The microcontroller interprets the user's commands regarding the wearing of the body 101 on the leg and converts them into actionable instructions.

[0027] The microcontroller used herein is pre-programmed using artificial intelligence and machine learning protocols to coordinate the working of the device. The microcontroller is also pre-fed with protocols and instructions related to the device along with the details regarding the securing of the body 101 on the user's leg.

[0028] Multiple laser sensors are embedded with the straps 102 for detecting the dimension of the user's foot, calf and ankle. The laser sensor employed herein is a measurement value recorder working with laser technology and turning the physical measured value into an analogue electrical signal. The laser sensor comprises of a laser emitter and a receiver. On actuation the laser emitter emits the laser beams towards the user's foot, calf and ankle accommodated with the body 101 and the beams got reflected back after colliding with the foot, calf and ankle pf the user's leg which are received by the receiver. The receiver forwards the received waves to the inbuilt microcontroller linked with the sensor in form of electrical signal. Further the microcontroller processes the electrical signal and decode the dimension of the user's foot, calf and ankle.

[0029] Based on the determined dimension of the foot, calf and ankle of the user's leg, the microcontroller actuates a command to each of a motorized roller 103 equipped with each of the straps 102 for rotating in order to wrap the straps 102 for securing the body 101 with the user's leg. The motorized roller 103 employed herein is integrated with a bi-directional direct current motor. After getting actuation command, the motor rotates, which provides the rotational movement to the roller 103. The direct current motor is capable of converting direct current into mechanical work by following the principle of Lorentz Law which states that, the current carrying conduction when placed in magnetic or electrical field experiences a force known as Lorentz force. Such that the motor converts the direct current derived from an external source into a mechanical torque for providing the required rotational power to the roller 103 for rotating to wrap the straps 102 in view of securing the body 101 with the user's leg.

[0030] Upon securing the user's leg with the device, the microcontroller commands an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 configured on the body 101 in view of detecting the type of the ground surface on which the user is walking on. The imaging unit 104 comprises of a processor and a camera which on actuation capture the multiple images of the ground surface. The camera is comprised of a lens and a digital camera sensor, wherein the camera lens takes all the light rays rebounding around the ground surface and utilizes the lenses to transmit them to a single point for creating a sharp image.

[0031] When all of those light rays rebound back and meet together on a digital camera sensor, create a digital image of the ground surface 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 the microcontroller associated with the device, which further processes the information shared by the processor in order to detect the type of the ground surface on which the user is walking on.

[0032] Based on the detected type of the surface, the microcontroller actuates an air compressor installed with the body 101 for filling suitable amount of air within an inflatable unit configured underneath the first portion to provide comfort to the user while walking. The inflating unit comprises of air compressor which extracts the air from surrounding and increases the pressure of the air by reducing the volume of the air and which is further injected in the members. Further, the inflatable members are laminated of multiple thin polymeric films, when air is inserted in the inflatable member by means of air compressor, the films are puffed and the member becomes soft and that provides the comfort to the user.

[0033] Herein, a PPG (Photoplethysmography) sensor embedded with the first portion in view of determining the blood flow rate in the user's foot. The PPG (photo plethysmography) sensor emits infrared light which penetrates the skin of the user, the light is bounced back after hitting the blood tissue within the user's leg. The sensor processes the bounced back light and monitor the blood flow of the user's leg. The sensor further converts the monitored data into an electric current that is received by the microcontroller that is analyzed by the microcontroller in order to detect the blood flow of the user's leg.

[0034] In case the detected blood flow rate recedes a threshold value, the microcontroller directs a motorized slider 105 integrated with the body 101 in view of providing a to-and-fro motion to a cushion pad to rub sole of the user's foot to maintain an optimum blood flow rate. The slider 105 consists of a pair of sliding rails fabricated with grooves in which the wheel of a slider 105 is positioned that is further connected with a bi-directional motor via a shaft. The microcontroller actuates the bi-directional motor to rotate in a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction that aids in the rotation of the shaft, wherein the shaft converts the electrical energy into rotational energy for allowing movement of the wheel to translate over the sliding rail by a firm grip on the grooves. The movement of the sliding unit results in the translation of the cushion pad to rub sole pf the user's foot for maintaining an optimum blood flow rate.

[0035] A temperature sensor is incorporated with the body 101 in view of detecting the temperature of surroundings. The temperature sensor consists a conductive sensing element. On varying the temperature, the resistance of conductive element deviates which results in fluctuation in voltage flow across the sensing element. The voltage fluctuation causes the current to flow across the sensing element is detected by the microcontroller in form of electric pulse. Further the microcontroller evaluates the amplitude of the electric pulse to determine the temperature of the surroundings.

[0036] Based on the determined temperature, the microcontroller activates plurality of Peltier units 106 configured with the body 101 for maintaining an optimum temperature of the body 101 to provide comfort to the user. The Peltier units 106 employed herein is based on the Peltier effect that stated that the cooling of one junction and the heating of the other when electric current is maintained in a circuit of material consisting of two dissimilar conductors. The Peltier effect related to production or absorption of heat at the junction of two metals on the passage of a current. Based on the user-specified temperature, the Peltier units 106 generates the heating/cooling effect in order to maintain the user-specified temperature of the body 101 to provide comfort to the user.

[0037] A pressure sensor is configured with each of the straps 102 for detecting pressure applied by the straps 102 on the user's foot, ankle, and calf. The pressure sensor 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 the pressure applied by the straps 102 on the user's foot, ankle, and calf. Post determining the pressure applied by the straps 102, in case, the detected pressure exceeds a threshold value, the microcontroller exceeds a threshold value, the microcontroller actuates the roller 103 to rotate for unwrapping the straps 102 to reduce the pressure, thus preventing any chances of discomfort to the user.

[0038] The computing unit is wirelessly linked with a 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 customized 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 microcontroller and transmit the data as text SMS to the computing unit for notifying the user.

[0039] Lastly, a battery (not shown in figure) 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.

[0040] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the L-shaped body 101 as disclosed in the proposed invention having the first and second portions is worn by the user on the leg. Initially, the straps 102 are coiled around the foot, calf and ankle of the foot of the user and upon accommodation the user give input command for securing the body 101 with the user's leg securely. After securing the leg, the laser sensor detects dimensions of the user's foot, calf, and ankle and accordingly the motorized roller 103 rotates in view of wrapping the straps 102, thus securing the body 101 with the user's leg. Then, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 detect the type of the ground surface on which the user is walking on and based on the surface the air compressor gets actuate for inflating the inflatable unit in view of providing comfort to the user while walking. Also, the PPG (Photoplethysmography) sensor monitors the blood flow rate in the user's foot and in case the detected blood flow rate recedes the threshold value, the microcontroller actuates the motorized slider 105 for providing the to-and-fro motion to the cushion pad to rub sole of the user's foot to maintain an optimum blood flow rate. The pressure sensor also detects the pressure applied by the straps 102 on the user's foot, ankle, and calf and in case the detected pressure exceeds the threshold value, the roller 103 to rotate for unwrapping the straps 102 to reduce the pressure, thus preventing any chances of discomfort to the user.

[0041] 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 ankle support device for rehabilitation, comprising:

i) an L-shaped body 101 having a first and second portion developed to be worn by a user on a leg, such that said first portion is positioned in contact with foot of said leg and said second portion is positioned in contact with calf of said leg, wherein a set of straps 102 are configured with body 101 that are coiled around said foot, calf and ankle of said leg;
ii) a user-interface installed in a computing unit wirelessly associated with said device for enabling said user to give input commands for securing said body 101 with said user's leg, wherein a microcontroller wirelessly linked with said computing unit processes said input commands and activates plurality of laser sensors configured with said straps 102 for detecting dimensions of said user's foot, calf, and ankle;
iii) a motorized roller 103 configured with each of said straps 102, wherein based on said detected dimensions of said user's foot, calf, and ankle, said microcontroller actuates each of said roller 103 to rotate in view of wrapping said straps 102, thus securing said body 101 with said user's leg;
iv) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 paired with a processor mounted on said body 101 for capturing and processing multiple images of ground surface, respectively, for detecting type of said ground surface said user is walking on, wherein based on said detected type of surface, said microcontroller actuates an air compressor installed with said body 101 for filling suitable amount of air within an inflatable unit configured underneath said first portion to provide comfort to said user while walking; and
v) a PPG (Photoplethysmography) sensor configured with said first portion for detecting blood flow rate in said user's foot, wherein in case said detected blood flow rate recedes a threshold value, said microcontroller actuates a motorized slider 105 configured with said body 101 for providing a to-and-fro motion to a cushion pad to rub sole of said user's foot to maintain an optimum blood flow rate.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a temperature sensor is configured with said body 101 for detecting temperature of surroundings, based on which said microcontroller activates plurality of Peltier units 106 configured with said body 101 for maintaining an optimum temperature of said body 101 to provide comfort to said user.

3) 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.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a pressure sensor is configured with each of said straps 102 for detecting pressure applied by said straps 102 on said user's foot, ankle, and calf, and in case said detected pressure exceeds a threshold value, said microcontroller exceeds a threshold value, said microcontroller actuates said roller 103 to rotate for unwrapping said straps 102 to reduce said pressure, thus preventing any chances of discomfort to said user.

5) 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.

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