A multifunctional smart handrail

Abstract

This invention discloses a multifunctional smart handrail, aiming to solve the problems of traditional mobile handrails being prone to slipping and lacking safety monitoring and daily living assistance functions. The handrail includes a frame forming the main support structure, an anti-slip protective layer covering the frame, intelligent omnidirectional wheels connected to the bottom of the frame via fixed brackets, and a one-button braking mechanism for simultaneously locking or unlocking all omnidirectional wheels. Its innovation lies in the integrated hardware system box within the frame, which houses a main control, sensing and monitoring, and execution drive modules; a smart medicine box is also installed on the frame. The sensing and monitoring module includes a millimeter-wave radar module for fall risk assessment and a weighing sensor for detecting medication dispensing; the execution drive module includes a servo motor for driving the medicine box. This invention achieves a balance between flexible mobility and stable parking, possessing proactive safety warnings, intelligent medication management, and IoT remote monitoring functions, significantly improving home safety and convenience for the elderly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of assistive devices for the elderly and smart elderly care technology, specifically a multifunctional smart handrail. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing aging of the population, improving the home safety and independence of the elderly, especially those with limited mobility or frailty, has become an important social issue. In homes, nursing homes, and rehabilitation settings, handrails are indispensable aids and supports for the elderly when getting up, walking, using the toilet, and bathing. They effectively prevent slips and falls and enhance their confidence in movement.

[0003] However, currently widely used traditional handrails or simple movable handrails have many limitations and cannot meet the needs of modern smart elderly care. The main problems are: 1. Handrails fixed to the wall or the ground restrict the range of movement of the elderly; while movable handrails with ordinary casters can be moved, the wheels may slip when the elderly need to lean on them or use them for support, which may pose a safety hazard, and they lack a convenient and reliable locking mechanism.

[0004] 2. Traditional handrails only provide passive physical support and cannot monitor, warn, or intervene in the user's physical condition in real time.

[0005] 3. Many elderly people need to take medication regularly, but they are prone to missing or taking the wrong dose. Existing handrails do not have medication reminder and management functions.

[0006] 4. Traditional devices cannot interact intelligently with the elderly, nor can they inform remote family members or caregivers of the elderly's safety status and behavioral data in real time, thus creating information silos. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned technical defects and provide a multifunctional smart handrail to solve the problems mentioned in the background art, such as insufficient stability of mobile handrails, lack of active safety monitoring and early warning, inability to perform life assistance such as medication management, and inability to achieve remote care linkage.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A multifunctional smart handrail includes: The frame constitutes the main support structure of the handrail; An anti-slip protective layer covers the outer surface of the frame; Intelligent omnidirectional wheels are connected to the bottom of the frame via a fixed bracket; A one-button braking mechanism includes a press-triggered component disposed on the frame. The press-triggered component is connected to the braking mechanism of the smart omnidirectional wheel through a transmission mechanism, and is used to simultaneously lock or unlock multiple smart omnidirectional wheels. A hardware system box is integrated inside the framework, and the hardware system box includes a main control module, a perception and monitoring module, and an execution driver module. A smart pillbox, which is mounted on the frame and connected to the execution drive module; The sensing and monitoring module includes a millimeter-wave radar module for monitoring human posture and a weighing sensor for detecting changes in the weight of the pillbox. The execution and driving module includes a servo motor for driving the movement of the smart pillbox.

[0009] This invention presents a multifunctional smart handrail that innovatively integrates a stable mechanical structure with an intelligent electronic system. This not only solves the safety problem of "easy slippage" in mobile handrails, achieving "flexible movement and stable braking," but also enables proactive perception and early warning of the user's posture and fall risk through non-contact millimeter-wave radar monitoring. Furthermore, by integrating a smart pillbox and Internet of Things technology, it constructs a complete closed loop for medication management and remote care, significantly improving the home safety, convenience, and independent living ability of the elderly.

[0010] In addition, the multifunctional smart handrail proposed in the above application may also have the following additional technical features: Specifically, the frame includes an arc-shaped main beam and supporting structures connected to both sides of the arc-shaped main beam, and an accommodating cavity is formed inside the frame; the frame is made of aluminum alloy profiles, and the connection points of each profile are connected by 3D printed connectors and fasteners.

[0011] Specifically, the anti-slip protective layer is made of food-grade silicone material, and its surface is pressed with anti-slip textures.

[0012] Specifically, the intelligent omnidirectional wheel includes a wheel body, a braking mechanism, and a fixed bracket connecting the wheel body and the frame; the wheel body is a polyurethane rubber wheel with a high-density sponge core inside; the braking mechanism is a linkage-type double-handle braking structure.

[0013] Specifically, the fixed bracket has a double-layer structure, including an upper bracket connected to the frame and a lower bracket connected to the wheel body, with a shock-absorbing rubber pad provided between the upper bracket and the lower bracket; and a reinforcing rib provided at the connection between the upper bracket and the frame.

[0014] Specifically, the millimeter-wave radar module is an LD2410C module, used for non-contact monitoring of human posture, movement speed and position to determine fall risk; the weighing sensor is connected to the HX711 analog-to-digital converter chip.

[0015] Specifically, the main control module uses an ESP32-S3 microcontroller; the execution drive module also includes an LED light strip for providing status indications.

[0016] Specifically, the hardware system box also includes a human-computer interaction module, which includes a voice recognition module for offline voice command recognition and a speaker for voice broadcasting.

[0017] Specifically, the main control module is configured to: control the execution drive module to provide a medication reminder and drive the smart pillbox to pop out at a preset medication time; and detect the weight change of the smart pillbox through the weighing sensor to confirm the medication retrieval behavior.

[0018] Specifically, the main control module has wireless communication capabilities, which are used to upload fall warning information and medication management information collected by the sensing and monitoring module to the cloud server, and then push them to the family terminal by the cloud server.

[0019] The advantages of this invention compared to existing technologies are: 1. This invention, through the linkage design of "intelligent universal wheels" and "one-button braking mechanism", allows users to easily move the handrail to the desired position. Then, with a single operation, all wheels can be mechanically locked instantly, making the handrail an instantaneous "fixed" fulcrum. This fundamentally eliminates the safety hazard of possible slippage of the handrail during use. It is simple to operate and safe and reliable.

[0020] 2. By integrating a highly sensitive, privacy-preserving millimeter-wave radar module, this invention can monitor a user's posture, movement speed, and relative position contactlessly and around the clock. Combined with local intelligent algorithms, it can analyze human movement status in real time, make local instant judgments and warnings for potential risks such as imbalance and sudden falls, and simultaneously send the warning information to remote family members via the Internet of Things, realizing proactive monitoring and timely intervention for the risk of falls among the elderly.

[0021] 3. The integrated smart pillbox and its accompanying weighing sensor and servo motor drive system enable fully automated management of the entire process, from medication time reminders and automatic pillbox pop-out to confirmation of medication retrieval. This function effectively solves the problem of elderly people missing or forgetting to take medication, and synchronizes medication records with family members, improving adherence and convenience of health management.

[0022] 4. All electronic modules, including main control, sensing, interaction, execution, and power supply, are highly integrated into a hardware system box inside the handrail frame, resulting in a simple appearance and good protection. The human-computer interaction module supports offline voice control, making operation particularly user-friendly for the elderly. The overall design fully considers the physiological characteristics and usage habits of the elderly, such as the ergonomic curved main beam, a large area of ​​anti-slip silicone layer, and eye-catching status indicator lights.

[0023] 5. Using the handrail as a smart terminal, the device connects with a cloud server and a family member's mobile app via a wireless communication module. This allows for real-time synchronization of key information such as monitoring data, early warning messages, and medication records to the cloud and push notifications to family members. This enables family members to remotely monitor the elderly person's safety and daily routines, regardless of their location, providing remote, informed, and timely care and support. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional illustration of the invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional illustration of the invention. Figure 2 ; Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional illustration of the invention. Figure 3 ; Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the framework of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a simplified diagram of the WeChat mini-program structure of the present invention; Figure 6 This is the technical approach of the present invention.

[0025] As shown in the figure: 1. Frame; 2. Anti-slip protective layer; 3. Intelligent universal wheels; 4. Reinforcing ribs; 5. Intelligent pillbox. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Identical components are indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0027] It should be noted that the terms “front,” “back,” “left,” “right,” “up,” and “down” used in the following description refer to the directions shown in the attached diagram, while the terms “inside” and “outside” refer to the directions toward or away from the geometric center of a specific component, respectively.

[0028] To make the content of this invention easier to understand, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] like Figures 1 to 6As shown, the technical solution of this invention is: a multifunctional smart handrail, mainly composed of a mechanical structure subsystem and an intelligent electronic control subsystem deeply integrated together. The mechanical structure subsystem provides physical support and a foundation for movement, including a frame 1, an anti-slip protective layer 2, intelligent omnidirectional wheels 3, a one-button braking mechanism, and an intelligent medicine box 5. The intelligent electronic control subsystem is the "brain" and "nerves" of the device, integrated within the hardware system box, and is responsible for environmental perception, logic control, human-computer interaction, and data communication.

[0030] In one embodiment of the invention, frame 1 serves as the structural skeleton and load-bearing body of the entire device. Its main body is constructed from high-strength aluminum alloy profiles through cutting, bending, and connection, offering advantages such as light weight, high strength, and corrosion resistance. The core of frame 1 is an arc-shaped main beam conforming to the natural grip curve of the human arm, with its radius of curvature ergonomically optimized, for example, approximately 350mm, providing users with a comfortable and stable grip and support point. Vertical support structures are connected to both sides of the arc-shaped main beam, forming a stable semi-enclosed three-dimensional frame with a height of approximately 800mm, a length of approximately 550mm, and a width of approximately 500mm, together with the horizontal connecting beam at the bottom. This frame structure not only provides sufficient structural strength to withstand the load when the user leans against it, but the internal cavity (accommodation cavity) also provides a concealed and neat space for subsequent installation of hardware system boxes, wiring, etc. The connections between the various aluminum alloy profile sections are achieved using customized 3D-printed polylactic acid composite material connectors in conjunction with standard fasteners such as screws and nuts. This connection method ensures the accuracy and strength of the connection, and is also easier to manufacture, assemble, and maintain compared to a full welding process.

[0031] A non-slip protective layer 2 is tightly wrapped around all external surfaces of frame 1 that users may come into contact with. This protective layer is preferably made of food-grade silicone material and molded or coated using a molding process, with a thickness of approximately 3mm. This material is soft and warm to the touch, has a certain degree of cushioning, improves user comfort, and meets safety and hygiene standards. Raised anti-slip textures in diamond or other geometric shapes with a depth of approximately 0.8mm are pressed onto the surface of the silicone layer. This design greatly increases the static friction between the palm and the armrest surface, providing reliable grip even when the user's hands are wet, effectively preventing slippage and enhancing safety.

[0032] In one embodiment of the present invention, the intelligent caster wheel 3 is a key component for the device to achieve flexible movement. Typically, four caster wheels are provided, each mounted to one of the four corners of the bottom of the frame 1 via independent fixed brackets. Each intelligent caster wheel 3 comprises the following core components: Wheels: The wheels are made of polyurethane rubber with a diameter of approximately 150mm and a Shore hardness of around 60°. Polyurethane rubber combines good wear resistance, quiet operation, and a certain degree of elasticity. The wheels are filled with a high-density sponge core, which effectively absorbs minor vibrations caused by uneven ground, making the pushing process smoother and quieter, and improving the user experience.

[0033] Braking Mechanism: Employs a mature and reliable linkage-type dual-handle braking structure. This structure typically includes a black handle for locking and a red handle for unlocking, with colors for easy identification. Internally, it utilizes mechanical structures such as linkages and cams to achieve the function of "locking when pressed and releasing when pressed again." When the black locking handle is pressed down, the mechanism drives the brake pads to press against the wheel surface or axle, generating significant friction to prevent the wheel from rotating; when movement is needed, pressing the red unlocking handle releases the brake.

[0034] Fixed Support: This support is integrally molded using high-strength, lightweight carbon fiber reinforced PLA composite material through 3D printing technology, featuring a double-layer design. The upper support is securely connected to the bottom of frame 1 using M5 or larger expansion bolts. Around this connection point, reinforcing ribs 4 are formed through structural design or additional metal components to distribute stress and prevent loosening or cracking of the connection point due to long-term load and vibration. The lower support is connected to the wheel axle via deep groove ball bearing seats, ensuring smooth and low-noise wheel rotation. Between the upper and lower supports, four sets of shock-absorbing rubber pads with a Shore hardness of approximately 50° are symmetrically arranged. These rubber pads constitute the first-level shock absorption system, effectively filtering and absorbing the impact force generated by uneven ground during pushing, preventing direct transmission of impact to frame 1 and the user's arm. Furthermore, the fixed support is designed with multiple height-adjustable mounting holes. By selecting different mounting holes, the installation height of each wheel can be finely adjusted to ensure that the four intelligent omnidirectional wheels 3 are evenly grounded, allowing the handrail to remain level and stable on any surface, preventing wobbling.

[0035] The one-button braking mechanism is the core safety feature that enables one-button switching between "moving" and "parking secure" modes. This mechanism includes a press-triggered component located on the side of frame 1. This component can be a foot pedal or a large knob. Internally, it is mechanically linked to the braking mechanisms of the four intelligent omnidirectional wheels 3 via a transmission mechanism such as a steel cable, linkage, or Bowden cable. When the user presses the trigger component 6, the transmission mechanism simultaneously pulls the cable or linkage connecting the braking mechanisms of the four omnidirectional wheels, driving the locking mechanisms of all omnidirectional wheels to activate simultaneously, instantly locking all four wheels and fixing the handrail in place, preventing movement. Pressing the component again releases the linkage through a return spring or other mechanism, releasing the brakes on all wheels. This design achieves globally synchronized braking, making operation extremely simple and quick, completely solving the problem of potential slippage when the handrail needs to be leaned against, and significantly improving safety.

[0036] In one embodiment of the present invention, the hardware system box serves as the intelligent control hub of the device, and is integrated as an independent sealed unit within the receiving cavity inside the frame 1. It integrates multiple functional module circuit boards, which are interconnected via internal wiring harnesses. Main control module: As the core processor, the preferred choice is the ESP32-S3 microcontroller with integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functionality. This chip is responsible for the overall system's coordination and control, data processing, logical judgment, and communication with external systems.

[0037] The perception and monitoring module includes two key sensors. The first is the LD2410C millimeter-wave radar module, whose antenna faces the area in front of and slightly below the handrail where the user typically moves. This module transmits frequency-modulated continuous waves and receives echoes reflected from the human body. Through built-in algorithms, it can detect and analyze the presence / removal, stillness / movement, speed, distance from the handrail, and subtle body posture fluctuations in real time, without involving cameras and protecting user privacy. This data is sent to the main control module for real-time analysis. Using a pre-set fall risk algorithm model, it determines the user's current safety. If the algorithm determines a high risk of fall, the main control module immediately triggers a high-level warning. The second sensor is a high-precision weighing sensor and its matching HX711 analog-to-digital converter chip. This sensor is precisely installed under the bottom tray of the smart pillbox 5 to monitor the total weight of the pillbox and its contents in real time.

[0038] The execution drive module receives instructions from the main control module and executes specific actions. It includes an MG90S digital servo motor, whose output shaft is mechanically connected to the door or pop-out tray of the smart pillbox 5 via a linkage or gear mechanism, used to drive the pillbox to automatically pop out at specific times. It also includes an LED light strip that wraps around the curved main beam 7 of the armrest frame 1 or in a prominent position, providing intuitive status cues to the user through different colors and flashing patterns.

[0039] Human-Computer Interaction Module: This includes an offline speech recognition module such as RSRPRO. This module locally stores preset voice command keywords, enabling it to quickly recognize user voice commands without a network connection. It then sends the recognition results to the main control module to execute the corresponding operation, providing rapid response and protecting privacy. It also includes one or more speakers for playing clear, adjustable-volume voice prompts, operation feedback tones, and emergency alarm sounds.

[0040] Energy Management Module: This module includes a high-capacity rechargeable lithium battery, a high-efficiency power management chip, charging protection circuitry, and a charging interface. It provides stable power to the entire hardware system and manages the battery's charging and discharging process, ensuring reliable operation of the device over extended periods.

[0041] In one embodiment of the present invention, the smart pillbox 5 is a smart container that is closely linked to the execution drive module and the sensing and monitoring module. Its main body is integrated into an easily accessible position on the frame 1 via a sliding rail or hinge mechanism. Its workflow is a smart closed loop: the main control module (ESP32-S3) stores a medication schedule preset by family members or caregivers via a mobile app. When the system time reaches the preset medication time, the main control module first controls the LED strip of the execution drive module to emit a specific flashing light, and simultaneously controls the speaker to play a voice medication reminder. If the user does not take any medication within the set time, the main control module further controls the MG90S digital servo motor to automatically open the smart pillbox 5 door or push out the inner tray through mechanical linkage, providing a more prominent reminder of medication use. When the user opens the pillbox and takes the medication, the total weight of the pillbox decreases. The weighing sensor at the bottom detects this weight change in real time, and the HX711 chip amplifies the tiny analog weight signal and converts it into a high-precision digital signal, which is then transmitted to the main control module. By comparing the weight difference before and after medication use, combined with the preset unit weight of the medication, the main control module intelligently determines that "medication has been taken." Subsequently, the main control module controls the servo motor to retract and close the pillbox. Simultaneously, the event record of this "successful medication take" is uploaded to the cloud server via the main control module's wireless communication function. If no medication is detected within the set time window, the system determines it as a "missed dose" and sends a missed dose reminder to the family member's terminal via the Internet of Things.

[0042] In one embodiment of the invention, the Internet of Things (IoT) functionality of this device forms the core of the remote care system. The main control module (ESP32-S3) connects to the home wireless network via its integrated Wi-Fi module, thereby establishing a secure data communication connection with a remote cloud server. Key data generated by the sensing and monitoring module, as well as event information such as "timed reminders," "medication taken," and "missed doses" generated by the smart pillbox management, are uploaded to the cloud server by the main control module in real time or on a scheduled basis. The cloud server is responsible for receiving, storing, analyzing, and forwarding the data. Family members or authorized caregivers can use a dedicated WeChat mini-program or app on their mobile phones to check the elderly person's real-time safety status, receive emergency alerts pushed by the system, and query historical medication records and activity trends at any time. This constructs a three-in-one remote safety care network of "smart terminal (handrail) - cloud platform - family member terminal," ensuring that care is always online regardless of distance.

[0043] In the description of this specification, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0044] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0045] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this application. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A multifunctional smart handrail, characterized in that, include: The frame (1) constitutes the main support structure of the handrail; Anti-slip protective layer (2), which covers the outer surface of the frame (1); Intelligent omnidirectional wheel (3), which is connected to the bottom of the frame (1) by a fixed bracket; A one-button braking mechanism includes a press trigger component disposed on the frame (1), the press trigger component being connected to the braking mechanism of the smart universal wheel (3) via a transmission mechanism, for simultaneously locking or unlocking multiple smart universal wheels (3). The hardware system box is integrated inside the framework (1), and the hardware system box is provided with a main control module, a perception and monitoring module and an execution drive module; A smart pillbox (5) is mounted on the frame (1) and connected to the execution drive module; The sensing and monitoring module includes a millimeter-wave radar module for monitoring human posture and a weighing sensor for detecting changes in the weight of the medicine box. The execution and driving module includes a servo motor for driving the smart medicine box (5) to move.

2. The multifunctional smart handrail according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frame (1) includes an arc-shaped main beam and a support structure connected to both sides of the arc-shaped main beam. An accommodating cavity is formed inside the frame (1). The frame (1) is made of aluminum alloy profiles, and the connection points of each profile are connected by 3D printed connectors and fasteners.

3. A multifunctional smart handrail according to claim 2, characterized in that, The anti-slip protective layer (2) is made of food-grade silicone material, and its surface is pressed with anti-slip texture.

4. A multifunctional smart handrail according to claim 1, characterized in that, The intelligent omnidirectional wheel (3) includes a wheel body, a braking mechanism, and a fixed bracket connecting the wheel body and the frame (1); the wheel body is a polyurethane rubber wheel with a high-density sponge core inside; the braking mechanism is a linkage double handle braking structure.

5. A multifunctional smart handrail according to claim 4, characterized in that, The fixed support is a double-layer structure, including an upper support connected to the frame (1) and a lower support connected to the wheel body. A shock-absorbing rubber pad is provided between the upper support and the lower support. A reinforcing rib (4) is provided at the connection between the upper support and the frame (1).

6. A multifunctional smart handrail according to claim 1, characterized in that, The millimeter-wave radar module is an LD2410C module, used for non-contact monitoring of human posture, movement speed and position to determine fall risk; the weighing sensor is connected to the HX711 analog-to-digital converter chip.

7. A multifunctional smart handrail according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main control module uses an ESP32-S3 microcontroller; the execution drive module also includes an LED light strip for providing status indication.

8. A multifunctional smart handrail according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hardware system box also includes a human-computer interaction module, which includes a voice recognition module for offline voice command recognition and a speaker for voice broadcasting.

9. A multifunctional smart handrail according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main control module is configured to: control the execution drive module to remind the user to take medication at a preset medication time and drive the smart pillbox (5) to pop out; and detect the weight change of the smart pillbox (5) through the weighing sensor to confirm the medication taking behavior.

10. A multifunctional smart handrail according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main control module has wireless communication capabilities, which are used to upload fall warning information and medication management information collected by the sensing and monitoring module to the cloud server, and then push them to the family terminal by the cloud server.

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