Therapeutic device for detecting physical postural abnormalities

Abstract

Therapeutic device for detecting physical incorrect postures of a user, comprising at least one functional unit with at least two position sensors 2a-2b, preferably acceleration sensors, which are arranged at a horizontal distance from the vertical, close to the back in a holding device 10-11.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a therapeutic device for detecting physical malpostures.

[0002] Many people spend a large portion of their day sitting. This applies to students as well as professionals of all ages and fields. Studies show that the average person sits for more than six hours a day, and the trend is rising. Worldwide, but primarily in industrialized nations, this leads to inadvertent poor posture, often causing or exacerbating long-term orthopedic problems, which in turn cause significant health and economic damage. Aids such as mechanical posture correctors have been shown not to bring about lasting improvements in posture, as they are usually associated with a certain degree of discomfort in daily use and can hardly be worn inconspicuously during the day.

[0003] The aim of the invention is to achieve a significant and sustainable improvement in this situation. This problem is solved by the invention characterized in the claims.

[0004] The invention proposes a functional unit with at least two position sensors arranged horizontally, preferably symmetrically to the vertical, which is installed close to the back in a holding device. The internal functional system processes all data acquired in the functional unit and is capable of communication and feedback with external smart devices, such as a watch or smartphone, and with software (firmware or app) installed on them.

[0005] The various designs and dimensional variations of the functional unit within the therapeutic device provide a high degree of application flexibility, which is particularly advantageous for the selection of holding devices. Therefore, the therapeutic device can also be used in holding devices such as bras, undershirts, suspenders, belt systems, and the like. The exceptionally simple handling also enables very convenient application and a high level of wearer comfort compared to other solutions. The various expansion stages of the internal functional system, which records, processes, filters, and processes all relevant movement data and forwards it to external smart devices via radio transmission with an integrated feedback device, are thus capable of interactive communication with the user.

[0006] Embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to figures (Fig.). They show: Fig. 1a a schematic, exemplary rear view of a holding device, e.g. of an everyday T-shirt with a small neckline, with an inserted, undivided functional unit 31a or 41a in the shoulder area and 31b or 41b in the lumbar area. Fig. 1b a schematic, exemplary rear view of a holding device, e.g. of an everyday ladies' dress with a lower back neckline, with inserted, split functional units 31c+31d or 41c+41d in the shoulder area side A+B, electrically connected and an inserted, undivided functional unit 31b or 41b in the lumbar area. Fig. 3 shows an exemplary representation of an undivided, flexible printed circuit board, equipped with all necessary electronic and mechanical components, including a replaceable battery(ies). Available in various lengths, as an undivided sub-functional unit 20a or 20b. Fig. 4a an exemplary representation of a split, flexible printed circuit board, equipped with a position sensor, a microcontroller, a holder for a battery or rechargeable battery and a replaceable battery or rechargeable battery(s), designed with a contact connection, as a split sub-functional unit 21a, side A. Fig. 4b an exemplary representation of a split, flexible printed circuit board, equipped with a position sensor, a radio module and designed with a contact connection, as a split sub-functional unit 21b, side B. Fig. 5 an exemplary representation of a base 30, preferably made of fabric, as a carrier in a suitable dimension, for fixed or with a pocket for loosely receiving the partial functional units 20a-21b. Fig. 6a an exemplary representation of the partial functional units 20a or 20b, undivided, firmly connected to the base 30, preferably made of fabric, as a carrier in each case suitable dimension, results in functional unit 31a or 31b, undivided. Fig. 6b an exemplary representation of the partial functional unit 21a, firmly connected to the base 30, preferably made of fabric, as a carrier in suitable dimensions, results in functional unit 31c, divided, side A, electrically connectable with cable 9. Fig. 6c an exemplary representation of the partial functional unit 21b, firmly connected to the base 30, preferably made of fabric, as a carrier in suitable dimensions, results in functional unit 31d, divided, side B, electrically connectable with cable 9. Fig. 7a an exemplary representation of the partial functional units 20a or 20b, undivided, with the base 30, preferably made of fabric, as a carrier in each case in a suitable dimension, with an attached, matching pocket, for loosely insertable and removable partial functional units 20a or 20b, results in the functional units 41a or 41b, undivided. Fig. 7b an exemplary representation of the partial functional unit 21a, with the base 30, preferably made of fabric, as a carrier in suitable dimensions, with attached, matching pocket, for the loosely insertable and removable partial functional unit 21a, results in functional unit 41c, divided, side A, electrically connectable with cable 9. Fig. 7c an exemplary representation of the partial functional unit 21b, with the base 30, preferably made of fabric, as a carrier in suitable dimensions, with attached, matching pocket, for the loosely insertable and removable partial functional unit 21b, results in functional unit 41d, divided, side B, electrically connectable with cable 9. Fig. 8 an exemplary representation of a counterpart in a suitable dimension, preferably made of fabric, with a roughened surface for receiving the functional units 31a - 41d and for permanent, stationary, preparatory fastening at a suitable location in the selected holding device(s) 10 or 11. No. List of reference symbols 2a Position sensor, left side 2b Position sensor, right side 4 microcontrollers 5 radio module 6 Battery or rechargeable battery 7 Holder for battery or rechargeable battery 8 integrated contact connection for plug-in connections of cables 9 connecting cables with plug connectors on both sides 10 T-shirt-shaped holding device, rear view 11 Holding device in the form of a dress, rear view, with cutout 20a Partial functional unit, undivided without base - shoulder area 20b Partial functional unit, undivided without base - lumbar area 21a Partial functional unit, split - without base - side A 21b Partial functional unit, split - without base, --side B 30 Base, of various, suitable dimensions, for accommodating the respective sub-functional units 20a, - 21b 31a Functional unit, shoulder area; consisting of: Partial functional unit 20a, firmly connected to matching base 30, undivided 31b Functional unit, lumbar region; consisting of: Partial functional unit 20b, firmly connected to matching base 30, undivided 31c Functional unit, side A; consisting of: Partial functional unit 21a, firmly connected to matching base 30, split, electrically connectable with cable 9 31d Functional unit, side B; consisting of: Partial functional unit 21b, firmly connected to matching base 30, split, electrically connectable with cable 9 41a Functional unit, shoulder area; consisting of: Partial functional unit 20a, with matching base 30 and attached pocket, undivided, Partial functional unit 20a removable 41b Functional unit, lumbar area; consisting of: Partial functional unit 20b, with matching base 30 and attached pocket, undivided, Partial functional unit 20b removable 41c Functional unit side A; consisting of: Partial functional unit 21a, with matching base 30 and attached pocket, divided, Partial functional unit 21a removable, electrically connectable with cable 9 41d Functional unit side B; consisting of: Partial functional unit 21b, with matching base 30 and attached pocket, divided, Partial functional unit 21b removable, electrically connectable with cable 9 50 counterparts, of various, matching dimensions, for removable mounting of the functional units 31a - 41d, front roughened (hook and loop fastening)

[0007] The invention relates to a therapeutic device with at least two position sensors for determining a local inclination of the back, which are preferably acceleration sensors and which are worn at a horizontal distance, preferably symmetrically to the vertical. Furthermore, the invention comprises battery-operated, individually adjustable (programmable) functional units 31a-41d for the permanent recording, storage, and evaluation of the posture, in particular the sitting posture, with adjustable sensitivity or tolerance levels. The incorrect posture(s) or deviation(s) from the normative or previously individually set values ​​measured over a definable period of time are communicated to the user via the internal functional system in conjunction with smart devices (e.g.The information is communicated and offered verbally or via video feedback via an app, preferably in selectable cycles, and the user is recommended to perform appropriate, appropriate and targeted therapeutic, gymnastic exercises. Smart devices are widely used worldwide and are therefore available as a means of communication for virtually every user, anytime, anywhere. This invention can significantly reduce both health and economic damage without medication. Furthermore, positive effects can also be achieved in the field of internal medicine.

[0008] Description of the embodiments.

[0009] The figures (Fig.) shown in the attached drawings are not to scale.

[0010] Fig. 1a shows a rear, exemplary representation of a therapeutic device with a holding device 10—in this case, a T-shirt with a small neckline, with inserted functional units 31a for the shoulder area and 31b for the lumbar area, of different lengths, each without a pocket, or the functional units 41a for the shoulder area and 41b for the lumbar area, of different lengths, each with a pocket. The functional units contain at least two position sensors 2a+2b, which are preferably acceleration sensors and are worn at a horizontal distance from the vertical.

[0011] Fig. 1b shows a rear, exemplary representation of a therapeutic device with a holding device 11—in this case, a dress with a low back neckline, with an inserted, split, functional unit 31c—side A, without a pocket, and an inserted, split functional unit 31d—side B, without a pocket, or an inserted, split functional unit 41c—side A, with a pocket, and an inserted, split functional unit 41d, side B, with a pocket in the shoulder area, each connected with a highly flexible, low-impedance cable 9. These designs are extremely flexible due to the choice of different cable lengths and thus also increase wearing comfort in many cases. Another functional unit 31b, without a pocket, or 41b, with a pocket, is located in the lumbar region.

[0012] In any case, the functional units 31a-41d are worn with the holding devices 10 or 11, in a horizontal longitudinal alignment in the shoulder area relative to the vertical, to measure the local movement of the upper part of the back at at least two different locations by recording acceleration values ​​in all three spatial directions. The undivided functional units 31b or 41b, preferably for the lumbar area, are suitable for being worn either generally or additionally in the holding devices 10 or 11 to record local movements there as well, together or separately, analogous to the shoulder area.

[0013] The horizontal length of the partial functional units 20a-21b and, analogously, the functional units 31a-41b is preferably in the range of 23-40 cm, with the position sensors 2a+2b located at the horizontal ends having a mutual horizontal distance in the range of preferably 20-37 cm. When inserting the split functional units 31c+31d and 41c+41d, these distance ranges should be observed. The distance between the position sensors 2a+2b is therefore selectable. Therefore, on the one hand, the local position or movement of the back section is measured at two locations that are sufficiently far apart horizontally, and on the other hand, different types of functional units and different body dimensions are taken into account. In any case, the functional units 31a-41d, which are fixed in the holding devices in various ways, if necessary,Together with the dimensionally corresponding counterparts 50, this ensures that a position sensor 2a-2b is placed at at least two relevant locations on the user's back, thus ensuring a fixed distance or positioning at all times. The position of the functional units 31a-41d is robustly position-tolerant within certain limits, achieved by appropriate evaluation software.

[0014] Fig. 3, according to the invention, shows an exemplary representation of the design and construction of an undivided partial functional unit of a flexible printed circuit board 20a or 20b in different lengths, on which at least two position sensors 2a + 2b, in conjunction with a microcontroller 4 and a radio module 5, e.g. Bluetooth module, as well as a battery holder 7 for receiving a replaceable battery or a rechargeable battery 6, are applied and galvanically connected to one another by low-resistance conductor tracks.

[0015] Fig. 4a, according to the invention, shows an exemplary representation of the design and construction of a divided partial functional unit of a flexible printed circuit board 21a, on which a position sensor 2a, in conjunction with a microcontroller 4, a battery holder 7 for receiving a replaceable battery or a rechargeable battery 6, are applied and are galvanically connected to one another and to the contact connection 8 by low-resistance conductor tracks, side A.

[0016] Fig. 4b, according to the invention, shows an exemplary representation of the design and construction of a divided partial functional unit of a flexible printed circuit board 21b, on which a position sensor 2b is applied in conjunction with a radio module 5, e.g. Bluetooth module, and is galvanically connected to one another and to the contact terminal 8 by low-resistance conductor tracks, side B.

[0017] The sub-functional units 21a+21b can be galvanically connected to one another via the contact switches 8 and a highly flexible, low-resistance connecting cable 9.

[0018] The battery or accumulator 6 is designed, for example, as a button cell. The position sensors 2a and 2b are preferably acceleration sensors, e.g., triaxial low-G sensors, which are capable of evaluation and provide acceleration values ​​for the three axes x, y, and z, thus registering all changes in movement. The microcontroller 4, as its main task, controls and manages the data flow. The processed data (measurement data from the sensors, classifications of body postures or movement patterns) are forwarded via the radio module 5, e.g., a Bluetooth module, or by other means, e.g., wirelessly via a Wi-Fi connection, to the external, smart devices, which are capable of interactive communication via an app.

[0019] Fig. 5, shows according to the invention the exemplary representation of the base 30, preferably made of fabric, as a holder or as a carrier in a suitable dimension for the fixed or loose reception of the partial functional units 20a-21b, with preferably a roughened back, e.g. Velcro-compatible.

[0020] Fig. 6a, according to the invention, shows the exemplary representation of the partial functional units 20a or 20b, undivided, firmly connected to the base 30, preferably made of fabric, as a carrier in each case in a suitable dimension, resulting in functional unit 31a or 31b, undivided.

[0021] Fig. 6b, according to the invention, shows the exemplary representation of the partial functional unit 21a, firmly connected to the base 30, preferably made of fabric, as a carrier in suitable dimensions, resulting in functional unit 31c, divided, side A, electrically connectable with cable 9.

[0022] Fig. 6c, according to the invention, shows the exemplary representation of the partial functional unit 21b, firmly connected to the base 30, preferably made of fabric, as a carrier in suitable dimensions, resulting in functional unit 31d, divided, side B, electrically connectable with cable 9.

[0023] Fig. 7a, according to the invention, shows the exemplary representation of the partial functional units 20a or 20b, undivided, with the base 30, preferably made of fabric, as a carrier in a respective suitable dimension, with an attached, matching pocket, for loosely inserting and detaching the partial functional units 20a or 20b, resulting in the functional units 41a or 41b, undivided.

[0024] Fig. 7b, according to the invention, shows the exemplary representation of the partial functional unit 21a, with the base 30, preferably made of fabric, as a carrier in a suitable dimension, with an attached, matching pocket, for the loosely insertable and removable partial functional unit 21a, resulting in the functional unit 41c, divided, side A, electrically connectable with cable 9.

[0025] Fig. 7c, according to the invention, shows the exemplary representation of the partial functional unit 21b, with the base 30, preferably made of fabric, as a carrier in suitable dimensions, with attached, matching pocket, for the loosely insertable and removable partial functional unit 21b, resulting in functional unit 41d, divided, side B, electrically connectable with cable 9.

[0026] The considerable variability in the use of the therapeutic devices is contributed to by the fact that the sub-functional units 20a-21b in the above-described functional units 41a to 41d are insertable and removable. The functional units 31a-41d can be sewn directly into the holding devices 10 or 11 or, if the holding devices 10 or 11 are prepared accordingly, attached in another way, e.g., with small snap fasteners. For the functional units 31a-31d, this should preferably be the side facing away from the body. For the functional units 41a-41d, this is possible on both the side facing away from the body and the side facing the body of the holding devices 10 or 11. With the functional units 41a and 41b, it is possible to attach the company logo as a fashionable element to the patch pocket of the pad 30. At the same time, the pad 30 helps to prevent pressure points on the body.The position sensors 2a and 2b do not require direct skin contact.

[0027] Fig. 8, shows an exemplary representation of the counterpart 50 according to the invention, the surface of which is designed, for example, as a hook and loop system and is thus prepared to receive and hold in position the functional units 31a - 41d, which in turn preferably generally have a roughened hook and loop backing, in such a way that the functional units 31a - 41d can each be pulled off the counterpart 50 as a whole and can be reinserted quickly and in the correct position in another, appropriately pre-equipped holding device 10 or 11 in a very simple manner, which represents a considerable increase in comfort because in these cases only the counterpart 50 is preparatory to being fastened in the selected holding devices 10 or 11, for example by sewing it in or in another way, for example with small press studs.

[0028] By procuring several functional units 31a-41d and a corresponding number of dimensionally matching counterparts 50, which are pre-sewn into the primarily worn holding devices 10 or 11 or secured in some other way, e.g., with small snap fasteners, a further significant increase in comfort is achieved through easy exchange options. According to the invention, the above-described therapeutic device with the functional units 31a-41d and the internal functional system can be incorporated analogously and as needed into holding devices other than 10 or 11, e.g., in suspenders, undershirts, or bras, and also in belt-like systems, without any loss of function. When washing or cleaning the holding devices, care must be taken to protect the components.The functional units 31a-41d are configured (programmed) according to ideal orthopedic data regarding posture, both sitting and standing, to enable appropriate filtering and classification of the measurement data. In an extended embodiment, the user's personal data can be configured in addition to or instead of the predefined values ​​and regularly adjusted accordingly. This enables individually higher, longer-term personal success.

[0029] All relevant position and movement data from position sensors 2a and 2b are recorded on an external smart device (e.g., a watch or smartphone), each with suitable software and an app. The data is compared with the stored profiles, and the user is periodically notified of persistent deviations and prompted to correct posture and relax affected muscle groups. In addition, the app offers appropriate therapeutic exercises, depending on the degree of deviation. These can be accessed and verbally presented upon request, e.g., "Please do 10 squats."

[0030] An expanded version includes an additional function that reminds the user several times throughout the day in different ways via the app to perform the suggested therapeutic exercises. The individually adjusted position sensors 2a+2b detect possible inaccuracies in implementation, point them out, and also record exercises actually performed. From the collected data, a relevant personal profile can be created regarding short-, medium-, and long-term participation and exercise success. This profile can be networked openly or anonymously and, taking into account a generally positive group dynamic, can record increasing success, e.g., user groups formed by colleagues.

[0031] The personal data collected in this way, which is stored in the app, can be made available to third parties (e.g., doctors, therapists, health insurance companies) in strictly anonymized form, subject to appropriate agreement(s) and in compliance with data protection regulations. The wealth of processed data can be used to continuously adapt suitable preventive and therapeutic measures, either individually or generally, or to supplement or correct those already available in the app.

Claims

[1] Therapeutic device for detecting physical malpositions of a user, comprising at least one functional unit, with at least two position sensors 2a-2b, preferably acceleration sensors, which are arranged at a horizontal distance from the vertical, close to the back in a holding device 10-11. [2] Therapeutic device according to claim 1, wherein a functional unit is worn in the shoulder region or in the lumbar region of the user, or one functional unit in each of the regions. [3] Therapeutic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the undivided sub-functional units 20a-20b each comprise a flexible printed circuit board with low-resistance conductor tracks, which is equipped with a microcontroller 4, a battery holder 7, a replaceable battery or rechargeable battery(s) 6 and a radio module 5. [4] Therapeutic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a first sub-functional unit 21a, a flexible printed circuit board with low-resistance conductor tracks, which is equipped with a microcontroller 4, a battery holder 7, a replaceable battery or rechargeable battery(ies) 6 and a second sub-functional unit 21b, a flexible printed circuit board with low-resistance conductor tracks, which is equipped with a radio module 5, wherein the first and the second sub-functional unit have contact points 8, via which an electrical connection of both sub-functional units is possible. [5] Therapeutic device according to one of claims 1 to 4, base 30, preferably made of fabric, which serves for the fixed or removable accommodation of the partial functional units 20a-21b and at the same time for the prevention of pressure points and easier handling of the partial functional units 20a-21b and is preferably roughened on the back like a Velcro system. [6] Therapeutic device according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the partial functional units 20a-21b receive a correspondingly dimensioned base 30 in order to firmly receive the partial functional units 20a-21b and thus to form the functional units 31a-31d and are each firmly inserted in the holding devices 10 or 11, e.g. by sewing in, or in another way. [7] Therapeutic device according to claim 6, wherein on the correspondingly dimensioned base 30, matching pockets are placed, each in a suitable size, which hold the partial functional units 20a-21b loosely and removable as needed, on the base 30 and thus form the functional units 41a-41d and are each firmly inserted in the holding devices 10 or 11, e.g. by sewing or in another way. [8] Therapeutic device according to claim 6 to 7, counterpart 50, preferably made of fabric, roughened on the front side like a hook and loop system, which, in preparation for increased comfort, are sewn into the previously selected holding devices 10 or 11 in an appropriate number and in a suitable dimension, or are inserted in another way, e.g. with small snap fasteners, so that the functional units 31a-41d, between the correspondingly prepared holding devices 10-11, can be pressed on and off again as often as required, and thus exchanged. [9] System for detecting and displaying physical malpositions, comprising - a therapeutic device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 - Devices for the joint or separate evaluation of the signals from the position sensors of the functional units at two different parts of the body, e.g. shoulder and / or lumbar region of the user - Facilities for wireless transmission of position sensor signals - Setup for sleep mode of the internal functional system (stand-by) to save power. [10] The system of claim 9, further comprising means for storing individual and current physiological characteristics of the user. [11] System according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising means for setting different sensitivity or tolerance levels. [12] System according to one of claims 9 to 11, further comprising means for transmitting the data obtained by detecting, filtering, storing and evaluating all position and movement data of the upper body via a wireless transmission device to external, smart devices. [13] System according to claim 12, further comprising means in external smart devices for comparing the processed and transmitted data with profiles stored therein that are considered ideal or individually created, and for creating effective and targeted exercise suggestions for the user. [14] System according to claim 13, further comprising means for providing feedback on generated exercise suggestions in verbal or visual form and for encouraging the user to implement offered exercise suggestions. [15] A system according to claim 14, further comprising means for detecting any inaccuracies that may have occurred during the performance of the suggested exercises and for communicating them to the user in verbal or visual form. [16] System according to claims 9 to 15, further comprising collection, storage and feedback of the data in total to the user at longer time intervals, e.g. twice a day, in order to implement the suggested exercise units in a concentrated form and thus to avoid impending complaints or to alleviate existing ones, or at best to eliminate them. [17] System according to claim 15 and 16, further comprising means for recording and evaluating participation and exercise successes achieved. [18] System according to one of claims 9 to 17, further comprising means for communicating with other users, e.g. to form application communities. [19] System according to one of claims 9 to 18, further comprising means for processing all determined and filtered relevant data in a strictly anonymised form for health-related institutions or organisations.

Images