Adjustable walking aid for pets

Abstract

An adjustable walking aid for pets that includes the following: i) a portable body 101 designed to be worn by a pet over its belly, wherein a pair of straps 102 are connected to the body 101 to fasten the body 101 around the pet's belly; ii) several pressure sensors attached to the body 101 and the straps 102 to detect the pressure exerted by the body 101 and the straps 102 respectively on the abdominal section, wherein an integrated microcontroller connected to the pressure sensors actuates, on the basis of the detected pressure, a pair of motorized rollers 103 wrapped with the straps 102 and attached to the body 101 to rotate about their axis in order to properly wrap the body 101 and the straps 102 around the animal; iii) a pair of inverted J-shaped telescopic poles 201 configured with the rear part of the body 101, the end sections of the poles 201 being attached to a horizontal support pole 202, which is further configured with a pair of motorized wheels 203 to facilitate the movement of the frame with the movement of the animal; iv) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104, installed on the body 101 and integrated with a processor to capture and process multiple images near the body 101 in order to determine the height of the pet keeper, wherein the microcontroller, on this basis, actuates the poles 201 to extend / retract them in order to position the apex of the poles 201 at an optimal height from the surface to enable the keeper to grasp the poles 201 and move the pet according to the desired preferences; v) a (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor installed on the rods 201 and synchronized with the imaging unit 104 to detect the height of the surface, the microcontroller on this basis exciting / unexciting an electromagnetic spring 204 configured between each of the rods 201 and the rod 202 to absorb a jolt / shock generated due to an uneven surface and to eliminate the possibility of misbalancing the rods 201 together with the pet; and vi) a proximity sensor installed on the body 101 and synchronized with the imaging unit 104 to monitor the presence of obstacles in the pet's path, after which the microcontroller evaluates a probability of collision of the pet with the obstacle, wherein, if the probability exceeds a threshold, the microcontroller activates a loudspeaker 105 attached to the body 101 to notify the keeper to stop the pet's movement, and synchronously, the microcontroller sends a signal to the motor of the wheels 203 to stop the movement of the wheels 203.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an adjustable walking aid for pets that can assist injured pets in moving from one place to another. Furthermore, the proposed invention is capable of monitoring the pet's vital health parameters and also allows the owner to remotely access the pet's health status while moving around the environment. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Pet mobility is important for both dogs and their owners, and these pet mobility aids help both animals and owners lead more active lifestyles. Artificial intelligence uses object and environment recognition to detect potential hazards or obstacles on the sidewalk, such as uneven terrain, bumps, or approaching vehicles. The system alerts caregivers in real time and automatically adjusts the walking route or speed to avoid potential dangers and ensure the safety of the elderly dog.

[0003] Traditionally, many people use dog strollers for dogs with degenerative disc disease because they relieve the weight on the paralyzed parts of the dog. Furthermore, it's important to understand how these pet mobility devices work, how to attach them to the dogs, and how to use them. They allow pets to walk, play, and even swim again, getting the exercise they need for a happy and healthy life, and enabling them to perform various activities with ease.

[0004] WO2013094444A1 discloses an invention relating to a walking aid for dogs for the rehabilitation of dogs that are prevented from walking due to an impairment such as hip dislocation, excessive obesity, and the like, but have a good prospect of regaining their ability to walk through appropriate exercises and the like. The walking aid reduces the dog's load by appropriately supporting the body weight bearing down on its four legs, particularly the hind legs, while maintaining a natural gait as far as possible to encourage voluntary walking exercises. The walking aid can be conveniently adjusted to any desired weight-bearing capacity, depending on the location and extent of the dog's disability or condition.The walking aid for dogs comprises: a main body frame formed from a horizontal element and four support legs with swiveling wheels; four ropes that lock onto a harness worn on the dog's body and suspend the dog's body at the shoulder and pelvic regions; and a constant-load mechanism that holds the ropes by means of a retraction force from a main spring. The retraction force of the constant-load mechanism can be freely adjusted; therefore, the suspension force can be freely adjusted according to the dog's weight and the extent of its disability. WO444 discloses a device relating to a walking aid for pets for the rehabilitation of dogs with a walking disability. However, the cited invention is not capable of monitoring the animal's vital health parameters, nor is it capable of...

[0005] US9872481B2 describes a method for monitoring the health of an animal using multiple sensors. The wearable device can contain one or more sensors, the resulting signal levels of which can be analyzed in the wearable device or uploaded to a data management server for further analysis. One or more embodiments include variations of the sensor system to determine whether the wearable device is being worn correctly by the animal, so that the resulting signal levels are of optimal quality. While US'481 discloses an invention for a display and system management system that monitors the health and well-being of a pet, the cited invention is not capable of monitoring the animal's vital health parameters, nor is it capable of allowing the owner remote access to the animal's health status and taking appropriate action.

[0006] Numerous devices are available on the market to help users walk their injured or paralyzed pets. However, these devices often fail to prevent the pet from losing its balance while walking. Furthermore, these devices cannot monitor vital health parameters or provide the owner with remote access to the animal's health status.

[0007] To overcome the aforementioned disadvantages, technology needs to develop a device capable of monitoring the pet's vital health parameters and tracking its precise location. Furthermore, the device should be able to detect uneven surfaces along the pet's walking path and notify the user accordingly, prompting them to change route to prevent the pet from becoming unsteady. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

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

[0009] One objective of the present invention is to develop a device that is able to assist the injured / paralyzed pet in moving from one place to another in the environment according to the wishes of the caregiver.

[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of monitoring the vital health parameters of the pet and that allows the owner to monitor the pet's health status remotely.

[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of tracking the exact location of the pet in real time and that allows the pet's owner to access the location coordinates when necessary.

[0012] The aforementioned and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon closer examination 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 adjustable walking aid for pets that can assist an injured / paralyzed pet in moving from one place to another in its environment according to the caretaker's wishes. Furthermore, the proposed device is capable of tracking the pet's precise location in real time and allows the pet's owner to retrieve the location coordinates as needed.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an adjustable walking aid for pets comprises a wearable body designed to be worn by a pet over the belly, a pair of straps connected to the body to secure the body around the belly, several pressure sensors installed on the body and the straps to detect the pressure exerted by the body and the straps on the belly, respectively, wherein, based on the detected pressure, a built-in microcontroller actuates a pair of motorized rollers integrated into the body and the straps to rotate about their axis so that the body and the straps are properly secured;a pair of inverted J-shaped telescopic poles configured with the rear of the body, the end sections of the poles being attached to a horizontal support bar, which is further configured with a pair of motorized wheels to facilitate movement of the frame with the movement of the pet; an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the body and integrated with a processor to capture and process multiple images near the body; the microcontroller then controls the extension and retraction of the poles to position the tip of the pole at an optimal height from the surface so that the handler can grasp the pole and move the pet as desired.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises a laser sensor installed on the rods and synchronized with the imaging unit to detect the level of the surface, whereupon the microcontroller activates / deactivates an electromagnetic spring arranged between the rod and the pole to absorb a jolt / shock caused by an uneven surface and to eliminate the risk of misbalancing the rods; a proximity sensor attached to the body and synchronized with the imaging unit to monitor the presence of obstacles in the pet's path, whereupon the microcontroller evaluates a probability of collision between the pet and the obstacle;If the probability exceeds a threshold, the microcontroller activates a speaker attached to the body to notify the keeper to stop the pet's movement, and simultaneously sends a signal to the wheel motor to stop the wheels; and a PPG sensor attached to the body to record vital health parameters of the pet along with the pet's blood flow intensity, and if the recorded parameters and blood flow intensity do not match a threshold, the microcontroller sends an alert to a computer unit accessible to the pet's keeper.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations are possible which 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 more apparent from the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings: Fig. shows an isometric view of an adjustable walking aid for pets; and Fig. shows a perspective view of a rod connected to the proposed device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description contains the preferred best embodiment of an embodiment of the present invention. It is clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, but that the invention also includes a multitude of modifications and embodiments thereof. Therefore, the present description should be regarded as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is open to various modifications and alternative designs, it should be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed; on the contrary, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, alternative designs, and equivalents that fall 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,” “with,” and “characterized by”) may be replaced by the respective partially closed terms “consists essentially of,” “consists essentially of,” and the like, or the respective closed terms “consists of,” “consists of,” and the like.

[0020] The singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” used here refer to both the singular and the plural, unless expressly intended to refer to only the singular.

[0021] The present invention relates to an adjustable assistive device for pets that is capable of helping an injured / paralyzed pet move from one place to another in its environment, as desired by the caretaker. Additionally, the proposed device is capable of monitoring the pet's vital health parameters and also determining the pet's precise location, thus enabling the pet's owner to access the location coordinates when necessary.

[0022] Referring to Fig. 1 and Fig.Figure 2 shows an isometric view of an adjustable walking aid for pets and a perspective view of a linkage connected to the proposed device, comprising a wearable body 101 designed to be worn by a pet over its abdomen, a pair of straps 102 connected to the body 101, a pair of motorized rollers 103 wrapped with the straps 102 and installed on the body 101, a pair of inverted J-shaped telescopic rods 201 configured with the rear part of the body 101, a horizontal support rod 202 attached to the rods 201 and configured with a pair of motorized wheels 203, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 installed on the body 101, an electromagnetic spring 204 configured between each of the rods 201, and a loudspeaker 105 mounted on the body 101. is mounted.

[0023] The proposed device consists of a wearable body 101, designed to be worn by a pet over its abdomen, with a pair of straps 102 attached to the body 101 to secure it around the pet's abdomen. The wearable body 101 comprises a body section 101 that covers the pet's abdomen and is fastened by a pair of straps 102. These straps 102 are attached to the body 101 in such a way that they can be placed around the animal's neck, thus dividing the wearable body 101 into two parts: the abdominal section and the straps 102 that are placed around the animal's neck. This design helps to keep the wearable body 101 in place and provides comfort and stability while ensuring a secure fit around the animal's neck. The wearable body 101 is made of durable and pet-friendly materials such as nylon, neoprene, or cotton.

[0024] Furthermore, several pressure sensors (ranging from 2 to 4) are attached to the wearable body 101 and the straps 102 to detect the pressure exerted by the wearable body 101 and the straps 102 on the pet's abdomen. Ideally, four pressure sensors are positioned to detect the pressure exerted on the pet's abdomen. The pressure sensor used here is essentially a strain gauge, a resistive element that changes its electrical resistance when subjected to mechanical stress. When pressure is applied to the pressure sensor, the resistive element deforms slightly, resulting in a minor change in resistance. When the pet wears the wearable body 101, the sensors collect data on how tightly the wearable body 101 is fastened around the abdomen.The change in resistance is converted into an electrical signal, typically in the form of a voltage change, proportional to the pressure exerted on the wearable body 101 when it is attached over the abdomen. The data is sent to the microcontroller, which then analyzes the received pressure data and compares it to the pressure threshold.

[0025] The microcontroller takes into account the ideal pressure required to secure the wearable body 101 and the straps 102 without causing discomfort or injury to the pet. If the microcontroller determines that the pressure exerted by the body 101 and the straps 102 does not meet the criteria for a proper fit, it instructs a pair of motorized rollers 103, integrated into the wearable body 101 and the straps 102, to rotate around their axis and properly adjust the wearable body 101 to the pet. Depending on the detected pressure and the necessary adjustments, the microcontroller causes the rollers 103 to rotate to tighten or loosen the straps 102 accordingly.

[0026] The motorized roller consists of a circular disc coupled to a motor via a shaft. Upon receiving a command from the microcontroller, the motor begins to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise, setting the roller in motion via the shaft. The roller thus rotates and tightens or loosens the belts 102 accordingly.

[0027] Furthermore, a pair of inverted J-shaped telescopic rods 201, configured with the rear part of the body 101 and the end part of the rods 201, are attached to a horizontal support rod 202. The rod 202 is also equipped with a pair of motorized wheels 203 to facilitate the movement of the frame with the movement of the animal. The motorized wheels 203 consist of two wheels 203 and are driven by a bidirectional motor to move the wheels 203 in accordance with the movement of the animal. When the wheels 203 are actuated by the microcontroller, the motor begins to rotate clockwise to impart a rotary motion to the wheels 203, thus moving them in accordance with the movement of the pet and facilitating the movement of the frame with the pet's movement.

[0028] An artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 is then installed on body 101 to determine the height of the pet's caretaker. The imaging unit 104 comprises an image acquisition system with an array of lenses that captures multiple images near body 101. These images are stored as optical data in the imaging unit's memory. The imaging unit 104 also includes a processor integrated with artificial intelligence protocols. This processor processes the optical data and extracts the necessary information from the captured images. The extracted data is converted into digital pulses and bits and transmitted to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received data and determines the height of the pet's caretaker.

[0029] Based on this, the microcontroller controls the extension and retraction of the rods 201 to position their apex at an optimal height from the surface, allowing the handler to grasp the rods 201 and move the pet as desired. The extension of the rods 201 is driven by a pneumatic unit connected to the device, comprising an air compressor, an air cylinder, air valves, and a piston. The air compressor used here draws in ambient air and increases its pressure by reducing its volume. The compressor consists of two main parts: a motor and a pump. The motor drives the compressor pump, which uses the motor's energy to draw in atmospheric air and compress it to a higher pressure. The compressed air is then released through an outlet pipe and a valve into the cylinder.The compressed air in the cylinder pushes out the piston, which extends the rods 201 and positions the apex of the rods 201 at an optimal height from the surface, so that the keeper can grasp the rods 201 and move the pet as desired.

[0030] When the caretaker begins to move the pet as desired, a laser sensor is installed on the poles 201 and synchronized with the imaging unit 104 to detect the surface height. The laser sensor consists of a transmitter and a receiver and operates on the principle of measuring the time delay between the laser beam hitting the uneven surface and returning. The sensor emits a light towards the ground surface, and when the laser beam strikes the uneven surface, it is reflected back to the sensor's receiver. When the sensor detects the reflected beam, it precisely measures the time it takes for the laser beam to reach the ground surface and return. The sensor calculates the surface height, and the calculated signal is then converted into an electrical signal in the form of a current and sent to the microcontroller.After receiving the signals, the microcontroller processes the signal and determines the height of the surface.

[0031] If the surface under investigation is uneven, the microcontroller activates / deactivates an electromagnetic spring 204, which is located between the rods 201 and the rod 202, to absorb the shocks caused by the uneven surface and eliminate the risk of imbalance in the rods 201. The electromagnetic spring 204 is a special type of spring 204 in which the magnetic field is generated by an electric current. When the current flows through the spring 204, a magnetic field is generated that concentrates in the hole in the center of the coil, thus energizing the electromagnetic spring 204, which absorbs the shock / impact caused by the uneven surface and eliminates the possibility of imbalance in the rods 201 along with the pet.

[0032] A proximity sensor is then installed on the pet's body 101 and synchronized with the imaging unit 104 to monitor for obstacles in the pet's path. The proximity sensor emits a sound wave with a frequency above the human hearing range. The sensor's transducer acts as both a receiver and transmitter, receiving and transmitting the ultrasonic wave. When the transducer emits the sound wave, it encounters the obstacle near the pet and is reflected back to the transducer. The proximity sensor then analyzes the distance of the obstacle from the pet by measuring the time intervals between the transmission and reception of the sound wave. Since the proximity sensor is analyzing the distance, it converts the measured distance into an electrical signal and transmits this signal to the microcontroller.The microcontroller processes the signal and assesses the probability of the pet colliding with the obstacle, comparing it to the pre-stored database.

[0033] If the probability of a collision exceeds a threshold, the microcontroller activates a speaker 105 attached to the body 101 to notify the keeper to stop the pet's movement. The speaker 105 receives signals from the microcontroller, converts them into sound waves through the vibration of a diaphragm, and, with the aid of amplification, produces audible tones that prevent a collision by alerting the keeper to stop the dog's movement. Simultaneously, the microcontroller sends a signal to the motor of the wheels 203 to stop the wheels 203 from moving.

[0034] The wearable body 101 according to the invention is equipped with a PPG (photoplethysmography) sensor for determining the health status of the pet. The PPG (photoplethysmography) sensor uses a non-invasive technique to detect changes in the pet's blood volume. The PPG sensor uses a light-emitting diode, typically in the red or infrared spectrum, to emit light. The emitted light penetrates the animal's skin and the underlying tissue. The photodetector converts the received light into an electrical signal, which is then processed to generate a PPG waveform representing the fluctuations in blood volume. This signal is then received when the light strikes the blood vessels and interacts with the red blood cells. A photodetector captures the reflected or transmitted light.Once the PPG sensor has recorded the pet's vital health parameters, it sends the data to the microcontroller for further processing.

[0035] After the microcontroller acquires the data from the PPG sensor, it compares the parameters measured by the sensor. If a monitored parameter falls outside the predefined thresholds, the microcontroller sends an alert to a computer unit accessible to the pet owner. The computer unit connects wirelessly to the microcontroller via a communication module, which may or may not include Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity). This communication module establishes a wireless connection between the microcontroller and the computer unit. The alert notification helps the user remotely monitor the pet's vital health parameters.

[0036] Furthermore, the microcontroller is connected to a GPS (Global Positioning System) module to determine the pet's precise location. The GPS module consists of a receiver that communicates with satellites to pinpoint the pet's location. The GPS module constantly receives signals from the satellites and calculates the pet's coordinates. The microcontroller connected to the GPS module processes the data received and transmits the pet's exact location data, including latitude and longitude, to the pet owner's computer. This allows the pet owner to monitor their pet's whereabouts in real time and has the peace of mind that their pet can be located if necessary.

[0037] Finally, there is a battery connected to the device that powers all the components requiring electrical energy to perform their functions and operate efficiently. The battery used here is typically a dry-cell battery made of lithium-ion material, providing the device with a long lifespan and an efficient direct current that helps all components function properly and efficiently. The device is battery-powered and does not require an external electrical voltage to operate. The presence of the battery makes the device portable, meaning the user can easily move it from one location to another as needed.

[0038] The proposed invention works best in the following manner, where the body 101, as disclosed in the invention, is designed to be worn by a pet over its abdomen, with a pair of straps 102 attached to the body 101 for securing the body 101 around the animal's abdomen. The pressure sensor detects the pressure exerted on the abdomen by the body 101 and the straps 102, and depending on the detected pressure and the required settings, the microcontroller actuates the motorized rollers 103 to rotate and tighten or loosen the straps 102 accordingly. The pair of inverted J-shaped telescopic rods 201 is configured with a pair of motorized wheels 203 to facilitate movement of the frame with the pet's movement.While the handler moves the pet, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104, installed on the body 101, detects the handler's height. Based on this, the microcontroller operates the rods 201 to extend or retract them and to position the tips of the rods 201 at an optimal height from the surface, allowing the handler to grasp the rods 201 and move the animal as desired. In addition, the laser sensor detects the surface level, whereupon the microcontroller activates / deactivates an electromagnetic spring 204 to absorb shocks caused by an uneven surface and to prevent the rods 201 from becoming unbalanced.A proximity sensor monitors for obstacles in the pet's path. The microcontroller then assesses the probability of the pet colliding with the obstacle. If this probability exceeds a threshold, the microcontroller activates a speaker 105 to notify the caretaker to stop the pet's movement. Simultaneously, the microcontroller sends a signal to the motor of the wheels 203 to stop the wheels 203. To measure the pet's health during movement, the PPG sensor detects the pet's blood flow intensity. If the detected parameters and the blood flow intensity do not meet a threshold, the microcontroller sends a warning message to a computer unit accessible to the pet's caretaker.

[0001] Additionally, a GPS module (Global Positioning System) is connected to the microcontroller to determine the location coordinates of the pet, which are then transmitted to the computing unit.

[0039] Although the field of the invention has been described here with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description should not be understood in a restrictive sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the invention, will become clear to a person skilled in the art from the description of the invention. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2013094444A1

[0004] US 9872481B2

[0005]

Claims

[1] An adjustable pet walking aid that includes: i) a wearable body 101 designed to be worn by a pet over the belly part, with a pair of straps 102 connected to the body 101 for fastening the body 101 around the belly part of the pet; ii) a plurality of pressure sensors mounted on the body 101 and the straps 102 for detecting the pressure exerted by the body 101 and the straps 102, respectively, on the abdominal portion, wherein a built-in microcontroller connected to the pressure sensors actuates, based on the detected pressure, a pair of motorized rollers 103 wrapped with the straps 102 and mounted on the body 101 to rotate about their axis to properly wrap the body 101 and the straps 102 around the animal; iii) a pair of inverted J-shaped telescopic rods 201 configured with the rear part of the body 101, the end portions of the rods 201 being attached to a horizontal support rod 202 further configured with a pair of motorized wheels 203 to facilitate movement of the frame with the movement of the animal; iv) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 installed on the body 101 and integrated with a processor for acquiring and processing multiple images near the body 101 to detect the height of the pet's caregiver, based on which the microcontroller operates the rods 201 to extend / retract them to position the apex of the rods 201 at an optimal height from the surface to allow the caregiver to grasp the rods 201 and move the pet according to the desired preferences; v) a (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor installed on the rods 201 and synchronized with the imaging unit 104 to detect the height of the surface, based on which the microcontroller energizes / de-energizes an electromagnetic spring 204 configured between each of the rods 201 and the bar 202 to absorb a jolt / shock generated due to an uneven surface and to eliminate the possibility of misbalancing the rods 201 together with the pet; and vi) a proximity sensor installed on the body 101 and synchronized with the imaging unit 104 to monitor the presence of obstacles in the path of the pet, after which the microcontroller evaluates a probability of collision of the pet with the obstacle, wherein, if the probability exceeds a threshold, the microcontroller activates a loudspeaker 105 attached to the body 101 to notify the caregiver to stop the movement of the pet, and the microcontroller synchronously sends a signal to the motor of the wheels 203 to stop the movement of the wheels 203. [2] The device of claim 1, wherein a PPG (photoplethysmography) sensor on the body 101 is configured to detect the blood flow of the pet, and if the detected blood flow condition does not match a threshold value, the microcontroller sends an alert message to a computer unit accessible to the pet's caregiver. [3] The device of claim 1, wherein a GPS (Global Positioning System) module is connected to the microcontroller to retrieve the location coordinates of the pet, which are then transmitted to the computing unit. [4] The device of claim 1, wherein the microcontroller is wirelessly connected to the computing unit via a communication module including, but not limited to, a Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, a Bluetooth module, or a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module. [5] The device of claim 1, wherein the device is associated with a battery used to power electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

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