Wound care device

Abstract

A wound care device, comprising: i) a cylindrical frame 101 made of a mesh structure, an air cushion with a plurality of segments arranged in a grid and positioned on an inner side surface of the frame 101, the cushion being connected to an inflation unit via conduits provided on the frame 101 to grasp a wounded limb of a user; ii) an L-shaped telescopic arm 102 which is attached via a hinge to a circular sliding unit, the sliding unit being provided on an outer side surface of the frame 101, the arm 102 having at its end a curved rectangular flap 103 with an antiseptic coating configured with a drawer mechanism to cover a wound on the limb; iii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104, which is installed on the frame 101 in synchronization with an ultrasonic sensor provided on the frame 101 and is integrated with a processor for recording and processing images near the frame 101 in order to determine a position of the wound on the limb, to trigger a microcontroller to actuate the sliding unit, hinge and telescopic arm 102 to position the flap 103 on the wound and to capture a dimension of the wound in order to actuate the drawer mechanism to extend or retract the flap 103 according to the captured dimension of the wound; and iv) a blood pressure sensor provided on the frame 101 to detect blood pressure in the limb in order to cause the microcontroller to actuate the inflation unit to inflate or deflate the cushion when the detected pressure is outside a predetermined blood pressure range.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a wound care device capable of treating a wounded limb of a user by detecting a location of the wound on the user's limb to cover the limb, thereby minimizing the risk of infection and promoting healing. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Caring for a wound on a limb is important to prevent infection and promote healing. A wound creates an opening in the skin through which bacteria can enter the user's body. Proper wound care reduces the risk of infection. This includes gently cleaning the wound with mild soap and water, applying an appropriate dressing to protect the wound, and keeping it clean and dry. These steps help the wound heal properly and minimize complications.

[0003] Traditionally, there are several methods for protecting a wound on a limb. A common method is to clean the wound with mild soap and water, gently pat it dry, and then apply an antiseptic ointment or cream. Afterward, the wound is covered with a sterile dressing or bandage to keep it clean and protected. It is important to change the dressing regularly and monitor the wound for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge. However, there is still a chance of bacteria entering the wound, and even conventional dressings may not allow adequate air circulation, which can slow the healing process. Monitoring the wound is also difficult because the dressing must be removed frequently. In addition, conventional methods cause pain and discomfort during cleaning and dressing changes.They are time-consuming and may require assistance.

[0004] US8663198B2 discloses a wound therapy device and a kit therefor, comprising a housing material, a seal disposed around at least a portion of the housing material, an absorbent nonwoven fabric, and an opening. The seal is sized and configured such that at least a first portion of the seal adheres to a second portion of the seal upon folding the housing material. A method of using a wound therapy device. US'198 discloses a wound therapy device that aids in the treatment of a variety of chronic and acute wounds, including, but not limited to, infectious wounds, venous ulcers, arterial ulcers, diabetic ulcers, burn wounds, post-amputation wounds, and surgical wounds. However, it is unable to detect the location of the limb wound to deliver medication to the wound to allow the wound to heal properly.

[0005] Conventionally, there are many devices capable of treating wounds, however, these existing devices are unable to monitor the location of the wound on the user's limb to treat the limb. Furthermore, these existing devices are also unable to keep the area clean and free of bacteria, which reduces the risk of infection and allows the wound to heal properly.

[0006] To overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages, there is a need in the art to develop a device capable of caring for a wound on a user's limb by determining the location of the wound on the user's limb to keep the area clean and free of bacteria. Furthermore, these existing devices are also unable to detect blood pressure in the limb and, if the pressure is detected as abnormal or high, grasp the limb accordingly to reduce the blood pressure in the limb. SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The main object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to develop a device capable of covering a wounded limb of a user by detecting the location of the wound on the user's limb in order to dress the limb and thereby provide pain relief and assistance for any discomfort the user may experience.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device capable of delivering medicine to the wound to keep the area clean and free of bacteria, thereby reducing the risk of infection and allowing the wound to heal properly.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device capable of providing a means to detect blood pressure in the limb and, in the event that the pressure is detected as abnormal, to act on the limb accordingly to reduce the blood pressure in the limb.

[0011] The foregoing 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

[0012] The present invention relates to a wound care device capable of providing a means for covering a wounded limb of a user by monitoring the location of the wound on the user's limb to care for the limb, thereby providing pain relief and relief from any discomfort the user may experience. Furthermore, the proposed device is also capable of applying medicine to the wound to keep the area clean and bacteria-free, thus minimizing the risk of infection and allowing the wound to heal properly.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a wound care device comprises a cylindrical frame made of a mesh structure, an air cushion having a plurality of segments arranged in a grid and disposed on an inner side surface of the frame, an inflation unit connected to the cushions via lines to grip a wounded limb of a user, an L-shaped telescopic arm mounted on a circular sliding unit by means of a hinge, the sliding unit being provided on an outer side surface of the frame, the arm having a curved rectangular flap with an antiseptic coating at the end, which is configured with a drawer mechanism for covering a wound on the limb, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit synchronized with an ultrasonic sensor mounted on the frame to capture images in the vicinity of the frame,to determine the location of the wound on the limb.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises a blood pressure sensor provided on the frame to detect blood pressure in the limb, a nozzle arranged in the flap, which is connected by means of a conduit to a tank with a pump mounted on the frame for storing a medication, a microphone embedded in the microcontroller arranged on the frame to receive an audio command from the user regarding the covering of a wound, a wireless communication module connected to the microcontroller mounted on the frame to enable the user to remotely operate the inflation unit to inflate the cushion so that it rests against the user's limb, a touch-enabled display unit mounted on the frame to enable the user to make touch inputs, and a battery,which is connected to the device to supply energy to electrical and electronically operated components connected to the device.,

[0015] 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

[0016] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows an isometric view of a wound care device; and Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a flap connected to the proposed device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The following description contains the preferred best mode for carrying out an embodiment of the present invention. It will be apparent from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0018] 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.

[0019] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” refer to both the singular and the plural unless expressly stated to refer only to the singular.

[0020] The present invention relates to a wound care device capable of treating a user's injured limb by detecting the location of the wound on the user's limb with respect to the limb's covering. Furthermore, the proposed device is also capable of monitoring the blood pressure in the user's limb and, if the pressure is detected as abnormal or high, appropriately intervene on the user's limb to reduce the blood pressure.

[0021] With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig.2, an isometric view of a wound care device and a perspective view of a flap 103 associated with the proposed device are shown, each comprising a cylindrical frame 101 made of a mesh structure, an L-shaped telescopic arm 102 attached to an outer side surface of the frame 101 and having a curved rectangular flap 103 at the end, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 provided on the frame 101, and a nozzle 201 provided in the flap 103.

[0022] The device disclosed herein consists of a cylindrical frame 101 consisting of a mesh structure. The structure resembles a mesh or frame structure 101 consisting of interconnected elements, with an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104, which is actuated by a built-in microcontroller to capture multiple images in the vicinity of the frame 101 and is synchronized with an ultrasonic sensor installed on the frame 101 to determine a wound location on the extremity.

[0023] The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 is configured with a camera lens and a processor, the camera lens being capable of capturing a series of images of the surroundings near the frame 101. The processor performs a series of image processing operations, including preprocessing, feature extraction, and classification. The image captured by the image processing unit 104 is a real-time image of the surroundings of the frame 101. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 is in communication with the ultrasonic sensor.

[0024] The ultrasonic sensor emits high-frequency waves toward the limb wound and measures the time it takes for the waves to bounce back after hitting the surface of the limb wound. The sensor is typically oriented to measure the location of the limb wound. The ultrasonic sensor collects a large amount of data by scanning the entire surface of the limb wound, forming a 3D point cloud that represents the location of the limb wound. The ultrasonic sensor sends the data to a microcontroller, which processes the acquired data and detects the location of the limb wound.

[0025] The acquired data is sent to the microcontroller, which processes the information and actuates a circular sliding unit, which is integrated with an L-shaped telescopic arm 102 on an outer side surface of the frame 101 via a hinge, to position a curved rectangular flap 103 with an antiseptic coating on the wound. The sliding unit consists of a motor and a rail unit with ball bearings that enable a smooth circular movement. As the motor rotates, the rotary motion of the motor enables the flap 103 to be positioned on the wound with a view to covering the wound.

[0026] Furthermore, the microcontroller uses the imaging unit 104 to capture the wound dimensions and, based on the captured wound dimensions on the limb, actuates the drawer mechanism integrated into the flap 103 to extend or retract the flap 103 according to the captured wound dimensions. The drawer mechanism consists of a drawer that typically slides on rails inside the flap 103. These rails provide a smooth and stable path for extending or retracting the flap 103.

[0027] When the microcontroller actuates the drawer mechanism, the motor begins to rotate, and the rotational motion is converted into linear motion through the use of gears. As the motor rotates, the drawer moves either outward or inward along the slide rails. This extension or retraction increases or decreases the size of the flap 103 and the position of the flap 103 on the wound to cover the wound, resulting in pain relief and alleviating the user's discomfort.

[0028] At the same time, the microcontroller controls a blood pressure sensor arranged on the frame 101 to measure the blood pressure in the extremity.

[0029] The blood pressure sensor uses a light-emitting diode, typically in the red or infrared spectrum, to emit light. The emitted light penetrates the user's skin and underlying tissue. The photodetector converts the received light into an electrical signal, which is then processed to generate a blood pressure waveform that represents the fluctuations in blood volume.

[0030] This signal is then received when the light hits blood vessels and interacts with the red blood cells. A photodetector captures the reflected or transmitted light. The second transmitter module is capable of monitoring the user's vital health parameters, such as heart rate, blood oxygen content, and blood flow intensity. It even detects certain irregularities in the user's blood volume in the extremity and accordingly actuates an inflation unit attached to frame 101 via lines to inflate or deflate the cushion if the detected pressure falls outside a predefined blood pressure range.

[0031] Furthermore, an air cushion with multiple segments arranged in a grid and arranged on an inner side surface of the frame 101, wherein the cushion is connected to the inflation unit for gripping the user's injured limb. The inflation unit is connected to an air compressor controlled by the microcontroller to inflate or deflate the cushion when the detected pressure is outside a predetermined blood pressure range.

[0032] The air compressor draws in air from the surroundings and increases the air pressure by reducing the volume of air, which is then injected into the unit. The inflation unit consists of several thin polymer sheets. When air is introduced into the inflation unit with the help of the air compressor, the sheets inflate and the element becomes soft, providing comfort to the user.

[0033] The microcontroller further actuates a nozzle 201 mounted in the flap 103 and connected via a conduit to deliver a medication to the wound. The medication is stored in a tank with a pump mounted on the frame 101. The nozzle 201 operates using electrical energy to automate the solution in a controlled flow pattern by converting the pressure energy of a fluid into kinetic energy, which increases the fluid's velocity. The nozzle 201 is connected to a fluid source, e.g., a medication.

[0034] When the microcontroller actuates the nozzle 201, the electric motor or pump pressurizes the incoming medication, significantly increasing the pressure. This high pressure allows the medication to be delivered with great force, reducing the risk of infection and allowing the wound to heal properly. At the same time, a microphone is attached to the frame 101, which is controlled by the microcontroller to receive an audio command from the user to cover a wound. The microphone plays a crucial role by converting spoken words or commands into electrical signals, which are then processed and analyzed to trigger specific actions.

[0035] When the user speaks or gives commands to cover a wound, their vocal cords vibrate, generating sound waves. These sound waves propagate through the air in the form of air pressure fluctuations. The microphone mentioned here is a transducer that converts these air pressure fluctuations into electrical signals. The analog electrical signal is converted into a digital form using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The digital signal is then subjected to various signal processing techniques to improve speech quality and eliminate noise.

[0036] At the same time, the microcontroller activates a wireless communication module installed on frame 101 to allow the user to remotely activate the microcontroller for further operation by establishing a connection with a computing unit. The computing unit is wirelessly connected to the microcontroller via a communication module that includes, among others, a Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, a Bluetooth module, and a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module. The user interface serves as a bridge between the user and the microcontroller, allowing the user to remotely send signals to the microcontroller for further operation.

[0037] At the same time, the microcontroller controls a touch-activated display unit mounted on frame 101 and connected to the microcontroller to provide touch input to the user. The touch-activated display unit referred to here is typically an LCD (liquid crystal display) screen that presents output in a visible form. The screen is equipped with touch-sensitive technology that allows the user to interact directly with the display using their fingers. A touch controller IC (integrated circuit) is responsible for processing the analog signals generated when the user inputs inputs to the inflation unit to inflate the cushion to enclose the user's limbs.A touch controller is typically connected to the microcontroller through various interfaces, which may include, but are not limited to, PI (Serial Peripheral Interface) or I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit).

[0038] A battery is connected to the device to power the electrically powered components used within it. The battery consists of a pair of electrodes called the cathode and anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation / reduction to perform work on the charge and generate a voltage between its anode and cathode, thus generating electrical energy that is used to perform work in the device.

[0039] The present invention works well in the following way, the proposed device further comprises the multi-segment air cushion, the inflation unit via lines for adhering to the wounded limb of the user, the L-shaped telescopic arm 102 with sliding unit by means of the joint, the arm 102 having at the end the curved rectangular flap 103 with the antiseptic coating for covering the wound on the limb, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 in synchronization with the ultrasonic sensor for acquiring images in the vicinity of the frame 101 to determine the location of the wound on the limb.Furthermore, the blood pressure sensor for detecting the blood pressure in the limb, the nozzle 201 via the line to the tank with the pump for storing the medication, the microphone for receiving the user's audio command regarding covering the wound, the wireless communication module to enable the user to remotely operate the inflation unit to inflate the cushion to attach it to the user's limb, the touch-enabled display unit to enable the user to make touch inputs, and the battery to power the electrical and electronically operated components connected to the device.

[0040] Although the scope of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] US 8663198B2

[0004]

Claims

[1] A wound care device comprising: i) a cylindrical frame 101 made of a mesh structure, an air cushion having a plurality of segments arranged in a grid and disposed on an inner side surface of the frame 101, the cushion being connected to an inflation unit via lines provided on the frame 101 for gripping a wounded limb of a user; ii) an L-shaped telescopic arm 102 hinged to a circular sliding unit, the sliding unit being provided on an outer side surface of the frame 101, the arm 102 having at its end a curved rectangular flap 103 with an antiseptic coating configured with a drawer mechanism to cover a wound on the limb; iii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 installed on the frame 101 in synchronization with an ultrasonic sensor provided on the frame 101 and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images near the frame 101 to determine a position of the wound on the limb, to trigger a microcontroller to actuate the sliding unit, the hinge, and the telescopic arm 102 to position the flap 103 on the wound, and to detect a dimension of the wound to actuate the drawer mechanism to extend or retract the flap 103 according to the detected dimension of the wound; and iv) a blood pressure sensor provided on the frame 101 for detecting a blood pressure in the limb to cause the microcontroller to actuate the inflation unit to inflate or deflate the cushion when the detected pressure is outside a predetermined blood pressure range. [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein a nozzle 201 is provided in the flap 103, which is connected via a line to a tank with a pump provided on the frame 101 for storing a medicament, the nozzle 201 serving to deliver the medicament to the wound. [3] The device according to claim 1, wherein a microphone connected to the microcontroller, provided on the frame 101 to receive an audio command from the user regarding covering a wound, triggers the microcontroller to operate the inflation unit to inflate the cushion to adhere it to the user's limb, operate the imaging unit 104 in synchronization with an ultrasonic sensor to determine a position of the wound on the limb, operate the sliding unit, the hinge and the telescopic arm 102 to position the flap 103 on the wound and detect the dimensions of the wound, and operate the drawer mechanism to extend or retract the flap 103 according to the detected dimensions of the wound. [4] The device according to claim 1, wherein a wireless communication module connected to the microcontroller is provided on the frame 101 to enable the user to remotely trigger the microcontroller by establishing a connection with a computing unit, operate the inflation unit to inflate the cushion to adhere it to the user's limb, operate the imaging unit 104 in synchronization with an ultrasonic sensor to determine a location of the wound on the limb, operate the sliding unit, the hinge and the telescopic arm 102 to position the flap 103 on the wound, and detect the dimensions of the wound and operate the drawer mechanism to expand or retract the flap 103 according to the detected dimensions of the wound. [5] The device of claim 1, wherein a touch-enabled display unit is mounted on the frame 101 and connected to the microcontroller to enable the user to provide a touch input to remotely trigger the microcontroller to operate the inflation unit to inflate the cushion to grip the user's limb, operate the imaging unit 104 in synchronization with an ultrasonic sensor to determine a wound location on the limb, operate the sliding unit, hinge and telescopic arm 102 to position the flap 103 on the wound, and detect the dimensions of the wound and operate the drawer mechanism to extend or retract the flap 103 according to the detected dimensions of the wound. [6] The device of claim 1, wherein a battery is connected to the device to power electrical and electronically operated components connected to the device.

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