Prayer assistance machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a prayer assistance machine. The invention aims to holistically address the challenges faced during prayer by the world's Muslim population, which exceeds 1.8 billion people, particularly among those who are required to remain seated due to various physical limitations. The machine is provided with three synchronised movement axes, facilitating smooth transitions between ritual positions. An adjustable thoracic and abdominal anchor point provides custom support, ensuring both comfort and safety. The system enables complete customisation of movements by means of stepper motors. An integrated screen provides an educational interface, displaying information about prayers, Quranic verses and reminders to guide users, including beginners. Users input their height parameters and define the movement angles for the ritual positions. During prayer, the system responds to the user's movements by triggering smooth adjustments through the interruption of photoelectric beams. Beyond its use in prayer, the machine also lends itself to applications in physical rehabilitation, wellness, and both domestic and professional settings.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Title of the invention: PRAYER ASSISTANCE MACHINE

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION: Assistance technologies for people unable to hold certain postures or positions.

[0004] STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

[0005] The Muslim population is more than 1.8 billion people. Every Muslim is required to perform the prayer properly, however, many are unable to perform it properly, they are forced to perform the prayer while sitting on a chair therefore there is a lack of khouchou3 and ajr for this prayer. It is worth noting that a large part of them are not allowed to sit during the prayer despite the pain they experience during its execution.

[0006] There are several categories of people who suffer while performing the prayer or are unable to do it:

[0007] _ People who are excessively obese due to their excessive weight and the lack of corresponding muscle mass, they cannot provide the necessary strength to bend their legs during sujood, knowing that this population represents more than 22% of the world population according to the World Health Organization.

[0008] _People with motor disabilities who cannot perform prayer properly. This population represents more than 3.3% according to the World Health Organization.

[0009] _The elderly: The effect of age causes two phenomena that occur in human beings: an increase in weight and a decrease in muscle mass.

[0010] This results in an increase in the force exerted on the legs due to the increased weight when bending the legs and the corresponding lack of force to be provided by the muscles. This population represents more than 10% of people aged over 70 according to the World Health Organization.

[0011] _Middle-aged people who want to enjoy comfort during prayer and avoid even minor knee pain. This population, aged between 50 and 69, represents 27% according to the World Health Organization.

[0012] _People who suffer from knee problems. According to the World Health Organization, this population represents 20%

[0013] _People who suffer from spinal problems

[0014] STATE OF THE PRIOR ART To solve the problems listed above, the state of the art tells us that there are no real solutions to solve these problems. Currently, there are only fixed chairs equipped with various accessories that do not allow all the obligatory movements of prayer to be performed. Therefore, the prayer is not performed as it should be, leading to a lack of KHouchou3 and AJR.

[0015] STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Given the magnitude of the problem, which affects a huge population estimated at hundreds of millions, and given the lack of real solutions currently, our innovative solution will resolve all of these problems, thus providing a deep sense of well-being to this population when performing the prayer.

[0017] The fundamental principle of operation of the machine is based on the synchronization of the axes of movement of the device that supports or supports the person. The device uses three axes during its movement that work together to facilitate the transition from a standing position to the Roukou or Soujoud position.

[0018] The fundamental operation of the machine is based on the synchronization of the axes of movement, providing support or support to the person. Three axes interact harmoniously to facilitate the transition from the standing position to the Soujoud position.

[0019] - X axis: Its front-back movement guides the thoracic anchor point, allowing adjustment of the body position by moving forward or backward.

[0020] - Y axis: The vertical rise and fall lower the anchor point, reproducing the progressive inclination of the body until the Soujoud position.

[0021] - Z axis: Controlled rotation around the anchor point adjusts the body's tilt angle without translation, facilitating flexion and ensuring optimal alignment for prostration (roukoua and soujoud). This movement can be performed in different ways, depending on precision and comfort requirements.

[0022] The abdominal and thoracic anchor point can be a padded and adjustable support, a harness, or any other device, adapting to the user's morphology to provide comfortable support. The system, controlled by stepper motors, ensures smooth and controlled movement in all three axes, with simple controls to allow the user to easily manage their position.

[0023] Key features include a smooth, natural motion that follows the body's movements, targeted ergonomic support that optimally distributes pressure to reduce muscle fatigue, adaptability to individual preferences, standing assistance, stepper motor-guided movements, customization, and safety with sensors and algorithms that adjust assistance while ensuring stability.

[0024] The innovative system revolutionizes the experience of bending and prostration, providing gentle, intuitive, and customizable assistance for a more comfortable and serene ritual. The computer system manages stepper motors and position sensors, with intuitive control knobs to adjust the amplitude and speed of movement, safety sensors for automatic shutdown if limits are exceeded, and audible and visual alerts in case of malfunction or risk of falling. Software displays the steps of the prayer.

[0025] Personalization, allowing users to adjust the device to their individual needs and preferences, is a crucial aspect ensuring optimal comfort and safety. The design of the adjustment system must be intuitive and precise.

[0026] In conclusion, this invention described in the present description is simple, affordable and effective, offering significant potential assistance to people with motor disabilities to perform the movements necessary for Muslim prayer.

[0027] DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the machine on which numbers are assigned to the various components

[0029] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the machine at the beginning of the prayer

[0030] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the machine at Roukoo's position

[0031] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the machine in the soujoud position

[0032] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the machine from the standing position on the knees between the sujood

[0033] Figure 6 profile of the slide

[0034] Figure 7 slide profile

[0035] DETAILED STATEMENT OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] It is a prayer assistance machine composed mainly of the following elements:

[0037] A rectangular horizontal frame consisting of two side members (24) and two cross members (2), with a board (1) inside. Two stepper motors (3) are attached laterally to both ends of the side members (24). At the other end of the side members (24), pinions (6) are attached and rotate freely around their axes. On each side member (24) is attached a slide (23) on which a slider (7) slides, driven by the stepper motor (3) by means of a chain (5). Between the side member (9) and the slider (7), gussets (8) are attached to reinforce the attachment. At the lower end of the vertical side member (9), a stepper motor (4) is attached. At the upper end, a pinion rotates freely around its axis, and a spring coil (14) is also attached. On the vertical side member (9), a slide (10) is attached, on which a slider (21) slides.The slider (21) is connected by a chain (22) to the stepper motor (4) and is also connected by a cable to the spring coil (14). The cable is wound around the outer contour of the perimeter of the coil (14). By exerting weight on the device (15), the cable, which is attached on one side to the vertical slider which is attached to the device which serves to support it or to support it on the other side wound on the perimeter of the coil, unwinds, thus providing an opposing force to the weight of the person. Each vertical slider (21) is securely attached to a spring coil (25), and on each spring coil (25) is attached a worm wheel reducer (12) with its stepper motor (13). The axes of the reducer (12) and the spring coil (25) are aligned and according to another embodiment, the components may not be aligned.A structure is attached to the axle (11), on which is also attached a thoracic anchoring device (15) and a thoracic suspension harness according to another embodiment. This axle passes through the rotational axis of each coil box (25). One end of the coil spring (25) is attached to the axle (11), while the other end is attached to the outer contour of the coil (25). After passing through the axis of the coil (25), the axle (11) passes through the rotational axis of the reducer (12), where it is fixed by a key.

[0038] On the structure fixed to the axis (11), a device (26) allowing the height and width adjustment of the two crutches (16) relative to the person installed. In addition, a structure (17) is fixed to the two vertical slides (21), which holds a screen (18) positioned in front of the user, moving in a synchronized manner with the user while preserving a constant distance adjustable in height. Fixed on slide (21) by means of the structure (17), this screen (18) is designed to perform rotational movements around the axis of the slide (21), thus allowing it to rise or lower without direct translation. In addition, the screen (18) itself is provided with an independent rotation axis (27), allowing it to rotate around itself, providing additional flexibility in adjusting the viewing angle for the practitioner.The two arms of the structure (17) attached to the sliders (21) are adjustable in length, allowing the reach of the screen (18) to be increased to suit the individual preferences of the practitioner. In terms of utilities, the screen (18) offers educational features such as teaching prayers, reminders of the number of prostrations (sajadet) and prayer units (rakaat), as well as a display of the Quranic text and the detailed steps of each prayer. This interactive interface (18) allows even those who do not know the prayers to learn them, providing valuable assistance in guiding practitioners throughout their religious rituals.

[0039] For convenience, the machine can be equipped with wheels, making it easier to move.

[0040] According to another embodiment of the invention:

[0041] The vertical and horizontal translation of the person support device is replaced by the use of a structure on which two oblique and parallel side members are fixed, the angle of which can be adjusted by a dedicated mechanism. On these side members, two slides are fixed, allowing sliders associated with the support device to perform an oblique movement while offering the possibility of adjusting the angle.

[0042] According to another embodiment of the invention:

[0043] The horizontal movement of the device is accomplished by means of wheels, which may or may not be motorized, replacing the slider and horizontal slide mechanism. In this embodiment, the machine does not include a board (1) or spacers (2). In this embodiment, the machine can be equipped with a suitable gyroscope to ensure the stability of the machine along the vertical axis, thus making it possible to reduce the length of the machine without compromising its stability.

[0044] According to another embodiment of the invention:

[0045] A conveyor belt, replacing the slider and horizontal rail mechanism.

[0046] According to another embodiment, the spring coils are replaced by any device which can generate a torque opposite to the torque generated by the effect of the weight on the device which serves to support or support the person this concerning the rotational movement of the device and it can generate a force opposite to the force of the weight on the device in the translational movement.

[0047] According to another embodiment, the coils are equipped with a system to make their springs adjustable in rigidity in order to optimally adapt to the weight of the person.

[0048] Spring coils or any equivalent system play a crucial role in absorbing a significant portion of the torque generated by the person's weight on the device rotating around its axis, as well as substantially mitigating the impact of the weight as the device descends. This allows the use of less powerful motors to control the rotational and translational movements of the device.

[0049] Benefits of using spring coils:

[0050] Reduction of energy consumption

[0051] Reduced engine costs

[0052] Increased engine life

[0053] Quieter operation

[0054] The present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and shown, but those skilled in the art will be able to make any variation in accordance with its spirit.

[0055] OPERATING PRINCIPLE

[0056] The practitioner turns on the machine and stands in front of it, where a message appears on the screen with the instruction "Enter your code or create your code". If there is no code, the practitioner enters the last code not assigned by the system displayed on the screen, and validates it. Another message then appears, stating "Please enter your parameters". The first parameter concerns the height. After entering the height, a new message appears on the screen asking to "manually set the degree of inclination of the Rokoua prostration" using buttons. The practitioner approaches the device that serves to support or support him and, using buttons, tilts the device that serves to support or support him to a maximum bearable position without causing damage to his spine.After validating this parameter, another message appears, stating "Please set the height and length parameters of the sujoud". Using buttons, the practitioner adjusts the position of the height and the length of the device used to support or support him. After tilting the device used to support or support him and using the buttons to begin the descent to the maximum position of leg flexion that can be tolerated without harming the knees, the practitioner validates this position. Then, by the same process, he validates the distance to be covered horizontally as well as the inclination of the support device to reach the Sujoud. After the validations, the device used to support or support him returns to the initial vertical position.

[0057] Thus, the user has configured the machine according to his own needs. In the case where a person has a user code, the practitioner approaches the machine, enters his code in response to the message displayed on the screen or a display asking for the entry of the code. After entering, a message appears asking for the following information: 1. The name of the prayer (Salet) 2. The choice of the two verses of the Quran that will be displayed during the prayer on the display. After entering this information, the machine saves the user-specific settings, and once completed, he begins the prayer.

[0058] The practitioner begins the prayer. After reciting the two verses, he approaches the device that serves to support him to position the crutches under his assails. By tilting his head slightly forward, he interrupts the rays emitted by the photoelectric cell on the sensor. This triggers a signal at the computer system, interpreted according to a predefined program as a trigger for the prayer processes. In response, the computer system sends a command to the stepper motors to tilt the device that serves to support him, because the person's weight is supported by the crutches through these assails.The device that serves to support or support it drives it forward to reach the maximum rukua position, in accordance with the predefined parameters thus the device smoothly assists the forward movement through rotation along the Z axis, simulating the natural tilt without strain on the user's knees or legs or spine. The user maintains their tilted position, comfortably supported by the device during the recitation of Subhana Rabbiyal'. The device remains stable and secure, effectively reducing the user's weight load and minimizing strain on their muscles and joints.

[0059] After completing the roukoua, the practitioner raises his head slightly, thus restoring the beam emitted by the photoelectric cell to the receiver. This restoration is interpreted by the computer system as a command for the stepper motors to return the device that serves to support him or her to the vertical position, taking the practitioner with it. The device synchronizes with its movement, gradually returning the user to the vertical position through a controlled rotation along the Z axis.

[0060] Thoracic and abdominal support pads and crutches effortlessly assist in lifting the user, ensuring a smooth and comfortable transition without straining the legs or knees or placing strain on the spine.

[0061] Next, the practitioner tilts their head slightly forward to begin the sujood process, causing the rays emitted by the photocell to break. This is interpreted by the computer system as a command for the stepper motors to initiate the forward tilt, followed by the descent and horizontal translation of the device that serves to support or support them to reach the sujood position. When the user places their forehead and nose on the ground, the device assists them with a controlled descent along the Y axis, gently lowering them into the position of full prostration. The user comfortably rests their forehead and nose on the designated area of ​​the prayer mat, supported by the device during the recitation of Subhana Rabbiyal A'Ia.

[0062] The device holds the user's body in a prostrate position without exerting pressure or discomfort.

[0063] After completing the sujood, the practitioner slightly raises his head, restoring the ray emitted by the photoelectric cells on the sensor. This restoration is interpreted by the computer system as a command for the stepper motors responsible for the inclination of the device that serves to support or support him, to gently guide the user to the sitting position on the knees. In this position, thanks to the existence of the crutches on which he leans by his assails, the knees of the practitioner do not suffer any harm. This process is repeated until the second sujood. After completing the second sujood, the device that serves to support or support him remains inclined, and the order is given to the motors responsible for the descent and translation to bring the practitioner back to the initial position.The thoracic and abdominal support pads assist the final upward movement, ensuring a stable and comfortable transition without stressing the user's legs or knees. At the end of the stroke, the device that serves to support or support it tilts backward to reach verticality, taking the user with it.

[0064] OTHER USES:

[0065] Rehabilitation and physiotherapy:

[0066] • Movement assistance for people in rehabilitation following injuries, strokes or neurological diseases.

[0067] • Targeted muscle strengthening for people suffering from muscle atrophy or needing functional mobility assistance.

[0068] • Improved balance and coordination for the elderly or those with balance disorders.

[0069] 2. Physical activities and well-being:

[0070] • Assistance with yoga and Pilates postures, allowing for optimal alignment and stretching.

[0071] • Gentle, controlled exercises for the elderly or those with limited mobility, promoting cardiovascular health and joint flexibility.

[0072] Postnatal training for women in the recovery phase, providing support for stretching and strengthening movements. Professional and home environment:

[0073] • Support for repetitive tasks, such as gardening or housekeeping, reducing fatigue and the risk of injury.

[0074] • Helps people working in a prolonged sitting position, promoting better posture and regular changes of position.

[0075] • Accessibility tool for people with reduced mobility in certain public spaces, allowing them to reach objects at height or bend down safely.

[0076] Adaptation of the device to different specific needs, such as models for children or for particular pathologies.

Claims

CLAIMS Claim 1 A device to assist people in performing prayer gestures or gestures requiring the combination of rotational and translational movements for various tasks, including: A device designed to provide support or hold up a person by the abdomen, thorax, or any other part of their body. This device is capable of rotating movements around its axis. This device can also perform translational movements on at least one axis. All of this is made possible by at least one power source to which it is connected. Claim 2 A prayer assistance device according to claim 1, comprising: a device designed to provide support or support a person by the abdomen, the thorax. This device is equipped with the capacity to perform rotational movements around its axis. This device can also perform translational movements on a vertical axis and a horizontal axis. All of this is made possible by the energy sources to which it is connected. Claim 3 A prayer assistance apparatus according to claim 1 and 2, comprising: A rectangular horizontal frame formed by two side members (24) and two cross members (2), with a board (1) inside. Two stepper motors (3) are attached laterally to both ends of the side members (24). At the other end of the side members (24), pinions (6) are attached and rotate freely around their axes. On each side member (24) is attached a slide (23) on which a slider (7) slides, driven by the stepper motor (3) by means of a chain (5). Between the side member (9) and the slider (7), gussets (8) are attached to reinforce the attachment. At the lower end of the vertical side member (9), a stepper motor (4) is attached. At the upper end, a pinion rotates freely around its axis, and a spring coil (14) is also attached. On the vertical side member (9), a slide (10) is attached, on which a slider (21) slides.The slider (21) is connected by a chain (22) to the stepper motor (4) and is also connected by a cable to the spring coil (14). The cable is wound around the outer contour of the perimeter of the coil (14). By exerting a weight on the device (15), the cable, which is attached on one side to the vertical slider which is attached to the device which serves to support it or to support it on the other side wound on the perimeter of the coil, unwinds, thus providing an opposing force to the weight. of the person. Each vertical slider (21) is securely attached to a spring coil (25), and on each coil (25) is attached a worm wheel reducer (12) with its stepper motor (13). The axes of the reducer (12) and the spring coil (25) are aligned and according to another embodiment, the components may not be aligned. A structure is attached to the axis (11), on which is also attached a thoracic anchor device (15) and a thoracic suspension harness according to another embodiment. This axis passes through the axis of rotation of each coil box (25). One end of the spring of the coil (25) is attached to the axis (11), while the other end is attached to the external contour of the coil (25). After passing through the axis of the coil (25), the axis (11) passes through the axis of rotation of the reducer (12), where it is secured by a key. On the structure fixed to the axis (11), a device (26) allowing the height and width adjustment of the two crutches (16) relative to the person installed. In addition, a structure (17) is fixed to the two vertical slides (21), which holds a screen (18) positioned in front of the user, moving in a synchronized manner with the user while preserving a constant height-adjustable distance. Fixed on the slide (21) by means of the structure (17), this screen (18) is designed to perform rotational movements around the axis of the slide (21), thus allowing it to rise or lower without direct translation. In addition, the screen (18) itself is provided with an independent rotation axis (27), allowing it to rotate around itself, providing additional flexibility in adjusting the viewing angle for the practitioner.The two arms of the structure (17) attached to the sliders (21) are adjustable in length, allowing the reach of the screen (18) to be increased to suit the individual preferences of the practitioner. In terms of utilities, the screen (18) offers educational features such as teaching prayers, reminders of the number of prostrations (sajadet) and prayer units (rakaat), as well as a display of the Quranic text and detailed steps of each prayer. This interactive interface (18) allows even those who do not know the prayers to learn them, providing valuable assistance in guiding practitioners throughout their religious rituals. Claim 4 A prayer assistance apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: A device designed to provide support or rest to a person, equipped with spring coils of variable or fixed stiffness. These coils can be replaced by any mechanism that generates a similar effect. These coils produce a torque opposite to that generated by the weight of the person on the platform during rotational movements, thus reducing the effort required by the user when tilting and returning to the initial vertical position. A coil spring is connected to the slide of the vertical slide, creating a resistance force to the weight of the person thus facilitating the descent and return from the low position to the high position with minimal effort. Horizontal movements are carried out by the arms and legs of the user, since the horizontal movement does not require significant force Claim 5 A prayer assistance device according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: Two crutches adjustable in height and width, positioned on either side of the device, serving to fix the practitioner by his armpits during rotation to lean forward. In addition, an adjustable harness designed specifically to adapt to the individual dimensions of the practitioner is fixed on either side of the device. This harness provides secure support at the shoulders and abdomen, ensuring optimal stability during rotation to lean forward. Thus, the device guarantees a personalized ergonomic experience, combining comfort and support for key parts of the body. Claim 6 A prayer assistance device according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a screen (18) positioned in front of the user, moving in synchronization with the user while maintaining a constant height-adjustable distance. Fixed on a slider (21) by means of the structure (17), this screen (18) is designed to perform rotational movements around the axis of the slider (21), thus allowing it to be raised or lowered without direct translation. In addition, the screen (18) itself is provided with an independent rotation axis (27), allowing it to rotate around itself, providing additional flexibility in adjusting the viewing angle for the practitioner. The two arms of the structure (17) fixed to the sliders (21) are adjustable in length, allowing the reach of the screen (18) to be increased to suit the individual preferences of the practitioner. In terms of utilities, the screen (18) offers educational features such as teaching prayers, reminders of the number of prostrations (sajadet) and prayer units (rakaat), as well as a display of the Quranic text and detailed steps of each prayer. This interactive interface (18) allows even those who do not know the prayers to learn them, providing valuable assistance in guiding practitioners throughout their religious rituals. Claim 7 Prayer assistance device according to claim 2, characterized in that the horizontal movement of the device is accomplished by wheels, which can be motorized or not, replacing the slider and horizontal slide mechanism. In this embodiment the machine does not have a board (1) or a spacer (2), being limited to the two side members to which the wheels are fixed. Claim 8 Prayer assistance device according to claim 7, characterized in that the machine can be equipped with a suitable gyroscope to ensure its stability along the vertical axis, thus making it possible to reduce the length of the machine without compromising its stability. Claim 9 A prayer assistance device according to claim 1, characterized in that the support device can rotate about its axis and perform a translational movement on an oblique axis, the angle of which can be adjusted via a suitable mechanism. These two movements are provided by mechanisms consisting of a stepping motor, a reducer and a spring coil, or any other mechanism producing a similar effect. Claim 10 A prayer assistance apparatus according to claim 9, characterized by a device designed for the purpose of providing support or support to a person, equipped with spring coils of variable or fixed stiffness. Knowing that these coils can be replaced by any mechanism generating a similar effect. These coils produce a torque opposite to that generated by the weight of the person on the platform during rotational movements, thus reducing the effort required by the user when tilting and returning to the initial vertical position. A spring coil is connected to the slide of the oblique slide, creating a resistance force to the weight of the person thus facilitating the descent and return from the low position to the high position with minimal effort. Claim 11 A prayer assistance apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it is coupled to a potential energy storage mechanism.

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