A shoe design that supports the user in the physiotherapy process and contributes to their recovery

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system integrated into the sole of a shoe, developed to improve and support the physiotherapy process, characterized in that it comprises a gyroscope and accelerometer (1), analyzing the balance of the body by measuring the angular and linear movements of the foot, a humidity and temperature sensor (2), measuring the temperature and humidity values inside the shoe, a pressure sensor (3) and a vibration sensor (4), measuring the pressure exerted by the foot with each step and determining the step phase and posture state, a microprocessor (5), processing the information from the gyroscope and accelerometer (1), humidity and temperature sensor (2), pressure sensor (3) and vibration sensor (4) to send operating commands to other equipment in the system, a buzzer (6), providing an audible warning, a fan (7), providing ventilation based on a signal from the microprocessor (5) upon detection of a temperature increase, at least one vibration motor (8), positioned at various points of the sole (T) to provide a vibrating massage effect, an LCD display (9), digitally displaying the data processed by the microprocessor (5), and a wifi module (10), enabling remote transfer of the data processed by the microprocessor (5) to the mobile phone (C).

Description

[0001] A SHOE DESIGN THAT SUPPORTS THE USER IN THE PHYSIOTHERAPY PROCESS AND CONTRIBUTES TO THEIR RECOVERY

[0002] Technical Field:

[0003] The present invention relates to a system integrated into the sole of a shoe, developed to improve and support the physiotherapy process.

[0004] State of the Art:

[0005] Physiotherapy is a method used in the treatment of various physical conditions, injuries, post-operative recovery conditions and chronic diseases. This treatment is used to increase patients’ mobility, reduce pain, restore function and improve quality of life.

[0006] A number of treatment plans are created by specialists during the treatment process. Stationary devices or manual observation methods can be used in these treatment plans. However, it should be noted that these methods are not portable and restrict the user’s daily activities. Detecting problems such as in-toeing, out-toeing, and gait disorders using manual methods is difficult and time-consuming. Early diagnosis and intervention in these problems can increase the efficiency of the treatment process. In addition, it should be noted that stationary devices can be quite uncomfortable and cumbersome. Moreover, these devices impose a significant financial burden on the user.

[0007] Treatment solutions for users observed using manual methods may vary from one specialist to another, potentially affecting the treatment process. This is because manual observations rely entirely on subjective interpretation and inconsistencies can be expected between different therapists.

[0008] With the systems in the present art, it is difficult to monitor and analyze the user’s movements in real time in physiotherapy processes. These systems fail to provide instant feedback. Monitoring temperature and humidity levels is important for the foot health of users undergoing physiotherapy. Existing solutions are insufficient for collecting and analyzing this data.

[0009] The utility model application numbered TR2022008726 describes a smart physiotherapy unit used in the physiotherapy and rehabilitation treatment process of children. The invention relates to a smart physiotherapy unit that enables physiotherapy exercises for the upper extremities (arm, shoulder, neck) and hand functions in the physiotherapy and rehabilitation treatment of children, performed through a digital game by processing images taken from a camera using artificial intelligence for image processing, body recognition, and hand recognition.

[0010] The patent application numbered TR202007357 describes a physiotherapy module for children with disabilities. This invention relates to a type of module developed for disabled individuals, in particular children in need of disabled walking support and treatment, preferably made from an average of 15 mm beech plywood and metal bolts, covered with soft and hard materials (anti-slip rubber, textured base, worms, plastic embossing), which can be used as a physiotherapy tool to facilitate walking, moving, running and jumping for disabled children.

[0011] The physiotherapy tools in the above-mentioned patent applications have a complex structure and cannot provide the user with a comfortable and ergonomic experience. There are also shortcomings in terms of feedback. In particular, the fact that these inventions target only one user group limits the audience that can benefit from the treatment and hinders the global expansion of such treatments.

[0012] As a result, there is a need for a new technology that can overcome the disadvantages mentioned above.

[0013] Disclosure of the Invention:

[0014] The gyroscope and accelerometer, temperature and humidity sensor, pressure sensors and vibration sensors in our invention are integrated into the sole of the shoe, making it possible to monitor the user’s movements, environmental conditions and foot health in detail. Data from the sensors is processed instantly and immediate feedback is provided to the user. This notification can be visual on the display or audible through the buzzer. The user is informed instantly with an LCD display, audible warnings and vibrating feedback mechanisms. This allows users to instantly detect and correct gait and balance problems.

[0015] The pressure sensors analyze the step phase and enable the automatic massage function to be activated in case of excessive pressure. For example, the pressure sensor will detect partial swelling of the foot due to walking and alert the user, and the vibration motors will be activated, allowing the foot to relax.

[0016] The collected data is wirelessly transmitted to the physiotherapy center or physicians’ mobile devices, enabling physicians to monitor their patients’ progress in real time and update treatment plans.

[0017] Our invention has a structure that prioritizes the comfort of the user’s feet. In particular, the temperature and humidity sensor detects the internal temperature of the shoe and the increase in humidity due to perspiration, activating the fans to provide ventilation inside the shoe.

[0018] With the data from the sensors, customizable treatment plans can be created according to the needs of each user. This increases the efficiency of the treatment process and offers personalized approaches.

[0019] Description of the Drawings:

[0020] The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying figures, so that the features of the invention can be more clearly understood and appreciated, without intending to limit the invention to these particular embodiments. Rather, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents of the invention which may be included within the scope defined by the appended claims. It should be appreciated that the details are given for the sole purpose of describing the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are presented for the purpose of both illustrating the methods and providing the most useful and easily understood description of the rules and conceptual features of the invention. In these drawings:

[0021] Fig. 1 A representative perspective view of the shoe in which the system according to the invention is applied.

[0022] Fig. 2 A schematic diagram showing the operation of the system according to the invention.

[0023] The figures that aid in understanding the present invention are numbered as indicated in the accompanying drawing and given below with their respective names.

[0024] Description of the Reference Numbers:

[0025] 1 . Gyroscope and accelerometer

[0026] 2. Humidity and temperature sensor

[0027] 3. Pressure sensor

[0028] 4. Vibration sensor

[0029] 5. Microprocessor

[0030] 6. Buzzer

[0031] 7. Fan

[0032] 8. Vibration motor

[0033] 9. LCD display

[0034] 10. Wifi module

[0035] A. Shoe

[0036] C. Mobile phone

[0037] T. Sole

[0038] Detailed Description of the Invention:

[0039] The main components of the invention include a gyroscope and accelerometer (1), humidity and temperature sensor (2), pressure sensor (3), vibration sensor (4), microprocessor (5), buzzer (6), fan (7), vibration motor (8), LCD display (9) and wifi module (10). The circuit according to the invention is placed on the inside of the sole (T) of the shoe (A). The gyroscope and accelerometer (1) measures the angular and linear movements of the foot during walking. For example, it detects how the foot turns, bends or changes direction. The accelerometer can also measure the speed and direction in which the foot is moving. In short, it detects the acceleration and deceleration dynamics of the foot. It can also help analyze posture and stance to assess whether the person maintains balance while standing. The humidity and temperature sensor (2) detects the heat generated by friction and body heat during walking and the amount of moisture generated by perspiration. The pressure sensor (3) and vibration sensor (4) determine which areas of the foot are under how much pressure at each step. This enables the collection of data such as step length, step speed, and foot placement pattern. They also monitor how the center of gravity of the body is distributed when standing. These sensors provide warnings to prevent potential injury by detecting incorrect foot placement or excessive pressure. The vibration sensor (4) will help the person to analyze their walking and running technique by measuring the vibrations generated each time a step contacts the ground. In addition, the user will be provided with information about the ground by identifying the vibration profiles of different ground types (e.g. hard asphalt, soft grass, sand).

[0040] The microprocessor (5) processes the information from the sensors to generate an output signal. Based on the output signal, the relevant equipment is stimulated and activated. To clarify this process, the temperature and humidity sensor (2) alerts the microprocessor (5) depending on the increase in temperature, and the microprocessor (5) sends a command to the fan (7) based on the incoming signal to ventilate the inside of the shoe. Flexible pressure sensors (3) and vibration sensors (4), on the other hand, perform step phase analysis and posture analysis. In cases of excessive pressure and gait disorders, the vibration motors (8) are activated by sending a command to the microprocessor (5) and the massage feature is activated through these motors. The LCD display (9) visually presents the outputs evaluated and provided by the microprocessor (5) to the patient in digital form. The LCD display (9) may be located on the top, back or sides of the shoe. The buzzer (6), on the other hand, provides audible warnings. When threshold values are exceeded or in specific situations, the microprocessor (5) sends a command to the buzzer (6) to give an audible warning. The microprocessor (5) can also transmit data to mobile phones (C) via the Wifi module (10) through the mobile application.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A system integrated into the sole of a shoe (A) to improve and support the physiotherapy process, characterized in that it comprises:- a gyroscope and accelerometer (1), analyzing the balance of the body by measuring the angular and linear movements of the foot,- a humidity and temperature sensor (2), measuring the temperature and humidity values inside the shoe,- a pressure sensor (3) and a vibration sensor (4), measuring the pressure exerted by the foot with each step and determining the step phase and posture state,- a microprocessor (5), processing the information from the gyroscope and accelerometer (1), humidity and temperature sensor (2), pressure sensor (3) and vibration sensor (4) to send operating commands to other equipment in the system,- a buzzer (6), providing an audible warning,- a fan (7), providing ventilation based on a signal from the microprocessor (5) upon detection of a temperature increase,- at least one vibration motor (8), positioned at various points of the sole (T) to provide a vibrating massage effect,- an LCD display (9), digitally displaying the data processed by the microprocessor (5),- a wifi module (10), enabling remote transfer of the data processed by the microprocessor (5) to the mobile phone (C).

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