Active multicompartmental pressure redistribution system

Abstract

An interconnected multicompartmental pressure redistribution system that is able to precisely identify contact pressure points and address excess pressure on the body by redistributing the pressure in real time. Sensors that are part of a matrix of fluid substance-filled interactive pixels communicate with a microcontroller that may also be in wireless communication with a smart device. The microcontroller controls the individual fluid flow regulators located between the interactive pixels. This causes specific flow regulators to open, allowing the fluid substance to flow from one interactive pixel to another, redistributing pressure, as needed.

Claims

1. An active multicompartment pressure redistribution system, comprising: a plurality of containment vessels filled with a fluid substance arranged in a matrix, each containment vessel surrounded by three or more containment vessels, each containment vessel directly connected to each one of the three or more surrounding containment vessel by respective three or more fluid flow channels; a plurality of flow regulators, a flow regulator located in each fluid flow channel; a plurality of pressure sensors, at least one pressure sensor located on each containment vessel; and a microcontroller connected for communication with the plurality of pressure sensors and plurality of flow regulators; whereby the microcontroller activates the flow regulators in response to data received from the pressure sensors.

2. The active multicompartment pressure redistribution system of claim 1 wherein each containment vessel is filled with a fluid that is one of a liquid, gas, or gel.

3. The active multicompartment pressure redistribution system of claim 1 wherein each containment vessel is a hexagon made from an elastic fluid impermeable material.

4. The active multicompartment pressure redistribution system of claim 1 wherein the containment vessel walls are reinforced by semi-elastic bands.

5. The active multicompartment pressure redistribution system of claim 4 wherein each containment vessel further comprises a semi-flexible frame to which the semi-elastic bands attach.

6. The active multicompartment pressure redistribution system of claim 5 wherein the flow regulators are contained in the semi-flexible frame of the containment vessel.

7. The active multicompartment pressure redistribution system of claim 1 wherein the pressure sensors comprise one pressure sensor above the containment vessel and one pressure sensor below the containment vessel.

8. The active multicompartment pressure redistribution system of claim 1 further comprising one of a temperature sensor, and moisture sensor and flow sensor located on the containment vessels and connected for communication with the microcontroller.

9. The active multicompartment pressure redistribution system of claim 1 further comprising a flow sensor connected for communication with the flow regulator.

10. The active multicompartment pressure redistribution system of claim 1 further comprising a flexible ring for holding the pressure sensors in place on the containment vessel.

11. The active multicompartment pressure redistribution system of claim 10 further comprising an electrically and light conductive material holding the flexible ring of the pressure sensor in place on the containment vessel whereby signals from the pressure sensor are carried by the electrically and light conductive material.

12. The active multicompartment pressure redistribution system of claim 1 wherein the microcontroller has both analog and digital outputs and inputs.

13. The active multicompartment pressure redistribution system of claim 1 wherein the microcontroller is connected to a communication device containing an antenna and wireless communication device.

14. The active multicompartment pressure redistribution system of claim 13 further comprising multiple matrixes of containment vessels, each matrix communicating with another matrix by way of the respective wireless communication device.

15. The active multicompartment pressure redistribution system of claim 13 further comprising a third party smart device communicating with the microcontroller by way of the wireless communication device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The exact nature of this invention, as well as the objects and advantages thereof, will become readily apparent from consideration of the following specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the figures thereof and wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of interactive pixels, flow regulators, sensors, and electronic components;

(3) FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic side view illustration of a single interactive pixel showing its structure in detail;

(4) FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic top view illustration of a single interactive pixel showing its multi angular structure, flow regulators, sensors, and reinforcing structure;

(5) FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the communication system of the invention showing the information flow;

(6) FIG. 5A is a graphical illustration of the interactive pixels interacting with a foot to redistribute pressure on the foot;

(7) FIG. 5B is a graphical illustration of the interactive pixels interacting with each other to redistribute pressure;

(8) FIG. 5C is a graphical illustration of the interactive pixels interacting with a foot to redistribute pressure on the foot;

(9) FIG. 5D is a graphical illustration of the interactive pixels interacting with each other to redistribute pressure;

(10) FIG. 5E is a graphical illustration of the interactive pixels interacting with a foot to redistribute pressure on the foot; and

(11) FIG. 5F is a graphical illustration of the interactive pixels interacting with each other to redistribute pressure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(12) A preferred embodiment of a multi-compartmental pressure redistribution system is illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 as having containment vessels 20. The containment vessels are constructed of elastic impermeable material and filled with a fluid substance like a liquid, gas or gel, for example. In order to prevent failure of the vessel walls due to excessive force, the containment vessels 20 are reinforced with semi-elastic reinforcement bands 21. These bands prevent bulging of the vessel walls. These bands are attached to a semi-flexible frame 22 that seals the containment vessels 20 by fusing the layers and preventing leakage. The frame 22 of each vessel 20 also houses the flow regulators 23.

(13) The flow regulators 23 interconnect the containment vessels 20 into a matrix as shown in FIG. 1. They may be positioned on and through multiple sides of each vessel. Based on the requirements of a specific application, these dynamic flow regulators may be passive (uni- or bi-directional) or active (micro-controller regulated). In the passive case, the multicompartmental pressure redistribution system relies on the passive movement of the fluid substance from one containment vessel to another in response to pressure exerted by a foot or other body part. The fluid will move from an area of higher pressure to an area of lower pressure. The multitude of containment vessels interconnected by passive flow regulators is a passive matrix. In the active case (active matrix), the regulators are actively controlled. Sensors 24 in the vessels are connected to the regulators, which are also connected to a microcontroller. The micro controller provides precise active control of each flow regulator.

(14) The main group of sensors 24 are located directly above and below, as well as affixed to, each containment vessel, as best shown in FIG. 2. The sensors are bilaterally sandwiched between the body contact surface and the containment vessel wall, and between the shoe, mattress, chair or other surface and the containment vessel. A preferred embodiment may contain temperature and moisture sensors (not shown), as well as the pressure sensor 24. Other sensors may also be included. The flow regulators 23 may also be coupled to flow sensors 25, as shown in FIG. 2. The flow sensors are not part of the main group of sensors (based on location). The main group of sensors 24, are each held in place by a soft flexible ring 26 that provides both compression and tension, as shown in FIGS. 1-3. The sensor 25, flow regulator 23 and containment vessel 20 is referred to for convenience as an interactive pixel. The interactive pixel represents the smallest functional unit of the system. FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a complete interactive pixel. As described above, a matrix of interactive pixels interconnected by these flow regulators 23 and paired with the electronic components described below, is referred to for convenience as an active matrix.

(15) The ring 26 on each vessel 20 is held in place by electrically and light conductive materials 27. This material carries signals from the various sensors 24, 25 to a microcontroller 28. These materials are also integrated in the indented spaces between the interactive pixels. The microcontroller 28 has both analog and digital input and output, as shown in FIG. 1. It utilizes a power pixel 29 with a battery and charging coil. The microcontroller 28 is also connected to a communication pixel 30 that contains antennae and other communication and identification hardware. These structures are attached to the active matrix, typically in areas where they are exposed to minimum pressure. The communication 30, power 29 and microcontroller 28 pixels are also placed under a gel-like material (not shown) to encapsulate them from inadvertent damage.

(16) FIG. 4 shows the data flow within a preferred embodiment of the invention. During the initial set up time, the active matrix collects data from the various sensors 24, 25 that are interconnected with the microcontroller 28. Using software and custom algorithms, the microcontroller 28 may calculate the distribution and specific location of pressure points. Pressure regulators 23 are energized in response, allowing specific amounts of fluid to pass from high to low pressure interactive pixels, redistributing the pressure and providing maximal comfort to the user. The data collected from the sensors is sent by a communication circuit board 30 to another active matrix 31 and to and from a third device 32 such as a smart enabled device or remote server. Collection of this data contributes to improving in functionality and control. Some of the data is stored on the local microcontroller 28 and memory 33. This data is used to add functionality at times when other data may be unavailable and for additional purposes, such as, for example, recognition of the wearer, enabling the device to anticipate events, coordinating one device with another, sensing developing pathologies, and sensing sleep patterns.

(17) Once the initial set up of the active multicompartmental pressure redistribution system is complete and enough data is stored, the active matrix begins to adjust to the user. By utilizing stored data and comparing it to real time data, it can detect abnormal events, such as excess pressure or heat in one area. If excess pressure is detected in an area, the microcontroller will send a signal to the individual flow regulators, causing certain flow regulators to open, allowing the fluid substance to move from high pressure to low pressure interactive pixels in a controlled manner. This controlled movement of the fluid substance allows for responsive, dynamic and even redistribution of pressure in real time. The result is efficiently and evenly redistributing the forces created between the body and the various surfaces with which the system comes in contact.

(18) FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E and 5F illustrate the action of an active matrix in response to high pressure in a specific area of the interactive pixel matrix. Since neither the body nor that with which it is in contact are completely flat surfaces, areas of high and low pressure are created. The highest pressure will be at the apex 34 of an uneven surface, a toe, for example. In the case of an inflammation for example, those areas will be the warmest as well. This heat may be detected by embedded temperature sensors. FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B illustrate what occurs when pressure regulators 35 are closed. The pressure regulators are closed at all times unless energized. The fluid substance within the interactive pixel at the apex 36 (FIG. 5B) will experience the highest pressure. The fluid substance in interactive pixels 37 around the apex 36 will be at a lower pressure.

(19) In order to reduce excess pressure at the apex 36, the microcontroller selectively opens the flow regulators 38 (FIGS. 5C, 5D) located between the high and low pressure interactive pixels for a predetermined amount of time. The exact time parameters will depend on self set or preset values. The normal state of each interactive pixel is to be partially full. The fluid substance will be transferred between the compartments connected by open flow regulators, from high pressure to low pressure.

(20) When the difference in pressure between the apex 36 and the surrounding interactive pixels 37 begins to equalize and the desired pressure value is reached at the apex 36, the microcontroller de-energizes the flow regulators 38 causing them to close. Figures SE and SF show that when the flow regulators 38 again close, flow of fluid substance between the pixels is prevented 39. This results in partially deflated pixels at the former pressure apex 34 and more inflated pixels around the apex 37 and former high pressure pixel 36, absorbing more force so that pressure is redistributed over a larger area of the foot, for example with minimal energy use.

(21) With the aid of the microcontroller 28, the memory 33, optional smart device 32 and certain algorithms that are part of the software of the system, the system can determine patterns, anticipate areas of high pressure, and self-adjust in real time. To make it more effective and functional, the active matrix may be programmed to adjust until a certain amount of battery power is left. At that point, the matrix will readjust to its optimal shape, based on data collected during previous use. Thus, when power is lost, the user will still be able to experience the best static force pressure distribution, similar to a functional orthotic device.

(22) Operation of the system is based on biomechanical principles utilizing more than one matrix so that data may be exchanged between multiple units of the invention. This makes it possible to engage and offload multiple areas of the body simultaneously. Since sensor data and data from the smart device and remote location will continuously be monitored and integrated, in the preferred embodiment, this may reduce hip, knee, and other joint pain, as well as helping to prevent foot injury and ulceration. It will be possible to shift pressure from one area of the body to another, thereby preventing injury and ulceration.