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US-20260123852-A1 - ELASTOMER SUPPORT ASSEMBLY FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH A WEARABLE DEVICE

US20260123852A1US 20260123852 A1US20260123852 A1US 20260123852A1US-20260123852-A1

Abstract

Disclosed is an elastomer support assembly for use in connection with a wearable device. The elastomer support assembly includes an elastomer support and a sensor detachably integrated within the elastomer support. In one embodiment, the support is attached to the wearable device and adhered to a lumbar spine of a user when the wearable device is worn by the user for allowing sensors to detect lower back movement of the user.

Inventors

  • Eoin Everard

Assignees

  • Eoin Everard

Dates

Publication Date
20260507
Application Date
20241106

Claims (20)

  1. 1 . An elastomer support assembly for use in connection with a wearable device, comprising: an elastomer support; a sensor detachably integrated within the elastomer support; wherein the support is attached to the wearable device and adhered to a lumbar spine of a user when the wearable device is worn by the user for allowing sensors to detect lower back movement of the user.
  2. 2 . The elastomer support assembly of claim 1 , wherein the support is tightly attached to the wearable device in an opening.
  3. 3 . The elastomer support assembly of claim 1 further comprises an electronic control unit (ECU) which is connected the sensor via a wire to continuously transmit sensor data related to back posture of the user in real-time.
  4. 4 . The elastomer support assembly of claim 3 , wherein the ECU is hooked on to the wearable device.
  5. 5 . The elastomer support assembly of claim 1 , wherein the lower back movement includes spine movement, low back movement, lumbar spine movement or various lordotic positions.
  6. 6 . The elastomer support assembly of claim 1 , wherein the elastomer support replicates the position of the lower back of the user based on the change in user's position.
  7. 7 . The elastomer support assembly of claim 1 , wherein the elastomer support is made of flexible materials including foam, rubber and silicone.
  8. 8 . The elastomer support assembly of claim 7 , wherein the foam is open-cell foam and closed-cell foam.
  9. 9 . The elastomer support assembly of claim 1 , wherein the sensor includes a position detection sensor.
  10. 10 . The elastomer support assembly of claim 1 , wherein the sensor includes a flex sensor, a strain sensor, and any other position and displacement detection sensor.
  11. 11 . The elastomer support assembly of claim 1 , wherein the elastomer support is flexible to conform to different body shapes without deformation such that the sensor accurately detects and responds to movements of the user.
  12. 12 . The elastomer support assembly of claim 1 , wherein the wearable device includes a belt, a garment or any other body-wearable apparatus.
  13. 13 . The elastomer support assembly of claim 3 , wherein the sensor data includes spine position data of the user.
  14. 14 . The elastomer support assembly of claim 3 , wherein the ECU includes a data processing module to detect if the spine position of the user exceeds predefined thresholds.
  15. 15 . The elastomer support assembly of claim 14 , wherein the predefined threshold includes initially calibrated spine position of the user.
  16. 16 . The elastomer support assembly of claim 15 , wherein the initial calibration of spine position is performed using a software application in a mobile device.
  17. 17 . The elastomer support assembly of claim 14 , wherein the ECU includes a vibration actuator that receives control signal from the data processing module upon the data processing module detecting bad or poor position of user's spine and eventually alerts the user.
  18. 18 . The elastomer support assembly of claim 3 , wherein the ECU includes a wireless communication module to communicate sensor data to the mobile application for real time visualization of user's back posture using a graphical user interface (GUI) of the mobile application.
  19. 19 . The elastomer support assembly of claim 18 , wherein the GUI visualizes the user's back posture by displaying back posture through a digital sensor ball and digital flexion and extension barriers.
  20. 20 . The elastomer support assembly of claim 19 , wherein the flexion and extension barriers are upper and lower limits respectively alerting the user of excessive movement.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to posture monitoring device and more particularly relates to elastomer support assembly for use in connection with a wearable device for detecting lower back movement of a user. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Existing systems such as sensors embedded in garments or belts may not conform to the natural curvature of the lower back, specifically the lordotic region, leading to inaccurate detection of user's low back position or lumbar spine position. Such misalignment may result in inconsistent feedback, thereby reducing the reliability of the data gathered during motion in the lower back either when sitting, lifting or exercising. Further, existing systems relying on external belts or garments for sensor attachment often lacks adaptability to various body shapes and sizes. Another drawback is the inconvenience associated with static design of such wearable. This requires users to wear specific garments or belts, which can be cumbersome and impractical for regular use. Likewise, the likelihood of consistent use may be reduced. Existing systems often compensate for poor sensor attachment by increasing the sensitivity of the sensors to ensure some level of accuracy despite an inability to replicate the subtle movements of the lumbar spine. However, this increased sensitivity can result in false positives, where normal movements or slight shifts are interpreted as significant spinal misalignments. This issue exacerbates the unreliability of these systems, while providing users with incorrect feedback and potentially leading to unnecessary interventions or adjustments in posture when none are required. On the other hand, if the sensor in the garment does not stay connected to the lower back (Lumbar Spine), then subtle but important movements of the lower back may be missed. Therefore, it is necessary that the sensors stay in congruency with the lower back at all times and replicates the exact movements of the low back, however subtle. Belts and garments are often designed with one-size-fits-all solutions that do not account for individual anatomical differences, particularly in the lower back's lordotic curvature. Without a system that naturally adjusts to these variations, users with different body types may experience discomfort and ineffective sensor performance, as the sensor may not remain tight against the skin, further compromising data accuracy. Furthermore, a critical issue in existing systems is the risk of sensor detachment during motion. Belts and garments may become loose or shift position, especially during activities involving bending, twisting, or dynamic movement. In conclusion, without the described improvements, existing sensor-based systems for monitoring spinal movements continue to face significant limitations. These include inaccurate readings, false positives, and inconvenient application, all of which reduce the reliability and practicality of the system in real-world scenarios. Hence, there is a need for a wearable sensor device that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention discloses a flexible component for attaching to a body-wearable device that securely adheres to the back of a user while ensuring optimal contact and stability. In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention discloses a flexible component including but not limited to foam, silicone or rubber, for securely holding a sensing component. In an exemplary aspect, the present invention discloses a flexible component for securely holding a sensing component to detect spinal movement of a user. In another exemplary aspect, the present invention integrates a sensor within a flexible component in such a way that the sensor is able to detect even the most subtle movements of the spine or lower back, while allowing for precise and accurate monitoring thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention discloses integrating a flexible component comprising a sensor into a body-wearable device for detecting the change in posture of the user. In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention discloses a body-wearable position monitoring device that mimics exact movements of the user's lumbar spine for accurate posture detection. In certain embodiment, the present invention enables secure and stable attachment of the sensor device to a user's lower back using a body-wearable means. In further embodiment, the present invention allows a flexible component of a body-wearable device to maintain consistent contact with the skin while reducing the risk of sensor detachment or misalignment during movement. In an exemplary aspect, the present invention enhances comfort and sensor accuracy by utilizing an open-cell foam structure that adapts to various body shapes or lordotic curves during any movement and in any position. In another exemplary aspect, the present invention incorporates an initial