Flexible exoskeleton back frame for supporting lead aprons

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of medical devices, providing a flexible exoskeleton back frame for supporting lead aprons. The frame includes shoulder pads, a flexible rod, a spine-like structure, and connecting components. Two shoulder pads are connected by a supporting crossbar, with a supporting vertical rod connected downwards from the middle of the crossbar's length. The spine-like structure includes a sleeve and wingspans, with the wingspans connected to both sides of the sleeve. The spine-like structure is fitted onto the flexible rod via the sleeve. The upper end of the flexible rod is connected to the supporting vertical rod, and the lower end is connected to the connecting components, which are used for rotatable connection with the lower limb exoskeleton. This invention uses a flexible rod as the main load-bearing structure of the back frame and adds a spine-like structure with wingspans to the flexible rod, ensuring support flexibility while increasing the contact area with the human back and lead apron. Furthermore, it can be connected to the lower limb exoskeleton to transfer the weight of the lead apron to the ground, reducing the physical burden on medical workers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, specifically providing a flexible exoskeleton back frame for supporting lead aprons. Background Technology

[0002] X-rays are ionizing radiation with wavelengths between ultraviolet and gamma rays, widely used in medical diagnosis, cardiovascular imaging, and interventional radiotherapy. When X-rays irradiate the human body, they produce certain biological effects, causing significant damage to glands, tissues, organs, and blood cells. Currently, lead aprons are mainly used in clinical interventional procedures to protect medical workers from X-ray exposure, and this protective technology has played a certain role. However, lead aprons are quite heavy, placing a significant burden on medical workers, and prolonged weight-bearing can cause lumbar and knee joint diseases, seriously affecting their health. A survey of occupational health among medical workers with an average of 16 years of experience in radiation therapy conducted by the American College of Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventional Radiology revealed that over half of the physicians suffered from orthopedic-related diseases, with lumbar spine diseases being the most common (34.4%), followed by cervical spine diseases (24.7%), and other types of bone and joint diseases (19.6%). Therefore, developing more flexible and suitable protective materials, supplies, and devices for clinical use is crucial for the radiation protection and health of medical workers.

[0003] Commonly used protective clothing in clinical medicine includes lead neck protectors, lead caps, lead aprons, and lead vests. Due to lead's high density, weight, and hardness, medical workers wearing these protective suits experience reduced mobility, a heavy feeling of weight, and are prone to fatigue and musculoskeletal injuries. Existing lead apron weight-reduction devices include suspension systems, support systems, and walking chambers. While these devices can reduce the weight of lead aprons to some extent, they still present some problems in practical application, hindering their widespread adoption.

[0004] Suspended lead apron protective devices mainly involve installing the weight-reducing device of the lead apron on the ceiling or wall, and then suspending the lead apron through a suspension structure to achieve the weight reduction function. The suspension structure utilizes the retraction / extension of the suspension arm or the guide rail structure to achieve a certain range of movement. However, this type of suspension device is relatively troublesome to install, and it restricts the range of movement of medical staff during use. It also hinders medical workers from bending over during work, and there is significant mutual interference when multiple medical staff use it.

[0005] Frame-type or walking cabin-type lead apron protective devices mainly consist of casters or pulleys installed at the lower end of the lead apron support structure. Medical workers move by binding their bodies to the protective device, allowing for a relatively large range of motion. However, during walking, the body can easily interfere with the frame or cabin, and turning is inconvenient, impacting the worker's mobility. Furthermore, frame-type and walking cabin-type lead apron protective devices generally employ rigid structures, failing to meet the flexible movement needs of the lower back and waist required by medical workers. For example, Chinese patent CN110675969A, published on January 10, 2020, discloses a lead apron protective cabin with an angle ring and tension spring at the waist. When the operator bends over, the angle ring moves downwards due to the weight of the body; when the body stands upright, the angle ring returns to its original position under the tension spring. While this design solves the problem of waist flexibility, it still cannot resolve the interference between the body and the cabin during walking and the turning problem, and it also fails to meet the flexibility requirements of the back. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a flexible exoskeleton back frame for supporting lead aprons. By connecting with a lower limb exoskeleton, the weight of the lead apron can be transferred to the ground, reducing the physical burden on medical workers.

[0007] The flexible exoskeleton back frame for supporting lead aprons provided by the present invention includes: two identical shoulder pad structures, at least one flexible rod, multiple sets of spine-like structures, and connecting components.

[0008] The shoulder pad structure is shaped like a free-form surface that conforms to the structure of the human shoulder. The two shoulder pad structures are connected by a support crossbar, and a support vertical bar is connected downwards at the middle position of the support crossbar along its length.

[0009] Each set of spine-like structures includes a sleeve and wingspan. The wingspan is connected to both sides of the sleeve and has an inward curvature that conforms to the curvature of human ribs. The spine-like structure is fitted onto a flexible rod through the sleeve.

[0010] The upper end of the flexible rod is connected to the supporting vertical rod, and the lower end of the flexible rod is connected to the connecting component, which is used for rotatable connection with the lower limb exoskeleton.

[0011] Preferably, the shoulder pad structure is set at both ends of the support crossbar, and the lower part of the shoulder pad structure is designed with a breathable shoulder pad to ensure comfort when the shoulder pad structure comes into contact with the human shoulder.

[0012] Preferably, the wingspan width gradually decreases from the sleeve to the end, and the wingspan surface is provided with hollowed-out reinforcing ribs.

[0013] Preferably, the spine-like structure consists of four sets, which are equidistantly fitted onto the flexible rods with sleeves and fixed to the flexible rods with screws.

[0014] Preferably, the front of the spinal structure is also connected to a back pad, which is made of a flexible and breathable material and has quilted seams at equal intervals to facilitate bending and movement of the waist and back.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention can achieve the following beneficial effects:

[0016] This invention uses a flexible rod as the main structure for the back frame to bear weight. This not only meets the weight-bearing requirements of lead apron support but also has a certain degree of flexibility to meet the back flexibility needs of medical workers. A winged, spine-like structure is added to the flexible rod to effectively prevent bending and deformation, while increasing the contact area with the back and lead apron, thus improving wearing comfort. In addition, it can be connected to the lower limb exoskeleton through connecting components to transfer the weight of the lead apron to the ground, thereby reducing the physical burden on medical workers and protecting their health.

[0017] The present invention features a shoulder pad structure at the top, which effectively supports the pressure of the lead apron on the shoulders and prevents the weight of the lead apron from being transmitted to the body through the shoulders. Padding is also designed in the shoulders and back to improve wearing comfort. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is an overall structural diagram of a flexible exoskeleton back frame for supporting lead aprons provided according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the shoulder pad structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the connection structure between the spine-like structure and the flexible rod according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the back pad provided according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] The reference numerals in the figures include:

[0023] Shoulder pad structure 1, support crossbar 2, support vertical bar 3, flexible bar 4, spine-like structure 5, sleeve 51, wingspan 52, connecting parts 6, back pad 7, ear plate 8. Detailed Implementation

[0024] In the following description, embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description below, the same modules are denoted by the same reference numerals. Where the same reference numerals are used, their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, their detailed description will not be repeated.

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof.

[0026] Figure 1 The overall structure of a flexible exoskeleton back frame for supporting lead aprons, provided according to an embodiment of the present invention, is shown.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, the flexible exoskeleton back frame for lead apron support provided in this embodiment of the invention includes: a shoulder pad structure 1, a flexible rod 4, a spine-like structure 5, and a connecting component 6.

[0028] Figure 2 A shoulder pad structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown, there are two identical shoulder pad structures 1. The shape of the shoulder pad structure 1 is a free-form surface conforming to the structure of the human shoulder. Reinforcing ribs are set inside the free-form surface. The thickness of the shoulder pad structure 1 is slightly greater than the thickness of the human shoulder, which can wrap the shoulder to better support the lead apron and avoid the chest pressure that may be caused by wearing the lead apron for a long time. A soft and breathable shoulder pad is connected to the bottom of the shoulder pad structure 1 to ensure comfort when the shoulder pad structure 1 comes into contact with the human shoulder. The two shoulder pad structures 1 are connected by a support crossbar 2. The two shoulder pad structures 1 are connected to the two ends of the support crossbar 2. Along the length of the support crossbar 2, a support vertical bar 3 is connected downward at the middle position of the support crossbar 2. The support crossbar 2 and the support vertical bar 3 form a "T" shape. Ear pieces 8 are connected to both sides of the support vertical bar 3 and are connected to the lower flexible bar 4 and the imitation spine structure 5 by screws.

[0030] Figure 3 The connection between the shoulder pad structure, which mimics a spine structure, and the flexible rod, provided according to an embodiment of the present invention, is illustrated.

[0031] like Figure 3As shown, the flexible rod 4 is a single piece, and the spinal structure 5 consists of four groups. Each group of spinal structure 5 includes a sleeve 51 and a wingspan 52. The sleeve 51 can be a cylinder or a semi-cylinder. The wingspan 52 is connected to both sides of the sleeve 51. The wingspan 52 has an inward curvature that conforms to the curvature of the human ribs. The width of the wingspan 52 gradually decreases from the sleeve 51 to the end. The surface of the wingspan 52 is provided with hollow reinforcing ribs. The sleeve 51 and the wingspan 52 can be integrally injection molded using an injection molding process. The spinal structure 5 can be made of a fiber material with a certain degree of flexibility to ensure flexibility while reducing the overall weight. The spinal structure 5 is attached to the flexible rod 4 via a sleeve 51. The spinal structure 5 can be fixed to the flexible rod 4 with screws or by adhesive bonding. The flexible rod 4 and the spinal structure 5 are the main load-bearing structures, which can meet the support requirements of lead aprons of different weights without buckling or becoming unstable due to load, while also meeting the flexibility requirements of medical workers' lower back. The wingspan 52 can increase the stability of the flexible rod and increase the contact area with the body, improving comfort and facilitating twisting movements of the lower back.

[0032] As a preferred embodiment, multiple flexible rods 4 can also be used. At the same time, each set of spinal structure 5 is also provided with an equal number of sleeves 51 to ensure that the sleeves 51 are all fitted on the flexible rods 4. The sleeves 51 of each set of spinal structure 5 can be connected by plate reinforcement. Multiple sets of flexible rods 4 improve the load-bearing capacity of the back frame.

[0033] The upper end of the flexible rod 4 is connected to the supporting vertical rod 3, and the lower end of the flexible rod 4 is connected to the connecting component 6, which is used for rotatable connection with the lower limb exoskeleton.

[0034] Figure 4 A back pad provided according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0035] like Figure 4 As shown, a back pad 7 is also provided on the front side of the simulated spine structure 5. The back pad 7 is ergonomically designed and made of flexible and breathable material. Quilted seams are evenly spaced on the back pad 7, presenting an overall strip-like layered structure. A certain distance is left between the quilted seams between the strips to facilitate bending movements of the waist and back. The back pad 7 is fastened to the wings 52 of the simulated spine structure 5 using Velcro. As a preferred embodiment, an opening is provided on the back of the back pad 7, into which the wings 52 are inserted and secured using a fixing structure, thus connecting the main structure of the back frame to the back pad 7. This design facilitates the disassembly and cleaning of the back pad 7. Furthermore, a carrying strap can be provided on the front side of the flexible exoskeleton back frame used for lead apron support. The carrying strap is used to fix the flexible exoskeleton back frame used for lead apron support to the wearer's back. The carrying strap is designed with adjustable buckles to accommodate different heights and body types. The carrying strap can also be ergonomically designed.

[0036] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is to be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

[0037] The specific embodiments of the present invention described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the present invention. Any other corresponding changes and modifications made in accordance with the technical concept of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flexible exoskeleton back-brace for lead suit support, characterized by, The utility model relates to a kind of shoulder pad structure and lower limb exoskeleton, including: Two structure same shoulder pad structures, at least one flexible rod, multiple groups of imitated spine structures and connecting components; The shape of shoulder pad structure is free curved surface in line with human shoulder structure, and two shoulder pad structures are connected by support crossbar, and the middle position of the length direction of support crossbar is connected downward with support vertical rod;The thickness of shoulder pad structure is greater than the thickness of human shoulder, and it is wrapped to shoulder, and it plays the role of lead clothing support; Each group of imitated spine structure includes sleeve and wing span, and wing span is connected at the two sides of sleeve, and wing span has inward curvature, and the curvature is in line with the curvature of human rib, and imitated spine structure is sleeved on flexible rod by sleeve;Imitated spine structure is 4 groups, and is equidistantly sleeved on flexible rod by sleeve, and is fixed by screw with flexible rod; The upper end of flexible rod is connected with support vertical rod, and the lower end of flexible rod is connected with connecting component, and connecting component is used to rotate with lower limb exoskeleton.

2. The flexible exoskeleton back-brace for lead suit support of claim 1, wherein, Shoulder pad structure is arranged at the two ends of support crossbar, and breathable shoulder pad is designed in the lower part of shoulder pad structure, to ensure the comfort when shoulder pad structure contacts with human shoulder.

3. The flexible exoskeleton back-brace for lead suit support of claim 1, wherein, The width of wing span gradually decreases from sleeve to end, and hollow reinforcing rib is arranged on the surface of wing span.

4. The flexible exoskeleton back-brace for lead suit support of claim 1, wherein, The front side of imitated spine structure is also connected with back pad, and back pad is made of flexible breathable material, and equidistantly set with seam line on back pad, to facilitate waist and back bending movement.

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