Intelligent post-spinal surgery weight-bearing balance shoe

By integrating pressure sensors and a weight-bearing adjustment system into the intelligent weight-bearing balance shoe after spinal surgery, the problems of inaccurate monitoring and manual adjustment required by traditional rehabilitation equipment have been solved. This enables real-time weight-bearing monitoring, automatic adjustment, and remote management, improving rehabilitation effectiveness and convenience.

CN224440517UActive Publication Date: 2026-07-03THE FIRST AFFILIATED HOSPITAL OF NAVAL MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF CHINESE PEOPLES LIBERATION ARMY
View PDF 0 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
THE FIRST AFFILIATED HOSPITAL OF NAVAL MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF CHINESE PEOPLES LIBERATION ARMY
Filing Date
2025-07-01
Publication Date
2026-07-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional spinal surgery rehabilitation equipment cannot accurately monitor weight-bearing, lacks intelligent adjustment and remote management, which increases the burden on patients and affects rehabilitation outcomes.

Method used

The shoes feature a smart sole with built-in pressure sensors, combined with a weight-bearing adjustment system and a tactile feedback system, enabling real-time weight-bearing monitoring, automatic adjustment, and remote data synchronization to provide personalized rehabilitation support.

Benefits of technology

It enables precise monitoring and balanced adjustment of load, reduces manual operation, improves rehabilitation effects, supports remote monitoring, and enhances ease of use and scientific rigor.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN224440517U_ABST
    Figure CN224440517U_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

This utility model relates to an intelligent weight-bearing balance shoe after spinal surgery, comprising an intelligent sole, a weight-bearing adjustment system, an intelligent monitoring module, a tactile feedback system, and a data synchronization module. The intelligent sole is equipped with a pressure sensor. The weight-bearing adjustment system is connected to the intelligent sole and adjusts the support force of the sole based on the monitoring data from the pressure sensor. The intelligent monitoring module is electrically connected to both the pressure sensor and the weight-bearing adjustment system. The tactile feedback system is electrically connected to the intelligent monitoring module and outputs tactile feedback signals when the weight is uneven. The data synchronization module is electrically connected to the intelligent monitoring module and transmits the monitoring data to an external device. Its advantages are: this utility model monitors foot weight in real time through a pressure sensor and dynamically adjusts the sole support force using an intelligent adjustment system, effectively avoiding uneven weight distribution, helping patients gradually regain walking ability, and improving rehabilitation outcomes.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of medical rehabilitation equipment technology, especially intelligent weight-bearing balance shoes after spinal surgery. Background Technology

[0002] Post-spinal surgery rehabilitation training is crucial for patients to regain walking ability and avoid uneven weight-bearing. Currently, clinical rehabilitation aids for post-spinal surgery patients mainly rely on traditional rehabilitation equipment, such as crutches and walking aids. These devices provide walking assistance through physical support, reducing the weight-bearing burden on patients to some extent.

[0003] However, traditional rehabilitation equipment has the following significant shortcomings: First, the weight-bearing monitoring is inaccurate, making it impossible to obtain real-time data on the specific weight-bearing of the patient's feet. This makes it difficult to ensure even weight-bearing in both feet or different areas within the feet, which may affect the recovery effect due to uneven force distribution during the rehabilitation process. Second, the rehabilitation progress lacks quantitative monitoring methods, making it difficult for medical staff to dynamically adjust the treatment plan based on the patient's actual weight-bearing situation, thus limiting the scientific and personalized nature of the rehabilitation plan. Third, patients need to frequently manually adjust the support strength or posture of the equipment during use, increasing the burden of use, especially for patients with limited mobility after surgery, resulting in poor ease of operation.

[0004] In summary, traditional rehabilitation equipment has significant shortcomings in terms of weight-bearing monitoring, intelligent adjustment, and rehabilitation management for patients after spinal surgery. There is an urgent need for a new type of rehabilitation device that can achieve real-time monitoring, intelligent adjustment, and support remote monitoring to meet the personalized rehabilitation needs of patients. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems in the prior art and to provide an intelligent weight-bearing balance shoe for spinal surgery.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0007] A smart weight-bearing balance shoe for spinal surgery, comprising:

[0008] The smart sole is equipped with a pressure sensor inside to monitor the weight-bearing data of the patient's foot in real time.

[0009] A weight-bearing adjustment system, which is connected to the smart sole, is used to adjust the support force of the sole based on the monitoring data of the pressure sensor.

[0010] The intelligent monitoring module is electrically connected to both the pressure sensor and the load adjustment system, and is used to receive monitoring data from the pressure sensor and generate adjustment commands.

[0011] A tactile feedback system, electrically connected to the intelligent monitoring module, is used to output tactile feedback signals when the load is uneven;

[0012] A data synchronization module, electrically connected to the intelligent monitoring module, is used to transmit monitoring data to external devices.

[0013] Preferably, the smart sole is made of a flexible material, the pressure sensor is a thin-film pressure sensor, and the pressure sensor is evenly distributed in the forefoot, arch, and heel areas of the smart sole.

[0014] Preferably, the load adjustment system includes an adjustable support structure, which includes an adjustable airbag and a micro air pump. The adjustable airbag is disposed inside the smart sole, and the micro air pump is connected to the adjustable airbag and electrically connected to the smart monitoring module for adjusting the support force of the adjustable airbag by inflating / deflating. The adjustable airbag is configured in a one-to-one correspondence with the pressure sensor.

[0015] Preferably, the intelligent monitoring module includes a microprocessor, which is an ARM Cortex-M series or STM32 series microprocessor, and the microprocessor has an adjustable load threshold preset in it.

[0016] The tactile feedback system includes a miniature vibration motor, which is either an eccentric motor or a linear motor, and the vibration frequency of the vibration motor is positively correlated with the degree of load deviation.

[0017] Preferably, the data synchronization module includes a wireless communication unit, which is a Bluetooth module or a Wi-Fi module. The monitoring data is transmitted to the medical staff's mobile device or medical information system in the form of a digital signal through the wireless communication unit.

[0018] Preferably, the upper surface of the smart sole is provided with a flexible pad that conforms to the foot, and the flexible pad covers the installation area of ​​the pressure sensor and tactile feedback system.

[0019] Preferably, the adjustment commands of the intelligent monitoring module include controlling the magnitude of the adjustment of the support force by the load adjustment system, and controlling the triggering timing and intensity of the tactile feedback system.

[0020] Due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects obtained by this utility model include:

[0021] 1. This utility model uses a pressure sensor to monitor foot weight in real time and combines it with an intelligent adjustment system to dynamically adjust the support force of the shoe sole, effectively avoiding uneven weight distribution, helping patients gradually regain their walking ability and improving rehabilitation results;

[0022] 2. The tactile feedback system in this invention uses vibration to remind patients to adjust their posture, reducing the burden of manual adjustment; the intelligent adjustment function automatically adapts to rehabilitation needs, reducing the complexity of use for patients and optimizing the user experience.

[0023] 3. The monitoring data of this utility model can be synchronized to medical and nursing terminal equipment or medical information system in real time, supporting remote monitoring and analysis, reducing the frequency of on-site inspections and alleviating the workload of medical staff; based on real-time monitoring data, medical staff can adjust treatment plans in a targeted manner to ensure the scientific and individualized progress of rehabilitation. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the intelligent weight-bearing balance shoe for spinal surgery according to this utility model.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of an embodiment of the intelligent shoe sole of this utility model.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a partial connection diagram of an embodiment of the load adjustment system in this utility model.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a partial flowchart of an embodiment of the intelligent weight-bearing balance shoe for post-spinal surgery of this utility model.

[0028] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0029] 1. Smart sole; 11. Pressure sensor; 12. Flexible padding; 13. Sensor mounting slot;

[0030] 2. Weight adjustment system; 21. Adjustable airbag; 22. Miniature air pump; 23. Air tube;

[0031] 3. Intelligent monitoring module; 31. Microprocessor;

[0032] 4. Tactile feedback system; 41. Vibration device;

[0033] 5. Data synchronization module. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Please see Figure 1-4As shown, this utility model mainly provides an intelligent weight-bearing balance shoe for post-spinal surgery, comprising: an intelligent sole 1, a weight-bearing adjustment system 2, an intelligent monitoring module 3, a tactile feedback system 4, and a data synchronization module 5; wherein, the intelligent sole 1 is a sole structure adapted to the human foot, and a pressure sensor 11 for real-time monitoring of foot weight is installed inside; the weight-bearing adjustment system 2 is installed inside the intelligent sole 1 and electrically connected to the pressure sensor 11, and is used to adjust the sole support force according to the monitoring data of the pressure sensor 11; the intelligent monitoring module 3 includes a microprocessor 31, which is electrically connected to the pressure sensor 11, the weight-bearing adjustment system 2, the tactile feedback system 4, and the data synchronization module 5, and is used to receive and analyze the monitoring data of the pressure sensor 11; the tactile feedback system 4 includes a vibration device 41 installed inside the intelligent sole 1, and the vibration device 41 is electrically connected to the microprocessor 31, and is used to output vibration feedback when the weight is uneven; the data synchronization module 5 is electrically connected to the microprocessor 31 and is used to transmit the monitoring data to external medical devices or information systems.

[0035] In this embodiment, the smart sole 1 is made of medical-grade flexible TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer) material, and a sensor mounting groove 13 is formed inside through a molding process. The pressure sensor 11 is fixed in the groove and is used to monitor the weight-bearing data of the patient's forefoot, arch, and heel areas in real time. The pressure sensor 11 is electrically connected to the microprocessor 31 through a flexible circuit board, and the wires can be run along the edge of the sole to avoid damage under force. The microprocessor 31 of the smart monitoring module 3 uses a low-power chip and is integrated into a waterproof sealed chamber in the arch area of ​​the sole to ensure stable operation in a humid environment. The circuits of the weight-bearing adjustment system 2, the tactile feedback system 4, and the data synchronization module 5 are all connected to the microprocessor 31 through flexible cables. Its overall structure is compact and has strong resistance to deformation.

[0036] Furthermore, the above settings enable real-time monitoring, intelligent adjustment, tactile feedback, and remote data synchronization of foot weight-bearing, addressing the core shortcomings of traditional rehabilitation equipment such as "inaccurate monitoring, manual adjustment, and lack of remote management," and providing intelligent and systematic weight-bearing balance support for patients after spinal surgery.

[0037] In this embodiment, the pressure sensor 11 is a thin-film pressure sensor, evenly distributed in the forefoot, arch, and heel areas of the smart shoe sole 1. The pressure sensor 11 can be a Tekscan FlexiForce A201 thin-film pressure sensor, with 3 sensors in the forefoot, 2 sensors in the arch, and 2 sensors in the heel, for a total of 7 sensors, covering the main pressure points of the foot. The sensors can be fixed to the inner surface of the sole with medical-grade silicone adhesive, and the surface is covered with a 0.5mm thick flexible insulating film to avoid direct contact with the skin of the foot and prevent foreign body sensation, while ensuring the accuracy of pressure transmission.

[0038] Furthermore, multi-area sensors covering the main weight-bearing points of the foot can ensure the comprehensiveness and accuracy of weight-bearing data collection, avoiding adjustment deviations caused by blind spots in local monitoring.

[0039] In this embodiment, the load adjustment system 2 includes an adjustable support structure, wherein the adjustable support structure includes an adjustable airbag and a miniature air pump, and the adjustable support structure is configured in a one-to-one correspondence with the pressure sensors; specifically:

[0040] An adjustable airbag 21 is located inside the smart sole 1. A micro air pump 22 is connected to the adjustable airbag 21 and electrically connected to the microprocessor 31. It is used to adjust the support force of the adjustable airbag 21 by inflating / deflating. The adjustable airbag 21 is made of medical-grade polyurethane film and is divided into three independent sub-airbags: forefoot, arch, and heel. Each sub-airbag is independently controlled to inflate / deflate by the micro air pump 22. The micro air pump 22 is a KNF brand NMP01 micro electric air pump, which is integrated into a sealed chamber in the heel area of ​​the sole and can be connected to each sub-airbag through the air duct 23. According to the data from the pressure sensor 11, if the pressure in a certain area exceeds a preset threshold, the microprocessor 31 controls the air pump of the corresponding sub-airbag to inflate and increase the support force in that area; otherwise, it deflates and reduces the support force, ultimately achieving a balanced weight distribution in each area of ​​both feet and one foot.

[0041] In this embodiment, the microprocessor 31 can be an STM32F103C8T6 chip. The microprocessor is electrically connected to the pressure sensor and the weight-bearing adjustment system, respectively, to receive the monitoring data from the pressure sensor and generate adjustment instructions based on the pre-stored weight-bearing threshold (the generated adjustment instructions are logic control based on hardware circuits, not software programs). By integrating the microprocessor's intelligent monitoring module and dynamic weight-bearing threshold settings (such as threshold gradient adjustment at different stages after surgery), it achieves "personalized adaptation" of the rehabilitation process, solving the problem of "fixed thresholds and inability to match rehabilitation progress" in traditional equipment.

[0042] In this embodiment, the tactile feedback system includes a miniature vibration motor, which is fixed under the flexible padding in the arch area and electrically connected to a microprocessor. When the microprocessor 31 detects uneven weight distribution, it triggers the motor to vibrate continuously for 2 seconds to remind the patient to adjust their posture. This allows the system to output vibration feedback when the weight distribution deviation exceeds a threshold. The vibration frequency is positively correlated with the degree of weight distribution deviation. The tactile feedback system uses vibration frequency and intensity that are positively correlated with weight distribution deviation (e.g., the greater the deviation, the stronger the vibration) to remind the patient to adjust their posture in real time, reducing the burden of manual operation and improving ease of use.

[0043] In this embodiment, the data synchronization module includes a wireless communication unit (such as a Bluetooth module or a Wi-Fi module), wherein the wireless communication unit is electrically connected to the microprocessor and is used to transmit monitoring data, such as timestamps, pressure values ​​of each area, and adjustment records, to medical staff's mobile devices or medical information systems (such as hospital HIS systems).

[0044] In this embodiment, the upper surface of the smart sole 1 is provided with a flexible pad 12 that conforms to the foot. The flexible pad 12 covers the installation area of ​​the pressure sensor 11 and the vibration device 41. The flexible pad 12 can be made of memory foam and covered with a skin-friendly and breathable medical-grade non-woven fabric. It is detachably connected to the upper surface of the smart sole 1 via Velcro (for easy cleaning and replacement). The pad completely covers the installation area (forefoot, arch, and heel) of the pressure sensor 11 and the vibration device 41, ensuring that the sensor accurately collects pressure while avoiding direct contact between the sensor and the vibration device (such as a linear motor) and the foot, thus preventing pressure.

[0045] The method of using this utility model is as follows: First, the patient puts their foot into the smart shoe sole, ensuring that the flexible padding fits snugly against the foot. The forefoot, arch, and heel areas of the smart shoe sole correspond to the main pressure points of the foot, thus completing the device wearing process. After wearing, the pressure sensor (such as a thin-film pressure sensor) inside the shoe sole begins to collect real-time weight-bearing data of the forefoot, arch, and heel areas of the foot and transmits the data to the microprocessor of the smart monitoring module. The microprocessor analyzes the monitoring data. If it detects uneven weight-bearing in different areas of both feet or one foot (such as a weight-bearing difference between the left and right feet > 10% or pressure in a certain area exceeding a preset threshold), it triggers the weight-bearing adjustment system (such as an adjustable airbag with a micro air pump) to automatically inflate / de-inflate and adjust the support force of the corresponding area. At the same time, the vibration device (such as a linear motor) of the tactile feedback system is activated, reminding the patient to adjust their posture through continuous vibration (such as 2 seconds). During this period, the monitoring data is transmitted in real-time to the patient's mobile phone or medical information system via a data synchronization module (Bluetooth / Wi-Fi). Medical staff can remotely view the data and dynamically adjust the rehabilitation plan.

[0046] It should be noted that this invention uses thin-film pressure sensors distributed in multiple areas of the sole to collect real-time weight-bearing data of the forefoot, arch, and heel. Combined with a weight-bearing adjustment system consisting of an adjustable airbag and a micro air pump, it dynamically inflates / deflates to adjust the support force, achieving precise and balanced weight-bearing in different areas of both feet and a single foot. This effectively avoids uneven force distribution during the rehabilitation period, which can affect the recovery effect. Its tactile feedback system (such as a linear motor) triggers vibration reminders when uneven weight-bearing is detected, guiding the patient to adjust their posture independently, reducing the burden of manual operation, and improving ease of use and comfort. In addition, this invention also includes a power supply to provide sufficient energy for the entire device, and the power supply is a rechargeable lithium battery.

[0047] The foregoing descriptions and embodiments are provided to enable those skilled in the art to understand and apply this invention. Those skilled in the art will readily make various modifications to these contents and apply the general principles described herein to other embodiments without inventive effort. Therefore, this invention is not limited to the foregoing descriptions and embodiments. Improvements and modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the disclosure of this invention without departing from its scope should be within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A post-surgical intelligent weight-bearing balance shoe for the spine, characterized in that, include: The smart sole is equipped with a pressure sensor inside to monitor the weight-bearing data of the patient's foot in real time. A weight-bearing adjustment system, which is connected to the smart sole, is used to adjust the support force of the sole based on the monitoring data of the pressure sensor. The intelligent monitoring module is electrically connected to both the pressure sensor and the load adjustment system, and is used to receive monitoring data from the pressure sensor and generate adjustment commands. A tactile feedback system, electrically connected to the intelligent monitoring module, is used to output tactile feedback signals when the load is uneven; A data synchronization module, electrically connected to the intelligent monitoring module, is used to transmit monitoring data to external devices.

2. The post-operative intelligent weight-bearing balance shoe for the spine of claim 1, wherein: The smart sole is made of flexible material, and the pressure sensor is a thin-film pressure sensor, which is evenly distributed in the forefoot, arch, and heel areas of the smart sole.

3. The intelligent post-operative spinal load balancing shoe of claim 1, wherein: The load-bearing adjustment system includes an adjustable support structure, which includes an adjustable airbag and a micro air pump. The adjustable airbag is located inside the smart sole. The micro air pump is connected to the adjustable airbag and electrically connected to the smart monitoring module. It is used to adjust the support force of the adjustable airbag by inflating / deflating it. The adjustable airbag is set in a one-to-one correspondence with the pressure sensor.

4. The post-operative intelligent weight-bearing balancing shoe for the spine of claim 1, wherein: The intelligent monitoring module includes a microprocessor, which is an ARM Cortex-M series or STM32 series microprocessor, and the microprocessor has an adjustable load threshold preset in it.

5. The post-operative intelligent weight-bearing balancing shoe for the spine of claim 1, wherein: The tactile feedback system includes a miniature vibration motor, which is either an eccentric motor or a linear motor, and the vibration frequency of the vibration motor is positively correlated with the degree of load deviation.

6. The intelligent weight-bearing balance shoe after spinal surgery according to claim 1, characterized in that: The data synchronization module includes a wireless communication unit, which is either a Bluetooth module or a Wi-Fi module. The monitoring data is transmitted in digital signal form to medical personnel's mobile devices or a medical information system through the wireless communication unit.

7. The post-operative intelligent weight-bearing balancing shoe for the spine of claim 1, wherein: The upper surface of the smart sole is provided with a flexible pad that conforms to the foot, and the flexible pad covers the installation area of ​​the pressure sensor and tactile feedback system.

8. The intelligent post-operative spinal load balancing shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The adjustment commands of the intelligent monitoring module include controlling the magnitude of the adjustment of the support force by the load adjustment system, and controlling the triggering timing and intensity of the tactile feedback system.