Intelligent pressure monitoring 3D printing scoliosis orthosis

Abstract

The application provides a kind of intelligent pressure monitoring 3D printing scoliosis orthosis, comprising: first body and second body;One or more inner grooves are respectively provided on the first body and the second body;Front groove is provided on the second body;The inner groove is filled with air bag, and pressure sensor is arranged in the recess of air bag, and pressure pad for contacting the skin of patient is arranged on the pressure sensor;Air tube is connected with inflatable and deflatable inflation pump, and the pressure sensor is connected with single-chip microcomputer arranged in the front groove by connecting line.The scoliosis orthosis according to the application is designed according to 3D scanning and completed by 3D printing, which can realize structure design such as hollowing, groove, trimming and catheter, solve the problem of traditional orthosis such as not breathable, not beautiful, waste material, the first body and the second body are connected by connecting rope, so that the orthosis body has a larger opening angle, which is convenient for patients to put on and take off and bandage pressure increase.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a smart pressure monitoring 3D-printed scoliosis orthosis. Background Technology

[0002] Scoliosis is a spinal deformity characterized by lateral curvature of one or more segments of the spine, accompanied by vertebral rotation and an increase or decrease in kyphosis or lordosis in the sagittal plane. It manifests as lateral curvature, vertebral rotation, and flexible or rigid deformities in the coronal plane. Patients with a curve exceeding 30 degrees are at greater risk of further progression. When the curve exceeds 50 degrees, the patient's physical and mental health and quality of life are significantly reduced, requiring surgical treatment. Due to the risks, trauma, and financial burden of surgery, early and effective orthotic treatment becomes crucial to prevent further progression of the curve.

[0003] Scoliosis orthosis treatment exhibits a significant time-dose effect; the longer the orthosis is worn, the lower the risk of correction failure. Traditional orthotic manufacturing involves thermoforming and trimming orthotic sheets onto a plaster model of the patient. This traditional handcrafting technique requires highly experienced prosthetists and has drawbacks such as long production cycles, large models, poor fit, poor breathability, and unsightly appearance. These drawbacks can directly or indirectly lead to physical and functional discomfort, thereby reducing the patient's willingness to wear the orthosis and causing them to actively reduce wearing time, leading to further progression of the scoliosis curve. Therefore, it is crucial not only to design comfortable, aesthetically pleasing, breathable, and easy-to-wear scoliosis orthoses, but also to strictly control the patient's wearing time and level of adherence. Insufficient corrective force or insufficient correction time will lead to correction failure.

[0004] It is also very important to design an adjustable scoliosis orthosis with appropriate corrective force that can be used by the patient for a long time, based on the patient's actual condition. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the deficiencies of the prior art described above, this application provides an intelligent pressure monitoring 3D-printed scoliosis orthosis to solve at least one problem existing in the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above and other related objectives, this application provides an intelligent pressure monitoring 3D-printed scoliosis orthosis, comprising: a first body and a second body; the first body and the second body are detachably connected via a first connecting device and a second connecting device; the first body and the second body are respectively provided with one or more inner grooves; the second body is provided with a front groove; the inner grooves are filled with air bladders, and pressure sensors are provided at the recesses of the air bladders, with pressure pads on the pressure sensors that contact the patient's skin; the air bladders are connected to an inflatable and deflated air pump via an air tube, and the air bladder volume can be changed by squeezing the air pump to push the pressure pads, thereby increasing the corrective force on the trunk; the pressure sensors are connected to a microcontroller located in the front groove via a connecting wire to transmit the pressure data collected by the pressure sensors to the microcontroller; the microcontroller is provided with a communicator, which can upload and store the pressure data in a cloud database or send the pressure data to a user terminal with a communication connection.

[0007] In one embodiment of this application, the first body is provided with a spinal convex side pressure application area and a first body trunk support area; the second body is provided with an axillary pressure application area, a hip pressure application area, a hollow pressure release area, and a second body trunk support area; wherein, the second body is located on one side corresponding to the direction of the patient's scoliosis, and the second body is larger than the first body.

[0008] In one embodiment of this application, the front sides of the first body and the second body are respectively provided with honeycomb ventilation holes.

[0009] In one embodiment of this application, the inner groove on the first body is provided at the pressure point on the convex side of the spine; the inner groove on the second body is respectively provided at the pressure point under the armpit and the pressure point at the hip.

[0010] In one embodiment of this application, the first connecting device includes: a strap and through holes respectively provided at the front ends of the first body and the second body for the strap to pass through; wherein, the strap has Velcro at both ends, and the corrective force on the torso can be adjusted by adjusting the length of the strap; the second connecting device includes: a connecting rope and a row of holes respectively provided at the rear ends of the first body and the second body; the connecting rope passes through each small hole in the row of holes to securely connect the first body and the second body.

[0011] In one embodiment of this application, when worn, neither the first connecting device nor the second connecting device is located on the central axis of the patient's front; when worn, the first connecting device is located in front of the patient's left side and the second connecting device is located behind the patient's right side; or, when worn, the first connecting device is located in front of the patient's right side and the second connecting device is located behind the patient's left side.

[0012] In one embodiment of this application, the pressure pad can slide freely up and down in the inner groove and is not easily separated; the pressure pad only contacts the pressure sensor contact point; the size of the pressure pad can be adjusted according to the patient's condition.

[0013] In one embodiment of this application, the connecting line and the air tube can extend from the small hole behind the inner groove, and are connected to the microcontroller and the air pump respectively by a conduit and led into the front groove.

[0014] In one embodiment of this application, the first body and the second body are obtained by acquiring the patient's torso surface data through a 3D scanner, and then cutting and smoothing the surface of the human body 3D model in combination with the patient's coronal X-ray, and then 3D printing.

[0015] In one embodiment of this application, the first body, the second body, and the pressure pad are printed by laser selective sintering or fused wire deposition manufacturing process; wherein, in the laser selective sintering process, polyamide or nylon powder polymer material is used; and in the fused wire deposition manufacturing process, any one of ABS-butadiene styrene acrylate, polycarbonate, PC-ABS mixture, and PLA-polyacrylic acid is used.

[0016] In summary, this application provides an intelligent pressure monitoring 3D-printed scoliosis orthosis, comprising: a first body and a second body; the first body and the second body are detachably connected via a first connecting device and a second connecting device; the first body and the second body are respectively provided with one or more inner grooves; the second body is provided with a front groove; the inner groove is filled with an air bladder, and a pressure sensor is provided at the recess of the air bladder, and the pressure sensor is provided with a pressure pad that contacts the patient's skin; the air bladder is connected to an inflatable and deflated air pump via an air tube, and the air bladder volume can be changed by squeezing the air pump to push the pressure pad, thereby increasing the corrective force on the trunk; the pressure sensor is connected to a microcontroller located in the front groove via a connecting wire to transmit the pressure data collected by the pressure sensor to the microcontroller; the microcontroller is provided with a communicator, which can upload and store the pressure data in a cloud database or send the pressure data to a user terminal with a communication connection.

[0017] The following beneficial effects were achieved:

[0018] The scoliosis orthosis described in this application is designed based on 3D scanning and manufactured using 3D printing. It allows for structural designs such as hollowing out, grooves, trimming, and tubing, solving the problems of traditional orthotics being airtight, unsightly, and wasteful of materials. It also facilitates the implantation of other modules. The first and second bodies are connected by a connecting rope, allowing for a larger opening angle for the orthosis body, facilitating patient donning and doffing and applying pressure with straps. The air bladder can be inflated by squeezing the inflatable mercury, with air pressure transmitted through a flexible tube, thereby pushing the pressure pad and increasing the corrective force. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a smart pressure monitoring 3D-printed scoliosis orthosis according to one embodiment of this application.

[0020] Figure 2A and Figure 2B These are side view structural diagrams of a smart pressure monitoring 3D printed scoliosis orthosis according to one embodiment of this application.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pressure pad and the inner groove in one embodiment of this application.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the pressure pad and the inner groove in one embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the pressure pad structure in one embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of this application. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this application from the content disclosed in this specification. This application can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of this application. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0025] It should be noted that the illustrations provided in the following embodiments are only schematic representations of the basic concept of this application. Although the drawings only show the components related to this application and are not drawn according to the actual number, shape and size of the components, the form, quantity and proportion of each component can be arbitrarily changed in actual implementation, and the layout of the components may also be more complex.

[0026] Throughout this specification, when it is said that a part is "connected" to another part, this includes not only "direct connection" but also "indirect connection" by placing other elements in between. Furthermore, when it is said that a part "includes" a certain constituent element, unless otherwise stated otherwise, this does not exclude other constituent elements, but rather means that other constituent elements may also be included.

[0027] The terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., used herein are for the purpose of describing various parts, components, regions, layers, and / or segments, but are not limited thereto. These terms are used only to distinguish one part, component, region, layer, or segment from others. Therefore, the following description of a first part, component, region, layer, or segment may refer to a second part, component, region, layer, or segment without departing from the scope of this application.

[0028] Furthermore, as used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context indicates otherwise. It should be further understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” indicate the presence of the stated feature, operation, element, component, item, kind, and / or group, but do not preclude the presence, occurrence, or addition of one or more other features, operations, elements, components, items, kinds, and / or groups. The terms “or” and “and / or” as used herein are interpreted as inclusive, or mean any one or any combination thereof. Thus, “A, B, or C” or “A, B, and / or C” means “any one of: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C.” Exceptions to this definition arise only when combinations of elements, functions, or operations are inherently mutually exclusive in some manner.

[0029] like Figure 1 The figure shows a schematic diagram of a smart pressure monitoring 3D-printed scoliosis orthosis according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in the figure, the scoliosis orthosis includes: a first body 1 and a second body 2.

[0030] In one embodiment of this application, the first body 1 and the second body 2 are obtained by acquiring the patient's torso surface data through a 3D scanner, and then cutting and smoothing the surface of the human body 3D model in combination with the patient's coronal X-ray, and then 3D printing.

[0031] For example, a 3D scanner can first be used to scan and create a model of the torso. Then, using specialized software such as Rodin4D (Rodin4D's computer-aided design and manufacturing system for prostheses and orthoses) or Canfit3D (a 3D design software developed by Create O&P, a New York-based 3D printing orthosis and prosthesis manufacturer, in collaboration with the Canadian technology company Vorum), and combined with the patient's coronal X-rays, a 3D human model is cut and its surface smoothed. Next, the scoliosis correction treatment plan is designed to fit the pressure points of the 3D model. For instance, a pressure zone is designed at the apex of the scoliosis, and a pressure relief zone is designed on the opposite side. The orthosis is designed with a front opening, and a simulated fit is performed on the 3D human model. This creates an initial draft of the orthosis model. Then, in 3D design software such as Magics or Design X, features such as grooves, ventilation holes, and conduits are created and refined. This can reduce weight, improve breathability, increase aesthetics, and enhance functionality.

[0032] Furthermore, the first body 1, the second body 2, and the pressure pad 53 in this application are printed by selective laser sintering (SLS) or fused wire deposition modeling (FDM); wherein, in the selective laser sintering (SLS) process, polyamide or nylon powder polymer material is used; in the fused wire deposition modeling (FDM) process, ABS-butadiene styrene acrylate, polycarbonate (PC), PC-ABS mixture, or PLA-polyacrylic acid can be used.

[0033] In this application, the first body 1 is provided with a spinal convexity pressure area 11 and a first body trunk support area 12; the second body 2 is provided with an axillary pressure area 21, a hip pressure area 22, a hollow pressure release area 23, and a second body trunk support area 24, as can be seen in the following description. Figure 2A and 2B As shown.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, this application pre-determines a targeted treatment plan based on the patient's current scoliosis condition, and designs the corresponding pressure points based on the patient's 3D model before 3D printing the scoliosis orthosis. For example, a pressure zone is designed at the apex of the scoliosis, and a pressure release zone is designed on the opposite side, etc. That is, not only are the contours and dimensions of the scoliosis orthosis perfectly adapted to the patient's height, but the areas on the first body 1 and the second body 2 used for corrective force application are also pre-designed in a targeted manner, which improves both wearing comfort and corrective targeting.

[0035] It should be noted that, since the patient's spine is curved, the points of force application on both sides of the patient are different in the treatment plan. In this application, this is specifically reflected in the fact that the second body 2 is located on one side corresponding to the direction of the patient's scoliosis, and the overall outline of the second body 2 is larger than that of the first body 1.

[0036] In this embodiment, to further improve breathability and appearance, when 3D printing the scoliosis orthosis, the present application also provides honeycomb ventilation holes 7 on the front side (i.e., the non-stress area) of the first body 1 and the second body 2 respectively. In one or more feasible embodiments, the present application does not limit the shape and size of the ventilation holes.

[0037] Preferably, the printed first body 1 and second body 2 also need to be polished. For example, two or more types of sandpaper from 180-360 grit are used to polish them in order from coarse to fine until the surface of the part feels smooth. In addition, depending on the printing material, different solvents with good stability can be sprayed. After the solvent dries completely, the surface is polished with 360-600 grit sandpaper to a dark glossy finish. The outer parts that do not come into contact with the body are polished until no sandpaper marks are visible. The parts that come into contact with electrical components are small in structure and do not affect the appearance, so solvent spraying and sandpaper polishing are not required to save post-processing time.

[0038] In this application, the first body 1 and the second body 2 are detachably connected by the first connecting device 3 and the second connecting device 4.

[0039] The first connecting device 3 includes one or more sets of straps 31 and through holes 32 respectively located at the front ends of the first body 1 and the second body 2 for the straps 31 to pass through; wherein, the straps 31 are provided with Velcro at both ends, and the corrective force on the torso can be adjusted by adjusting the length of the straps 31. The first connecting device 3 is mainly located on the front of the patient.

[0040] For example, the strap 31 secures the scoliosis orthosis to the patient through the perforation 32. The strap 31 has Velcro, which is fastened to the hook and loop when worn and pulled apart when removed. The material is nylon, and the strap 31 has strong overall resistance to deformation.

[0041] It should be noted that, since the strap 31 of the first connecting device 3 has a certain elasticity, it is mainly used to adjust its tightness in order to adjust the corrective force of the scoliosis orthosis on the trunk.

[0042] The second connecting device 4 includes: a connecting rope 41 and a hole array 42 respectively disposed at the rear ends of the first body 1 and the second body 2; the connecting rope 41 passes through each small hole in the hole array 42 to securely connect the first body 1 and the second body 2.

[0043] For example, the connecting rope 41 assembles the first body 1 and the second body 2 into a scoliosis orthosis through the hole row 42. The connecting rope 41 can be knotted, and the material is a 4.3mm steel wire rope with an outer braided fiber skin, which has high toughness and high tensile strength.

[0044] It should be noted that the second connecting device 4 allows the scoliosis orthosis of this application to have a larger opening angle, making it easier for patients to put on and take off.

[0045] In this application, when worn, neither the first connecting device 3 nor the second connecting device 4 is located on the central axis of the patient's front; when worn, the first connecting device 3 is located in front of the patient's left side and the second connecting device 4 is located behind the patient's right side; or, when worn, the first connecting device 3 is located in front of the patient's right side and the second connecting device 4 is located behind the patient's left side.

[0046] In short, while placing the connecting device on the central axis of the patient's front in a traditional manner may facilitate operation to some extent, it neglects comfort. Since scoliosis orthotics require applying pressure to the patient's limbs when worn, ineffective or additional pressure points reduce comfort. Therefore, after obtaining the patient's upper limb curve and contour model, this application places the first connecting device 3 and the second connecting device 4 in a position that conforms to the patient's lines and avoids protruding parts of the torso. This not only ensures a secure connection between the first body 1 and the second body 2 but also avoids applying uncomfortable or additional force to the patient, greatly improving wearing comfort.

[0047] In this application, the first body 1 and the second body 2 are respectively provided with one or more inner grooves 5; in one or more embodiments, the inner groove 5 on the first body 1 is provided at the pressure point 11 on the convex side of the spine; the inner groove 5 on the second body 2 is respectively provided at the pressure point 21 under the armpit and the pressure point 22 on the hip.

[0048] In short, since the force applied at each force application point in the scoliosis orthopedic device largely determines the quality of the correction effect, the inner groove 5 for mounting the pressure detector and the airbag 51 is respectively located at the force application points on the first body 1 and the second body 2.

[0049] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the inner groove 5 is filled with an airbag 51, and a pressure sensor 52 is provided in the recess of the airbag 51. The pressure sensor 52 is provided with a pressure pad 53 that contacts the patient's skin.

[0050] In this embodiment, the pressure pad 53 can slide freely up and down in the inner groove 5 without easily separating, and the pressure pad 53 only contacts the contact point of the pressure sensor 52; the size of the pressure pad 53 can be adjusted according to the patient's condition. A schematic diagram of the pressure pad structure is shown below. Figure 5 As shown.

[0051] For example, the radius of the circular part of the pressure pad 53 that contacts the body should be between 1 and 2 cm to prevent pressure injury or breakage. For some patients, the radius can be increased or decreased as appropriate. The square protrusion below the pressure pad 53 and the inner surface of the inner groove 5 should not be polished so that they are not easily separated when the patient puts on or takes off the orthosis.

[0052] Furthermore, the airbag 51 is connected to an inflatable and deflated air pump 9 via an air tube 61. The volume of the airbag 51 can be changed by squeezing the air pump 9, thereby pushing the pressure pad 53 to increase the corrective force on the torso. The air pump 9 has the function of inflating and deflating, and the hose and airbag 51 can be made of nylon material to prevent deformation or breakage.

[0053] Furthermore, the pressure sensor 52 is connected to the microcontroller 8 located in the front groove 25 via a connecting line 62, wherein the front groove 25 is located on the second body 2, so as to transmit the pressure data collected by the pressure sensor 52 to the microcontroller 8.

[0054] In simple terms, the pressure sensor 52 converts the pressure on the pressure pad 53 into an electrical signal, which is then converted into a digital signal by the microcontroller 8 to obtain the corresponding pressure data.

[0055] Furthermore, the connecting line 62 and the air tube 61 can extend from the small hole behind the inner groove 5, and are connected to the microcontroller 8 and the air pump 9 respectively by the conduit 6 and led into the front groove 25.

[0056] The microcontroller 8 is equipped with a communicator, which can upload and store pressure data in a cloud database, or send pressure data to a user terminal with a communication connection to display it as a pressure-time relationship graph, etc.

[0057] A key highlight of this application is that the pressure sensor 52, located at the pressure application point, converts the pressure on the pressure pad 53 into an electrical signal. This electrical signal is then converted into a digital signal by the microcontroller 8 and uploaded to a cloud database via a wireless module. Finally, after processing by the cloud database, the signal is exported to a mobile device and displayed as a pressure-time graph. Both patients and clinicians can view the real-time pressure values ​​on their mobile devices. Patients can use this information to check their orthodontic wearing status, while clinicians can monitor and guide patients on wearing time and level of orthodontic application based on the graph.

[0058] This application discloses an intelligent pressure monitoring 3D-printed scoliosis orthosis, comprising: a first body and a second body; the first body and the second body are detachably connected via a first connecting device and a second connecting device; an air bladder is filled in the inner groove, and a pressure sensor is disposed in the recess of the air bladder, with a pressure pad contacting the patient's skin on the pressure sensor; the air bladder is connected to an inflatable and deflated air pump via an air tube, and the air bladder volume can be changed by squeezing the air pump to push the pressure pad, thereby increasing the corrective force on the trunk; the pressure sensor is connected to a microcontroller disposed in the front groove via a connecting wire to transmit the pressure data collected by the pressure sensor to the microcontroller; the microcontroller is equipped with a communicator, which can upload and store the pressure data in a cloud database or send the pressure data to a user terminal with a communication connection.

[0059] This application effectively overcomes the various shortcomings of the prior art and has high industrial application value.

[0060] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in this application should still be covered by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A smart pressure-monitoring 3D-printed scoliosis orthosis, characterized in that, The scoliosis orthosis includes: First entity and second entity; The first body and the second body are detachably connected via a first connecting device and a second connecting device; The first body and the second body are each provided with one or more inner grooves; the second body is provided with a front groove, and the inner groove on the first body is located at the pressure point on the convex side of the spine; the inner groove on the second body is respectively located at the pressure point under the armpit and the pressure point at the hip. The first body, the second body, and the pressure pad are printed by laser selective sintering or fused wire deposition manufacturing process; wherein, in the laser selective sintering process, polyamide or nylon powder polymer material is used; and in the fused wire deposition manufacturing process, any one of ABS-butadiene styrene acrylic acid, polycarbonate, PC-ABS mixture, and PLA-polyacrylic acid is used. The inner groove is filled with an air bladder, and a pressure sensor is installed in the recessed part of the air bladder. The pressure sensor is equipped with a pressure pad that contacts the patient's skin. The pressure pad can slide freely up and down in the inner groove and is not easy to separate. The pressure pad only contacts the contact point of the pressure sensor. The size of the pressure pad can be adjusted according to the patient's condition. The airbag is connected to an inflation pump via an air tube. The volume of the airbag can be changed by squeezing the inflation pump, thereby pushing the pressure pad to increase the corrective force on the torso. The pressure sensor is connected to the microcontroller located in the front groove via a connecting wire to transmit the pressure data collected by the pressure sensor to the microcontroller. The connecting wire and the air tube can extend from the small hole at the back of the inner groove and are connected to the microcontroller and the air pump respectively via a conduit and led to the front groove. The microcontroller is equipped with a communicator, which can send pressure data to the user terminal connected to the communication connection.

2. The intelligent pressure monitoring 3D-printed scoliosis orthosis according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first body has a pressure point on the convex side of the spine and a trunk support point; the second body has an axillary pressure point, a hip pressure point, a hollow pressure release area, and a trunk support point; wherein the second body is located on one side corresponding to the direction of the patient's scoliosis, and the second body is larger than the first body.

3. The intelligent pressure monitoring 3D-printed scoliosis orthosis according to claim 2, characterized in that, The front sides of the first body and the second body are respectively provided with honeycomb ventilation holes.

4. The intelligent pressure monitoring 3D-printed scoliosis orthosis according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connecting device includes: a strap and through holes respectively provided at the front ends of the first body and the second body for the strap to pass through; wherein, the strap has Velcro at both ends, and the corrective force on the torso can be adjusted by adjusting the length of the strap; The second connecting device includes: a connecting rope and a row of holes respectively located at the rear ends of the first body and the second body; the connecting rope passes through each small hole in the row of holes to securely connect the first body and the second body.

5. The intelligent pressure monitoring 3D-printed scoliosis orthosis according to claim 1, characterized in that, When worn, neither the first connecting device nor the second connecting device is located on the central axis of the patient's front; when worn, the first connecting device is located in front of the patient's left side and the second connecting device is located behind the patient's right side; or, when worn, the first connecting device is located in front of the patient's right side and the second connecting device is located behind the patient's left side.

6. The intelligent pressure monitoring 3D-printed scoliosis orthosis according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first and second bodies are obtained by acquiring the patient's torso surface data through a 3D scanner, and then cutting and smoothing the surface of the human body 3D model in combination with the patient's coronal X-ray, and then 3D printing.

Images