Upper limb power-assisted device adaptive to different loads and method of using the same

Abstract

The application discloses an upper limb assisting device suitable for different loads, which comprises a back plate, a back strap at the upper end of the back plate, and a waistband at the lower end of the back plate; a connecting block is arranged on the back plate in pairs; a connecting plate is arranged in pairs and connected with the connecting block; an elastic energy storage component is arranged in pairs and connected with the connecting plate; a transition joint is arranged in pairs and arranged at the upper end of the connecting plate; and a wire sheath comprises a first wire sheath and a second wire sheath and is inserted into the transition joint; a wire core is arranged in the wire sheath and connected with the elastic energy storage component at one end; a U-shaped hook is connected with the other end of the wire core; a stop block is arranged on the wire core and located close to one end of the U-shaped hook. The device has the advantages of no energy consumption, convenient and quick connection and hooking of the load and lifting of the load, reduction of gravity and upper limb stress, simple structure, reduction of impact of the load on the human body, and convenient disassembly and storage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of mechanical manufacturing and assistive device technology, and more specifically, to an upper limb assistive device adapted to different loads and its method of use. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, manual load handling is quite strenuous, and existing assistive devices are complex in structure, mostly involving carrying on the back to reduce the load. How to provide assistance during load lifting while minimizing impact on the upper limbs, and how to easily and quickly connect and hook the load for lifting, are urgent technical problems that need to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main objective of this invention is to provide an upper limb assist device and its usage method that can adapt to different loads, so as to solve the problems in the prior art of how to assist in lifting loads while reducing the impact on the upper limbs during transportation, and how to conveniently and quickly connect and hook the load and pull it up.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, according to one aspect of the present invention, an upper limb assistive device adaptable to different loads is provided, comprising:

[0005] Back panel, with shoulder straps at the top and a waist belt at the bottom;

[0006] Connecting blocks are installed in pairs on the back plate;

[0007] The connecting plates are installed in pairs and each connects to a connecting block.

[0008] The flexible energy storage components are installed in pairs and connected to the connecting plate respectively.

[0009] Transition joints, installed in pairs, are respectively located on the upper end of the connecting plate; and

[0010] The sheaths, including a first sheath and a second sheath, are respectively inserted at both ends of the transition joint;

[0011] The conductor is threaded through the sheath, with one end connected to the flexible energy storage component.

[0012] A U-shaped hook or glove is attached to the other end of the thread core;

[0013] The stop block is set on the wire core, located near the end of the U-shaped hook.

[0014] Preferably, the elastic energy storage component includes a housing and a rotating shaft. A coil spring and a rotating wheel are mounted on the rotating shaft, which is connected to the conductor. A bearing is also mounted on the rotating shaft. The elastic energy storage component provides elastic assistance and cushioning for lifting and transporting loads. When workers move while carrying loads, the elastic energy storage component releases elastic force through the conductor and connecting buckles, sharing some of the load's weight and reducing the force load on the upper limbs. When walking causes the load to move up and down, the elastic energy storage component shares the load weight through the conductor and connecting buckles, reducing the impact of the load's movement on the workers.

[0015] Preferably, it also includes a stabilizing line, one end of which is connected to the connecting plate and the other end to the second sheath. The stabilizing line serves to stabilize the second sheath.

[0016] Preferably, the wire core is connected to the U-shaped hook via a connecting buckle. This connection facilitates changing the U-shaped hook model and allows for the replacement of the U-shaped hook with a glove. The operator can connect the U-shaped hook or glove to the connecting buckle according to the load interface type. The operator pulls the U-shaped hook or glove, causing the connecting buckle and wire core to extend outwards, pulling the elastic energy storage component to perform elastic energy storage. After the U-shaped hook or glove is connected to the load, the operator can lift the load by pulling upwards and using the elastic recovery force.

[0017] Preferably, the elastic energy storage component is fixed to the connecting plate by screws.

[0018] Preferably, one end of the coil spring is connected to the housing, and the other end is connected to the rotating shaft. The rotation of the rotating shaft drives the rotating wheel to rotate, and the rotation of the rotating wheel drives the coil spring to coil and release, thereby generating elastic force to assist in lifting the load and to buffer the load being transported.

[0019] Preferably, the rotating shaft is connected to the housing via a bearing. The bearing arrangement facilitates smooth rotation of the rotating shaft.

[0020] Preferably, the connecting block is equipped with a plug-in pin and a magnet, enabling quick connection and disassembly of the connecting block and the connecting plate.

[0021] Preferably, the connecting block and the connecting plate are fixed by a plug-in pin, enabling quick connection and quick disassembly of the connecting block and the connecting plate.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of using an upper limb assistive device adaptable to different loads is provided, comprising the following steps:

[0023] Step 1: During operation, depending on the load interface type, connect the U-shaped hook or glove to the connecting buckle. The operator pulls the U-shaped hook or glove with their palm, which drives the connecting buckle and the wire core. The wire core extends outward, pulling the elastic energy storage component to perform elastic energy storage.

[0024] Step 2: After connecting the U-shaped hook or gloves to the load, the worker pulls upwards and uses the elastic recovery force to lift the load.

[0025] Step 3: When workers move the load, the elastic energy storage component releases elastic force through the core wire and connecting buckle to share part of the load weight and reduce the force load on the upper limbs. When walking causes the load to rise and fall, the elastic energy storage component shares the load weight through the core wire and connecting buckle to reduce the impact of the load rising and falling on the workers.

[0026] Applying the technical solution of this invention, when workers wear the device for exercise, the elastic energy storage component releases elastic force through the core wire and connecting buckle, sharing part of the load weight and reducing the force load on the upper limbs. When workers wear the device for exercise, the elastic force can still share the load weight due to the up-and-down movement of the load, reducing the impact of the up-and-down movement on the workers. The elastic energy storage component releases elastic force through the core wire and connecting buckle, sharing part of the load weight and reducing the force load on the upper limbs. When workers wear the device, they are equipped with U-hooks and gloves. Workers can choose between U-hooks or gloves according to the load interface type to adapt to different load interface types. The elastic preload of the elastic energy storage component can be adjusted to adapt to different weight loads. After pulling out the plug pin, the connecting plate can be pulled out upwards for easy storage. One end of the connecting plate connected to the transition joint is higher than the worker's shoulder, reducing the pressure of the sheath on the worker's shoulder. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings:

[0028] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the upper limb assistive device adapted to different loads according to the present invention is shown;

[0029] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A side view of the upper limb assistive device adapted to different loads;

[0030] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A partial magnified view of the elastic energy storage component of the upper limb assistive device adapted to different loads;

[0031] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 A partial enlarged view of the connecting buckle of the upper limb assistive device adapted to different loads;

[0032] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the transition joint of the upper limb assistive device adapted to different loads;

[0033] Figure 6 It shows Figure 1 A rear view of an upper limb assistive device adapted to different loads being worn;

[0034] Figure 7 It shows Figure 1 Front view of an upper limb assistive device adapted to different loads after being worn;

[0035] Figure 8 It shows Figure 1 A side-axis view of an upper limb assistive device adapted to different loads after being worn;

[0036] Figure 9 It shows Figure 1 Partial view of an upper limb assistive device adapted to different loads after being worn.

[0037] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0038] 1. Backplate; 2. Connecting block; 3. Connecting plate; 4. Plug-in pin; 5. Elastic energy storage component; 6. Transition joint; 7. First sheath; 8. Second sheath; 9. Core wire; 10. Stop block; 11. Connecting buckle; 12. U-shaped hook; 13. Glove; 14. Stabilizing line; 15. Coil spring; 16. Rotating wheel; 17. Bearing; 18. Rotating shaft; 19. Waist belt; 20. Shoulder strap. Detailed Implementation

[0039] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0040] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides an upper limb assistive device adaptable to different loads. It includes a backplate 1 with a carrying strap 20 at its upper end and a waist belt 19 at its lower end; connecting blocks 2, arranged in pairs on the backplate 1; connecting plates 3, arranged in pairs and connected to the connecting blocks 2; elastic energy storage components 5, arranged in pairs and connected to the connecting plates 3; transition joints 6, arranged in pairs and located at the upper ends of the connecting plates 3; a sheath, including a first sheath 7 and a second sheath 8, inserted at both ends of the transition joint 6; a core 9, threaded through the sheath, with one end connected to the elastic energy storage component 5; and a U-shaped hook 12, connected to the other end of the core 9 as a stop block, located on the core 9 near the end of the U-shaped hook 12. This invention requires no external energy source and provides assistance in transporting loads of different weights and sizes, as well as loads with different interface types. It is widely applicable to scenarios involving transporting loads over different distances.

[0041] In this embodiment, the back panel 1 has a shoulder strap 20 at its upper end and a waist belt 19 at its lower end. Specifically, the back panel 1 is worn on the back of the human body and is made of a semi-rigid material. The back panel 1 includes a semi-rigid waist belt 19 and a shoulder strap 20. The back panel 1 supports the back, the shoulder strap 20 supports the shoulders, and the waist belt 19 connects and supports the waist. The back panel 1, shoulder strap 20, and waist belt 19 together constitute a support structure to support the load.

[0042] In this embodiment, connecting blocks 2 are arranged in pairs on the back plate 1. Connecting blocks 2 are equipped with plug-in pins 4 and magnets. Connecting plates 3 are also arranged in pairs and connected to connecting blocks 2 respectively. Connecting blocks 2 and connecting plates 3 are fixed by plug-in pins 4. Specifically, connecting blocks 2 are installed on the back plate 1 with screws. Connecting blocks 2 have square holes inside, and connecting plates 3 are inserted into them. Plug-in pins 4 are inserted into connecting blocks 2 and connecting plates 3, achieving relative fixation between connecting plates 3 and connecting blocks 2. Connecting blocks 2 and plug-in pins 4 each have magnets of opposite polarity, relying on magnetic force to securely fix the plug-in pins 4 to the connecting blocks 2, preventing the plug-in pins 4 from coming out of the connecting blocks 2.

[0043] In this embodiment, the elastic energy storage components 5 are arranged in pairs and connected to the connecting plate 3 respectively. Each elastic energy storage component 5 includes a housing and a rotating shaft 18. The rotating shaft 18 is equipped with a coil spring 15 and a rotating wheel 16, which is connected to a stabilizing line 14. A bearing 17 is also provided on the rotating shaft 18. The elastic energy storage components 5 are fixed to the connecting plate 3 with screws. One end of the coil spring 15 is connected to the housing, and the other end is connected to the rotating shaft 18. The rotating shaft 18 is connected to the housing via the bearing 17. The elastic energy storage components 5 provide elastic force, which assists in lifting heavy objects. The housing provides support and fixation, the rotating shaft 18 allows for left and right rotation, the coil spring 15 generates elastic force, and the bearing 17 facilitates the rotation of the rotating shaft 18 relative to the housing. Under the action of the operator pulling upwards and the elastic recovery force, the load is lifted. When workers wear the device and move around carrying loads, the elastic energy storage component 5 releases elastic force through the core 9 and connecting buckle 11, sharing part of the load weight and reducing the force load on the upper limbs. When workers wear the device and move around carrying loads, the elastic force can still share the load weight when the load moves up and down due to walking, reducing the impact of the load's up and down movement on the workers.

[0044] In this embodiment, transition joints 6 are arranged in pairs and are respectively disposed on the upper end of the connecting plate 3. The wire sheaths, including a first wire sheath 7 and a second wire sheath 8, are respectively inserted at both ends of the transition joint 6. Specifically, the transition interface is installed on the connecting plate 3 by screws. The wire sheaths include a first wire sheath 7 and a second wire sheath 8, wherein one end of the first wire sheath 7 is connected to the elastic energy storage component 5, and the other end of the first wire sheath 7 is connected to the transition joint 6. One end of the second wire sheath 8 is connected to the transition joint 6. The wire core 9 passes through the second wire sheath 8, the transition joint 6, and the first wire sheath 7 and is connected to the elastic energy storage component 5. A connecting block is fixed on the wire core 9, and the other end of the wire core 9 is a closed circle. The connecting buckle 11 passes through the closed circle at the end of the wire core 9. The transition joint 6 connects the first sheath 7 and the second sheath 8, facilitating quick disassembly and easy storage. The first sheath 7 and the second sheath 8 house, support, and guide the wire core 9. The wire core 9 slides relative to the first sheath 7 and the second sheath 8, thereby pulling the sheath at the load end. This pulls the rotating wheel 16 of the elastic energy storage component 5, causing the coil spring 15 to wind up and generate elastic force. Under the action of the elastic force of the coil spring 15, the fiber core is pulled in the opposite direction, thus helping to lift the load. During the handling process, the load floats up and down, and the coil spring 15 winds up and releases, thus buffering the impact of the load and reducing the impact of the load.

[0045] In this embodiment, the wire core 9 is threaded through the wire sheath, with one end connected to the elastic energy storage component 5. A stop block is provided on the wire core 9, located near the end of the U-shaped hook 12. In this embodiment, the U-shaped hook 12 is connected to the other end of the wire core 9. The wire core 9 is connected to the U-shaped hook 12 via a connecting buckle 11. Specifically, the U-shaped hook 12 has a round hole through which the connecting buckle 11 passes. The connecting buckle 11 uses an easy-opening and locking structure, such as a coil spring 15 or a nut lock. It also includes a stabilizing line 14, one end of which is connected to the connecting plate 3, and the other end to the second wire sheath 8. The U-shaped hook 12 and the glove 13 facilitate connection to the load. The connection port facilitates disassembly and installation, as well as changing the model of the U-shaped hook 12 or replacing it with the glove 13. The stabilizing line 14 stabilizes the second wire sheath 8. The stop block prevents the fiber core from fully entering the wire sheath, serving as a limiting element. Depending on the load interface type, the U-shaped hook 12 or glove 13 is connected to the connecting buckle 11. The operator pulls the U-shaped hook 12 or glove 13 with their palm, which drives the connecting buckle 11 and the wire core 9. The wire core 9 extends outward, pulling the elastic energy storage component 5 to store elastic energy. After the U-shaped hook 12 or glove 13 is connected to the load, the load is lifted under the action of the operator's upward pull and elastic recovery force.

[0046] In this embodiment, during operation, a stepped hole is provided inside the transition joint 6 to allow the wire core 9 to pass through, and the first wire sheath 7 and the second wire sheath 8 cannot move in series. When the operator wears an upper limb assistive device adapted to different loads to lift the load, according to the load interface form, the U-shaped hook 12 or glove 13 is connected to the connecting buckle 11. The operator pulls the U-shaped hook 12 or glove 13 with their palm, which drives the connecting buckle 11 and the wire core 9. The wire core 9 extends outward, pulling the elastic energy storage component 5 to store elastic energy. After the U-shaped hook 12 or glove 13 is connected to the load, the load is lifted under the action of the operator's upward pull and elastic recovery force. When the operator moves to lift the load after wearing the device, the elastic energy storage component 5 releases elastic force through the wire core 9 and the connecting buckle 11, sharing part of the load weight and reducing the force load on the upper limbs. When the operator moves to lift the load, the elastic force can still share the load weight when the load fluctuates due to the movement of the human body, reducing the impact of the load fluctuating on the operator.

[0047] In this embodiment, the elastic energy storage component 5 releases elastic force through the core 9 and connecting buckle 11, sharing part of the load weight and reducing the force load on the upper limbs. When the worker wears an upper limb assistive device adapted to different loads, a U-shaped hook 12 and gloves 13 are configured. The worker can choose either the U-shaped hook 12 or gloves 13 according to the load interface type to adapt to different load interface types. The elastic preload of the elastic energy storage component 5 can be adjusted to adapt to different weight loads. After pulling out the plug pin 4, the connecting plate 3 can be pulled out upward from the connecting block 2 for easy storage. The stabilizing line 14 can limit the inward swaying of the second sheath 8, thereby improving the stability of the load being transported. One end of the connecting plate 3 connected to the transition joint 6 is higher than the human shoulder, reducing the pressure of the sheath on the human shoulder. The transition joint 6 separates the first sheath 7 and the second sheath 8, preventing the first sheath 7 from moving along the transition joint 6 when the core 9 is under force, ensuring that the first sheath 7 has a good bending state and preventing the core 9 and the first sheath 7 from jamming. The relative installation angle of the connecting block 2 and the back plate 1 can be selected, thereby changing the width between the two U-shaped hooks 12 or the two gloves 13 to adapt to loads of different widths.

[0048] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method for using an upper limb assistive device adaptable to different loads, comprising the following steps:

[0049] Step 1: During operation, depending on the load interface type, connect the U-shaped hook 12 or glove 13 to the connecting buckle 11. The operator pulls the U-shaped hook 12 or glove 13 with their palm, which drives the connecting buckle 11 and the wire core 9. The wire core 9 extends outward, pulling the elastic energy storage component 5 to perform elastic energy storage.

[0050] Step 2: After the U-shaped hook 12 or glove 13 is connected to the load, the operator pulls upwards and uses the elastic recovery force to lift the load.

[0051] Step 3: When the operator moves the load, the elastic energy storage component 5 releases elastic force through the core 9 and the connecting buckle 11 to share part of the load weight and reduce the force load on the upper limbs of the human body. When the walking movement causes the load to rise and fall, the elastic energy storage component 5 shares the load weight through the core 9 and the connecting buckle 11 to reduce the impact of the load rising and falling on the operator.

[0052] As can be seen from the above description, the embodiments of the present invention achieve the following technical effects:

[0053] When workers wear the device, the elastic energy storage component 5 releases elastic force through the core 9 and connecting buckle 11, sharing some of the load weight and reducing the force load on the upper limbs. When workers wear the device, the elastic force can still share the load weight when the load fluctuates due to walking, reducing the impact of these fluctuations on the workers. The elastic energy storage component 5 releases elastic force through the core 9 and connecting buckle 11, sharing some of the load weight and reducing the force load on the upper limbs. When workers wear the device, a U-shaped hook 12 and gloves 13 are provided. Workers can choose between the U-shaped hook 12 or gloves 13 depending on the load interface type, adapting to different load interface types. The elastic preload of the elastic energy storage component 5 can be adjusted to accommodate different weight loads. After pulling out the plug pin 4, the connecting plate 3 can be pulled out upwards for easy storage. One end of the connecting plate 3 connecting to the transition joint 6 is higher than the worker's shoulder, reducing the pressure of the sheath on the shoulder.

[0054] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An upper limb assistive device adaptable to different loads, characterized in that, include: Back panel, with shoulder straps at the top and a waist belt at the bottom; Connecting blocks are installed in pairs on the back plate; Connecting plates are installed in pairs and are connected to connecting blocks respectively; The flexible energy storage components are installed in pairs and connected to the connecting plate respectively. Transition joints are installed in pairs, each located on the upper end of the connecting plate; as well as The sheath, including a first sheath and a second sheath, is inserted at both ends of the transition joint. One end of the first sheath is connected to the elastic energy storage component, and the other end is connected to the transition joint. One end of the second sheath is connected to the transition joint. The wire core passes through the second sheath, the transition joint, and the first sheath and is connected to the elastic energy storage component. A connecting block is fixed on the wire core. The other end of the wire core is a closed circle, and a connecting buckle passes through the closed circle at the end of the wire core. A stepped hole is provided inside the transition joint to allow the wire core to pass through and to separate the first and second sheaths, preventing the first sheath from moving along the transition joint when the wire core is under stress. A U-shaped hook or glove is connected to the other end of the wire core. The stop block is located on the wire core, near the end of the U-shaped hook; A stabilizing line, one end of which is connected to a connecting plate and the other end of which is connected to a second sheath.

2. The upper limb assistive device adaptable to different loads as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic energy storage component includes a housing and a rotating shaft. The rotating shaft is equipped with a coil spring and a rotating wheel. The rotating wheel is connected to the wire core. The rotating shaft is also equipped with a bearing.

3. The upper limb assistive device adaptable to different loads as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The wire core is connected to the U-shaped hook via a connecting buckle.

4. The upper limb assistive device adaptable to different loads as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic energy storage component is fixed to the connecting plate with screws.

5. The upper limb assistive device adaptable to different loads as described in claim 2, characterized in that, One end of the coil spring is connected to the housing, and the other end is connected to the rotating shaft.

6. The upper limb assistive device adaptable to different loads as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The rotating shaft is connected to the housing via bearings.

7. The upper limb assistive device adaptable to different loads as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting block is equipped with a plug-in pin and a magnet.

8. The upper limb assistive device adaptable to different loads as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting block and the connecting plate are fixed by a plug-in pin.

9. A method of using an upper limb assistive device adaptable to different loads, based on the upper limb assistive device adaptable to different loads as described in any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: During operation, according to the load interface type, connect the U-shaped hook or glove to the connecting buckle. The operator pulls the U-shaped hook or glove with his palm, which drives the connecting buckle and the wire core. The wire core extends outward, pulling the elastic energy storage component to perform elastic energy storage. Step 2: After connecting the U-shaped hook or gloves to the load, the worker pulls upwards and uses the elastic recovery force to lift the load; Step 3: When workers move the load, the elastic energy storage component releases elastic force through the core wire and connecting buckle to share part of the load weight and reduce the force load on the upper limbs. When walking causes the load to rise and fall, the elastic energy storage component shares the load weight through the core wire and connecting buckle to reduce the impact of the load rising and falling on the workers.

Images