Muscle strength assisting device

Abstract

This invention provides a muscle strength assist device that can compress fascia to increase muscle strength, thereby helping a user transition from a bent knee position to an extended knee position or vice versa. The muscle strength assist device includes: clamping members disposed on the left and right sides of the user's upper knee, and movable between a release position and a clamping position along the left-right direction of the upper knee, wherein in the release position the clamping members release the user's upper knee, and in the clamping position the clamping members clamp the user's upper knee; and a moving mechanism that moves the clamping members from the release position to the clamping position during the transition between the bent knee and extended knee positions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a muscle strength assist device. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, various power assistive devices have been widely used to assist or replace the movements of people with physical disabilities who have lost muscle strength and the elderly with weakened muscle strength, or to help non-disabled or elderly users with their daily work and work-related needs.

[0003] As one example of these power assist devices, Patent Document 1 proposes a wearable motion assist device that, when standing up from a bent position, controls the actuator in a manner that assists the movement of the thigh relative to the waist, thereby improving the convenience of wearing and the comfort of sitting.

[0004] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0005] [Patent Literature]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-178118 Summary of the Invention

[0007] This invention provides a muscle strength assist device that can compress fascia to improve muscle strength.

[0008] This invention provides a muscle strength assist device that helps a user transition from a bent knee posture to an extended knee posture or vice versa. The muscle strength assist device includes: clamping members disposed on the left and right sides of the user's upper knee, and movable between a release position and a clamping position along the left-right direction of the upper knee, wherein in the release position the clamping members release the user's upper knee, and in the clamping position the clamping members clamp the user's upper knee; and a moving mechanism that moves the clamping members from the release position to the clamping position during the transition between the bent knee posture and the extended knee posture.

[0009] In one embodiment of the invention, the aforementioned moving mechanism causes the clamping member, which is in the release position when the user is in a seated position with bent knees, to move to the clamping position when the user changes from a seated position with bent knees to a standing position with extended knees.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-described moving mechanism moves the clamping member to the release position when the user is in a standing position.

[0011] In one embodiment of the invention, the aforementioned moving mechanism causes the clamping member, which is in the release position when the user is in a standing position with knees extended, to move to the clamping position when the user changes from a standing position with knees extended to a sitting position with knees bent.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-described moving mechanism moves the clamping member to the release position when the user is in a seated position.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned moving mechanism includes: a lower leg member disposed along the user's lower leg; a thigh member disposed along the user's thigh and rotatably connected to the lower leg member; a crossing member movable along the lower leg member and the thigh member; a sliding mechanism connected to the crossing member and movable along the thigh member; and a connecting member connecting the sliding mechanism and the clamping member.

[0014] Based on the above, the muscle strength assist device of the present invention can move the clamping member between the release position and the clamping position in the left and right direction of the upper part of the knee when the user changes the posture of the knee extension angle, thereby increasing the muscle strength of the quadriceps muscle in the upper part of the knee and assisting the bending posture and walking movements to be smooth.

[0015] To make the above features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a muscle strength assist device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2A yes Figure 1 A bottom view of the clamping component of the muscle strength assist device in a seated position;

[0018] Figure 2B yes Figure 1 A bottom view of the clamping component of the muscle strength assist device in a bending posture;

[0019] Figure 2C yes Figure 1 A bottom view of the clamping component of the muscle strength assist device in a standing position;

[0020] Figure 3A yes Figure 1 A side view of the moving mechanism of the muscle-assisted device shown in a seated position;

[0021] Figure 3B yes Figure 1 A side view of the moving mechanism of the muscle-strengthening assistive device in a bending posture;

[0022] Figure 3C yes Figure 1 A side view of the moving mechanism of the muscle-strengthening assistive device in a standing posture.

[0023] Figure 4 Is using Figure 1 The bar graph shows the muscle voltage with and without the muscle strength assist device.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0025] 100: Muscle strength assist device;

[0026] 110: Clamping component;

[0027] 120: Mobile mechanism;

[0028] 121: Lower leg component;

[0029] 121L: Left calf extension;

[0030] 121R: Right side extension of the lower leg;

[0031] 122: Thigh component;

[0032] 122L: Left thigh extension;

[0033] 122R: Right thigh extension;

[0034] 122C: Fixed connector;

[0035] 123: Intersecting components;

[0036] 123L: Left side support component;

[0037] 123R: Right-side support component;

[0038] 123C: Sliding connector;

[0039] 124: Sliding mechanism;

[0040] 124B: Base;

[0041] 124S: Slide rail;

[0042] 125: Connecting component;

[0043] G: Guide rail. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a muscle strength assist device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2A yes Figure 1A bottom view of the clamping component of the muscle strength assist device in a seated position; Figure 2B yes Figure 1 A bottom view of the clamping component of the muscle strength assist device in a bending posture; Figure 2C yes Figure 1 A bottom view of the clamping component of the muscle strength assist device in a standing position; Figure 3A yes Figure 1 A side view of the moving mechanism of the muscle-assisted device shown in a seated position; Figure 3B yes Figure 1 A side view of the moving mechanism of the muscle-strengthening assistive device in a bending posture; Figure 3C yes Figure 1 A side view of the moving mechanism of the muscle-strengthening assistive device in a standing posture. Figure 4 Is using Figure 1 The bar graph shows the muscle voltage with and without the muscle strength assist device.

[0045] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3C In this embodiment, the muscle strength assist device 100 includes a clamping member 110 and a moving mechanism 120. For example... Figures 1 to 2C As shown, the clamping member 110 is disposed on the left and right sides above the user's knee, and the moving mechanism 120 includes: a calf member 121 disposed along the user's lower leg, a thigh member 122 disposed along the user's thigh, a cross member 123 that can move along the calf member 121 and the thigh member 122, a sliding mechanism 124, a connecting member 125, and a cam member C integrally disposed at the front end of the thigh member 122.

[0046] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, the calf component 121 includes a left calf extension 121L and a right calf extension 121R, located on the left and right sides of the user's calf, respectively. The thigh component 122 includes a fixing connector 122C, and a left thigh extension 122L and a right thigh extension 122R, located on the left and right sides of the user's thigh, respectively. The fixing connector 122C is arc-shaped to match the contour of the user's thigh and connects the left thigh extension 122L and the right thigh extension 122R to maintain the relative distance between the muscle assist device 100 in the left-right direction. Figure 1 As shown, the left calf extension 121L and the left thigh extension 122L are connected at the connection end on the left side of the user's knee, and the right calf extension 121R and the right thigh extension 122R are connected at the connection end on the right side of the user's knee. Furthermore, the thigh member 122 is rotatably connected to the calf member 121.

[0047] Specifically, such as Figure 1 and Figures 3A to 3C As shown, when the user changes posture, the left thigh extension 122L and right thigh extension 122R of the thigh member 122 rotate about the connecting ends on the left and right sides of the user's knee, respectively. Furthermore, the left calf extension 121L, right calf extension 121R, left thigh extension 122L, and right thigh extension 122R each have a guide rail G, which can be used to fit the cross member 123. When the angle between the thigh member 122 and the calf member 121 changes, the cam member C located at the front end of the thigh member 122 pushes the calf-side end of the cross member 123 down along the calf member 121. Guided by the guide rail G, the cross member 123 can move relative to the calf member 121 and the thigh member 122 when the user changes posture.

[0048] More specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, the cross member 123 includes a left support member 123L, a right support member 123R, and a sliding connector 123C. The sliding connector 123C is located at the same end of the left support member 123L and the right support member 123R, and connects the left support member 123L and the right support member 123R. In this embodiment, the sliding connector 123C is located, for example, at the end of the left support member 123L and the right support member 123R near the user's thigh. Specifically, the left support member 123L is fitted into the guide rail G of the left calf extension 121L and the left thigh extension 122L, and the right support member 123R is fitted into the guide rail G of the right calf extension 121R and the right thigh extension 122R.

[0049] And, as Figure 1 As shown, the left cam component CL and the right cam component CR, located at the front ends of the left thigh extension 122L and the right thigh extension 122R, respectively contact the lower leg side ends of the left support 123L and the right support 123R. A spring component (not shown) is located next to SP on the upper thigh side of the left support 123L and the right support 123R. Figure 1 As shown, it can apply force to the thigh-side end of the cross member 123 along the thigh member 122 in the direction of the user's waist. Furthermore, it is worth noting that... Figure 1 yes Figure 3B The moving mechanism shown is in a bent-over position.

[0050] Thus, when the sliding connector 123C moves relative to the lower leg member 121 and the thigh member 122 due to the abutment of the cam surface of the cam member C caused by the change in the user's posture, it will move along with the movement of the left support member 123L and the right support member 123R at the end closest to the user's thigh. Furthermore, as... Figure 1 As shown, the relative distance between the muscle strength assist device 100 in the left and right directions can also be maintained by the configuration of the sliding connector 123C. In addition, the muscle strength assist device 100 may also include a thigh loop and a calf loop so that the muscle strength assist device 100 can be worn more snugly on the user's lower limbs.

[0051] like Figure 1 and Figures 2A to 2C As shown, the sliding mechanism 124 includes a base 124B and a slide rail 124S located on the base 124B. The base 124B is fixed to the fixed connector 122C and remains fixed relative to the thigh member 122. On the other hand, the slide rail 124S of the sliding mechanism 124 is connected to the sliding connector 123C of the cross member 123. Therefore, the slide rail 124S can move relative to the thigh member 122 by moving the sliding connector 123C when the user changes posture. Furthermore, the left and right clamping members of the clamping member 110 are connected to the slide rail 124S of the sliding mechanism 124 via multiple rope-like connecting members 125.

[0052] Specifically, in this embodiment, as Figure 2A and Figure 3A As shown, when the user is seated, the sliding connector 123C is located at the end of the guide rail G of the left thigh extension 122L and the right thigh extension 122R, closer to the user's thigh. At this time, the fixed connector 122C and the sliding connector 123C are in a relatively far apart position, and as... Figure 2A As shown, the clamping member 110 releases the user's upper knee, and at this time, the position of the clamping member 110 is the release position.

[0053] However, as Figure 1 , Figure 2B and Figure 3B As shown, when the user changes from a sitting to a standing position, with the movement of the cross member 123, the slide rail 124S of the sliding mechanism 124 slides relative to the thigh member 122. Therefore, the slide rail 124S pulls the connecting end of the connecting member 125 and the slide rail 124S along the user's thigh, thereby shortening the projection distance of the connecting member 125 in the left and right directions of the user. That is to say, as Figure 2B As shown, the distance between the left and right clamping members of the clamping member 110 is shortened, thus clamping the user's upper knee. At this time, the position of the clamping member 110 is the clamping position. Furthermore, as... Figure 2C and Figure 3C As shown, when the user is in a standing position, the cross member 123 can be raised, causing the fixed connector 122C and the sliding connector 123C to return to a relatively far apart position. Therefore, as Figure 2CAs shown, the clamping member 110 can be moved to the release position. Thus, when the slide rail 124S of the sliding mechanism 124 slides relative to the thigh member 122, the clamping member 110 can move between the release position and the clamping position in the left-right direction along the upper part of the knee by sliding the slide rail 124S.

[0054] And, as Figure 4 As shown, when the clamping member 110 clamps the upper part of the user's knee, the muscle voltage of the tibialis anterior, vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, and vastus medialis muscles can be measured to be increased, thus confirming that it can effectively increase the muscle strength of the quadriceps femoris in the upper part of the knee. In this way, the muscle strength assist device 100 can help the user change from a sitting position with bent knees to a standing position with extended knees, or from a standing position with extended knees to a sitting position with bent knees.

[0055] In addition, the muscle strength assist device 100 can also be used to assist walking. Specifically, since the user constantly bends and extends their knees when walking, the left support 123L and right support 123R of the cross member 123 of the muscle strength assist device 100 will continuously slide back and forth in the guide rail G of the lower leg member 121 and the thigh member 122 during posture changes. This causes the sliding connector 123C, the slide rail 124S of the sliding mechanism 124, and the connection end of the connecting member 125 and the slide rail 124S to move along the user's thigh, enabling the muscle strength assist device 100 to continuously repeat... Figures 2A to 3C The movement shown in the diagram allows the quadriceps muscles above the knee to be intermittently compressed, increasing muscle strength and thus assisting the user in walking smoothly.

[0056] In other words, in this embodiment, the clamping member 110 is effective in assisting standing or walking, and it is expected that muscle strength can be increased by about 30%. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the factors controlling the increase in muscle strength of the quadriceps femoris muscle above the knee by the clamping member 110 may include the applied pressure, the range or width of compression, the timing of the applied pressure, and the width of the belt, etc., allowing the user to customize a suitable muscle strength assist device 100 according to their own needs.

[0057] On the other hand, in this embodiment, as an example of a business model, users can directly purchase the muscle strength assistive device 100 or use it by paying a fixed monthly service fee through community services. Furthermore, by paying a fixed monthly service fee, it is also possible to collaborate with various for-profit or non-profit incorporated associations to provide services to potential users of the device, thereby effectively promoting the muscle strength assistive device 100. In addition, while providing services to the aforementioned users or potential users, relevant usage data, such as walking information, can be collected under reasonable usage conditions. This usage data, after being de-identified, can then be provided or sold to relevant medical institutions for related medical research or equipment development.

[0058] Furthermore, it is worth noting that, although in the foregoing embodiments, the clamping member 110 clamps the user's upper knee by means of the interconnected movement of each component of the moving mechanism 120, and moves naturally with the user's movements, the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the moving mechanism 120 may also be an actuator, and the controller may directly drive the moving mechanism 120 to move the clamping member 110 between the release position and the clamping position in the left-right direction along the upper knee during posture changes.

[0059] In summary, the muscle strength assist device of the present invention allows the clamping member to move between a release position and a clamping position along the left and right direction of the upper part of the knee when the user changes the posture of the knee extension angle. This can compress the quadriceps muscle in the upper part of the knee and increase muscle strength, thereby assisting in the smooth bending posture and walking movements.

[0060] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A muscle strength assisting device characterized by comprising: It can help users transition from a bent-knee position to an extended-knee position or vice versa, including: A clamping member is disposed on the left and right sides of the user's upper knee, and the clamping member is movable between a release position and a clamping position along the left and right direction of the upper knee, wherein in the release position, the clamping member releases the user's upper knee, and in the clamping position, the clamping member clamps the user's upper knee; and The moving mechanism moves the clamping member from the release position to the clamping position during the user's transition between a bent knee position and an extended knee position. The mobile mechanism includes: The lower leg component is designed to follow the user's lower leg. A thigh component is disposed along the user's thigh and is rotatably connected to the lower leg component; The intersecting member is movable along the lower leg member and the thigh member; A sliding mechanism is connected to the cross member and is movable along the thigh member; A connecting member connects the sliding mechanism and the clamping member; and The cam component is integrally disposed at the front end of the thigh component. When the angle between the thigh member and the lower leg member changes, the cam member located at the front end of the thigh member pushes the lower leg side end of the cross member down along the lower leg member.

2. The muscle power assisting device according to claim 1, characterized by The moving mechanism causes the clamping member, which is in the release position when the user is in a seated position with bent knees, to move to the clamping position when the user changes from a seated position with bent knees to a standing position with extended knees.

3. The muscle power assisting device according to claim 2, characterized by The moving mechanism moves the clamping member to the release position when the user is in a standing position.

4. The muscle power assisting device according to claim 1, characterized by The moving mechanism causes the clamping member, which is in the release position when the user is in a standing position with knees extended, to move to the clamping position when the user changes from a standing position with knees extended to a sitting position with knees bent.

5. The muscle power assisting device according to claim 4, characterized by The moving mechanism moves the clamping member to the release position when the user is in a seated position.

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