Wearable kneecap device integrating flexion and extension detection

Abstract

The invention discloses a wearable kneecap device integrating flexion and extension detection, which comprises but is not limited to a first fixing mechanism for fixing the thigh of a human body, a secondary fixing mechanism for fixing the shank of the human body, and a self-power-generating mechanism and a flexion and extension angle real-time detection mechanism which are arranged between the first fixing mechanism and the secondary fixing mechanism, the self-power-generating mechanism is used for adapting to the flexion and extension movement of the shanks and the thighs of the human body so as to convert mechanical energy into electric energy, and therefore power is supplied to the flexion and extension angle real-time detection mechanism. The invention aims to provide the wearable kneecap device integrated with the flexion and extension detection function, which not only provides basic knee joint support and protection for a sporter, but also can detect and feed back the flexion and extension state of the knee joint in movement in real time. Meanwhile, the bending and stretching angle real-time detection mechanism of the device is powered by a self-generating mechanism, and an external power supply or frequent charging is not needed, so that the use convenience and flexibility are remarkably improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of sports protection, and in particular relates to a wearable knee protection device with integrated flexion and extension detection. Background Art

[0002] With the progress of society and the improvement of people's quality of life, health awareness is increasing, and more and more people begin to pay attention to physical exercise and sports. In this context, various sports protective equipment came into being, which plays a vital role in protecting athletes from injuries.

[0003] Knee pads are one of the most common and key sports protective equipment. They are widely used in various sports occasions to protect the knee joints and prevent sports injuries caused by improper exercise or excessive use.

[0004] However, most knee braces on the market currently only provide basic support and protection functions, and they often lack the ability to detect and provide feedback on the flexion and extension status of the knee joint during exercise in real time. This functional deficiency may cause users to be unable to accurately understand the real-time status of their knee joints during sports activities, and thus be unable to adjust the exercise method or intensity in time, increasing the risk of sports injuries. In view of this, it is particularly urgent to develop a wearable knee brace that can integrate flexion and extension detection functions. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a wearable knee brace with integrated flexion and extension detection function, which not only provides basic knee support and protection for athletes, but also can detect and feedback the flexion and extension state of the knee joint in real time. At the same time, the flexion and extension angle real-time detection mechanism of the device is powered by a self-generating mechanism, without the need for an external power supply or frequent charging, thereby significantly improving the convenience and flexibility of use.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides a wearable knee brace device with integrated flexion and extension detection, the key of which lies in: including but not limited to a primary fixing mechanism for fixing the human thigh, a secondary fixing mechanism for fixing the human calf, and a self-generating mechanism and a flexion and extension angle real-time detection mechanism arranged between the primary fixing mechanism and the secondary fixing mechanism, the self-generating mechanism being used to adapt to the flexion and extension movements of the human calf and thigh to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, thereby supplying power to the flexion and extension angle real-time detection mechanism.

[0007] Furthermore, the self-generating mechanism includes but is not limited to a multi-link assembly for receiving flexion and extension power, and a magnetic induction power generation assembly for cutting the magnetic field to generate induced current, and a transmission assembly is used to realize power transmission between the multi-link assembly and the magnetic induction power generation assembly.

[0008] Furthermore, the multi-link assembly includes but is not limited to two secondary links pivoted end to end, and the ends of the two secondary links are respectively pivoted to the primary fixing mechanism and the secondary fixing mechanism, so that the pivot therebetween can change position accordingly with the change of the flexion and extension angle, and a push-pull rod is also pivoted on the pivots of the two secondary links, and the ends of the push-pull rod are connected to the transmission assembly.

[0009] Furthermore, the transmission assembly includes but is not limited to a spur rack and a check valve, wherein the spur rack is hinged at the end of the push-pull rod and is constrained by a limiter to only move linearly along its length, and the check valve is meshed with the spur rack through a gear set.

[0010] Furthermore, the check valve includes but is not limited to a rotating drum, which is mounted on a bracket through a bearing seat, and a ratchet is formed on a section of the inner wall of the rotating drum, and a pawl is provided corresponding to the ratchet, and the pawl is connected to the output shaft of the gear set.

[0011] Furthermore, the magnetic induction power generation component includes but is not limited to a magnetic ring as a rotor and a metal cutting piece as a stator. The magnetic ring is installed in the rotating drum through a supporting plate to rotate with the rotating drum. The metal cutting piece is fixed to the relative position of the magnetic ring through the bracket and is used to cut the magnetic field when the magnetic ring rotates. An induction coil is also arranged on the metal cutting piece, and the induced current of the induction coil is transmitted to the battery through a rectifier and filter circuit.

[0012] Furthermore, the metal cutting piece is composed of two claw-shaped metal brackets that are staggered and nested, and the induction coil is sandwiched between the two metal brackets.

[0013] Furthermore, the real-time detection mechanism for the flexion and extension angle includes but is not limited to a photoelectric probe, which is used to detect the position change of the spur rack along its length direction, so as to realize real-time monitoring of the flexion and extension angle through a pre-set mapping relationship between the spur rack position and the flexion and extension angle.

[0014] Furthermore, a communication module is provided near the photoelectric probe, and the communication module is used to transmit the flexion and extension angle data detected by the photoelectric probe to an external receiving device in real time, so that the user can view and record the changes in the flexion and extension angle in real time.

[0015] Furthermore, the primary fixing mechanism includes but is not limited to a thigh support and a thigh strap, the secondary fixing mechanism includes but is not limited to a calf support and a calf strap, the thigh support and the calf support are connected by a hinge, and the self-generating mechanism and the flexion and extension angle real-time detection mechanism are integrated on the hinge.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following remarkable effects:

[0017] (1) By integrating the flexion and extension detection function, the wearable knee brace can detect and record the changes in the flexion and extension angles of the user's knee joint during exercise in real time, providing the user with intuitive feedback on their own exercise status. This not only helps the user understand the movement of their knee joints in different exercise modes, but also guides the user to adjust the exercise method or intensity according to the real-time data of the flexion and extension angle, thereby effectively preventing knee joint injuries caused by improper exercise or excessive use;

[0018] (2) The device’s self-generating mechanism is compactly designed and can fully utilize the mechanical energy of human movement to convert it into electrical energy to power the real-time flexion and extension angle detection mechanism. It does not require an external power supply or frequent charging, greatly improving the convenience and flexibility of use. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the wearable knee brace device in Example 1 (I);

[0021] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the wearable knee brace device in Example 1 (II);

[0022] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the wearable knee brace device in Example 1 (III);

[0023] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the wearable knee brace device in Example 1 (I);

[0024] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A partial enlarged view of the middle A part;

[0025] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the wearable knee brace device in the first embodiment (II);

[0026] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A partial enlarged view of the middle B part;

[0027] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the wearable knee brace device in the first embodiment (III);

[0028] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A partial enlarged view of the middle C part;

[0029] Numbers in the figure: 1-primary fixing mechanism, 2-secondary fixing mechanism, 3-self-generating mechanism, 4-real-time detection mechanism for flexion and extension angle, 31-multi-link assembly, 32-magnetic induction power generation assembly, 33-transmission assembly, 311-secondary connecting rod, 312-push-pull rod, 331-spur rack, 332-check device, 333-gear set, 334-bearing seat, 3321-rotating drum, 3322-ratchet, 3323-pawl, 321-magnetic ring, 322-metal cutting piece, 335-induction coil, 336-battery, 3221-metal bracket, 41-photoelectric probe, 42-communication module, 11-thigh bracket, 12-thigh strap, 21-calf bracket, 22-calf strap, 5-hinge. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended to be used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0031] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside" and the like indicate positions or positional relationships based on the positions or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present invention. In addition, in the description of the present invention, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0032] Figure 1 to Figure 2 The first embodiment of the present invention is shown: a wearable knee brace with integrated flexion and extension detection, including but not limited to a primary fixing mechanism 1 for fixing a human thigh, a secondary fixing mechanism 2 for fixing a human calf, and a self-generating mechanism 3 and a flexion and extension angle real-time detection mechanism 4 arranged between the primary fixing mechanism 1 and the secondary fixing mechanism 2, wherein the self-generating mechanism 3 is used to adapt to the flexion and extension movements of the human calf and thigh to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, thereby supplying power to the flexion and extension angle real-time detection mechanism 4.

[0033] See also Figure 3 and Figure 4In a specific implementation, the self-generating mechanism 3 includes but is not limited to a multi-link assembly 31 for receiving flexion and extension power, and a magnetic induction power generation assembly 32 for cutting a magnetic field to generate an induced current, and a transmission assembly 33 is used to realize power transmission between the multi-link assembly 31 and the magnetic induction power generation assembly 32.

[0034] See also Figures 5 to 9 , wherein the multi-link assembly 31 includes but is not limited to two secondary links 311 pivotally connected end to end, the ends of the two secondary links 311 are pivotally connected to the primary fixing mechanism 1 and the secondary fixing mechanism 2 respectively, so that the pivot between the two can change position accordingly with the change of the flexion and extension angle, and a push-pull rod 312 is also pivotally connected to the pivot of the two secondary links 311, and the end of the push-pull rod 312 is connected to the transmission assembly 33. When the position of the primary fixing mechanism 1 and the secondary fixing mechanism 2 changes with the flexion and extension movement of the user's lower limbs, the two secondary links 311 can adapt to the change of the flexion and extension movement and adjust the position of the pivot (i.e., the connection point) between them. Since the push-pull rod 312 is also connected to the pivot, and the end of the push-pull rod 312 is connected to the transmission assembly 33, the movement of the secondary link 311 can drive the transmission assembly 33.

[0035] The transmission assembly 33 includes but is not limited to a spur rack 331 and a check valve 332. The spur rack 331 is hinged at the end of the push-pull rod 312 and is constrained by a stopper to move only in a straight line along its length. The check valve 332 is meshed with the spur rack 331 through a gear set 333. When the push-pull rod 312 moves with the pivot movement of the secondary connecting rod 311, it drives the spur rack 331 hinged at its end to move in a straight line along its length. This movement is effectively limited by the stopper, ensuring the stability and accuracy of the movement of the spur rack 331. At the same time, the check valve 332 is tightly meshed with the gear set 333, which not only realizes the transmission of power, but also prevents the reverse movement of the magnetic induction power generation assembly 32 through the function of the check valve 332, ensuring the unidirectional intermittent rotation of the magnetic induction power generation assembly 32, thereby improving the power generation efficiency and stability. In addition, the gear set 333 and the check valve 332 in the transmission assembly 33 also play the role of deceleration and torque increase, so that it can drive the magnetic induction power generation assembly 32 with a small external force, avoiding interference with the user's daily wear and use. Preferably, the check valve 332 includes but is not limited to a rotating drum 3321, and the rotating drum 3321 is installed on a bracket through a bearing seat 334. A ratchet 3322 is formed on a section of the inner cylinder wall of the rotating drum 3321, and a ratchet 3323 is provided corresponding to the ratchet 3322, and the ratchet 3323 is connected to the output shaft of the gear set 333. The ratchet 3323 cooperates with the ratchet 3322. When the rotating drum 3321 tries to rotate in the opposite direction, the ratchet 3323 will be stuck by the ratchet 3322, preventing the rotating drum 3321 from moving in the opposite direction. When the rotating drum 3321 rotates forward, the ratchet 3323 can pass through the ratchet 3322 smoothly, and will not affect the normal movement of the rotating drum 3321. Specifically, the gear set 333 is composed of a double-layer gear and a transmission gear. The small diameter section of the double-layer gear meshes with the spur rack 331, the large diameter section of the double-layer gear meshes with the transmission gear, and the ratchet 3323 is arranged on the rotating shaft of the transmission gear.

[0036] The magnetic induction power generation assembly 32 includes but is not limited to a magnetic ring 321 as a rotor and a metal cutting piece 322 as a stator. The magnetic ring 321 is installed in the rotating drum 3321 through a bearing plate to rotate with the rotating drum 3321. The metal cutting piece 322 is fixed to the relative position of the magnetic ring 321 through the bracket to cut the magnetic field when the magnetic ring 321 rotates. An induction coil 335 is also arranged on the metal cutting piece 322. The induced current of the induction coil 335 is transmitted to the battery 336 through a rectifier and filter circuit. The ingenious design of the magnetic ring 321 and the metal cutting piece 322 enables the metal cutting piece 322 to effectively cut the magnetic field generated by the magnetic ring 321 whenever the rotating drum 3321 drives the magnetic ring 321 to rotate, thereby generating an induced current in the induction coil 335. After being processed by the rectifier and filter circuit, this induced current becomes more stable and smooth, and is finally transmitted to the battery 336 for storage. The real-time detection mechanism 4 of the flexion and extension angle is connected to the battery 336 for power supply. Such a design not only improves the power generation efficiency, but also ensures the stability of the current, and provides reliable power support for other electronic components in the knee brace. In addition, the combination of the magnetic ring 321 and the metal cutting piece 322 also has high durability and reliability, and can maintain stable performance during long-term use, thereby extending the service life of the entire knee brace. As a preferred embodiment, the metal cutting piece 322 is composed of two claw-shaped metal brackets 3221 that are staggered and nested, and the induction coil 335 is sandwiched between the two metal brackets 3221. Specifically, the combined metal cutting piece 322 has a plurality of claws. The magnetic ring 321 is spliced ​​by a number of magnets corresponding to the claws, and the magnetic poles of the two adjacent magnets facing the metal cutting piece 322 are opposite.

[0037] like Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, the real-time flexion and extension angle detection mechanism 4 includes but is not limited to a photoelectric probe 41, which is used to detect the position change of the spur rack 331 along its length direction, so as to realize real-time monitoring of the flexion and extension angle through the mapping relationship between the position of the spur rack 331 and the flexion and extension angle set in advance. The photoelectric probe 41 is cleverly installed at a position adjacent to the spur rack 331. When the spur rack 331 moves with the flexion and extension of the knee joint, the photoelectric probe 41 can accurately capture the position change of the spur rack 331. This design not only improves the accuracy of flexion and extension angle detection, but also ensures real-time performance, so that users can understand their flexion and extension status in time. At the same time, the photoelectric probe 41 has high sensitivity and stability, can maintain stable performance in various environments, and provide users with reliable flexion and extension angle data. Through the mapping relationship between the position of the spur rack 331 and the flexion and extension angle set in advance, the system can quickly convert the position information detected by the photoelectric probe 41 into the flexion and extension angle value, so as to facilitate the user to observe and record. Specifically, the photoelectric sensor is arranged relative to the end of the spur rack 331 and is used to detect the end position of the spur rack 331. Preferably, a communication module 42 is also arranged near the photoelectric probe 41, and the communication module 42 is used to transmit the flexion and extension angle data detected by the photoelectric probe 41 to an external receiving device in real time, so that the user can view and record the change of the flexion and extension angle in real time.

[0038] from Figure 2 It can be seen that in a specific application scenario, the primary fixing mechanism 1 includes but is not limited to a thigh support 11 and a thigh strap, the secondary fixing mechanism 2 includes but is not limited to a calf support 21 and a calf strap 22, the thigh support 11 and the calf support 21 are connected by a hinge 5, and the self-generating mechanism 3 and the real-time flexion and extension angle detection mechanism 4 are integrated on the hinge 5. The design of the thigh support 11 and the calf support 21 fully considers the ergonomic principle to ensure comfort and stability when worn. The thigh strap and the calf strap 22 are made of soft and elastic materials, which can adapt to the leg shapes of different users, and provide sufficient tightening force to prevent the knee brace from slipping during exercise. The hinge 5 part not only realizes the flexible rotation between the thigh support 11 and the calf support 21, but also cleverly integrates the self-generating mechanism 3 and the real-time flexion and extension angle detection mechanism 4, making the whole device more compact and efficient. The self-generating mechanism 3 generates electricity by using the leg movement of the wearer during exercise to power electronic components such as the real-time flexion and extension angle detection mechanism 4, and can achieve long-term stable operation without an external power supply.

[0039] In summary, the present invention integrates the flexion and extension detection function, and this wearable knee brace can monitor and record the changes in the flexion and extension angles of the user's knee joints during exercise in real time, providing the user with intuitive feedback on their own exercise status. This not only helps users understand their knee joint activities in different exercise modes, but also guides users to adjust their exercise methods or intensity according to the real-time data of the flexion and extension angles, thereby effectively preventing knee joint injuries caused by improper exercise or excessive use; on the other hand, the self-generating mechanism 3 of the device is compactly designed, and can fully utilize the mechanical energy of the human body during exercise to convert it into electrical energy, and power the flexion and extension angle real-time detection mechanism 4, without the need for an external power supply or frequent charging, which greatly improves the convenience and flexibility of use.

[0040] What is disclosed above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and it certainly cannot be used to limit the scope of rights of the present invention. Ordinary technicians in this field can understand that all or part of the processes of the above embodiment and equivalent changes made according to the claims of the present invention still fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A wearable knee brace with integrated flexion and extension detection, characterized in that: It includes but is not limited to a primary fixing mechanism for fixing the human thigh, a secondary fixing mechanism for fixing the human calf, and a self-generating mechanism and a real-time detection mechanism for the flexion and extension angle arranged between the primary fixing mechanism and the secondary fixing mechanism. The self-generating mechanism is used to adapt to the flexion and extension movements of the human calf and thigh to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, thereby supplying power to the real-time detection mechanism for the flexion and extension angle.

2. The wearable knee brace with integrated flexion and extension detection according to claim 1, characterized in that: The self-generating mechanism includes but is not limited to a multi-link assembly for receiving flexion and extension power, and a magnetic induction power generation assembly for cutting a magnetic field to generate an induced current, and a transmission assembly is used to realize power transmission between the multi-link assembly and the magnetic induction power generation assembly.

3. The wearable knee brace with integrated flexion and extension detection according to claim 2, characterized in that: The multi-link assembly includes but is not limited to two secondary links pivoted end to end, the ends of the two secondary links are pivoted to the primary fixing mechanism and the secondary fixing mechanism respectively, so that the pivot therebetween can change position accordingly with the change of the flexion and extension angle, and a push-pull rod is also pivoted on the pivots of the two secondary links, and the ends of the push-pull rod are connected to the transmission assembly.

4. The wearable knee brace with integrated flexion and extension detection according to claim 3 is characterized in that: The transmission assembly includes but is not limited to a spur rack and a check valve. The spur rack is hinged at the end of the push-pull rod and is constrained by a limiter to only be able to move linearly along its length. The check valve is meshed with the spur rack through a gear set.

5. The wearable knee brace with integrated flexion and extension detection according to claim 4, characterized in that: The check valve includes but is not limited to a rotating drum, which is mounted on a bracket through a bearing seat. A ratchet is formed on a section of the inner wall of the rotating drum, and a pawl is provided corresponding to the ratchet, and the pawl is connected to the output shaft of the gear set.

6. The wearable knee brace with integrated flexion and extension detection according to claim 5, characterized in that: The magnetic induction power generation component includes but is not limited to a magnetic ring as a rotor and a metal cutting piece as a stator. The magnetic ring is installed in the rotating drum through a supporting plate to rotate with the rotating drum. The metal cutting piece is fixed to the relative position of the magnetic ring through the bracket and is used to cut the magnetic field when the magnetic ring rotates. An induction coil is also arranged on the metal cutting piece, and the induced current of the induction coil is transmitted to the battery through a rectifier and filter circuit.

7. The wearable knee brace with integrated flexion and extension detection according to claim 6, characterized in that: The metal cutting piece is composed of two claw-shaped metal brackets which are staggered and nested, and the induction coil is sandwiched between the two metal brackets.

8. The wearable knee brace with integrated flexion and extension detection according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that: The real-time detection mechanism for the flexion and extension angle includes but is not limited to a photoelectric probe, which is used to detect the position change of the spur rack along its length direction, so as to achieve real-time monitoring of the flexion and extension angle through a pre-set mapping relationship between the spur rack position and the flexion and extension angle.

9. The wearable knee brace with integrated flexion and extension detection according to claim 8, characterized in that: A communication module is also provided near the photoelectric probe, and the communication module is used to transmit the flexion and extension angle data detected by the photoelectric probe to an external receiving device in real time, so that the user can view and record the changes in the flexion and extension angle in real time.

10. The wearable knee brace with integrated flexion and extension detection according to claim 1 or 9, characterized in that: The primary fixing mechanism includes but is not limited to a thigh support and a thigh strap, the secondary fixing mechanism includes but is not limited to a calf support and a calf strap, the thigh support and the calf support are connected by a hinge, and the self-generating mechanism and the flexion and extension angle real-time detection mechanism are integrated on the hinge.

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