Movement assisting device for Parkinson's disease patient

Abstract

The invention discloses an activity auxiliary device for a Parkinson's disease patient, and particularly relates to the field of medical auxiliary instruments. Comprising a seat plate; the armrests are arranged on the seat plate; the back plate is arranged on one side of the seat plate; the supporting column is arranged at the bottom of the seat plate; the universal wheels are arranged on the supporting columns; the two driving wheels are rotationally connected to the two supporting columns; the rotating ring is arranged on the driving wheel; the inclined supporting rod is arranged on the supporting column; the two first sliding grooves are formed in the inclined supporting rods respectively; the supporting rod is movably connected into the first sliding groove; the pedal is connected to the supporting rod; and the driving assembly can drive the first sliding groove to turn over. By the adoption of the technical scheme, the problem that a patient or a nurse needs to assist the Parkinson's patient in placing the feet on a pedal in a traditional wheelchair is solved, and the Parkinson's patient can independently use the wheelchair and conduct simple upper and lower limb exercise.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of medical assistive devices, and in particular to an activity assisting device for patients with Parkinson's disease. Background Art

[0002] Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the world after Alzheimer's disease. Its prevalence and disability rates have increased significantly with the accelerated aging of the population. In the early stages of Parkinson's disease, patients may experience symptoms such as tremor, muscle rigidity, and bradykinesia. As the disease progresses, lower limb motor dysfunction gradually becomes more prominent, manifesting as abnormal gait, balance disorders, and decreased postural stability. Specifically, patients often experience typical symptoms such as reduced or even absent lower limb swing amplitude, dragging of the lower limbs, and forward gait. These movement disorders severely limit the patient's ability to move independently, putting them at extremely high risk of falling during daily activities such as walking, turning, and going up and down stairs. In the late stages of the disease, patients often completely lose the ability to walk due to general stiffness and difficulty in movement, requiring long-term bed rest and eventually dying from complications such as pneumonia.

[0003] Lower limb mobility issues have a particularly profound impact on Parkinson's disease patients. On the one hand, abnormal gait leads to inefficient walking and increased energy consumption, further exacerbating muscle atrophy and joint stiffness. On the other hand, balance impairment makes patients prone to losing their balance when standing or walking, increasing the risk of falls and fractures. Furthermore, the decline in lower limb motor function makes it impossible for patients to independently perform basic activities of life such as dressing, toileting, and transfers, leaving them heavily dependent on family members or caregivers, placing a heavy financial and emotional burden on families and society.

[0004] In terms of assistive devices, traditional wheelchairs, as the main means of mobility for patients with late-stage Parkinson's disease, have significant design flaws. The footrests of existing wheelchairs are usually fixed or manually lifted off the ground, requiring patients or caregivers to actively lift the patient's lower limbs onto the footrests. However, Parkinson's patients often find it difficult to complete this action due to weakened lower limb muscle strength and decreased motor control ability. Even with the assistance of family members, the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and there is a risk of secondary injury. This design flaw severely limits the patient's autonomy, forcing them to rely on others during mobility, which goes against the original intention of assistive devices to "improve the quality of life of patients and reduce the burden of care."

[0005] In summary, the technical challenges facing Parkinson's patients with lower limb mobility difficulties urgently need to be addressed. Existing assistive devices lack structural design, functional implementation, and user experience, failing to meet patients' growing need for autonomous mobility. Therefore, developing a mobility-assisting device that automatically adapts to the patient's lower limb movement characteristics, reduces operational difficulty, and enhances safety is crucial for improving the quality of life of Parkinson's patients and alleviating the burden on their families and society. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention is intended to provide a mobility assist device for Parkinson's disease patients, which solves the problem that traditional wheelchairs require patients or caregivers to assist Parkinson's disease patients in placing their feet on footboards.

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows: A mobility assist device for patients with Parkinson's disease, comprising:

[0008] Sit on a board;

[0009] Two armrests, the two armrests are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the seat;

[0010] A backboard, the backboard being arranged on one side of the seat board;

[0011] Four support columns, the four support columns are symmetrically arranged at the bottom of the seat plate;

[0012] Two universal wheels, each of which is disposed on a support column on a side away from the back plate;

[0013] Two driving wheels, the two driving wheels are rotatably connected to two supporting columns directly below the back plate;

[0014] Two rotating rings, each of which is provided on a corresponding driving wheel;

[0015] Two diagonal braces, the two diagonal braces are symmetrically arranged on the support column where the universal wheel is located;

[0016] Two first chutes, each of which is provided on the corresponding diagonal support rod;

[0017] Two support rods, each of the two support rods being movably connected to a corresponding first sliding groove;

[0018] Two pedals, each of which is connected to a corresponding support rod, and when the pedals are placed vertically, they are flush with the lowest point of the wheel;

[0019] A driving assembly, wherein the driving assembly can drive the first sliding groove to flip.

[0020] Furthermore, the driving assembly includes two turntables and two rotating rods, the two turntables are respectively rotatably connected to the two sides of the seat plate, the two rotating rods are respectively passed through the corresponding diagonal support rods, one end of the rotating rod is connected to the first slide groove, and a traction rope is connected between the other end of the rotating rod and the corresponding turntable, and the traction rope is wrapped around the rotating rod at least once.

[0021] With the above arrangement, when the patient sits on the seat with the armrests, the pedals remain vertically positioned. Compared to traditional wheelchairs, the patient's feet are unobstructed when walking or sitting, making it easier for the patient to use the wheelchair. At the same time, the turntable and traction rope can drive the rotating rod to rotate at least one circle, causing the slide, support rod and pedals to flip, thereby rotating the pedals to the patient's feet, making it easier for the patient to place their feet on the pedals. This is more convenient and safe, and is conducive to the patient's independent use, thereby improving the patient's autonomy.

[0022] Furthermore, a second sliding groove is provided on the diagonal support rod, and the rotating rod is movably connected in the second sliding groove.

[0023] Through the above arrangement, the turntable and the traction rope can drive the rotating rod to slide in the second slide groove, and the pedals on one side or both sides can be raised or lowered, thereby exercising the patient's legs and expanding the function of the device.

[0024] Furthermore, a baffle is integrally formed at one end of the pedal, the baffle and the pedal are perpendicular to each other and the connection is rounded, and the other side of the pedal is provided with a slope.

[0025] Furthermore, a groove is provided in both the pedal and the baffle, and a plurality of mass balls are provided in the groove. Each of the mass balls can be stably placed in the groove of the baffle when the pedal is perpendicular to the ground.

[0026] With this arrangement, when a patient sits on the seat, they only need to touch the baffle with their feet to cause the baffle to cause the pedal to flip or have a tendency to flip, causing the mass ball to slide into the other side of the groove to promote the pedal's flip, greatly improving the reliability of the pedal's flip. At the same time, the slope of the pedal also facilitates the patient's foot's placement on the pedal, and the baffle effectively limits the patient's foot.

[0027] Furthermore, elastic fabric is connected between the two pedals.

[0028] Through the above arrangement, the elastic cloth can be used to keep the two pedals rotating as synchronously as possible, while also preventing the patient from stepping between the two pedals and causing their feet to get stuck or becoming inconvenient to move.

[0029] Furthermore, a third sliding groove is provided on both sides of the seat plate, a slider is provided on each of the turntables, a return spring is connected between the slider and the third sliding groove, and the return spring is always in a compressed state.

[0030] Through the above arrangement, the patient can exercise the upper limbs by pulling the turntable back and forth, and with the help of the patient's legs and the return spring, exercises of different intensities can be provided, which is beneficial to improving the patient's hand or upper limb motor ability.

[0031] Compared with the existing technology, this solution has the following beneficial effects:

[0032] 1. This invention solves the problem of traditional wheelchairs requiring patients or caregivers to manually lift their feet onto the footboard. By utilizing a drive assembly that automatically flips the pedals, patients can achieve autonomous pedal rotation with a simple touch of a baffle or operation of a dial. This innovation completely resolves the difficulty Parkinson's patients face in lifting their feet due to weakened lower limb muscles, significantly improving their ability to use a wheelchair independently and reducing the burden of caregiving on their families.

[0033] 2. The present invention utilizes a turntable and return spring design, allowing patients to actively stretch the turntable for upper limb strength training, while leg strength simultaneously assists in pedal repositioning, achieving coordinated upper and lower limb rehabilitation. Furthermore, the rotating rod slides within the second chute, independently controlling the lift of one or both pedals, meeting the needs of lower limb motor function recovery at different stages.

[0034] 3. In this solution, patients only need to sit or stand naturally or touch the pedal to trigger the device to move. There is no need for a complicated learning process, which is in line with the cognitive and motor ability characteristics of Parkinson's patients. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Figure 1 is an axonometric view of a mobility assist device for Parkinson's disease patients according to the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 is a front view of a mobility assist device for Parkinson's disease patients according to this embodiment;

[0037] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of AA;

[0038] Figure 4 This is a left side view of a mobility assist device for Parkinson's disease patients according to the present invention;

[0039] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure of the support plate in this embodiment.

[0040] The figure marks in the drawings of the specification include: seat 1, armrest 2, backboard 3, handrail 4, support column 5, universal wheel 6, drive wheel 7, swivel 8, support plate 9, first slide 10, diagonal support rod 11, second slide 12, support rod 13, pedal 14, baffle 15, inclined surface 16, groove 17, mass ball 18, ball throwing hole 19, elastic cloth 20, turntable 21, handle 22, rotating rod 23, traction rope 24, third slide 25, return spring 26. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The present invention will be further described in detail below through specific embodiments:

[0042] Example

[0043] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, a mobility assist device for Parkinson's disease patients, comprising:

[0044] The seat plate 1 has a square structure.

[0045] Two armrests 2 are symmetrically welded on the left and right sides of the seat plate 1.

[0046] The back plate 3 is welded to the rear side of the seat plate 1, and a handrail 4 is provided on the top of the back plate 3 to facilitate the caregiver to push the device.

[0047] Four support columns 5 are symmetrically arranged at the four corners of the bottom of the seat plate 1. A connecting rod is welded between two adjacent support columns 5, and the stability of the four support columns 5 is improved by means of the connecting rod.

[0048] Two universal wheels 6 are respectively bolted to the bottom of the two support columns 5 located at the front side, and each universal wheel 6 has its own brake pad.

[0049] Two driving wheels 7 are rotatably connected to the side walls of the two support columns 5 located at the rear side through transmission shafts, and the size of the driving force is greater than that of the universal wheel 6.

[0050] The two swivels 8 are fixedly connected to the corresponding driving wheels 7 through fixing rods.

[0051] Two diagonal bracing rods 11 are symmetrically welded to the front side walls of the two support columns 5 located at the front side. A second sliding groove 12 is opened on the diagonal bracing rod 11, and the rotating rod 23 is movably connected in the second sliding groove 12.

[0052] There are two first chutes 10, each of which is arranged on the support plate 9. The support plate 9 is rectangular, and the vertical channel of the first chute 10 is perpendicular to the short side of the support plate 9. The two support plates 9 are respectively arranged on corresponding diagonal support rods 11. The shape of each first chute 10 is similar to a Y shape. By rotating the first chute 10, the support rod 13 can be located in different positions, so that the height of the pedal 14 from the ground can be adjusted.

[0053] Two support rods 13 are movably connected in corresponding first sliding grooves 10 respectively.

[0054] Two pedals 14 are fixedly connected to the ends of their corresponding support rods 13. When positioned vertically, the pedals 14 are flush with the lowest point of the wheel. That is, when the support rods 13 are at the bottom of the vertical channel in the first chute 10, the ends of the pedals 14 are flush with the ground. A baffle 15 is integrally formed at the rear end of each pedal 14. The baffle 15 and pedal 14 are perpendicular to each other and the connection is rounded. The front end of the pedal 14 is provided with a bevel 16. Both the pedals 14 and the baffle 15 have recesses 17 within them. Within these recesses 17 are multiple mass balls 18, each of which can be stably placed in a recess 17 on the baffle 15 when the pedal 14 is perpendicular to the ground. A ball-dropping hole 19 is provided on the rear side of the baffle 15 to facilitate the placement of the mass balls 18 into the recesses 17. Elastic fabric 20 is also attached between the two pedals 14. The elastic fabric 20 maintains the connection between the two pedals 14 through its elasticity, facilitating their synchronous rotation.

[0055] The drive assembly can drive the first chute 10 to flip. In this embodiment, the drive assembly includes two turntables 21 and two rotating rods 23. A handle 22 is welded to the side wall of each turntable 21. The two turntables 21 are rotatably connected to the two sides of the seat 1. The two rotating rods 23 are respectively installed on the corresponding diagonal support rods 11. One end of the rotating rod 23 is connected to the support plate 9. A traction rope 24 is connected between the other end of the rotating rod 23 and the corresponding turntable 21. The traction rope 24 is wrapped around the rotating rod 23 at least once.

[0056] In this embodiment, a third slide groove 25 is provided on the left and right sides of the seat 1, a rotating shaft is passed through the center of each turntable 21, and a slider is provided at the end of the rotating shaft that is slidably connected to the third slide groove 25. A return spring 26 is connected between the slider and the third slide groove 25, and the return spring 26 is always in a compressed state.

[0057] The working process of this embodiment is as follows:

[0058] When using this assistive device, a Parkinson's patient can walk directly to the seat 1 and sit safely on the seat 1 with the help of the armrest 2. At this time, since the pedal 14 remains in a vertical state, it will not hinder the patient's walking, greatly improving the patient's safety in using the device and the efficiency of sitting.

[0059] When the patient sits on the seat 1, they can maintain support on the backrest 3. At the same time, the patient can touch the baffle 15 with their calf, causing the baffle 15 and pedal 14 to flip together. This allows the patient to simply lift their heel slightly and smoothly place their leg on the pedal 14 as the pedal 14 moves. This allows the patient to place their foot on the pedal 14 independently, reducing the burden on caregivers or family members and increasing the patient's confidence in using the device independently and performing simple daily activities. During the flipping process of the pedal 14, the mass ball 18 slides from the groove 17 of the baffle 15 into the groove 17 of the pedal 14. The impact force of the mass ball 18 helps maintain the reliability of the pedal 14 flipping.

[0060] In this embodiment, the handle 22 can also be used to drive the turntable 21 to rotate, so that the traction rope 24 drives the support plate 9, the support rod 13, and the pedal 14 to rotate at least a certain angle via the rotating rod 23. When the pedal 14 rotates under the drive of the turntable 21 and the traction rope 24, the patient also raises his heel. At this time, the rotation of the pedal 14 allows the inclined surface 16 of the pedal 14 to smoothly enter directly under the patient's heel. Since the pedal 14 creates a certain gap with the ground after rotation, it is easier to lift the patient's foot. For patients with weak lower limb muscles, they can continuously raise their toes to increase the contact area between the back of the foot and the pedal 14. Then, with the help of the pedal 14 as a support point, the turntable 21 is rotated by the handle 22, so that the traction rope 24 is reeled up on the turntable 21 at different times. At this time, the traction rope 24 can drive the rotating rod 23, the support plate 9 and the pedal 14 to move upward along the first slide groove 10, so that the foot can be driven to slide smoothly onto the pedal 14 with the help of the reeling of the leg, and the baffle 15 is used for limiting the position, so that the patient can smoothly place the foot on the pedal 14 independently, which greatly facilitates Parkinson's patients to use this activity assisting device.

[0061] After the patient places his feet on the pedal 14, the driving wheel 7 can be driven to move with the help of the swivel 8 to meet the patient's activity needs. At the same time, for Parkinson's patients, appropriate exercise or movement can improve their physical functions and is also beneficial for them to carry out daily activities with the help of this auxiliary device. When the patient sits on the seat 1, the patient can reel in or release the traction rope 24 through the handle 22 and the turntable 21, thereby achieving control over the raising and lowering of the pedal 14, which is beneficial for achieving the flexion and extension of the patient's legs and the exercise of the leg pedaling strength. When performing pedaling strength training, the reeling and releasing speed of the turntable 21 and the traction rope 24 can be controlled by the handle 22, so that the patient can adjust the speed according to his own situation.

[0062] In addition to exercising the lower limbs by rotating the handle 22 and the turntable 21, the patient can also exercise the upper and lower limbs at the same time by pulling the turntable 21 horizontally through the handle 22. The movement of the turntable 21 is limited by the elastic force of the return spring 26 and the weight of the leg on the pedal 14, so it is possible to achieve upper limb exercises of different intensities. At the same time, different types of exercises can be performed in terms of strength and coordination in conjunction with the exercise of the lower limbs, providing patients with a variety of simple and easy-to-operate exercise methods, which is beneficial to enhancing the functions of the patient's upper and lower limbs and providing better and more effective conditions for the patient's independent activities.

[0063] The above are only embodiments of the present invention, and common knowledge such as the specific structure and / or characteristics of the scheme are not described in detail here. It should be pointed out that for those skilled in the art, without departing from the structure of the present invention, several variations and improvements can be made, which should also be regarded as the scope of protection of the present invention, and these will not affect the effect of the implementation of the present invention and the practicality of the patent. The scope of protection required by this application shall be based on the content of its claims, and the specific implementation methods and other records in the specification can be used to interpret the content of the claims.

Claims

1. An activity assist device for patients with Parkinson's disease, characterized in that: include: Sit board (1); Two armrests (2), the two armrests (2) being symmetrically arranged on both sides of the seat (1); A backboard (3), the backboard (3) being arranged on one side of the seat board (1); Four support columns (5), the four support columns (5) are symmetrically arranged at the bottom of the seat plate (1); Two universal wheels (6), the two universal wheels (6) are respectively arranged on the support column (5) on a side away from the back plate (3); Two driving wheels (7), the two driving wheels (7) are rotatably connected to two supporting columns (5) directly below the back plate (3); Two rotating rings (8), the two rotating rings (8) are respectively arranged on corresponding driving wheels (7); Two diagonal support rods (11), wherein the two diagonal support rods (11) are symmetrically arranged on the support column (5) where the universal wheel (6) is located; Two first chutes (10), the two first chutes (10) being respectively arranged on corresponding diagonal bracing rods (11); Two support rods (13), the two support rods (13) are movably connected in corresponding first sliding grooves (10); Two pedals (14), the two pedals (14) are respectively connected to corresponding support rods (13), and the pedals (14) are flush with the lowest point of the wheel when placed vertically; A driving assembly is provided, wherein the driving assembly is capable of driving the first chute (10) to flip.

2. The activity assist device for Parkinson's disease patients according to claim 1, characterized in that: The driving assembly comprises two turntables (21) and two rotating rods (23). The two turntables (21) are respectively connected to the two sides of the seat (1) in a rotatable manner. The two rotating rods (23) are respectively passed through the corresponding diagonal support rods (11). One end of the rotating rod (23) is connected to the first sliding groove (10). A traction rope (24) is connected between the other end of the rotating rod (23) and the corresponding turntable (21). The traction rope (24) is wound around the rotating rod (23) for at least one circle.

3. The activity assisting device for Parkinson's disease patients according to claim 2, characterized in that: A second sliding groove (12) is provided on the diagonal support rod (11), and the rotating rod (23) is movably connected in the second sliding groove (12).

4. The activity assisting device for Parkinson's disease patients according to claim 3, characterized in that: A baffle (15) is integrally formed at one end of the pedal (14), the baffle (15) and the pedal (14) are perpendicular to each other and the connection is rounded, and the other side of the pedal (14) is provided with an inclined surface (16).

5. The activity assisting device for Parkinson's disease patients according to claim 4, characterized in that: A groove (17) is provided in both the pedal (14) and the baffle (15), and a plurality of mass balls (18) are provided in the groove (17). Each mass ball (18) can be stably placed in the groove (17) at the baffle (15) when the pedal (14) is perpendicular to the ground.

6. The activity assisting device for Parkinson's disease patients according to claim 5, characterized in that: An elastic cloth (20) is connected between the two pedals (14).

7. The activity assisting device for Parkinson's disease patients according to claim 2, characterized in that: A third chute (25) is provided on both sides of the seat (1), and a slider is provided on each of the turntables (21). A return spring (26) is connected between the slider and the third chute (25), and the return spring (26) is always in a compressed state.

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