Orthosis hinge device applied to knee joint and knee joint rehabilitation module

Abstract

The invention relates to an orthosis hinge device applied to a knee joint and a knee joint rehabilitation module. The orthosis hinge device comprises a first connecting piece, a second connecting piece, a mounting base and a vertical linkage assembly, and the vertical linkage assembly comprises a second connecting column, a second gear and a second rack; the second connecting column is connected with the second connecting piece, and the second connecting column is vertically and slidably connected with the mounting seat; the second connecting column is fixedly sleeved with the second gear, the second rack is vertically arranged on the mounting base and meshed with the second gear, one end of the first connecting piece is connected with the supporting strip, and the other end of the first connecting piece is connected with the mounting base. Compared with the prior art, the orthosis hinge device applied to the knee joint can be linked by guiding the shank of a patient to swing, the reciprocating traction effect on the knee joint is achieved, and the orthosis hinge device has the advantage of being good in orthosis effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of rehabilitation equipment, and in particular to an orthosis hinge device applied to a knee joint and a knee joint rehabilitation module. Background Art

[0002] Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a chronic degenerative disease characterized by degeneration and wear of articular cartilage. Clinically, it presents with joint pain, stiffness, and limited mobility, severely impacting patients' quality of life. With the aging population, the incidence of KOA has been increasing annually, becoming a global public health concern. Currently, treatments for KOA primarily include medication, physical therapy, and surgical intervention, with non-invasive conservative treatments attracting considerable attention due to their safety.

[0003] Knee orthoses are an important part of the conservative treatment for KOA, relieving pain and improving function through mechanical support, force alignment, and joint unloading. Traditional unloading orthoses (such as unicompartmental unloading braces) can transfer load from the affected joint area to the healthy area, but clinical studies have shown that they are limited in increasing joint space and promoting cartilage repair. Existing orthoses still lack the ability to incorporate traction functions, resulting in poor treatment effectiveness. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In response to the above technical problems, the present invention provides an orthosis hinge device applied to the knee joint and a knee joint rehabilitation module. By guiding the patient's calf to swing, the linkage device can achieve a reciprocating traction effect on the knee joint, which has the advantage of better correction effect.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions: An orthosis hinge device applied to a knee joint, comprising: The first connecting piece and the second connecting piece are both used to connect the supports; Mounting base, which provides a platform for mounting components; and A vertical linkage assembly, comprising a second connecting column, a second gear, and a second rack; the second connecting column is connected to the second connecting member, and the second connecting column is vertically slidably connected to the mounting base; the second gear is fixedly sleeved on the second connecting column, the second rack is vertically arranged on the mounting base, and the second rack is meshed with the second gear; One end of the first connecting member is connected to the support bar, and the other end is connected to the mounting seat.

[0006] In one embodiment, a horizontal linkage component is further included, and the horizontal linkage component includes: a first connecting post, the first connecting post being connected to the first connecting member, and the first connecting post being horizontally slidably connected to the mounting seat; a first gear, the first gear being fixedly sleeved on the first connecting column; a first rack, the first rack being horizontally disposed on the mounting seat and meshing with the first gear; and A linkage member is hinged to the mounting seat, one end of the linkage member is hinged to the first connecting column, and the other end is hinged to the second connecting column.

[0007] In one possible embodiment, the linkage comprises: a connecting rod, wherein a middle portion of the connecting rod is rotatably connected to the mounting seat, one end of the connecting rod extends in the direction of the first gear, and the other end extends in the direction of the second gear; a first movable sleeve rod, the first movable sleeve rod being slidably sleeved on the connecting rod, and an end portion of the first movable sleeve rod being hinged to the first connecting column; The second movable sleeve rod is slidably sleeved on the connecting rod, and the end of the second movable sleeve rod is hinged to the second connecting column.

[0008] In one possible embodiment, the mounting seat is provided with a first travel groove and a second travel groove; The first connecting column is slidably connected to the mounting seat through the first travel groove; The second connecting column is slidably connected to the mounting seat through the second travel groove.

[0009] In one possible embodiment, buffer pads are provided at both ends of the first travel groove and the second travel groove.

[0010] In one possible embodiment, the second gear corresponds to the second rack, and when the second gear follows the rack and rotates 45 degrees from a vertical state, the second gear rolls on the second gear and displaces 26 mm.

[0011] In one possible implementation manner, when the rolling displacement of the second gear is 26 mm, the second gear is linked to the first gear for horizontal movement of 15 mm via the linkage member.

[0012] In one possible implementation manner, a shell is provided on the mounting seat, and the shell protects the vertical linkage assembly and the horizontal linkage assembly.

[0013] The present invention also provides a knee joint rehabilitation module, comprising the orthosis hinge device described in the above solution, and further comprising a thigh support and a calf support; The orthosis hinge devices are provided with two, for installation on both sides of the knee joint, and the two orthosis hinge devices are provided in a mirror-inverted state; In one of the orthosis hinge devices, the corresponding first connecting member is connected to the calf support, and the second connecting member is connected to the thigh support; In another orthosis hinge device, the corresponding first connecting member is connected to the calf support bar, and the second connecting member is connected to the thigh support bar.

[0014] The present invention has the following advantages due to the adoption of the above technical solution: After completing the installation of this device, when starting rehabilitation training, instruct the patient to bend the calf for training. The bending of the calf synchronously drives the second gear to rotate through the second connecting member. During the rotation process, since the second gear is engaged with the second rack, the rotation of the second gear will be converted into the second connecting column moving upward on the mounting seat. By swinging the calf back and forth, the vertical stretching of the knee joint can be achieved through the second connecting member. Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides an orthosis hinge device applied to the knee joint, which can link the device by guiding the patient's calf to swing, and achieve the effect of reciprocating traction on the knee joint, which has the advantage of better correction effect; The device adopts a modular design, consisting of a first connector, a second connector, a mounting base, and a linkage assembly. This split structure not only facilitates assembly and maintenance but also allows for flexible adaptation to the body shapes of different patients. The vertical linkage assembly, through a rack-and-pinion mechanism, directly converts flexion and extension of the lower leg into precise vertical traction. A 45° rotation of the second gear achieves the clinically proven optimal 26mm stretch, ensuring effective treatment results.

[0015] Even more innovative is the addition of a transverse linkage component, which, through its ingenious design, simultaneously converts vertical movement into horizontal stretching. This linkage utilizes a connecting rod with a slidably adjustable sleeve, enabling multi-dimensional dynamic stretching while also allowing for adjustment of the pivot position based on individual patient differences, ensuring the stretching direction is more aligned with the biomechanical properties of the knee joint. This bidirectional linkage mechanism transcends the limitations of traditional orthoses, enabling simultaneous and differentiated stretching of the A and B joint spaces.

[0016] In terms of safety, the device features a specially designed cushioning structure and integral housing, which not only prevents hard collisions between moving parts but also protects against dust and damage, significantly enhancing the product's durability and safety. During installation, the positions of the supports and connectors can be adjusted incrementally, significantly simplifying the operation for medical personnel.

[0017] Furthermore, the module provided by this invention is composed of two devices, which, through bilaterally differentiated installation, achieve coordinated regulation of the medial and lateral gaps of the knee joint. This design enables a simple knee flexion to trigger multi-dimensional compound stretching, ensuring therapeutic efficacy while significantly improving patient compliance. The entire system, from mechanical design to clinical validation, fully considers ergonomic requirements, making rehabilitation training more scientific, safe, and comfortable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 This is a front view schematic diagram of the structure of an orthosis hinge device in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 2. It is a schematic diagram of the rear view of the hinge device of the orthosis according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the side structure of the orthosis hinge device in one embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the bending structure of the hinge device of the orthosis in one embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 A side view of a knee joint rehabilitation module in use according to one embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 A side view of another usage state of the knee joint rehabilitation module in one embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the knee joint space; Reference numerals: 1. First connecting member; 2. Second connecting member; 3. Mounting seat; 31. First travel slot; 32. Second travel slot; 4. Vertical linkage assembly; 41. Second connecting column; 42. Second gear; 43. Second rack; 5. Transverse linkage assembly; 51. First connecting column; 52. First gear; 53. First rack; 54. Linkage member; 541. Connecting rod; 542. First movable sleeve rod; 543. Second movable sleeve rod. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions of the present invention are described clearly and completely below. Obviously, the embodiments described are only some of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. All other embodiments derived by ordinary persons in this field based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in the present invention shall have the usual meanings understood by persons of ordinary skill in the field to which the present invention belongs. The words "first", "second", "third", "fourth" and similar terms used in the present invention do not indicate any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. Words such as "include" or "comprise" mean that the elements or objects preceding the word include the elements or objects listed after the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Words such as "connect" or "connected" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect.

[0021] Knee orthosis is one of the important means of conservative treatment of KOA, which relieves pain and improves function through mechanical support, force line adjustment and joint unloading. Traditional unloading orthoses (such as single-compartment unloading braces) can transfer the load from the diseased joint area to the healthy part, but clinical studies have shown that they have limited effects in increasing the joint space and promoting cartilage repair. Existing orthoses are still insufficient in combining traction functions, and have the problem of poor correction effect. In response to the above technical problems, the present invention provides an orthosis hinge device and a knee joint rehabilitation module for use in the knee joint. By guiding the patient's calf swing, the linkage device can achieve a reciprocating traction effect on the knee joint, which has the advantage of better correction effect. The technical solution of the present invention is described in detail below with reference to specific examples.

[0022] Reference Figure 1 、 Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the present invention relates to an orthotic hinge device for a knee joint, comprising a first connector 1, a second connector 2, a mounting base 3, and a vertical linkage assembly 4. The first connector 1 and the second connector 2 are both used to connect to the support bar, while the mounting base 3 provides a component mounting platform. One end of the first connector 1 is connected to the support bar, and the other end is connected to the mounting base 3.

[0023] The vertical linkage assembly 4 includes a second connecting post 41, a second gear 42, and a second rack 43. The second connecting post 41 is connected to the second connector 2 and vertically slidably connected to the mounting base 3. The second gear 42 is fixedly mounted on the second connecting post 41, and the second rack 43 is vertically mounted on the mounting base 3 and meshes with the second gear 42.

[0024] It should be noted that the entire device requires the use of a thigh support and a calf support. One thigh support is attached to the patient's thigh, while the other calf support is attached to the patient's calf. Therefore, when installing the device, the first connector 1 is connected to the thigh support, and the second connector 2 is connected to the calf support. During installation, the positions need to be gradually adjusted to accommodate the patient.

[0025] For example, after the installation of the device is completed, when rehabilitation training begins, the patient is instructed to bend the calf for training. The bending of the calf synchronously drives the second gear 42 to rotate through the second connecting member 2. During the rotation process, since the second gear 42 is engaged with the second rack 43, the rotation of the second gear 42 will be converted into the second connecting column 41 moving upward on the mounting seat 3. By swinging the calf back and forth, the vertical stretching of the knee joint can be achieved through the second connecting member 2. Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides an orthosis hinge device applied to the knee joint. By guiding the patient's calf to swing, the linkage device can be used to achieve the effect of reciprocating traction on the knee joint, which has the advantage of better correction effect.

[0026] Reference Figure 2 、 Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, it is more preferred that the device further includes a transverse linkage assembly 5 , and the transverse linkage assembly 5 includes a first connecting column 51 , a first gear 52 , a first rack 53 and a linkage member 54 .

[0027] A first connecting post 51 is connected to the first connecting member 1 and is in horizontal sliding connection with the mounting base 3. A first gear 52 is fixedly mounted on the first connecting post 51. Meanwhile, a first rack 53 is horizontally disposed on the mounting base 3 and meshes with the first gear 52. A linkage member 54 is hingedly connected to the mounting base 3, with one end hingedly connected to the first connecting post 51 and the other end hingedly connected to the second connecting post 41.

[0028] It should be noted that, under the linkage of the linkage 54, when the second gear 42 moves upward, the second gear 42 will be linked to the first gear 52 to move horizontally through the linkage 54. Therefore, the vertical reciprocating motion of the second gear 42 will be linked to the first gear 52 to perform horizontal reciprocating motion, thereby realizing dynamic stretching training of the knee joint and further improving the rehabilitation stretching effect of the device.

[0029] In this embodiment, the linkage member 54 specifically includes a connecting rod 541, a first movable sleeve rod 542, and a second movable sleeve rod 543. The middle portion of the connecting rod 541 is rotatably connected to the mounting base 3 via a rotating shaft, with one end extending toward the first gear 52 and the other end extending toward the second gear 42. The first movable sleeve rod 542 is slidably mounted on the connecting rod 541, with its end hinged to the first connecting post 51. The second movable sleeve rod 543 is slidably mounted on the connecting rod 541, with its end hinged to the second connecting post 41.

[0030] It should be noted that during the installation process, the position needs to be gradually adjusted to suit the patient. During adjustment, the position of the shaft can be adjusted accordingly to ensure that the shaft position is within the required stretching gap.

[0031] In this embodiment, specifically, a first travel groove 31 and a second travel groove 32 are provided on the mounting seat 3. The first connecting post 51 is slidably connected to the mounting base 3 through the first travel groove 31 , and the second connecting post 41 is slidably connected to the mounting base 3 through the second travel groove 32 . Specific implementation method: After installing the device, when starting rehabilitation training, instruct the patient to bend their calf. The bending of the calf drives the second gear 42 to rotate synchronously through the second connecting member 2. During the rotation process, since the second gear 42 is engaged with the second rack 43, the rotation of the second gear 42 is converted into an upward movement of the second connecting column 41 on the mounting base 3. By swinging the calf back and forth, the second connecting member 2 can achieve vertical stretching of the knee joint. During the vertical movement of the second gear 42, under the linkage of the linkage member 54, the second gear 42 will link the first gear 52 to move horizontally through the linkage member 54. Therefore, the vertical reciprocating motion of the second gear 42 will link the first gear 52 to perform horizontal reciprocating motion, thereby realizing dynamic stretching training of the knee joint in the vertical and horizontal directions, further improving the rehabilitation stretching effect of the present device.

[0033] In this embodiment, it is better to prevent the first connecting column 51 and the second connecting column 41 from directly colliding with the first travel groove 31 and the second travel groove 32, so buffer pads are provided at both ends of the first travel groove 31 and the second travel groove 32, which can not only protect the components but also play a role in silence.

[0034] Also for the purpose of protecting components, in this embodiment, a shell is provided on the mounting base 3 , which protects the vertical linkage assembly 4 and the horizontal linkage assembly 5 .

[0035] In this embodiment, more preferably, the second gear 42 corresponds to the second rack 43 , and when the second gear 42 rotates 45 degrees from a vertical state following the support bar, the second gear 42 rolls on the second gear 42 for a displacement of 26 mm.

[0036] It should be noted that 26 mm is the verified optimal stretching stroke. In addition, when the second gear 42 rolls and displaces 26 mm, the second gear 42 is linked to the first gear 52 via the linkage member 54 to move horizontally by 15 mm.

[0037] Reference Figure 4 、 Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the present invention also provides a knee joint rehabilitation module, including a thigh support, a calf support and the orthosis hinge device mentioned in the above scheme, wherein two devices are provided for installation on both sides of the knee joint.

[0038] This module is specifically used for dynamic stretching rehabilitation training of the knee joint. Figure 7 As shown in the figure, gaps A and B are marked. In order to achieve dynamic stretching, the orthosis hinge device needs to be installed on both sides of the knee joint. During the training process, by guiding the patient to bend the calf, the gap at A is expanded and stretched, and the gap at B is contracted and stretched, thereby achieving dynamic stretching.

[0039] Specifically, one of the orthosis hinge devices is installed on one side of the knee joint, the first connecting member 1 is connected to the thigh support and is fixed to one side of the patient's thigh through the thigh support, and the second connecting member 2 is connected to the calf support and is fixed to the same side of the patient's calf through the calf support; The other orthotic hinge device is installed on the other side of the knee joint. Since the stretching movements required for the gap at A and the gap at B are opposite movements, the orthotic hinge device on this side is installed in an inverted state. Its first connecting member 1 is connected to the calf support and is fixed to one side of the patient's thigh through the calf support. The second connecting member 2 is connected to the thigh support and is fixed to the same side of the patient's thigh through the thigh support. During the installation process, the position of the corresponding orthotic hinge device needs to be gradually adjusted to adapt to the patient.

[0040] It should be noted that at this time, the two orthosis hinge devices show reverse stretching up and down, and reverse stretching horizontally front and back, so as to achieve expansion stretching of the gap at A and contraction stretching of the gap at B, thereby realizing dynamic stretching.

[0041] Among them, the vertical displacement of A needs to be larger, so the corresponding orthosis hinge device is the second connecting member 2 connected to the calf support bar. Specific implementation method: After installing this module, when starting rehabilitation training, instruct the patient to bend their calves. The bending of the calves is synchronized with the corresponding orthosis hinge devices through the calf supports on both sides: Hinge device of the orthosis on the side of the gap close to point A: The calf support bar drives the first gear 52 to rotate synchronously through the first connecting member 1. During the rotation process, since the first gear 52 is engaged with the first rack 53, the rotation of the first gear 52 is converted into horizontal movement of the first connecting column 51 on the mounting seat 3. By swinging the calf back and forth, the first connecting member 1 can achieve horizontal stretching of the knee joint. During the vertical movement of the first gear 52, the first gear 52 will swing in conjunction with the second gear 42 through the linkage of the linkage 54. Due to the limiting and guiding effect of the second travel groove 32, the second connecting column 41 will move vertically in conjunction with the first gear 52. Therefore, the horizontal reciprocating motion of the first gear 52 will also cause the second gear 42 to move vertically in conjunction with the second gear 42. Hinge device of the orthosis on the side close to the gap at B: The calf support bar drives the second gear 42 to rotate synchronously through the second connecting member 2. During the rotation process, since the second gear 42 is engaged with the second rack 43, the rotation of the second gear 42 will be converted into an upward movement of the second connecting column 41 on the mounting seat 3. By swinging the calf back and forth, the second connecting member 2 can achieve vertical stretching of the knee joint. During the vertical movement of the second gear 42, the second gear 42 will move horizontally in conjunction with the first gear 52 through the linkage of the linkage 54. Therefore, the vertical reciprocating motion of the second gear 42 will drive the first gear 52 to move horizontally. The horizontal movement of the two orthosis hinge devices can be adjusted to movement in the same plane or to movement in different planes, and the specific adaptive adjustment is made according to the established rehabilitation plan.

[0043] The knee joint rehabilitation module provided by the present invention not only provides the knee joint with a traction function in the vertical direction, but also has a synchronous traction structure on the front and back sides in the horizontal direction. The vertical and front and back traction can be performed synchronously through the connecting device, which is more in line with ergonomics and has a higher rehabilitation effect.

[0044] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A hinge device for an orthosis applied to a knee joint, characterized in that: include: The first connecting piece and the second connecting piece are both used to connect the supports; Mounting base, providing a platform for component installation; as well as A vertical linkage assembly, comprising a second connecting column, a second gear, and a second rack; the second connecting column is connected to the second connecting member, and the second connecting column is vertically slidably connected to the mounting base; the second gear is fixedly sleeved on the second connecting column, the second rack is vertically arranged on the mounting base, and the second rack is meshed with the second gear; One end of the first connecting member is connected to the support bar, and the other end is connected to the mounting seat.

2. The orthosis hinge device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a horizontal linkage component, which includes: a first connecting post, the first connecting post being connected to the first connecting member, and the first connecting post being horizontally slidably connected to the mounting seat; a first gear, the first gear being fixedly sleeved on the first connecting column; a first rack, the first rack being horizontally disposed on the mounting seat and meshing with the first gear; and A linkage member is hinged to the mounting seat, one end of the linkage member is hinged to the first connecting column, and the other end is hinged to the second connecting column.

3. The orthosis hinge device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The linkage comprises: a connecting rod, wherein a middle portion of the connecting rod is rotatably connected to the mounting seat, one end of the connecting rod extends toward the first gear, and the other end extends toward the second gear; a first movable sleeve rod, the first movable sleeve rod being slidably sleeved on the connecting rod, and an end portion of the first movable sleeve rod being hinged to the first connecting column; The second movable sleeve rod is slidably sleeved on the connecting rod, and the end of the second movable sleeve rod is hinged to the second connecting column.

4. The orthosis hinge device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The mounting seat is provided with a first travel groove and a second travel groove; The first connecting column is slidably connected to the mounting seat through the first travel groove; The second connecting column is slidably connected to the mounting seat through the second travel groove.

5. The orthosis hinge device according to claim 4, characterized in that: Buffer pads are provided at both ends of the first travel groove and the second travel groove.

6. The orthosis hinge device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second gear corresponds to the second rack. When the second gear follows the support bar and rotates 45 degrees from a vertical state, the second gear rolls on the second gear and displaces 26 mm.

7. The orthosis hinge device according to claim 6, characterized in that: When the rolling displacement of the second gear is 26 mm, the second gear is linked with the first gear to move horizontally by 15 mm through the linkage member.

8. The orthosis hinge device according to claim 2, characterized in that: A shell is provided on the mounting seat, and the shell protects the vertical linkage component and the horizontal linkage component.

9. A knee joint rehabilitation module, characterized in that: The orthosis hinge device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a thigh support and a calf support; The orthosis hinge devices are provided with two, for installation on both sides of the knee joint, and the two orthosis hinge devices are provided in a mirror-inverted state; In one of the orthosis hinge devices, the corresponding first connecting member is connected to the calf support bar, and the second connecting member is connected to the thigh support bar; In another orthosis hinge device, the corresponding first connecting member is connected to the calf support bar, and the second connecting member is connected to the thigh support bar.

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