An orthotic hinge device for the knee joint and a knee joint rehabilitation module

Abstract

This invention relates to an orthotic hinge device for the knee joint and a knee joint rehabilitation module. The orthotic hinge device includes a first connector, a second connector, a mounting base, and a vertical linkage assembly. The vertical linkage assembly includes a second connecting post, a second gear, and a second rack. The second connecting post is connected to the second connector and is vertically slidably connected to the mounting base. The second gear is fixedly sleeved on the second connecting post, and the second rack is vertically mounted on the mounting base and meshes with the second gear. One end of the first connector is connected to a support bar, and the other end is connected to the mounting base. Compared with the prior art, this invention provides an orthotic hinge device for the knee joint. By guiding the patient to swing their lower leg, the linkage device can be activated to achieve a reciprocating traction effect on the knee joint, resulting in better corrective efficacy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of rehabilitation equipment technology, and in particular to an orthotic hinge device for the knee joint and a knee joint rehabilitation module. Background Technology

[0002] Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a chronic degenerative disease characterized by degeneration and wear of articular cartilage. Clinical manifestations include joint pain, stiffness, and limited mobility, severely impacting patients' quality of life. With the increasing aging population, the incidence of KOA is rising annually, becoming a global public health issue. Currently, KOA treatment mainly includes medication, physical therapy, and surgical intervention, among which non-invasive conservative treatments have received considerable attention due to their safety profile.

[0003] Knee orthoses are an important means of conservative treatment for knee arthritis (KOA). They relieve pain and improve function through mechanical support, alignment, and joint unloading. Traditional unloading orthoses (such as single-compartment unloading braces) can transfer the load from the affected joint area to the healthy area. However, clinical studies have shown that their effect on increasing joint space and promoting cartilage repair is limited. Existing orthoses still have shortcomings in combining traction function, resulting in poor corrective effects. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides an orthotic hinge device and a knee joint rehabilitation module for use in the knee joint. By guiding the patient to swing their lower leg, the device can be linked to achieve a reciprocating traction effect on the knee joint, which has the advantage of good corrective effect.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] An orthotic hinge device for use in the knee joint, comprising:

[0007] Both the first connector and the second connector are used to connect the support bars;

[0008] Mounting bracket, providing a platform for component mounting; and

[0009] A vertical linkage assembly includes a second connecting post, a second gear, and a second rack; the second connecting post is connected to the second connecting member, and the second connecting post is vertically slidably connected to the mounting base; the second gear is fixedly sleeved on the second connecting post, and the second rack is vertically disposed on the mounting base, and the second rack meshes with the second gear;

[0010] One end of the first connector is connected to the support bar, and the other end is connected to the mounting base.

[0011] In one possible implementation, a lateral linkage component is also included, the lateral linkage component comprising:

[0012] A first connecting post is connected to the first connecting member, and the first connecting post is horizontally slidably connected to the mounting base;

[0013] The first gear is fixedly sleeved on the first connecting post;

[0014] A first rack, horizontally disposed on the mounting base, meshing with the first gear; and

[0015] A linkage component is hinged to the mounting base, with one end of the linkage component hinged to the first connecting column and the other end hinged to the second connecting column.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the linkage includes:

[0017] A connecting rod, the middle part of which is rotatably connected to the mounting base, with one end extending toward the first gear and the other end extending toward the second gear;

[0018] The first movable sleeve rod is slidably sleeved on the connecting rod, and the end of the first movable sleeve rod is hinged to the first connecting post;

[0019] The second movable sleeve is slidably sleeved on the connecting rod, and the end of the second movable sleeve is hinged to the second connecting column.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the mounting base is provided with a first travel groove and a second travel groove;

[0021] The first connecting column is slidably connected to the mounting base via the first travel groove;

[0022] The second connecting column is slidably connected to the mounting base via the second stroke groove.

[0023] In one possible implementation, buffer pads are provided at both ends of the first travel groove and the second travel groove.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the second gear corresponds to the second rack, and when the second gear rotates 45 degrees from the vertical position with the support, the second gear rolls 26 mm on the second rack.

[0025] In one possible implementation, when the second gear rolls 26mm, the second gear moves horizontally 15mm in conjunction with the first gear via the linkage.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the mounting base is provided with a housing that protects the vertical linkage component and the horizontal linkage component.

[0027] The present invention also provides a knee joint rehabilitation module, including the orthotic hinge device described in the above solution, and further including a thigh support and a calf support;

[0028] The orthotic hinge device is provided in two parts for installation on both sides of the knee joint, and the two orthotic hinge devices are arranged in a mirror-inverted state.

[0029] In one of the orthotics hinge devices, the corresponding first connector is connected to the lower leg support, and the second connector is connected to the thigh support;

[0030] In another orthotic hinge device, the corresponding first connector is connected to the lower leg support, and the second connector is connected to the thigh support.

[0031] The present invention has the following advantages due to the adoption of the above technical solutions:

[0032] After the device is installed, during rehabilitation training, the patient is instructed to bend their lower leg. The bending of the lower leg synchronously drives the second gear to rotate via the second connector. During this rotation, because the second gear meshes with the second rack, the rotation of the second gear is converted into the upward movement of the second connecting column on the mounting base. By reciprocatingly swinging the lower leg, vertical stretching of the knee joint can be achieved through the second connector. Compared with existing technologies, this invention provides an orthotic hinge device for the knee joint. By instructing the patient to swing their lower leg, the device can be linked to achieve a reciprocating traction effect on the knee joint, offering the advantage of better corrective effect.

[0033] The device adopts a modular design, consisting of a first connector, a second connector, a mounting base, and a linkage component. This modular structure not only facilitates assembly and maintenance but also flexibly adapts to the body shape needs of different patients. The vertical linkage component, through a gear-rack meshing mechanism, directly converts the flexion and extension movements of the lower leg into precise vertical traction. A 45° rotation of the second gear achieves the clinically validated optimal 26mm stretching stroke, ensuring the scientific effectiveness of the treatment.

[0034] More innovatively, the device incorporates a lateral linkage component, cleverly transforming vertical movement into horizontal traction through a clever linkage design. This linkage uses a connecting rod in conjunction with a sliding, adjustable sleeve, achieving multi-dimensional dynamic stretching while allowing adjustment of the pivot position based on individual patient differences, making the stretching direction more aligned with the biomechanical characteristics of the knee joint. This bidirectional linkage mechanism overcomes the limitations of traditional orthotics' single-traction approach, enabling the A / B joint space to simultaneously achieve differentiated stretching effects.

[0035] In terms of safety, the device features a specially designed buffer pad protection structure and an overall encapsulated shell, which not only avoids hard impacts to moving parts but also provides dust and damage protection, significantly improving the product's durability and safety. During actual installation, the positions of the support bars and connectors can be gradually adjusted, greatly reducing the operational difficulty for medical personnel.

[0036] Furthermore, the module provided by this invention consists of two devices combined, achieving coordinated control of the medial and lateral knee joint space through differentiated installation on both sides. This design allows simple knee flexion movements to trigger multi-dimensional compound stretching, ensuring therapeutic efficacy while significantly improving patient training compliance. The entire system, from mechanical design to clinical validation, fully considers ergonomic requirements, making rehabilitation training more scientific, safe, and comfortable. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is a front view structural schematic diagram of the orthopedic hinge device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 2 This is a rear view structural schematic diagram of the orthopedic hinge device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the side structure of the orthopedic hinge device in one embodiment of the invention;

[0040] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the bending structure of an orthopedic hinge device in one embodiment of the invention;

[0041] Figure 5 A side view of the knee joint rehabilitation module in use according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0042] Figure 6 This is a side view of another usage state of the knee joint rehabilitation module in one embodiment of the invention;

[0043] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the knee joint space.

[0044] Figure label:

[0045] 1. First connector; 2. Second connector;

[0046] 3. Mounting base; 31. First stroke slot; 32. Second stroke slot;

[0047] 4. Vertical linkage component; 41. Second connecting column; 42. Second gear; 43. Second rack;

[0048] 5. Lateral linkage assembly; 51. First connecting column; 52. First gear; 53. First rack; 54. Linkage component; 541. Connecting rod; 542. First movable sleeve rod; 543. Second movable sleeve rod. Detailed Implementation

[0049] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention are described clearly and completely below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0050] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this invention shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and similar terms used in this invention do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as "comprising" or "including" mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as "connected" or "linked" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect.

[0051] Knee orthoses are an important means of conservative treatment for knee arthritis (KOA), relieving pain and improving 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 area, but clinical studies have shown that their effect on increasing joint space and promoting cartilage repair is limited. Existing orthoses still have shortcomings in combining traction function, resulting in poor corrective effects. To address the above technical problems, this invention provides an orthopedic hinge device and a knee joint rehabilitation module for the knee joint. By guiding the patient to swing their lower leg, the device can be linked to achieve a reciprocating traction effect on the knee joint, which has the advantage of better corrective effect. The technical solution of this invention will be described in detail below with specific examples.

[0052] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 3As shown, the present invention relates to an orthotic hinge device for the 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 support bars, and the mounting base 3 provides a platform for mounting components. One end of the first connector 1 is connected to the support bar, and the other end is connected to the mounting base 3.

[0053] 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 connecting member 2 and is vertically slidably connected to the mounting base 3. The second gear 42 is fixedly sleeved on the second connecting post 41, and the second rack 43 is vertically disposed on the mounting base 3, meshing with the second gear 42.

[0054] It should be noted that this device requires the use of a thigh support and a calf support. One thigh support is secured to the patient's thigh, and the calf support is secured to the patient's calf. Therefore, when installing this device, the first connector 1 needs to be connected to the thigh support, and the second connector 2 needs to be connected to the calf support. During installation, the position needs to be gradually adjusted to accommodate the patient.

[0055] For example, after the device is installed, when rehabilitation training begins, the patient is instructed to bend their lower leg. The bending of the lower leg synchronously drives the second gear 42 to rotate via the second connecting member 2. During rotation, because the second gear 42 meshes with the second rack 43, the rotation of the second gear 42 is converted into the upward movement of the second connecting column 41 on the mounting base 3. By reciprocating the swinging of the lower leg, vertical stretching of the knee joint can be achieved through the second connecting member 2. Compared with the prior art, this invention provides an orthotic hinge device for the knee joint. By instructing the patient to swing their lower leg, the device can be linked to achieve a reciprocating traction effect on the knee joint, resulting in better corrective efficacy.

[0056] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, more preferably, the device further includes a lateral linkage component 5, which includes a first connecting post 51, a first gear 52, a first rack 53, and a linkage member 54.

[0057] The first connecting post 51 is connected to the first connecting member 1, and the first connecting post 51 is horizontally slidably connected to the mounting base 3. The first gear 52 is fixedly sleeved on the first connecting post 51, and the first rack 53 is horizontally arranged on the mounting base 3, meshing with the first gear 52. The linkage member 54 is hinged to the mounting base 3, with one end of the linkage member 54 hinged to the first connecting post 51 and the other end hinged to the second connecting post 41.

[0058] It should be noted that, under the linkage of the linkage 54, when the second gear 42 moves upward, the second gear 42 will move horizontally through the linkage 54 to the first gear 52. Therefore, the vertical reciprocating motion of the second gear 42 will cause the first gear 52 to move horizontally, thereby realizing dynamic stretching training of the knee joint and further improving the rehabilitation stretching effect of this device.

[0059] In this embodiment, the linkage 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 pivot, with one end extending towards the first gear 52 and the other end extending towards the second gear 42. The first movable sleeve rod 542 is slidably sleeved on the connecting rod 541, and its end is hinged to the first connecting post 51. The second movable sleeve rod 543 is slidably sleeved on the connecting rod 541, and its end is hinged to the second connecting post 41.

[0060] It should be noted that during installation, the position needs to be gradually adjusted to accommodate the patient. Adjustments can be made according to the position of the rotating shaft, ensuring it is within the required stretching gap.

[0061] In this embodiment, specifically, a first travel groove 31 and a second travel groove 32 are provided on the mounting base 3.

[0062] The first connecting post 51 is slidably connected to the mounting base 3 via the first stroke groove 31, and the second connecting post 41 is slidably connected to the mounting base 3 via the second stroke groove 32. Detailed implementation method:

[0064] After the device is installed, when rehabilitation training begins, the patient is instructed to bend their lower leg. The bending of the lower leg synchronously drives the second gear 42 to rotate through the second connector 2. During the rotation, because the second gear 42 meshes with the second rack 43, the rotation of the second gear 42 will be converted into the upward movement of the second connecting column 41 on the mounting base 3. By reciprocating the swinging of the lower leg, the vertical stretching of the knee joint can be achieved through the second connector 2.

[0065] During the vertical movement of the second gear 42, under the linkage of the linkage 54, the second gear 42 will move horizontally in conjunction with the first gear 52. Therefore, the vertical reciprocating motion of the second gear 42 will cause the first gear 52 to move horizontally in conjunction with the first gear 52, thereby realizing dynamic stretching training of the knee joint in both vertical and horizontal directions, and further improving the rehabilitation stretching effect of this device.

[0066] In this embodiment, more preferably, in order to prevent the first connecting post 51 and the second connecting post 41 from directly colliding with the first stroke groove 31 and the second stroke groove 32, buffer pads are provided at both ends of the first stroke groove 31 and the second stroke groove 32, which can not only protect the components, but also play a role in noise reduction.

[0067] Also for the purpose of protecting the components, in this embodiment, the mounting base 3 is provided with a housing, which protects the vertical linkage component 4 and the horizontal linkage component 5.

[0068] 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 the vertical position with the support, the second gear 42 rolls 26 mm on the second gear 42.

[0069] It should be noted that 26mm is the optimal stretching stroke after verification. In addition, when the second gear 42 rolls 26mm, the second gear 42 moves horizontally by 15mm through the linkage 54 with the first gear 52.

[0070] 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 orthotic hinge device mentioned in the above solution, wherein two devices are provided for installation on both sides of the knee joint.

[0071] This module is specifically applied to dynamic stretching rehabilitation training of the knee joint, refer to... Figure 7 As shown in the figure, gaps at points A and B are marked. In order to achieve dynamic stretching, the orthotic hinge device needs to be installed on both sides of the knee joint. During training, by guiding the patient to bend the lower leg, the gap at point A is expanded and stretched, and the gap at point B is contracted and stretched, thereby achieving dynamic stretching.

[0072] Specifically, one of the orthotics hinge devices is installed on one side of the knee joint, the first connector 1 is connected to the thigh support bar and fixed to one side of the patient's thigh through the thigh support bar, and the second connector 2 is connected to the calf support bar and fixed to the same side of the patient's calf through the calf support bar.

[0073] Another orthotic hinge device is installed on the other side of the knee joint. Since the required stretching movements for the gap at point A and the gap at point B are opposite, the orthotic hinge device on this side is installed in an inverted state. Its first connector 1 is connected to the calf support bar and is fixed to one side of the patient's thigh through the calf support bar. The second connector 2 is connected to the thigh support bar and is fixed to the same side of the patient's thigh through the thigh support bar. During the installation process, the position of the corresponding orthotic hinge device needs to be gradually adjusted to adapt to the patient.

[0074] It should be noted that at this time, the two orthotics hinge devices exhibit reverse tension in the vertical direction and in the horizontal direction, achieving expansion tension at point A and contraction tension at point B, thereby achieving dynamic tension.

[0075] Among them, point A requires a large vertical displacement stretching stroke, so the corresponding orthotic hinge device is the second connector 2 connected to the lower leg support. Detailed implementation method:

[0077] After the module is installed, when starting rehabilitation training, instruct the patient to bend their lower leg. The bending of the lower leg is synchronized through the lower leg supports on both sides, simultaneously driving the corresponding orthotic hinge mechanism.

[0078] Orthopedic hinge device on the side near the gap at point A:

[0079] The lower leg support bar drives the first gear 52 to rotate synchronously through the first connector 1. During the rotation, the first gear 52 meshes with the first rack 53. At this time, the rotation of the first gear 52 will be converted into the horizontal movement of the first connecting column 51 on the mounting base 3. By reciprocating the swinging of the lower leg, the horizontal stretching of the knee joint can be achieved through the first connector 1.

[0080] During the vertical movement of the first gear 52, under the linkage of the linkage 54, the first gear 52 will link the second gear 42 to swing through the linkage 54. Due to the limiting and guiding effect of the second stroke groove 32, the second connecting column 41 will be linked to move vertically. Therefore, the horizontal reciprocating motion of the first gear 52 will link the second gear 42 to perform vertical reciprocating motion.

[0081] Orthopedic hinge device near the gap at point B:

[0082] The lower leg support bar drives the second gear 42 to rotate synchronously through the second connector 2. During the rotation, because the second gear 42 meshes 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 base 3. By reciprocating the swinging of the lower leg, the vertical stretching of the knee joint can be achieved through the second connector 2.

[0083] During the vertical movement of the second gear 42, under the linkage of the linkage 54, the second gear 42 will move horizontally through the linkage 54 to the first gear 52. Therefore, the vertical reciprocating motion of the second gear 42 will cause the first gear 52 to move horizontally.

[0084] The horizontal movement of the two orthotic hinge devices can be adjusted to coplanar movement or movement in different planes, depending on the specific rehabilitation plan.

[0085] The knee joint rehabilitation module provided by this invention enables the knee joint to have a synchronous traction structure on the anterior and posterior sides in the horizontal direction, in addition to the vertical traction function. The vertical and anterior and posterior traction can be carried out synchronously through the connecting device, which is more in line with human factors and has a higher rehabilitation effect.

[0086] 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 of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An orthosis hinge device for application to a knee joint, characterized in that Comprising: a first connecting piece and a second connecting piece, the first connecting piece being connected with a thigh support, and the second connecting piece being connected with a calf support; a mounting base, providing a platform for mounting parts; a vertical linkage assembly, comprising a second connecting column, a second gear and a second rack, the second connecting column being connected with the second connecting piece, and the second connecting column being vertically slidingly connected with the mounting base, the second gear being fixedly sleeved on the second connecting column, and the second rack being vertically arranged on the mounting base, and the second rack being engaged with the second gear; one end of the first connecting piece being connected with a support, and the other end being connected with the mounting base; the orthosis hinge device further comprises a horizontal linkage assembly, the horizontal linkage assembly comprising: a first connecting column, the first connecting column being connected with the first connecting piece, and the first connecting column being horizontally slidingly connected with the mounting base; a first gear, the first gear being fixedly sleeved on the first connecting column; a first rack, the first rack being horizontally arranged on the mounting base, and the first rack being engaged with the first gear; and a linkage, the linkage being hingedly connected with the mounting base, one end of the linkage being hingedly connected with the first connecting column, and the other end of the linkage being hingedly connected with the second connecting column; the linkage comprising: a connecting rod, a middle part of the connecting rod being rotatably connected with the mounting base, one end of the connecting rod extending towards the first gear, and the other end of the connecting rod extending towards the second gear; a first movable sleeve rod, the first movable sleeve rod being slidingly sleeved on the connecting rod, and an end of the first movable sleeve rod being hingedly connected with the first connecting column; a second movable sleeve rod, the second movable sleeve rod being slidingly sleeved on the connecting rod, and an end of the second movable sleeve rod being hingedly connected with the second connecting column. the mounting base being provided with a first stroke slot and a second stroke slot; 2. The orthosis hinge device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first connecting column being slidingly connected with the mounting base through the first stroke slot; the second connecting column being slidingly connected with the mounting base through the second stroke slot. both ends of the first stroke slot and the second stroke slot being provided with buffer pads.

3. An orthosis hinge device according to claim 2, characterized in that the second gear corresponding to the second rack, when the calf support rotates 45 degrees from the vertical state, the second gear rolls and moves 26 mm on the second gear.

4. The orthosis hinge device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the second gear rolls and moves 26 mm, the second gear drives the first gear to move horizontally 15 mm through the linkage.

5. The orthosis hinge device according to claim 4, characterized in that the mounting base being provided with a shell, the shell protecting the vertical linkage assembly and the horizontal linkage assembly.

6. The orthosis hinge device according to claim 1, characterized in that the orthosis hinge device of any one of claims 1-6, further comprising a thigh support and a calf support; 7. A knee rehabilitation module, characterized in that, the orthosis hinge device being provided with two, for being installed on both sides of a knee joint, the two orthosis hinge devices being arranged in a mirror-inverted state; in one of the orthosis hinge devices, the corresponding first connecting piece is connected with the calf support, and the second connecting piece is connected with the thigh support. ​ In another said orthosis hinge arrangement, said first connecting member is connected to said lower leg support and said second connecting member is connected to said upper leg support.

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