High-elastic shape memory alloy fiber and kneecap

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of kneecaps, in particular to a kneecap made of high-elasticity shape memory alloy fibers. A supporting pad is arranged in the middle of a leg sleeve, a mounting groove is formed in the middle of the supporting pad so that a sliding block can be assembled, the sliding block is connected with a pressure pad, the pressure pad covers the outer wall of the supporting pad, and side pressing plates are mounted on the two sides of the pressure pad; and a shape memory alloy fiber layer is arranged in the side pressing plate. The position of the pressure pad in the middle of the leg sleeve can be adjusted through the sliding block mechanism, so that the side pressing plate can adapt to different positions of the knees of a user according to needs, the wearing comfort is improved, shape memory alloy fibers are arranged in the kneecap, the knees can be actively massaged and supported under the power supply of a battery, and meanwhile, the swing force generated by the user during daily walking is utilized to massage the knees. And mechanical energy is converted into electric energy through an internal gear and a power generation mechanism, the battery is automatically charged, self-supply of energy is achieved, the supporting function is effectively guaranteed, and practicability is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of knee brace technology, and more particularly to a high-elasticity shape memory alloy fiber and a knee brace. Background Technology

[0002] As the largest and most complex weight-bearing joint in the human body, the stability and health of the knee joint are of paramount importance. Sports enthusiasts, manual laborers, and people recovering from knee surgery are increasingly demanding knee braces, not only requiring them to provide basic protection, but also expecting them to improve athletic performance and assist in the rehabilitation process.

[0003] Some existing traditional knee braces rely solely on a single elastic compression material, resulting in weak overall support and limited functionality, thus providing minimal auxiliary benefits. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by proposing a high-elasticity shape memory alloy fiber and a knee brace.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A knee brace made of high-elasticity shape memory alloy fiber includes a leg sleeve, a support pad in the middle of the leg sleeve, an installation groove in the middle of the support pad for mounting a slider, the slider being connected to a pressure pad, the pressure pad covering the outer wall of the support pad, and side pressure plates installed on both sides of the pressure pad, with a shape memory alloy fiber layer inside the side pressure plates. The slider has top blocks mounted on both sides through top block mounting grooves. The side wall of the top block extends out of the slider and is limited in the limiting groove opened in the inner wall of the mounting groove. The upper and lower parts of the limiting groove are provided with arc-shaped locking grooves. The arc-shaped locking groove and the end of the top block are mutually engaging and fitting mechanisms. When the slider moves synchronously with the top block to the top and bottom walls of the mounting groove, the top block engages in the arc-shaped locking groove to complete the locking. The upper end of the slider is provided with multiple copper contacts one, which are connected to the shape memory alloy fiber layer. On both sides away from the copper contacts one, there are charging male heads. The charging male heads and the charging female heads provided on the top wall of the mounting groove are electrically connected to each other. On both sides away from the charging female heads, there are copper contacts two. The copper contacts two and the charging female heads are electrically connected to the battery compartment provided on the upper part of the support pad. The pressure pad's inner cavity is equipped with a swing hammer that rotates through a connecting shaft. One side of the connecting shaft is equipped with a gear one, which meshes with a gear two on its upper part. One side of the gear two is connected to a one-way bearing through a shaft body. The other end of the one-way bearing is equipped with a magnetic block drive shaft that extends into the coil generator. The coil generator is electrically connected to the auxiliary energy storage battery.

[0006] Preferably, the internal material of the knee brace is a high-elasticity shape memory alloy fiber, which includes a shape memory alloy fiber layer. The shape memory alloy fiber layer is composed of a sponge support layer, a rubber support layer, and a shape memory alloy. Flexible circuits are installed inside the shape memory alloy.

[0007] Preferably, the sponge support layer is installed inside the side pressure plate, and a rubber support layer is connected to the inner side of the sponge support layer, and a shape memory alloy is connected to the inner side of the rubber support layer.

[0008] Preferably, the outer wall of the support pad is provided with two assembly grooves, and a spring telescopic rod is hinged to the middle of the inner wall of the assembly groove. The other end of the spring telescopic rod extends into the assembly groove two opened in the inner wall of the pressure pad.

[0009] Preferably, the spring telescopic rod includes a main cylinder and a secondary cylinder, which are sleeved together and connected by a spring. The main cylinder is rotatably mounted on the inner wall of the first assembly slot, and the secondary cylinder is rotatably mounted on the second assembly slot.

[0010] Preferably, a battery compartment is installed on the upper part of the support pad, and a second copper contact is provided on the top wall of the mounting groove below the battery compartment. Charging female connectors are installed on both sides away from the second copper contact.

[0011] Preferably, the slider has a top block assembly groove on both sides, a top block is installed inside the top block assembly groove, and the top block and the top block assembly groove are connected by a spring.

[0012] Preferably, the connecting shaft is rotatably mounted on the bottom side of the inner cavity of the pressure pad, and a secondary swing hammer is fixedly mounted on the upper part of the connecting shaft, and a swing hammer is mounted on the lower part. The size and mass of the swing hammer are both greater than those of the secondary swing hammer.

[0013] Preferably, one end of the magnetic block drive shaft is connected to a one-way bearing, and the other end is equipped with multiple magnetic blocks that extend into and rotate inside the coil generator.

[0014] Preferably, a first gear is installed on one side of the connecting shaft, and a second gear is meshed with the upper part of the first gear.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: In this invention, the pressure pad in the middle of the leg sleeve can be adjusted in position via a slider mechanism, allowing the side pressure plate to adapt to different positions of the user's knee as needed, thus improving wearing comfort. The knee brace has built-in shape memory alloy fibers, which can provide active massage and support to the knee when powered by a battery. At the same time, it utilizes the swinging force generated by the user's daily walking to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy through internal gears and a power generation mechanism, automatically charging the battery and achieving self-sufficiency in energy, effectively ensuring the support function and improving practicality. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of a knee brace made of high-elasticity shape memory alloy fiber proposed in this invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of a knee brace made of high-elasticity shape memory alloy fiber proposed in this invention. Figure 2 ; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of a knee brace made of high-elasticity shape memory alloy fiber proposed in this invention. Figure 3 ; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of the support pad proposed in this invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the pressure pad proposed in this invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the slider structure proposed in this invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the mounting slot proposed in this invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the spring telescopic rod connection structure proposed in this invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the pressure pad proposed in this invention; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting shaft mounting structure proposed in this invention; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the coil generator structure proposed in this invention; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the side pressure plate structure proposed in this invention.

[0017] In the diagram: 1. Leg sleeve; 2. Battery compartment; 21. Copper contact 2; 22. Charging female connector; 3. Support pad; 31. Mounting slot; 311. Limiting slot; 312. Arc-shaped locking slot; 32. Assembly slot 1; 4. Pressure pad; 41. Side pressure plate; 5. Slider; 51. Charging male connector; 52. Copper contact 1; 53. Top block assembly slot; 54. Top block; 55. Spring; 6. Spring telescopic rod; 7. Assembly slot 2; 8. Secondary energy storage battery; 9. Coil generator; 91. Magnetic block drive shaft; 10. Connecting shaft; 11. Swing hammer; 111. Secondary swing hammer; 12. Gear 1; 13. Gear 2; 14. One-way bearing; 15. Shape memory alloy fiber layer; 151. Sponge support layer; 152. Rubber support layer; 153. Shape memory alloy; 154. Flexible circuit. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments.

[0019] Reference Figure 1-12 A high-elasticity shape memory alloy fiber and knee brace, including a leg sleeve 1, a support pad 3 in the middle of the leg sleeve 1, the support pad 3 is set at the knee of the leg sleeve 1, the support pad 3 has an installation groove 31 in the middle for mounting a slider 5, the slider 5 is connected to a pressure pad 4, the pressure pad 4 covers the outer wall of the support pad 3, and side pressure plates 41 are installed on both sides of the pressure pad 4. The side pressure plates 41 squeeze the sides of the thigh, and the side pressure plates 41 have a shape memory alloy fiber layer 15 inside.

[0020] The slider 5 has top blocks 54 mounted on both sides through the top block mounting groove 53. The side wall of the top block 54 extends out of the slider 5 and is limited in the limiting groove 311 opened in the inner wall of the mounting groove 31. The upper and lower parts of the limiting groove 311 are provided with arc-shaped locking grooves 312. The arc-shaped locking groove 312 and the end of the top block 54 are mutually engaged and fitted. When the slider 5 moves synchronously with the top block 54 to the top and bottom walls of the mounting groove 31, the top block 54 is engaged in the arc-shaped locking groove 312 to complete the locking. The upper end of the slider 5 is provided with multiple copper contacts 52. The copper contacts 52 are connected to the shape memory alloy fiber layer 15. On both sides away from the copper contacts 52, there are charging male connectors 51. The charging male connectors 51 and the charging female connectors 22 provided on the top wall of the mounting groove 31 are electrically connected to each other. On both sides away from the charging female connectors 22, there are copper contacts 21. The copper contacts 21 and the charging female connectors 22 are electrically connected to the battery compartment 2 provided on the upper part of the support pad 3.

[0021] The pressure pad 4 has a swing hammer 11 that rotates through the connecting shaft 10. A gear 12 is provided on one side of the connecting shaft 10. Gear 12 meshes with gear 2 13 on the upper part of gear 12. One side of gear 2 13 is connected to a one-way bearing 14 through a shaft. A magnetic block drive shaft 91 is provided at the other end of the one-way bearing 14 and extends into the coil generator 9. The coil generator 9 is electrically connected to the auxiliary energy storage battery 8.

[0022] The internal material of the knee brace is high-elasticity shape memory alloy fiber, which includes a shape memory alloy fiber layer 15. The shape memory alloy fiber layer 15 is composed of a sponge support layer 151, a rubber support layer 152, and a shape memory alloy 153. A flexible circuit 154 is installed inside the shape memory alloy 153.

[0023] A sponge support layer 151 is installed inside the side pressure plate 41. A rubber support layer 152 is connected to the inner side of the sponge support layer 151, and a shape memory alloy 153 is connected to the inner side of the rubber support layer 152.

[0024] The outer wall of the support pad 3 has two mounting grooves 32 on both sides. A spring telescopic rod 6 is hinged to the middle of the inner wall of the mounting groove 32. The other end of the spring telescopic rod 6 extends into the mounting groove 7 opened in the inner wall of the pressure pad 4. The spring telescopic rod 6 includes a main cylinder and a secondary cylinder. The main cylinder and the secondary cylinder are sleeved together and connected by a spring 55. The main cylinder is rotatably installed on the inner wall of the mounting groove 32, and the secondary cylinder is rotatably installed on the mounting groove 7.

[0025] A battery compartment 2 is installed on the upper part of the support pad 3. A copper contact 21 is provided on the top wall of the mounting groove 31 below the battery compartment 2. A charging female head 22 is installed on both sides of the copper contact 21.

[0026] Both sides of the slider 5 are provided with top block assembly grooves 53, and a top block 54 is installed in the groove for limiting. The top block 54 is connected to the top block assembly groove 53 by a spring 55. When the top block 54 is displaced, the spring 55 deforms. The top block assembly groove 53 ensures the smooth sliding of the top block 54.

[0027] The connecting shaft 10 is rotatably installed at the bottom of the inner cavity of the pressure pad 4. The upper part of the shaft is fixedly equipped with the secondary swing hammer 111, and the lower part is equipped with the main swing hammer 11. The size and mass of the main swing hammer 11 are larger than those of the secondary swing hammer 111. The resulting difference in mass between the upper and lower parts makes it easy for the overall structure to generate a flipping torque during movement.

[0028] One end of the magnetic block drive shaft 91 is connected to the one-way bearing 14, and the other end is equipped with several magnetic blocks. This end extends into the coil generator tube 9 and can be rotatably installed therein. The coil generator tube 9 is equipped with a coil assembly to cooperate with the magnetic block drive shaft 91. The coil generator tube 9 is electrically connected to the auxiliary energy storage battery 8, which is installed inside the pressure pad 4.

[0029] A gear 12 is mounted on one side of the connecting shaft 10, and the gear 12 meshes with the upper gear 13.

[0030] In this embodiment, the operator puts the leg sleeve 1 on the leg so that the support pad 3 and pressure pad 4 accurately cover the knee area. At this time, the side pressure plates 41 on both sides of the pressure pad 4 can fit together and moderately compress the sides of the knee to provide initial lateral support.

[0031] If the position of the pressure pad 4 needs to be adjusted, the pressure pad 4 can be bent upwards, causing the slider 5 inside it to slide smoothly along the limiting groove 311 set in the inner wall of the mounting groove 31 of the support pad 3. During the upward movement of the slider 5, the top blocks 54 on both sides are pushed outward from the top block mounting groove 53 under the action of the spring 55. When the pressure pad 4 moves to the target position, the top block 54 is just locked into the arc-shaped locking groove 312 opened on the limiting groove 311. The concave and convex structure achieves reliable locking, ensuring that the pressure pad 4 remains stable in the adjusted position.

[0032] When the slider 5 slides to the top of the limiting groove 311, the copper contact 52 at the top of the slider 5 contacts the copper contact 21 on the top wall of the mounting groove 31, forming an electrical connection. At this time, the battery compartment 2 sends pulse current to the shape memory alloy fiber layer 15 and flexible circuit 154 inside the side pressure plate 41 through the circuit, which excites the shape memory alloy 153 to deform, thereby driving the side pressure plate 41 to actively squeeze and massage the sides of the user's knees.

[0033] At the same time, the male charging connector 51 above the slider 5 is inserted into the female charging connector 22 at the top of the mounting slot 31 to achieve electrical connection, which can transfer the electrical energy stored in the auxiliary energy storage battery 8 inside the pressure pad 4 to the battery compartment 2 to achieve energy replenishment.

[0034] In actual use, users can also swing the pressure pad 4 downwards so that the side pressure plate 41 supports and compresses the sides below the knees to adapt to the support and comfort needs of different sports states.

[0035] Furthermore, during user movement, the flexion and extension of the knee will cause the main swing hammer 11 and the auxiliary swing hammer 111 inside the pressure pad 4 to swing, thereby driving the connecting shaft 10 to rotate. The gear 12 on one side of the connecting shaft 10 will rotate accordingly and mesh to drive the upper gear 13 to rotate. The gear 13 is connected to the magnetic block drive shaft 91 through the one-way bearing 14. This mechanism ensures that the torque is transmitted to the magnetic block drive shaft 91 only when the swing direction meets the locking condition of the one-way bearing 14. When moving in the opposite direction, the gear idles, realizing the one-way transmission of kinetic energy.

[0036] The magnetic block drive shaft 91 drives the magnetic block at its end to rotate inside the coil generator tube 9, cutting magnetic field lines to generate induced current. The electrical energy is collected and stored in the auxiliary energy storage battery 8 to continuously provide the power required for the system to operate.

[0037] In practical applications, as the pressure point 4 is rotated and adjusted, the spring telescopic rod 6 installed between the pressure pad 4 and the support pad 3 is compressed and extended to ensure the stability of the entire adjustment process.

[0038] In this invention, the pressure pad 4 located in the middle of the leg sleeve 1 can be adjusted in position through the support pad 3 and the slider mechanism, so that the side pressure plate can be flexibly adjusted to different parts of the user's knee according to actual usage needs, effectively improving fit and comfort.

[0039] The knee brace integrates a shape memory alloy fiber mechanism, which can generate active deformation when powered by the battery compartment, thereby achieving intelligent massage and dynamic support for the knee area.

[0040] In addition, as users move during daily walking, the internal swing hammer mechanism of the knee brace swings with the flexion and extension of the knee joint, and drives the coil generator mechanism through the gear mechanism to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, continuously replenishing the battery compartment with power.

[0041] In addition, it should be noted that the specific activation principles of copper contact 21 and copper contact 52 are common knowledge to those skilled in the art and will not be explained further.

[0042] It is worth noting that the internal structure of the battery compartment 2 and the auxiliary energy storage battery 8, as well as their charging and discharging principles, are common knowledge to those skilled in the art and will not be explained further. Furthermore, the power generation principle achieved by the coil generator tube 9 and the magnetic block drive shaft 91 is existing technology and will not be explained further.

[0043] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A knee brace made of high-elasticity shape memory alloy fiber, comprising a leg sleeve (1), characterized in that, The leg sleeve (1) has a support pad (3) in the middle, and the support pad (3) has an installation groove (31) in the middle for mounting a slider (5). The slider (5) is connected to the pressure pad (4). The pressure pad (4) covers the outer wall of the support pad (3), and side pressure plates (41) are installed on both sides of the pressure pad (4). The side pressure plates (41) have a shape memory alloy fiber layer (15) inside. The slider (5) is fitted with top blocks (54) on both sides by top block mounting grooves (53). The side wall of the top block (54) extends out of the slider (5) and is installed in the limiting groove (311) opened in the inner wall of the mounting groove (31). The upper and lower parts of the limiting groove (311) are provided with arc-shaped locking grooves (312). The arc-shaped locking groove (312) and the end of the top block (54) are a snap-fit ​​mechanism. When the slider (5) moves synchronously with the top block (54) to the top and bottom walls of the mounting groove (31), the top block (54) snaps into the arc-shaped locking groove (312) to complete the locking. The upper end of the slider (5) is provided with multiple copper contacts one (52), which are connected to the shape memory alloy fiber layer (15). On both sides away from the copper contacts one (52), there are charging male connectors (51). The charging male connectors (51) and the charging female connectors (22) provided on the top wall of the mounting groove (31) are electrically connected to each other. On both sides away from the charging female connectors (22), there are copper contacts two (21). The copper contacts two (21) and the charging female connectors (22) are electrically connected to the battery compartment (2) provided on the upper part of the support pad (3). The pressure pad (4) has a swing hammer (11) rotatably mounted on the connecting shaft (10). A gear (12) is mounted on one side of the connecting shaft (10). Gear (13) meshes with gear (12) on the upper part of gear (12). One side of gear (13) is connected to a one-way bearing (14) via a shaft. A magnetic block drive shaft (91) is mounted on the other end of the one-way bearing (14) and extends into the coil generator (9). The coil generator (9) is electrically connected to the auxiliary energy storage battery (8).

2. The knee brace made of high-elasticity shape memory alloy fiber according to claim 1, characterized in that, The internal material of the knee brace is high-elasticity shape memory alloy fiber, which includes a shape memory alloy fiber layer (15). The shape memory alloy fiber layer (15) is composed of a sponge support layer (151), a rubber support layer (152), and a shape memory alloy (153). A flexible circuit (154) is installed inside the shape memory alloy (153).

3. The knee brace made of high-elasticity shape memory alloy fiber according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sponge support layer (151) is installed inside the side pressure plate (41), and a rubber support layer (152) is connected to the inner side of the sponge support layer (151). A shape memory alloy (153) is connected to the inner side of the rubber support layer (152).

4. The knee brace made of high-elasticity shape memory alloy fiber according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wall of the support pad (3) is provided with assembly groove 1 (32) on both sides. A spring telescopic rod (6) is hinged to the middle of the inner wall of the assembly groove 1 (32). The other end of the spring telescopic rod (6) extends into the assembly groove 2 (7) opened in the inner wall of the pressure pad (4).

5. A knee brace made of high-elasticity shape memory alloy fiber according to claim 4, characterized in that, The spring telescopic rod (6) includes a main tube and a secondary tube. The main tube and the secondary tube are sleeved together and connected by a spring (55). The main tube is rotatably installed on the inner wall of the first assembly slot (32), and the secondary tube is rotatably installed on the second assembly slot (7).

6. The knee brace made of high-elasticity shape memory alloy fiber according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper part of the support pad (3) is equipped with a battery compartment (2), and the top wall of the mounting groove (31) below the battery compartment (2) is provided with copper contact two (21), and charging female heads (22) are installed on both sides away from the copper contact two (21).

7. A knee brace made of high-elasticity shape memory alloy fiber according to claim 1, characterized in that, The slider (5) has a top block assembly groove (53) on both sides. A top block (54) is installed inside the top block assembly groove (53). The top block (54) and the top block assembly groove (53) are connected by a spring (55).

8. A knee brace made of high-elasticity shape memory alloy fiber according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting shaft (10) is rotatably mounted on the bottom side of the inner cavity of the pressure pad (4). The upper part of the connecting shaft (10) is fixedly mounted with a secondary swing hammer (111), and the lower part is mounted with a swing hammer (11). The size and mass of the swing hammer (11) are greater than those of the secondary swing hammer (111).

9. A knee brace made of high-elasticity shape memory alloy fiber according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the magnetic block drive shaft (91) is connected to a one-way bearing (14), and the other end is equipped with multiple magnetic blocks that extend into and rotate inside the coil generator tube (9).

10. A knee brace made of high-elasticity shape memory alloy fiber according to claim 1, characterized in that, Gear 1 (12) is installed on one side of the connecting shaft (10), and gear 2 (13) is meshed on the upper part of gear 1 (12).

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