Adjustable knee rehabilitation brace

Abstract

The adjustable knee rehabilitation brace comprises a rigid supporting framework, an active adjusting module and a flexible follow-up structure, and the rigid supporting framework comprises a thigh support for fixing thighs, a shank support for fixing shanks and a composite hinge mechanism for connecting the thigh support and the shank support. According to the technical scheme, through collaborative design of the composite hinge mechanism, the first angle adjustor and the second angle adjustor, independent and accurate adjustment of a sagittal plane and a frontal plane is achieved, the knee joint varus or valgus force line can be corrected, more complex rehabilitation requirements are met, the bionic air bag array is controlled through three-area independent pressure, and the rehabilitation effect is good. The pressure distribution of a femur-tibia articular surface can be dynamically matched, the risk of secondary injury is effectively reduced, static fixation of the brace is changed into dynamic self-adaptive support, the pressure distribution is adjusted in different activity states, the comfort and the wearing compliance are remarkably improved, and proprioceptive recovery is possibly promoted through pressure feedback.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical rehabilitation equipment technology, specifically to an adjustable knee rehabilitation brace. Background Technology

[0002] During knee joint injury or postoperative rehabilitation, external fixation braces are typically used to limit joint range of motion, provide stability, and assist in rehabilitation training. Most existing knee rehabilitation braces only provide angle adjustment in the sagittal plane (i.e., the flexion-extension plane), and the adjustment method is mostly a simple pin-type hole adjustment with limited adjustment accuracy (usually in 5° or 10° increments), which cannot achieve precise progressive rehabilitation.

[0003] In addition, knee rehabilitation, especially in cases involving collateral ligament injuries, often requires alignment correction or stability in the frontal plane (i.e., the adduction-abduction plane). However, conventional braces lack the ability to actively adjust in this dimension. In terms of comfort, traditional rigid braces have poor fit to the limb, are prone to pressure sores with long-term wear, and cannot provide adaptive cushioning during dynamic activities.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a knee rehabilitation brace that can achieve multi-dimensional and progressive adjustment and dynamically adapt to limb shape and movement. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the technical deficiencies in the prior art, this invention proposes an adjustable knee rehabilitation brace, which solves the aforementioned technical problems and meets practical needs. The specific technical solution is as follows: An adjustable knee rehabilitation brace includes a rigid support frame, an active adjustment module disposed in the rigid support frame, and a flexible follow-up structure; A rigid support frame, comprising a thigh support for fixing the thigh, a lower leg support for fixing the lower leg, and a composite hinge mechanism connecting the thigh support and the lower leg support. The active adjustment module includes a first angle adjuster and a second angle adjuster integrated on the composite hinge mechanism. The first angle adjuster is used to drive and lock the relative rotation angle between the thigh support and the lower leg support in the sagittal plane; the second angle adjuster is used to change the adduction and abduction angles of the lower leg support in the frontal plane. The flexible follow-up structure includes a pad disposed inside the thigh support and / or calf support, the pad being embedded with an array of biomimetic airbags, and a pressure regulating unit for controlling the inflation and deflation of individual airbag areas in the array of biomimetic airbags.

[0006] As an improvement to the above solution, the composite hinge mechanism includes: A first connector, one end of which is fixedly connected to the thigh support. The second connector has one end fixedly connected to the lower leg bracket and the other end hinged to the first connector. The main pivot is inserted through the end of the first connector and pivotally connected to the second connector, so that the lower leg support can perform flexion and extension movements in the sagittal plane relative to the thigh support about the main pivot. As an improvement to the above solution, the second angle adjuster includes: The first arc-shaped groove is disposed at the end where the first connector and the second connector are hinged, and extends along the sagittal plane; The third connector is disposed in the first arc-shaped groove and connected to the main rotating shaft. The main rotating shaft passes through the first arc-shaped groove and is connected to the second connector and the third connector. An adjusting shaft is threadedly connected to the first connecting member, and its end abuts against the outer surface of the third connecting member. By screwing the adjusting shaft in or out, the third connecting member and the main rotating shaft can be pushed to slide along the first arc-shaped slide groove, thereby changing the inward or outward angle of the lower leg support in the frontal plane.

[0007] As an improvement to the above solution, the first angle adjuster includes: The fourth connector is arranged in an inverted U-shape on top of the second connector and is connected to the second connector via a main shaft; A worm gear, which is fixedly connected to the second connecting member, and the main rotating shaft passes through the axis of the worm gear; A worm gear, which is rotatably supported on a fourth connecting member and meshes with the worm wheel; An adjustment knob is fixedly connected to one end of the worm gear.

[0008] As an improvement to the above solution, the biomimetic airbag array includes a first airbag area corresponding to the supracondylar region of the femur, a second airbag area corresponding to the periphery of the tibial plateau, and a third airbag area corresponding to the popliteal fossa region, disposed on the inner side of the pad. The airbag units in the first, second, and third airbag areas are connected to the pressure regulating unit through independent air passages.

[0009] As an improvement to the above solution, the pressure regulating unit includes: a miniature air pump, several solenoid valves, a pressure sensor and a controller, each of the solenoid valves corresponding to and controlling an independent air path connected to the airbag area; The pressure sensor is installed in an independent air path inside the bionic airbag array and is used to monitor the airbag pressure. The controller is electrically connected to the miniature air pump, solenoid valve and pressure sensor. The controller is preset with airbag pressure distribution modes corresponding to different rehabilitation actions or stages.

[0010] As an improvement to the above solution, the flexible follow-up structure also includes a non-Newtonian fluid buffer pad, which is disposed at the heel connection of the lower leg support.

[0011] As an improvement to the above solution, the third connector is provided with a limiting protrusion, and the inner side of the first arc-shaped slide groove is provided with a plurality of limiting grooves that cooperate with the limiting protrusion. The limiting protrusion engages with different limiting grooves to quickly and coarsely position the angle of the frontal plane adjustment.

[0012] As an improvement to the above solution, both the thigh support and the calf support are made of lightweight carbon fiber composite material, and their frontal surfaces are adapted by adjustable straps.

[0013] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This technical solution, through the coordinated design of the composite hinge mechanism, the first angle adjuster, and the second angle adjuster, achieves independent and precise adjustment of the sagittal and frontal planes, which can be used to correct the varus or valgus force lines of the knee joint, meeting more complex rehabilitation needs. The biomimetic airbag array, through three-zone independent pressure control, can dynamically match the pressure distribution of the femoral-tibial joint surface, effectively reducing the risk of secondary injury, and transforming the brace from static fixation to dynamic adaptive support, adjusting the pressure distribution under different activity states, significantly improving comfort and wearing compliance, and may promote proprioceptive recovery through pressure feedback. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the rehabilitation brace of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the rehabilitation brace of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the first angle adjuster structure of the present invention. Figure 1 .

[0017] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the first angle adjuster structure of the present invention. Figure 2 .

[0018] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the position of the limiting groove in the arc-shaped slide of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the frontal plane angle adjustment structure of the thigh support and calf support of the present invention. Figure 1 .

[0020] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the frontal plane angle adjustment structure of the thigh support and calf support of the present invention. Figure 2 .

[0021] The components include: thigh support 1, first connector 11, lower leg support 2, second connector 21, composite hinge mechanism 3, main shaft 31, first angle adjuster 4, fourth connector 41, worm gear 42, worm 43, second angle adjuster 5, first arc-shaped slide 51, third connector 52, adjusting shaft 53, limiting groove 54, limiting protrusion 55, pad 6, first airbag area 61, second airbag area 62, third airbag area 63, pressure adjustment unit 7, non-Newtonian fluid buffer pad 8, and strap 9. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and related examples. The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the following examples, and the present invention relates to the relevant necessary components in this technical field, which should be regarded as well-known technology in this technical field and can be known and mastered by those skilled in this technical field.

[0023] This technical solution discloses an adjustable knee rehabilitation brace, including a rigid support frame, an active adjustment module disposed within the rigid support frame, and a flexible follow-up structure. The rigid support frame includes a thigh support 1 and a lower leg support 2, which provide stable support for the knee joint. The thigh support 1 and the lower leg support 2 are connected by a composite hinge mechanism 3, allowing the lower leg support 2 to perform flexion and extension movements relative to the thigh support 1 around a main rotation axis 31 in the sagittal plane, simulating the natural flexion and extension movements of the knee joint. The active adjustment module includes a first angle adjuster 4 and a second angle adjuster 5. The first and second adjusters are used to independently and precisely adjust the angles between the lower legs and between the thigh support 1 in the sagittal and frontal planes. This can be used to correct the varus or valgus force lines of the knee joint. The flexible follow-up structure can dynamically match the pressure distribution of the femoral-tibial joint surface, effectively reducing the risk of secondary injury. This transforms the rehabilitation brace from static fixation to dynamic adaptive support, adjusting the pressure distribution under different activity states, significantly improving comfort and wearing compliance, and may promote proprioceptive recovery through pressure feedback.

[0024] In the technical solution of the rigid support frame, the rigid support frame includes a thigh support 1 for fixing the thigh, a lower leg support 2 for fixing the lower leg, and a composite hinge mechanism 3 connecting the thigh support 1 and the lower leg support 2. The thigh support 1 and the lower leg support 2 are both made of lightweight carbon fiber composite material, and their frontal surfaces are adapted by adjustable straps 9. This not only ensures the lightness of the brace and reduces the burden on the patient when wearing it, but also, through the adjustable straps 9 design, allows the brace to better fit the limb shape of different patients, improving the comfort and stability of wearing it.

[0025] In the technical solution of the active adjustment module, the active adjustment module includes a first angle adjuster 4 and a second angle adjuster 5 integrated on the composite hinge mechanism 3. The first angle adjuster 4 is used to drive and lock the relative rotation angle between the thigh support 1 and the lower leg support 2 in the sagittal plane; the second angle adjuster 5 is used to change the adduction and abduction angles of the lower leg support 2 in the frontal plane. Specifically, in the technical solution of the composite hinge mechanism 3, the composite hinge mechanism 3 includes: The first connector 11, one end of which is fixedly connected to the thigh support 1. The second connector 21 has one end fixedly connected to the lower leg bracket 2 and the other end hinged to the first connector 11. The main pivot 31 is inserted through the end of the first connector 11 and pivotally connected to the second connector 21, so that the lower leg support 2 can perform flexion and extension movements in the sagittal plane relative to the thigh support 1 about the main pivot 31. In the technical solution of the composite hinge mechanism 3, the first connecting member 11 on the thigh support 1 and the second connecting member 21 on the lower leg support 2 are hinged through the main rotating shaft 31. The first angle adjuster 4 adopts a worm gear 42 and worm 43 transmission mechanism. Its self-locking characteristic can ensure that the angle is automatically locked after adjustment, preventing the support angle from shifting due to muscle contraction during rehabilitation. At the same time, the coaxial design of the worm 43 and the adjustment knob makes single-handed operation possible, improving the convenience of clinical use. The second angle adjuster 5 cooperates with the first arc-shaped slide groove 51 in the first connecting member 11 through the adjustment shaft 53, realizing the precise adjustment of the lower leg support 2 in the frontal plane adduction or abduction angle. This makes it easy for doctors or patients to quickly adjust to the appropriate angle range according to the rehabilitation stage, further enhancing the practicality and flexibility of the brace.

[0026] In the technical solution of the first angle adjuster 4, the first angle adjuster 4 includes: The fourth connector 41 is arranged in an inverted U-shape on the top of the second connector 21 and is connected to the second connector 21 through the main rotating shaft 31; Worm gear 42, which is fixedly connected to the second connecting member 21, and the main rotating shaft 31 passes through the axis of worm gear 42; The worm 43 is rotatably supported on the fourth connector 41 and meshes with the worm wheel 42; An adjustment knob is fixedly connected to one end of the worm gear 43.

[0027] It should be noted that when adjusting the angle of the lower leg support 2 in the sagittal plane, the user rotates the adjustment knob at the end of the worm gear 43, causing the worm gear 43 to rotate around its own axis. Since the worm gear 43 is meshed with the worm wheel 42, the worm wheel 42 will rotate accordingly. The worm wheel 42 is fixedly connected to the second connecting member 21, and the second connecting member 21 is fixedly connected to the lower leg support 2. Therefore, the rotation of the worm wheel 42 will cause the lower leg support 2 to rotate around the main rotating shaft 31 in the sagittal plane, thereby adjusting the rotation angle of the lower leg support 2 relative to the thigh support 1 in the sagittal plane. When the appropriate angle is adjusted, the worm gear 42 and worm wheel 43 transmission has self-locking properties, which can automatically lock the angle to prevent the support angle from shifting due to muscle contraction during rehabilitation, thus ensuring the stability and accuracy of rehabilitation training.

[0028] In the technical solution of the second angle adjuster 5, the second angle adjuster 5 includes: The first arc-shaped slide groove 51 is disposed at one end where the first connector 11 and the second connector 21 are hinged, and extends along the sagittal plane; The third connector 52 is disposed in the first arc-shaped slide groove 51 and connected to the main rotating shaft 31. The main rotating shaft 31 passes through the first arc-shaped slide groove 51 and is connected to the second connector 21 and the third connector 52. The adjusting shaft 53 is threadedly connected to the first connecting member 11, and its end abuts against the outer surface of the third connecting member 52. By screwing the adjusting shaft 53 in or out, the third connecting member 52 and the main rotating shaft 31 can be pushed to slide along the first arc-shaped slide groove 51, thereby changing the inward or outward angle of the lower leg support 2 in the frontal plane.

[0029] When it is necessary to adjust the angle of the lower leg support 2 in the frontal plane, by screwing in or out the adjusting shaft 53, the third connecting piece 52 and the main rotating shaft 31 are pushed to slide along the first arc-shaped slide groove 51, thereby changing the inward or outward angle of the lower leg support 2 in the frontal plane. During the adjustment process, the limiting protrusion 55 on the second connecting piece 21 engages with different limiting grooves 54 on the first connecting piece 11, which can quickly and roughly locate the angle of adjustment in the frontal plane, making it easy to quickly find a roughly suitable angle range, and then further fine-tune it to the precise angle, meeting the personalized needs of different rehabilitation stages and different patients, and improving the practicality and flexibility of the brace.

[0030] In the technical solution of the flexible follow-up structure, the flexible follow-up structure includes a pad 6 disposed on the inner side of the thigh support 1 and / or the calf support 2, the pad 6 is embedded with an array of artificial airbags, and a pressure regulating unit 7 for controlling the inflation and deflation of the independent airbag areas in the array of artificial airbags.

[0031] Furthermore, in the above scheme, the biomimetic airbag array includes a first airbag area 61 corresponding to the supracondylar region of the femur, a second airbag area 62 corresponding to the periphery of the tibial plateau, and a third airbag area 63 corresponding to the popliteal fossa region, disposed on the inner side of the pad 6. The airbag units in the first airbag area 61, the second airbag area 62, and the third airbag area 63 are connected to the pressure regulating unit 7 through independent air passages.

[0032] Specifically, in the design of the flexible follow-up structure, the biomimetic airbag array is divided into three independently controlled airbag regions: the first airbag region 61 corresponding to the supracondylar region of the femur, the second airbag region 62 corresponding to the periphery of the tibial plateau, and the third airbag region 63 corresponding to the popliteal fossa region. These three airbag units are connected to the pressure regulation unit 7 via independent air paths, enabling precise control of the pressure in each region. This allows for dynamic adjustment of the airbag pressure as the patient performs different rehabilitation movements or is at different stages of rehabilitation, better conforming to the pressure distribution of the femoral-tibial joint surface. For example, when a patient is performing knee flexion and extension exercises, the pressure adjustment unit 7 can adjust the pressure of each airbag area in real time according to the training intensity and angle, so that the pressure on the supracondylar region of the femur, the periphery of the tibial plateau, and the popliteal fossa is within a reasonable range, reducing the risk of secondary injury caused by uneven or excessive pressure. At the same time, this dynamic pressure adjustment can also improve the patient's comfort when wearing the brace and increase the patient's compliance with rehabilitation training. Moreover, reasonable pressure distribution may stimulate the nerves and muscles around the knee joint through the pressure feedback mechanism, promote the recovery of proprioception, help the patient better perceive the position and movement status of the knee joint, and further improve the rehabilitation effect.

[0033] Furthermore, in the above scheme, the pressure regulating unit 7 includes: a miniature air pump, several solenoid valves, a pressure sensor and a controller, and each solenoid valve controls an independent air path connected to the airbag area. The pressure sensor is installed in an independent air path inside the bionic airbag array and is used to monitor the airbag pressure. The controller is electrically connected to the miniature air pump, solenoid valve and pressure sensor. The controller is preset with airbag pressure distribution modes corresponding to different rehabilitation actions or stages.

[0034] Specifically, the pressure regulation unit 7 consists of a miniature air pump, several solenoid valves, a pressure sensor, and a controller. Each solenoid valve controls an independent air path connected to the airbag area, ensuring the accuracy and flexibility of pressure regulation. The pressure sensor is located in an independent air path inside the biomimetic airbag array, monitoring the airbag pressure in real time and transmitting the data to the controller. The controller intelligently adjusts the working state of the miniature air pump and solenoid valves according to a preset airbag pressure distribution pattern corresponding to different rehabilitation actions or stages, thereby dynamically adjusting the pressure in each airbag area to adapt to the patient's different rehabilitation needs, avoiding excessive compression, effectively reducing the risk of secondary injury, and improving wearing comfort. In addition, the flexible follow-up structure, through a pressure feedback mechanism, may promote the recovery of the patient's proprioception, further enhancing the rehabilitation effect.

[0035] Furthermore, in the above scheme, the flexible follow-up structure also includes a non-Newtonian fluid buffer pad 8, which is disposed at the heel connection of the lower leg support 2. The non-Newtonian fluid buffer pad 8 is made of non-Newtonian fluid material and has unique rheological properties. When subjected to rapid impact force, its viscosity will increase instantaneously, thereby effectively absorbing and dispersing impact energy and providing good cushioning protection for the patient's heel.

[0036] When the patient wears the brace, the impact force is generated when the heel contacts the ground. The non-Newtonian fluid cushioning pad 8 can reduce the transmission of the impact force to the knee joint, reduce the stress on the knee joint, further reduce the risk of secondary injury, and improve the comfort of the patient when walking or training while wearing the brace, so that the patient can feel more caring during the rehabilitation process.

[0037] Furthermore, in the above scheme, the third connector 52 is provided with a limiting protrusion 55, and the inner side of the first arc-shaped slide groove 51 is provided with a plurality of limiting grooves 54 that cooperate with the limiting protrusion 55. The limiting protrusion 55 engages with different limiting grooves 54 to quickly and coarsely position the angle of the frontal plane adjustment. The material of the limiting protrusion 55 is an elastic material that can deform under force. When the limiting protrusion 55 engages with the limiting groove 54, it can provide a stable positioning effect, and when the angle needs to be adjusted, it can be deformed by a certain external force, so as to smoothly disengage from the current limiting groove 54 and enter the adjacent limiting groove 54, thereby realizing the rapid coarse positioning adjustment of the angle.

[0038] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several improvements and modifications without departing from the principle of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An adjustable knee rehabilitation brace, characterized in that, It includes a rigid support frame, an active adjustment module set in the rigid support frame, and a flexible follow-up structure; A rigid support frame, the rigid support frame including a thigh support (1) for fixing the thigh, a lower leg support (2) for fixing the lower leg, and a composite hinge mechanism (3) connecting the thigh support (1) and the lower leg support (2). An active adjustment module includes a first angle adjuster (4) and a second angle adjuster (5) integrated on the composite hinge mechanism (3). The first angle adjuster (4) is used to drive and lock the relative rotation angle between the thigh support (1) and the lower leg support (2) in the sagittal plane; the second angle adjuster (5) is used to change the adduction and abduction angles of the lower leg support (2) in the frontal plane. The flexible follow-up structure includes a pad (6) disposed inside the thigh support (1) and / or the calf support (2), the pad (6) being embedded with an artificial airbag array, and a pressure regulating unit (7) for controlling the inflation and deflation of the independent airbag areas in the artificial airbag array.

2. The adjustable knee rehabilitation brace according to claim 1, characterized in that, The composite hinge mechanism (3) includes: The first connector (11) is fixedly connected at one end to the thigh support (1). The second connector (21) has one end fixedly connected to the lower leg bracket (2) and the other end hinged to the first connector (11); The main pivot (31) passes through the end of the first connector (11) and is pivotally connected to the second connector (21), so that the lower leg support (2) can perform flexion and extension movements in the sagittal plane relative to the thigh support (1) about the main pivot (31).

3. The adjustable knee rehabilitation brace according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second angle adjuster (5) includes: The first arc-shaped groove (51) is provided at one end where the first connector (11) and the second connector (21) are hinged, and extends along the sagittal plane; The third connector (52) is disposed in the first arc-shaped groove (51) and connected to the main rotating shaft (31). The main rotating shaft (31) passes through the first arc-shaped groove (51) and is connected to the second connector (21) and the third connector (52). Adjusting shaft (53) is threadedly connected to the first connecting member (11), and its end abuts against the outer surface of the third connecting member (52). By screwing in or out the adjusting shaft (53), the third connecting member (52) and the main rotating shaft (31) can be pushed to slide along the first arc-shaped slide groove (51), thereby changing the inward or outward angle of the lower leg support (2) in the frontal plane.

4. The adjustable knee rehabilitation brace according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first angle adjuster (4) includes: The fourth connector (41) is arranged in an inverted U-shape on the top of the second connector (21) and is connected to the second connector (21) via the main shaft (31); Worm gear (42), the worm gear (42) is fixedly connected to the second connecting member (21), and the main rotating shaft (31) passes through the axis of the worm gear (42); The worm (43) is rotatably supported on the fourth connector (41) and meshes with the worm wheel (42); An adjustment knob is fixedly connected to one end of the worm gear (43).

5. The adjustable knee rehabilitation brace according to claim 1, characterized in that, The biomimetic airbag array includes a first airbag area (61) corresponding to the supracondylar region of the femur, a second airbag area (62) corresponding to the periphery of the tibial plateau, and a third airbag area (63) corresponding to the popliteal fossa region, disposed on the inner side of the pad (6). The airbag units in the first airbag area (61), the second airbag area (62), and the third airbag area (63) are connected to the pressure regulating unit (7) through independent air passages.

6. The adjustable knee rehabilitation brace according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure regulating unit (7) includes: a miniature air pump, several solenoid valves, a pressure sensor and a controller, each of the solenoid valves corresponding to control an independent air path connected to the airbag area; The pressure sensor is installed in an independent air path inside the bionic airbag array and is used to monitor the airbag pressure. The controller is electrically connected to the miniature air pump, solenoid valve and pressure sensor. The controller is preset with airbag pressure distribution modes corresponding to different rehabilitation actions or stages.

7. The adjustable knee rehabilitation brace according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible follow-up structure also includes a non-Newtonian fluid buffer pad (8), which is located at the heel connection of the lower leg support (2).

8. The adjustable knee rehabilitation brace according to claim 3, characterized in that, The third connector (52) is provided with a limiting protrusion (55), and the inner side of the first arc-shaped slide groove (51) is provided with a plurality of limiting grooves (54) that cooperate with the limiting protrusion (55). The limiting protrusion (55) engages with different limiting grooves (54) to quickly and coarsely position the angle of frontal plane adjustment.

9. The adjustable knee rehabilitation brace according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the thigh support (1) and the calf support (2) are made of lightweight carbon fiber composite material, and their frontal surfaces are fitted by adjustable straps (9).

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