Upper limb anti-spasm exoskeleton brace for stroke patient

Abstract

The invention discloses an upper limb anti-spasm exoskeleton brace for a stroke patient, and relates to the technical field of braces.The upper limb anti-spasm exoskeleton brace comprises two supporting rings, one side of each supporting ring is provided with an elastic ring, the outer surfaces of the two supporting rings are provided with supporting frames, one side of each supporting frame is provided with a fixing plate and an adjusting piece, one side of each fixing plate is provided with a fixing ring, and the other side of each fixing ring is provided with an adjusting piece. A fixed shaft is mounted at the upper end of the fixed ring; a rotating disc is rotationally mounted on the outer surface of the fixed shaft; according to the upper limb anti-spasm exoskeleton brace for the stroke patient, a traditional static supporting process is converted into a dynamic and interactive training process. When a patient actively conducts joint flexion and extension movement, gradual change resistance generated when the elastic piece is stretched is overcome. A complete active resistance training mode is formed in the process, muscle group strength and endurance of the upper limbs can be effectively exercised and enhanced, muscle atrophy is prevented, the cerebral cortex can be stimulated, and remodeling and compensation of damaged neural pathways, namely nerve plasticity, can be promoted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of brace technology, specifically to an upper limb anti-spasticity exoskeleton brace for stroke patients. Background Technology

[0002] Stroke, one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, often results in severe motor dysfunction in the upper limbs, with hemiplegic spasticity being the most typical pattern. Clinically, this manifests as abnormally increased tone in the flexor muscles of the upper limb (such as the biceps brachii, wrist flexors, and finger flexors), while the extensor muscles are relatively weak. This leads to a persistent abnormal posture of the upper limb with elbow flexion, forearm pronation, and wrist and finger flexion. If left untreated, this spasticity pattern can further lead to muscle contractures, joint stiffness, and even permanent deformities, severely hindering patients' daily activities and placing a heavy caregiving burden on families and society.

[0003] In the upper limb rehabilitation of stroke patients, braces are widely used to manage spasticity, prevent secondary complications, and maintain joint function.

[0004] Currently, most antispastic braces on the market are static or rigid fixation types. These braces are typically made of low-temperature thermoplastic plates or other rigid materials, and physically fix the patient's upper limbs, including the upper arm, forearm, wrist, and fingers, in a functional position (usually in extension). The core design logic is to inhibit excessive tension in the flexor muscle groups through continuous, passive stretching, thereby preventing muscle and tendon shortening.

[0005] However, this traditional static immobilization method has significant and inherent limitations. First, it completely deprives patients of opportunities for active training, hindering neural functional remodeling. The core concept of modern rehabilitation medicine is active training based on "neuroplasticity." The recovery of brain function requires stimulating and strengthening damaged neural pathways through repetitive, goal-oriented active movements. Static braces completely lock the joints, preventing patients from performing any form of active flexion and extension or resisted movement. This essentially deprives patients of the opportunity to engage in neuromuscular relearning and motor control training, failing to promote functional reorganization of the cerebral cortex and causing the functional recovery process to stagnate. Second, long-term immobilization, lacking necessary physiological activity in the joints, can lead to joint capsule contracture, articular cartilage malnutrition, and obstructed synovial fluid circulation, thus exacerbating the risk of joint stiffness. Meanwhile, the relevant muscle groups will gradually atrophy due to the lack of effective contraction stimulation, and the muscle strength will further decline, forming a vicious cycle of "spasticity-fixation-atrophy-more prone to spasticity". In summary, the anti-spasticity braces currently used, due to their inherent "passive fixation" mode, while inhibiting spasticity, inevitably deprive patients of the opportunity for active training and pose a risk of joint stiffness and muscle atrophy, thus making it difficult to fundamentally promote the recovery of upper limb motor function. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide an upper limb anti-spasticity exoskeleton for stroke patients, in order to solve the problem that traditional static braces in the prior art cannot provide active training for patients.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: an upper limb anti-spasticity exoskeleton for stroke patients, comprising two support rings, each support ring having an elastic ring mounted on one side, a support frame mounted on the outer surface of each support ring, a fixing plate and an adjusting member mounted on one side of each support frame, a fixing ring mounted on one side of the fixing plate, a fixing shaft mounted on the upper end of the fixing ring, a rotating disk rotatably mounted on the outer surface of the fixing shaft, the outer surface of the rotating disk being connected to one side of the adjusting member, a connecting plate one mounted on the bottom of the fixing plate, a connecting plate two mounted on the bottom of the adjusting member, an elastic member mounted between the connecting plate one and the connecting plate two, a groove formed between the upper end of the fixing ring and the lower end of the rotating disk, the elastic member being located inside the groove, wherein a connecting member is mounted on one end of the support ring with the adjusting member, five blocking members are mounted on the front end of the connecting member, and finger sleeves are mounted on the front ends of each of the five blocking members.

[0008] Furthermore, airbags are installed on the inner surfaces of both support rings and the elastic ring, driving components are installed on the upper ends of both support frames, and air pipes are connected to the output ends of both driving components. The two air pipes are respectively connected to the two airbags.

[0009] Furthermore, each of the two elastic rings is equipped with a connecting ring at one end, and each of the two connecting rings is provided with a bandage at one end, with the inner side of the bandage being a rough surface.

[0010] Furthermore, both of the outer surfaces of the support rings are provided with connecting hook surfaces, and the bandage is bonded to the connecting hook surfaces.

[0011] Furthermore, the adjusting component includes an adjusting plate disposed on the outer surface of the rotating disk, and the upper end of the adjusting plate is provided with a plurality of adjusting holes.

[0012] Furthermore, the adjusting component also includes a limiting groove disposed on one side of the support frame, and the bottom of the limiting groove is provided with several limiting holes.

[0013] Furthermore, a fixing bolt is threaded inside the adjusting hole, and the fixing bolt is threadedly connected to the limiting hole.

[0014] Furthermore, the connector includes a support groove disposed at one end of the support ring, a movable plate is slidably installed inside the support groove, and one end of each of the five blocking members is connected to one end of the movable plate.

[0015] Furthermore, both sides of the support groove are threaded with fastening bolts, the front ends of the two fastening bolts pass through the support groove, and the front ends of the two fastening bolts abut against the sides of the movable plate respectively.

[0016] Furthermore, the finger sleeve is made of silicone material, the inner side of the finger sleeve is provided with anti-slip texture, and the outer side of the finger sleeve is provided with a fixing strap.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides an upper limb anti-spasticity exoskeleton brace for stroke patients, which has the following beneficial effects.

[0018] This application transforms traditional static support into a dynamic, interactive training process. When the patient actively performs joint flexion and extension movements, they overcome the gradual resistance generated by the stretching of the elastic element. This process constitutes a complete active resistance training mode, effectively exercising and enhancing the strength and endurance of upper limb muscles, preventing muscle atrophy, and stimulating the cerebral cortex to promote the remodeling and compensation of damaged neural pathways, i.e., "neuroplasticity." Secondly, when a sudden spasm causes involuntary excessive flexion of the joint, the instantaneous stretching of the elastic element absorbs and buffers the enormous abnormal force, transforming it into a gentle, continuous elastic resistance force, thereby effectively inhibiting abnormal spasm patterns and preventing sudden injury to the joint and soft tissues. It ensures a safe range of motion, thus limiting joint movement within a safe physiological range, allowing necessary movement while preventing injury from excessive activity, thereby improving the safety of the device.

[0019] By combining the drive unit with the airbag, an organic combination of adaptive fixation and circulating air pressure massage is achieved. This not only ensures the stability and comfort of the brace during exercise, but also provides additional positive rehabilitation effects such as promoting blood circulation, relieving spasms, and stimulating nerve recovery, thereby enhancing the overall clinical value of the brace. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the first-view structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 Provided for embodiments of the present invention Figure 1 Enlarged view of a portion of point A in the middle;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a second-view structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a third-view structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the fourth-view structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0027] 1. Support ring; 2. Elastic ring; 3. Connecting ring; 4. Connecting hook surface; 5. Bandage; 6. Airbag; 7. Support frame; 8. Driving component; 9. Air tube; 10. Fixing plate; 11. Fixing ring; 12. Fixing shaft; 13. Adjusting component; 131. Adjusting plate; 132. Adjusting hole; 133. Limiting groove; 134. Limiting hole; 135. Fixing bolt; 15. Rotating disk; 16. Connecting plate one; 17. Connecting plate two; 18. Elastic component; 19. Supporting groove; 20. Moving plate; 21. Fastening bolt; 22. Stopping component; 23. Finger sleeve. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] As attached Figure 1 To be continued Figure 5 As shown:

[0030] Example 1:

[0031] This invention provides an upper limb anti-spasticity exoskeleton for stroke patients, comprising two support rings 1, each with an elastic ring 2 mounted on one side. Support frames 7 are mounted on the outer surfaces of both support rings 1. A fixing plate 10 and an adjusting member 13 are respectively mounted on one side of each support frame 7. A fixing ring 11 is mounted on one side of the fixing plate 10, and a fixing shaft 12 is mounted on the upper end of the fixing ring 11. A rotating disk 15 is rotatably mounted on the outer surface of the fixing shaft 12, and the outer surface of the rotating disk 15 is connected to one side of the adjusting member 13. The bottom of the fixing plate 10 is equipped with... There is a connecting plate 16, and a connecting plate 2 17 is installed at the bottom of the adjusting component 13. An elastic component 18 is installed between the connecting plate 16 and the connecting plate 2 17. The upper end of the fixing ring 11 and the lower end of the rotating disk 15 form a groove. The elastic component 18 is located inside the groove. One end of the support ring 1 on which the adjusting component 13 is installed is equipped with a connector. Five blocking components 22 are installed at the front end of the connector. Each of the five blocking components 22 has a finger sleeve 23 installed at its front end. The finger sleeve 23 is made of silicone material. The inner side of the finger sleeve 23 is provided with anti-slip texture. The outer side of the finger sleeve 23 is provided with a fixing strap.

[0032] Currently, upper limb antispastic braces for stroke patients are fixed, worn on the patient's upper arm, forearm, wrist, and fingers. While they provide support, they employ a rigid or static fixation method. Their sole purpose is to forcibly maintain the patient's upper limb in an extended position to prevent muscle contractures and joint deformities. This passive mode, which completely restricts joint movement, deprives patients of the opportunity for active or resisted training, hinders the relearning and recovery of neuromuscular function, and long-term use may even lead to joint stiffness and muscle atrophy.

[0033] In use, the two support rings 1 are worn on the upper arm and forearm of the patient, respectively. The curvature of the elastic ring 2 is adjusted to enhance fit and comfort. The support frame 7, as the main load-bearing structure, connects the two support rings 1 along the outer side of the limb. One support frame 7 is equipped with a fixing plate 10, and the other with an adjusting component 13, together forming the core drive module spanning the elbow or wrist joint.

[0034] When a patient attempts to actively flex or extend their elbow, the support ring 1 worn on the forearm displaces the adjusting element 13 via the support frame 7. The adjusting element 13 directly pulls the rotating disk 15 to rotate around the fixed axis 12. The elastic element 18 is housed within a groove formed by the fixed ring 11 and the rotating disk 15, with its two ends connected to connecting plates 16 and 17 respectively. As the rotating disk 15 rotates, it changes its relative position to the fixed plate 10, thereby stretching the elastic element 18. The patient overcomes the gradual resistance generated by the elastic element 18 to complete the joint movement. This process constitutes effective active resistance training, which can enhance muscle strength, improve motor control, and promote the remodeling of neural pathways in the brain.

[0035] When a patient experiences a sudden spasm in their limb, attempting to produce involuntary excessive flexion, the elastic element 18 can be stretched instantly. Through its elastic deformation, it absorbs and buffers abnormal forces, providing a gentle and continuous counterforce, thereby effectively inhibiting spasms, preventing joint and soft tissue damage, and limiting the limb to a safe range of physiological activity. For patients with insufficient muscle strength, the stretched elastic element 18 can release stored elastic potential energy upon rebound, providing an auxiliary force for the joint to move towards a neutral position (usually an extended position), helping the limb to smoothly return to the extended position, thus resisting spasms.

[0036] This application transforms traditional static support into a dynamic, interactive training process. When the patient actively performs joint flexion and extension movements, they overcome the gradual resistance generated by the stretching of the elastic element 18. This process constitutes a complete active resistance training mode, effectively exercising and enhancing the strength and endurance of the upper limb muscles, preventing muscle atrophy, and stimulating the cerebral cortex to promote the remodeling and compensation of damaged neural pathways, i.e., "neuroplasticity." Secondly, when a sudden spasm causes involuntary excessive flexion of the joint, the instantaneous stretching of the elastic element 18 absorbs and buffers the enormous abnormal force, transforming it into a gentle, continuous elastic resistance force, thereby effectively inhibiting abnormal spasm patterns and preventing sudden injury to the joint and soft tissues. It ensures a safe range of motion, thus limiting joint movement within a safe physiological range, allowing necessary movement while preventing damage caused by excessive activity, thereby improving the safety of the device.

[0037] At the front end of the brace, five stoppers 22 are installed via connectors, each stopper 22 having a finger sleeve 23 at its end. The patient inserts their fingers into the finger sleeves 23; the stoppers 22, being spring-loaded, allow the patient to perform active finger movement training, such as grasping and extending, within a safe range of motion. The stoppers 22 ensure correct training patterns, prevent finger flexion deformities caused by spasticity, encourage the patient to attempt functional movements, and prevent excessive finger bending in the event of a sudden spasticity.

[0038] In one embodiment of the present invention, the adjusting member 13 includes an adjusting plate 131 disposed on the outer surface of the rotating disk 15, and the upper end of the adjusting plate 131 is provided with a plurality of adjusting holes 132.

[0039] Adjustment component 13 also includes a limiting groove 133 provided on one side of support frame 7, and a plurality of limiting holes 134 are provided at the bottom of limiting groove 133.

[0040] The adjusting hole 132 is internally threaded with a fixing bolt 135, which is threadedly connected to the limiting hole 134.

[0041] Specifically, when fitting the brace to the patient, the two support rings 1 are first fixed to the upper arm and forearm respectively. Due to individual patient differences, the straight-line distance between the two support rings 1, i.e., the length of the brace spanning the elbow joint, varies from person to person. To ensure that the rotation axis of the rotating disk 15 is roughly aligned with the physiological flexion and extension axis of the human elbow joint, the connection length between the two support frames 7 is adjusted. When the length needs to be adjusted, the operator first loosens and releases the threaded connection between the fixing bolt 135 and the current limiting hole 134. The adjusting plate 131 fixedly connected to the rotating disk 15 can then slide freely within the limiting groove 133 on the support frame 7. This sliding action directly changes the relative distance between the support ring 1 with the adjusting component 13 and the support ring 1 with the fixing plate 10. After sliding the adjusting plate 131 to match the brace length with the patient's arm length and after the core drive module position is properly adjusted, the operator passes the fixing bolt 135 through the adjusting hole 132 aligned with it on the adjusting plate 131 and screws it into the limiting hole 134 at the bottom of the limiting groove 133. By restoring the threaded connection, the adjusting plate 131 is locked onto the support frame 7, thereby fixing the length of the entire brace and allowing the brace to be adapted to different patients.

[0042] In one embodiment of the present invention, the connector includes a support groove 19 disposed at one end of the support ring 1, a movable plate 20 is slidably installed inside the support groove 19, and one end of each of the five blocking members 22 is connected to one end of the movable plate 20.

[0043] Both sides of the support groove 19 are threaded with fastening bolts 21. The front ends of the two fastening bolts 21 pass through the support groove 19 and abut against the two sides of the movable plate 20 respectively.

[0044] Specifically, due to individual differences, the length of a patient's hand from wrist to finger base varies. To ensure effective alignment of the patient's five fingers with the finger sleeves 23 and to guarantee the optimal training and protection effect of the stoppers 22, the entire combination module of the stoppers 22 and finger sleeves 23 can be adjusted forward and backward along the longitudinal axis of the arm. The movable plate 20, serving as the mounting base for the entire hand functional module, is slidably installed inside the support groove 19. When adjusting the forward and backward position of the finger sleeves 23, the operator first simultaneously loosens the two fastening bolts 21. Since the front ends of the fastening bolts 21 are in abutting relationship with the sides of the movable plate 20 rather than being fixedly connected, loosening them releases the locking force on the movable plate 20. At this point, the operator can slide the movable plate 20 forward or backward along the guide of the support groove 19, thereby moving all five stoppers 22 and finger sleeves 23 fixed thereon together. When the movable plate 20 is slid to a position where the finger sleeves 23 are aligned with the base of the patient's fingers, the operator simultaneously tightens the two fastening bolts 21. When the fastening bolt 21 is pushed in by the thread, its front end presses directly against the side of the moving plate 20, and locks it in its current position in the support groove 19 by friction. When in use, the fingers are inserted into the finger sleeve 23 and the wrist and palm are placed on the support groove 19, which effectively prevents the patient's wrist from bending downward.

[0045] In one embodiment of the present invention, airbags 6 are installed on the inner surfaces of the two support rings 1 and the elastic ring 2, driving components 8 are installed on the upper ends of the two support frames 7, and air pipes 9 are connected to the output ends of the two driving components 8 respectively.

[0046] Each of the two elastic rings 2 has a connecting ring 3 installed at one end, and each of the two connecting rings 3 has a bandage 5 at one end, with the inner side of the bandage 5 being made of a rough surface.

[0047] Both support rings 1 have connecting hook surfaces 4 on their outer surfaces, and the bandage 5 is bonded to the connecting hook surfaces 4.

[0048] Specifically, when wearing it, the device is first made to fit the patient's arm by utilizing the curvature of the elastic ring 2, and then the brace can be fixed to the patient's limb by the adhesion of the bandage 5 and the connecting hook surface 4.

[0049] Activate drive component 8. Specifically, drive component 8 can be a miniature air pump that generates compressed air, which is delivered to the airbag 6 via air tube 9. As the air is inflated, the airbag 6 on the inner surface of the support ring 1 and elastic ring 2 begins to expand. The expanded airbag 6 automatically fills the irregular gaps between the brace and the patient's limb surface, especially adapting well to contour changes caused by muscle atrophy or swelling. This transforms the pressure distribution from several concentrated points to a uniform contact surface. The elastic ring 2 itself has a certain deformation capacity, which, in conjunction with the expansion of the airbag 6, achieves three-dimensional wrapping and fit, improving wearing comfort and stability, and preventing poor blood circulation caused by localized pressure.

[0050] The actuator 8 can also be controlled to cyclically inflate and deflate, periodically inflating and deflating the airbag 6. This keeps the pressure of the airbag 6 on the limb in a dynamic process. This cyclically changing pressure can gently and rhythmically compress the patient's soft tissues, effectively simulating the "press-relax" action in manual massage. Regular compression and relaxation can help venous blood and lymph return, reducing limb swelling. Secondly, continuous rhythmic stimulation helps reduce the excitability of motor neurons, thereby relieving muscle tension and spasms. Finally, massage provides the patient with important proprioceptive and tactile input, which is crucial for the reconstruction of sensory and motor function in stroke patients.

[0051] By combining the drive unit 8 with the airbag 6, an organic combination of adaptive fixation and circulating air pressure massage is achieved. This not only ensures the stability and comfort of the brace during exercise, but also provides positive rehabilitation effects such as promoting blood circulation, relieving spasms, and stimulating nerve recovery, thereby enhancing the overall clinical value of the brace.

[0052] The foregoing has only described certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention by way of illustration. Undoubtedly, those skilled in the art can modify the described embodiments in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing drawings and descriptions are illustrative in nature and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A stroke patient upper limb anti-spasm exoskeleton brace, comprising two support rings (1), one side of each of the two support rings (1) is provided with an elastic ring (2), characterized in that, Both outer surfaces of the support rings (1) are provided with support frames (7), one side of each of the two support frames (7) is provided with a fixed plate (10) and an adjusting piece (13), one side of the fixed plate (10) is provided with a fixed ring (11), the upper end of the fixed ring (11) is provided with a fixed shaft (12), the outer surface of the fixed shaft (12) is rotatably provided with a rotating disc (15), the outer surface of the rotating disc (15) is connected with one side of the adjusting piece (13), the bottom of the fixed plate (10) is provided with a connecting plate one (16), the bottom of the adjusting piece (13) is provided with a connecting plate two (17), the elastic piece (18) is arranged between the connecting plate one (16) and the connecting plate two (17), the upper end of the fixed ring (11) and the lower end of the rotating disc (15) form a notch, and the elastic piece (18) is located in the notch, wherein one end of the support ring (1) provided with the adjusting piece (13) is provided with a connecting piece, the front end of the connecting piece is provided with five blocking pieces (22), and the front end of each of the five blocking pieces (22) is provided with a finger sleeve (23).

2. The anti-spasticity exoskeleton brace for upper limbs of stroke patients according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both inner surfaces of the two support rings (1) and the elastic rings (2) are provided with air bags (6), the upper ends of the two support frames (7) are provided with driving pieces (8), the output ends of the two driving pieces (8) are communicated with air tubes (9), and the two air tubes (9) are communicated with the two air bags (6) respectively.

3. The anti-spasticity exoskeleton brace for upper limbs of stroke patients according to claim 2, characterized in that, One end of each of the two elastic rings (2) is provided with a connecting ring (3), and one end of each of the two connecting rings (3) is provided with a bandage (5), and the inner side of the bandage (5) is provided as a rough surface.

4. The anti-spasticity exoskeleton brace for upper limbs of stroke patients according to claim 3, characterized in that, Both outer surfaces of the two support rings (1) are provided with connecting hook surfaces (4), and the bandage (5) is bonded with the connecting hook surface (4).

5. The anti-spasticity exoskeleton brace for upper limbs of stroke patients according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjusting piece (13) comprises an adjusting plate (131) arranged on the outer surface of the rotating disc (15), and a plurality of adjusting holes (132) are formed in the upper end of the adjusting plate (131).

6. The anti-spasticity exoskeleton brace for upper limbs of stroke patients according to claim 5, characterized in that, The adjusting piece (13) further comprises a limiting groove (133) arranged on one side of the support frame (7), and a plurality of limiting holes (134) are formed in the bottom of the limiting groove (133).

7. The anti-spasticity exoskeleton brace for upper limbs of stroke patients according to claim 6, characterized in that, The inside of the adjusting hole (132) is threadedly connected with a fixed bolt (135), and the fixed bolt (135) is threadedly connected with the limiting hole (134).

8. The anti-spasticity exoskeleton brace for upper limbs of stroke patients according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting piece comprises a support groove (19) arranged at one end of the support ring (1), a moving plate (20) is slidably arranged in the support groove (19), and one end of each of the five blocking pieces (22) is connected with one end of the moving plate (20).

9. The anti-spasticity exoskeleton brace for upper limbs of stroke patients according to claim 8, characterized in that, Both sides of the support groove (19) are threadedly connected with fastening bolts (21), the front ends of the two fastening bolts (21) pass through the support groove (19), and the front ends of the two fastening bolts (21) abut against both sides of the moving plate (20) respectively.

10. The anti-spasticity exoskeleton brace for upper limbs of stroke patients according to claim 1, characterized in that, The finger sleeve (23) is made of silica gel material, the inner side of the finger sleeve (23) is provided with anti-skid lines, and the outer side of the finger sleeve (23) is provided with a fixing belt.

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