Joint auxiliary equipment for relieving chronic pain of old people

Abstract

A joint auxiliary device for relieving chronic pain of old people is characterized in that a heating unit is arranged on the surface of the side, attached to a joint, of a bearing cover, a mounting shell is fixed to the surface of the other side of the bearing cover, a driving assembly for forming one-way airflow at the joint hot compress position is arranged in the mounting shell, and the driving assembly absorbs moisture of air passing through the interior of the driving assembly; the two driving exercise assemblies are symmetrically arranged, and the two driving exercise assemblies are arranged on the two sides of the bearing cover and connected to the upper mounting cover and the lower mounting cover; the knee joint bends and stretches to drive the upper mounting cover and the lower mounting cover to rotate relatively, the driving exercise assembly provides resistance, and therefore the weight-bearing exercise effect is achieved. By constructing a constant-temperature drying and heating cavity and combining resistance-resistant exercise, hot compress and exercise collaboration is achieved, and the comfort, functionality and chronic pain relieving effect of knee joints are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of assistive medical devices, specifically an assistive device for relieving chronic pain in the joints of the elderly. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing aging of the population, chronic knee pain has become a common health problem among middle-aged and elderly people, mainly manifested as joint stiffness, soreness, and recurring pain. Heat therapy, as a physical therapy, is widely used to relieve knee discomfort. Existing heat therapy devices mostly use heating patches, electric heating pads, or hot water bottles to directly heat the knee joint area to promote blood circulation and relieve muscle tension and pain.

[0003] However, the existing technology has the following problems: Direct contact of heat sources with the skin poses a risk of burns: Most heat therapy devices have their heating units directly attached to the skin of the knee, which can easily lead to excessively high local temperatures, causing burns or discomfort. This is especially problematic for elderly people with thin or sensitive skin, resulting in a poor user experience and insufficient safety.

[0004] Uneven heating and unstable treatment effects: Traditional hot compress devices do not take into account the complexity of the knee joint structure, and the heat distribution is often uneven, which can easily lead to local hot spots or unheated areas, affecting the overall effect of hot compress.

[0005] Internal moisture cannot be expelled, making it easy to catch a cold after use: During the hot compress process, the sweat or moisture expelled by the skin accumulates in the enclosed space, which can easily create a humid environment. After the hot compress is finished, the sweat residue comes into contact with the cold air outside, which may cause a cold stimulus and aggravate the original joint discomfort.

[0006] Limited rehabilitation effect due to lack of active movement function: Most existing devices are static heat therapy, which only has analgesic effect and lacks auxiliary exercise mechanism. They cannot improve joint mobility or joint function, resulting in limited treatment effect and long recovery period.

[0007] Heat therapy and exercise are disconnected and lack synergistic treatment: Currently, heat therapy and physical exercise often need to be performed at different times or with different equipment, failing to form a unified synergistic mechanism. This not only increases the burden on patients but also makes it difficult to achieve efficient functional recovery within the optimal window of heat therapy.

[0008] However, there are few practical joint assistive devices in the current technology for relieving chronic pain in the elderly. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In view of the technical problems existing in the prior art, the present invention aims to provide a joint assistive device for relieving chronic pain in the elderly that can solve the problems of poor safety, uneven heating, moisture retention and lack of active rehabilitation function of existing hot compress devices, and at the same time, it is difficult to effectively meet the comprehensive relief and functional improvement needs of patients with chronic knee pain.

[0010] Specifically, the present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical solutions: According to one aspect of the present invention, a joint assistive device for relieving chronic pain in the elderly is provided, comprising a support cover covering the front of the knee joint, wherein the top and bottom of the support cover are respectively connected to an upper mounting cover and a lower mounting cover by a soft connecting layer, and the support cover, the upper mounting cover and the lower mounting cover are all rigid structures made of medical-grade rigid materials. The upper mounting cover and the lower mounting cover respectively cover the front of the thigh above the knee joint and the front of the lower leg below the knee joint. That is, the support cover covers the knee joint, and the upper mounting cover and the lower mounting cover are fixed above and below the knee joint, and the upper mounting cover and the lower mounting cover play a fixing role. A heating unit is provided on one side surface of the support cover that fits against the joint, and a housing is fixedly mounted on the other side surface. A drive component that forms a one-way airflow at the joint heat application site is provided inside the housing, and the drive component absorbs moisture from the air passing through it. Two symmetrically arranged drive exercise components are disposed on both sides of the support cover and connected to the upper mounting cover and the lower mounting cover; The flexion and extension of the knee joint causes the upper and lower mounting covers to rotate relative to each other, and the drive exercise component provides resistance, thereby achieving a weight-bearing exercise effect.

[0011] This invention creates a heating cavity between the knee joint and the heating unit using a ring-shaped, fitted airbag, avoiding direct skin contact and improving comfort and safety. A drive component generates unidirectional airflow within the cavity, resulting in more even temperature distribution and preventing localized overheating or cooling. This airflow also removes moisture, preventing dampness and sweat retention in the cavity and avoiding chilling after heat application. A drive-type exercise component guides the user through resistance flexion and extension exercises, improving joint mobility. The synergistic effect of heat application and moderate exercise helps alleviate chronic knee pain.

[0012] In this technical solution, a support plate that serves as heat insulation is fixed on the support cover, and a circular or elliptical fitting airbag is fixed at the center of the support plate. The fitting airbag fits the knee joint, and the heating unit is disposed on the surface of the support plate located in the inner cavity of the fitting airbag.

[0013] The drive assembly has two air intake and exhaust pipes that sequentially pass through the support shell and support plate, connecting to both sides of the inner cavity of the airbag. These sides can be horizontal or vertical. The drive assembly is integrated into the mounting shell on the surface of the support cover. The drive assembly includes a drive component that forms a unidirectional airflow, with both sides of the drive component connected to the air intake pipes. The drive assembly creates a unidirectional airflow inside the heated cavity.

[0014] Furthermore, the driving component includes a cylindrical outer shell with frustoconical sides, and a fan that generates unidirectional airflow is installed inside the shell. Both ends of the shell are connected to guide pipes; at least one of the guide pipes has a drying section. The shell and guide pipes are preferably made of harmless materials with certain heat insulation and heat preservation properties. The fan generates unidirectional airflow inside the shell and the two guide pipes, guiding the airflow in the heated cavity from one side to the other.

[0015] Specifically, the drying unit includes a drying shell connected to a corresponding guide pipe, through which unidirectional airflow passes. A drying component is installed inside the drying shell, comprising a "door"-shaped connecting frame fixed within the shell. A mounting frame has a moisture-absorbing drying plate fitted into its central area. The mounting frame is inserted into the drying shell through a groove on its surface, and its two sides are slidably connected to the two corresponding inner walls of the connecting frame. A handle is fixed to the surface of the mounting frame, and the end face of the mounting frame on the side with the handle is tightly fitted to the groove. The fitting precision requirement is not high; it is sufficient to prevent a large amount of heat-generating gas from escaping.

[0016] Airflow passes through the drying plate, where drying elements absorb moisture from the airflow. The desiccant is preferably a reusable material and fills the inner cavity of the drying plate or is laid on its surface. Several evenly distributed ventilation holes are formed on the drying plate. The through-slot surface on the mounting housing is covered with a cover plate, and the cover plate is detachably connected to the mounting housing. Subsequent maintenance can be performed by removing the cover plate and replacing equipment such as the drying plate or battery.

[0017] Specifically, both the upper and lower mounting covers have arc-shaped cross-sections and are made of rigid materials. Soft connecting straps are attached to both sides of each cover, and these straps are triangular in shape. Connecting ties are attached to the ends of two corresponding straps, forming a detachable connection. First, the support cover is placed over the knee. Then, the connecting ties secure the upper and lower covers to the top and bottom of the knee joint, respectively, i.e., the thigh and calf. The two corresponding connecting straps are located on either the upper or lower mounting cover. Preferably, connecting ties are also fixed to both sides of the support cover, with a correspondingly increased length, directly securing the support cover to the front of the knee joint. This direct fixation of the support cover to the front of the knee joint facilitates the operation of the exercise component.

[0018] In this technical solution, the driving exercise component includes a rotating connection part, which is disposed on the bearing cover located in the middle; two symmetrically arranged support parts, one end of the two support parts being electrically connected to the rotating connection part, and the other end being connected to the upper mounting cover and the lower mounting cover respectively; and an impedance part is disposed between the two support parts, which provides resistance.

[0019] Specifically, the rotating connection includes a guide rail arranged in a horizontal direction. The guide rail is fixed to one side of the surface of the support cover by a connecting frame. A slider is slidably connected to the guide rail. A support plate is fixed to the surface of the slider. A locking element is provided on the support plate to lock the position of the support plate on the guide rail. A connecting post is fixed at the center of the surface of the support plate. Two connecting rings are sleeved on the surface of the connecting post. The two connecting rings rotate on the surface of the connecting post. A connecting plate is fixed to the surface of each of the two connecting rings. The connecting plate is connected to the corresponding support part through a "Z"-shaped connecting element.

[0020] By sliding the slider on the guide rail, the horizontal position of the rotating connection is adjusted, thereby adjusting the position of the center of rotation of the two support parts relative to each other, so that the center of rotation is on the same horizontal line as the center of rotation of the knee joint; while the vertical position of the center of rotation is adjusted by moving the support cover up and down, which is achieved when the support cover is fixed.

[0021] Preferably, the locking component includes a threaded sleeve fixed to the bearing plate. A threaded rod is inserted into the inside of the threaded sleeve, and the outer wall of the threaded rod and the inner wall of the threaded sleeve are connected by threaded engagement. The threaded rod passes through the bearing plate and overlaps with the guide rail. After the slider position is adjusted, the threaded rod is rotated so that it presses tightly against the guide rail, fixing the position of the bearing plate and thus fixing the position of the rotation center in the horizontal direction.

[0022] Furthermore, the support component includes support rods, with two support rods forming a "V" shape. The ends of the support rods are fixed to the upper or lower mounting cover via connecting rods. The resistance component is disposed on a fixed plate on the two support rods. When the knee joint rotates, the upper and lower mounting covers also rotate relative to each other, thereby driving the two support rods to rotate. The support rods move against the resistance component, thus achieving the exercise effect.

[0023] Specifically, the impedance section includes an arc-shaped sleeve and an arc-shaped rod, with the centers of the arc-shaped sleeve and the arc-shaped rod coinciding with the center of rotation of the support rod. The arc-shaped sleeve and the arc-shaped rod are respectively mounted on the fixing plates of the two support rods, and a piston is fixed to the end of the arc-shaped rod. The piston is slidably connected to the inner wall of the arc-shaped tube, that is, the end of the arc-shaped rod extends into the arc-shaped tube. The connection between the arc-shaped tube and the fixing plate is provided with a port that communicates with its inner cavity.

[0024] As the piston slides inside the arc-shaped tube, air enters and exits through the corresponding part of the arc-shaped tube via the port.

[0025] This technical solution also includes a massage component disposed on the inner wall of the upper mounting cover. The massage component is connected to the pressure transmission component and the driving exercise component through a transmission component. There are two pressure transmission components, and the two pressure transmission components are respectively connected to two driving exercise components. During the knee flexion and extension process, the driving exercise component drives the massage component to massage the area at the top of the knee joint through the pressure transmission component, that is, mainly massages the quadriceps femoris muscle.

[0026] The pressure transmission component includes a rigid tube, one end of which is connected to the port on the arc-shaped tube, and the other end is connected to the inner cavity of the collection shell. The collection shell is fixed on the surface of the upper mounting cover, and the collection shell and the massage component are connected to each other through transmission. The middle area of ​​the rigid tube is replaced by a soft tube, and the soft tube is connected to the rigid tube. The soft tube can maintain a spiral structure and provides a connection length margin for the rotation of the support.

[0027] The massage assembly includes a support plate with a circular arc cross-section, which is fixed to the inner wall of the upper mounting cover; and multiple massage airbags fixed to the support plate, which are connected to the collection shell.

[0028] The collecting shell is interconnected with one of the massage airbags via a connecting pipe, and adjacent massage airbags are interconnected via a connecting member, meaning all massage airbags are interconnected. The connecting member is a tubular component or a connecting channel formed inside the support plate. In another preferred embodiment, the collecting shell may also be interconnected with individual massage airbags via multi-port pipes, and the massage airbags are interconnected.

[0029] According to the present invention, at least the following beneficial effects are achieved: By incorporating a ring-shaped airbag at the knee joint, a closed and evenly heated cavity is created between the knee skin and the heating unit, avoiding direct contact and improving comfort and safety. This heating cavity effectively prevents the heating unit from directly contacting the skin surface, preventing burns, scalding sensations, or thermal discomfort caused by excessively high local temperatures, thus enhancing the comfort and safety of use, especially suitable for middle-aged and elderly people with sensitive skin. Airflow guidance improves the uniformity of heat application; the drive component creates a unidirectional airflow within the heating cavity, achieving orderly circulation of hot air inside the cavity, significantly improving the problem of local heat accumulation, avoiding hot spots and dead zones, ensuring even heating of all areas of the knee joint, and enhancing the therapeutic effect of heat application. Moisture removal and temperature control prevent secondary irritation; the drive component further absorbs moisture or sweat generated during heating within the cavity, maintaining a relatively dry state, effectively preventing the knee skin from becoming damp and forming a wet compress effect or residual sweat, reducing the "cooling down" effect caused by cold air stimulation after heat application, preventing the joint from getting cold again or even aggravating pain, especially suitable for people with cold and dampness-type pain constitution. Integrating exercise functions to aid functional rehabilitation; equipped with a driven exercise component, it guides users through resisted knee flexion and extension exercises while wearing the device. Building upon heat therapy, low-intensity active movement enhances joint mobility, activates knee muscle strength, improves synovial fluid circulation, and promotes cartilage nutrition and metabolism, thus extending the function from passive analgesia to active rehabilitation. The synergistic effect of heat and movement enhances pain relief; organically combining temperature-controlled heat therapy with resistance training achieves a synergistic rehabilitation mechanism where heat promotes blood flow and movement maintains structural stability. While improving local tissue metabolism and stress adaptation, it also helps alleviate chronic pain caused by degenerative changes, adhesions, or muscle atrophy, and enhances the joint's self-repair ability. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the external structure of a joint assistive device for relieving chronic pain in the elderly according to a specific embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of a joint assistive device for relieving chronic pain in the elderly, according to another specific embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a top view schematic diagram illustrating a specific embodiment of the joint assistive device for relieving chronic pain in the elderly according to the present invention; Figure 4 To show Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure at point AA; Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the drying section structure after the concealed mounting shell of a joint assistive device for relieving chronic pain in the elderly, according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 This is a top view of the drying section after the concealed mounting shell of a joint assistive device for relieving chronic pain in the elderly, according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 for Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure at BB; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the state of the drying component of a joint assistive device for relieving chronic pain in the elderly, according to a specific embodiment of the present invention, being pulled out of the drying shell. Figure 9 This is a top view showing the state of the drying component of a joint assistive device for relieving chronic pain in the elderly, according to a specific embodiment of the present invention, being pulled out of the drying shell. Figure 10 for Figure 9 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the cross-section at the CC point; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the overall external structure of a joint assistive device with a driven exercise component for relieving chronic pain in the elderly according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 This is a bottom view of a specific embodiment of the joint assistive device for relieving chronic pain in the elderly, including a driven exercise component. Figure 13 for Figure 12 A magnified schematic diagram of the local structure at point I; Figure 14 This is a side view of a joint assistive device with a driven exercise component for relieving chronic pain in the elderly, according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 This is a front view schematic diagram of a joint assistive device with a driven exercise component for relieving chronic pain in the elderly according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a massage component and a pressure transmission component of a joint assistive device for relieving chronic pain in the elderly according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. Figure 17 for Figure 16 A magnified schematic diagram of the structure at point J; Figure 18 This is a structural schematic diagram from another perspective illustrating the massage component and pressure transmission component of a joint assistive device for relieving chronic pain in the elderly according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. Figure 19 for Figure 18 A magnified schematic diagram of the structure at point K; Figure 20 This is a bottom view of the massage component and pressure transmission component of a joint assistive device for relieving chronic pain in the elderly according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. Figure 21 for Figure 18 A magnified schematic diagram of the structure at point L; Figure 22 This is a top view schematic diagram illustrating the massage component and pressure transmission component of a joint assistive device for relieving chronic pain in the elderly according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. Figure 23 for Figure 22 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the cross-section at DD; Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection structure between massage airbags and between the massage airbags and the collection shell in a joint assistive device for relieving chronic pain in the elderly according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. Figure 25 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection between the slider and the guide rail of a joint assistive device for relieving chronic pain in the elderly according to a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 1. Support cover; 11. Mounting shell; 12. Cover plate; 13. Support plate; 14. Fitting airbag; 2. Install the cover on top; 3. Install the lower cover; 4. Connecting strap; 41. Connecting tie; 5. Connecting layer; 6. Drive assembly; 61. Housing; 62. Guide tube; 63. Drying shell; 631. Connecting frame; 64. Fan; 65. Mounting frame; 651. Drying plate; 652. Handle; 7. Drive exercise assembly; 71. Rotating connection part; 711. Guide rail; 7111. Slider; 712. Bearing plate; 7121. Threaded sleeve; 7122. Threaded rod; 713. Connecting column; 714. Connecting ring; 715. Connecting plate; 716. Connecting frame; 7151. Connecting piece; 72. Support part; 721. Support rod; 722. Fixing plate; 723. Connecting rod; 73. Arc-shaped sleeve; 74. Arc-shaped rod; 741. Piston; 742. Rotating plate; 8. Pressure transmission assembly; 81. Rigid tube; 82. Flexible tube; 83. Manifold shell; 84. Connecting tube; 9. Massage component; 91. Support plate; 92. Massage airbag; 93. Connecting component. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will understand that this description is exemplary and does not limit the present invention to the embodiments.

[0033] Figure 1-4 A schematic diagram of a joint assistive device for relieving chronic pain in the elderly, as shown in the specific embodiment, is presented. Figures 1-4 As shown, the joint assistive device includes a support cover 1 covering the front of the knee joint. The top and bottom of the support cover 1 are connected to an upper mounting cover 2 and a lower mounting cover 3 via soft connecting layers 5. The support cover 1, upper mounting cover 2, and lower mounting cover 3 are all rigid structures made of medical-grade rigid materials. The upper mounting cover 2 and lower mounting cover 3 cover the front of the thigh above the knee joint and the front of the lower leg below the knee joint, respectively. That is, the support cover 1 covers the knee joint, and the upper mounting cover 2 and lower mounting cover 3 are fixed above and below the knee joint, respectively, and the upper mounting cover 2 and lower mounting cover 3 serve to fix the knee joint. Function: A heating unit is provided on one side of the support cover 1 that fits against the joint, and a mounting shell 11 is fixedly installed on the other side. The interior of the mounting shell 11 is provided with a drive component 6 that forms a unidirectional airflow at the joint heat application site, and the drive component 6 absorbs moisture from the air passing through it. Two symmetrically arranged drive exercise components 7 are located on both sides of the support cover 1 and are connected to the upper mounting cover 2 and the lower mounting cover 3. Knee flexion and extension cause the upper mounting cover 2 and the lower mounting cover 3 to rotate relative to each other, and the drive exercise components 7 provide resistance, thereby achieving a weight-bearing exercise effect.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, a heating cavity is formed between the knee joint and the heating unit by a ring-shaped airbag 14, preventing the heating unit from directly contacting the skin and causing discomfort. Simultaneously, the driving component 6 creates a unidirectional airflow within the heating cavity, resulting in a more uniform temperature distribution and preventing excessively high or low temperatures in certain areas. The driving component 6 also absorbs moisture from the heating cavity, preventing excessive dampness and the accumulation of sweat on the knee surface. This prevents the knee joint from suddenly coming into contact with a cooler external environment after heat application, which could reduce the effectiveness of the heat application, impair pain relief, and potentially even exacerbate pain. The driving exercise component 7 allows the user to perform resistance knee flexion and extension exercises, moderately improving knee joint health and indirectly alleviating pain.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, a support plate 13 for heat insulation is fixed on the support cover 1. A circular or elliptical fitting airbag 14 is fixed at the center of the support plate 13, and the fitting airbag 14 fits the knee joint. The heating unit is disposed on the surface of the support plate 13 located in the inner cavity of the fitting airbag 14. Two air guide pipes 62 on the drive assembly 6 for air inlet and outlet respectively pass through the support shell and the support plate 13 and are connected to both sides of the inner cavity of the fitting airbag 14. The two sides are horizontal or vertical. The drive assembly 6 is integrated on the mounting shell 11 on the surface of the support cover 1. The drive assembly 6 includes a drive member for forming a unidirectional airflow, and both sides of the drive member are connected to the air guide pipes 62 respectively.

[0036] The airbag 14 is fitted to the front of the knee joint, forming a relatively closed heating cavity. The heating unit is preferably a heating structure used for heat therapy in various massage devices manufactured in the prior art to relieve joint and muscle pain. Since the heating unit is prior art, it is not shown in the figure. Its related power supply and control structures are also prior art and can be integrated into the inner cavity of the mounting shell. Control buttons, etc., can be located on the outer wall of the mounting shell 11 or the outer wall of the support cover 1. A unidirectional airflow is formed inside the heating cavity by the drive assembly 6.

[0037] Specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown, the driving component includes a housing 61 with a cylindrical center and frustum-shaped sides. A fan 64, which generates unidirectional airflow, is installed inside the housing 61. The fan 64 is powered by an external power source or by a battery inside the housing 11. Both ends of the housing 61 are connected to guide pipes 62; at least one of the guide pipes 62 has a drying section. The housing 61 and guide pipes 62 are preferably made of harmless materials with certain heat insulation and heat preservation properties. The fan 64 generates unidirectional airflow inside the housing 61 and the two guide pipes 62, guiding the airflow in the heated cavity from one side to the other. The fan 64 can also be a conventional fan 64, or a motor of suitable size and specifications can be selected, with suitable fan blades or turbines installed at the output end of the motor, which only needs to rotate to generate unidirectional airflow.

[0038] The following reference Figure 6-10 The drying section is described in detail, among which... Figure 6 , 7 To show a top view of the drying section, Figure 8-10 This diagram illustrates the state of the drying section being pulled out.

[0039] like Figure 6-10As shown, the drying section includes a drying shell 63, which is connected to a corresponding guide pipe 62. The unidirectional airflow inside the guide pipe 62 passes through the interior of the drying shell 63. A drying component is installed inside the drying shell 63. The drying component includes a connecting frame 631 with a "door"-shaped structure, and the connecting frame 631 is fixed inside the drying shell 63. A mounting frame 65 is installed, with a moisture-absorbing drying plate 651 fitted into the middle area of ​​the mounting frame 65. The mounting frame 65 is inserted into the interior of the drying shell 63 through a groove on the surface of the drying shell 63, and the two sides of the mounting frame 65 are slidably connected to the two corresponding inner walls of the connecting frame 631. A handle 652 is fixed to the surface of the mounting frame 65, and the end face of the mounting frame 65 on the side where the handle 652 is located is tightly fitted to the groove. The fitting precision requirement is not high; it is only necessary to prevent a large amount of gas carrying heat from escaping.

[0040] Airflow passes through drying plate 651, where drying elements absorb moisture from the airflow. The desiccant is preferably a reusable material and fills the inner cavity of drying plate 651 or is laid on its surface. Several evenly distributed ventilation holes are formed on the drying plate. The desiccant is preferably one of silica gel, molecular sieve, or montmorillonite. The mounting frame 65, which fixes the drying plate 651, slides on the surface of connecting frame 631, allowing the drying plate 651 to be pulled out for replacement. A detachable connection can be formed between the mounting frame 651 and the drying shell 63 using magnetic material.

[0041] Furthermore, the through-slot surface on the mounting housing 11 is covered by a cover plate 12, and the cover plate 12 and the mounting housing 11 form a detachable connection, which can be either a threaded connection or a snap-fit ​​connection. The cover plate 12 can be removed to replace the dryer plate 651 or the battery, etc., for subsequent maintenance.

[0042] The driving exercise component of this invention will now be described in detail. As described above, such as Figure 1As shown, both the upper mounting cover 2 and the lower mounting cover 3 have arc-shaped cross-sections and are made of rigid materials. Soft connecting straps 4 are attached to both sides of the upper mounting cover 2 and the lower mounting cover 3. The connecting straps 4 are triangular in shape, and each end of one of the two corresponding connecting straps 4 is connected to a connecting tie 41. The two connecting ties 41 are detachably connected to each other, preferably via a snap fastener, Velcro, or directly tied together. First, the support cover 1 is placed over the knee. Then, the upper mounting cover 2 and the lower mounting cover 3 are fixed to the top and bottom of the knee joint, i.e., the thigh and calf, respectively, using the connecting ties 41. The two corresponding connecting straps 4 are the two connecting straps 4 located on either the upper mounting cover 2 or the lower mounting cover 3. Connecting ties 41 are also preferably fixed to both sides of the support cover 1, with a correspondingly increased length, directly fixing the support cover 1 to the front of the knee joint via the connecting ties 41. Fixing the support cover 1 directly to the front of the knee joint via the connecting ties 41 facilitates the operation of the exercise component 7.

[0043] like Figure 11-15 As shown in Figure 25, the driving exercise component 7 includes a rotating connection part 71, which is disposed on the bearing cover located in the middle; two symmetrically arranged support parts 72, one end of the two support parts 72 being electrically connected to the rotating connection part 71, and the other end being connected to the upper mounting cover 2 and the lower mounting cover 3 respectively; and an impedance part is provided between the two support parts 72, which provides resistance.

[0044] Once the upper mounting cover 2 and the lower mounting cover 3 are fixed in the appropriate areas, the lower leg is flexed and extended, that is, the lower leg rotates along the knee joint, thereby driving the two support parts 72 to rotate around the rotating connection part 71 as the center. The resistance part between the two support parts 72 provides resistance to achieve the exercise effect.

[0045] Specifically, such as Figure 25 As shown, the rotating connection part 71 includes a guide rail 711 arranged in the horizontal direction. The guide rail 711 is fixed to one side of the surface of the support cover 1 by a connecting frame 716. A slider 7111 is slidably connected to the guide rail 711. A support plate 712 is fixed on the surface of the slider 7111. A locking member is provided on the support plate 712 to lock the position of the support plate 712 on the guide rail 711. A connecting post 713 is fixed at the center of the surface of the support plate 712. Two connecting rings 714 are sleeved on the surface of the connecting post 713. The two connecting rings 714 rotate on the surface of the connecting post 713. A connecting plate 715 is fixed on the surface of each of the two connecting rings 714. The connecting plate 715 is connected to the corresponding support part 72 by a "Z"-shaped connecting member 7151. The "Z"-shaped connecting member 7151 compensates for the deviation caused by the thickness of the two connecting rings 714, so that the two support parts 72 are on the same plane, forming a connection structure similar to the rotation of scissors.

[0046] By sliding the slider 7111 on the guide rail 711, the horizontal position of the rotating connection part 71 is adjusted, thereby adjusting the position of the center of rotation of the two support parts 72 relative to each other, so that the center of rotation is on the same horizontal line as the center of rotation of the knee joint; while the vertical position of the center of rotation is adjusted by moving the bearing cover 1 up and down, which is achieved when the bearing cover 1 is fixed.

[0047] Specifically, the locking component includes a threaded sleeve 7121, which is fixed to the support plate 13. A threaded rod 7122 is inserted into the inside of the threaded sleeve 7121, and the outer wall of the threaded rod 7122 and the inner wall of the threaded sleeve 7121 are connected by threaded engagement. The threaded rod 7122 passes through the support plate 13 and overlaps with the guide rail 711. After the slider 7111 is adjusted, the threaded rod 7122 is rotated so that it presses tightly against the guide rail 711, fixing the position of the support plate 712 and thus fixing the position of the rotation center in the horizontal direction. To ensure the stability of the connection between the support plate 712 and the guide rail 711, the length of the slider 7111 along the length of the guide rail 711 is increased, or at least two sliders 7111 are fixed on the support plate 712.

[0048] Furthermore, the support part 72 includes a support rod 721, and the two support rods 721 form a "V" shape structure. The ends of the support rods 721 are fixed to the upper mounting cover 2 or the lower mounting cover 3 by connecting rods 723. The impedance part is provided on the fixing plate 722 on the two support rods 721.

[0049] When the knee joint rotates, the upper mounting cover 2 and the lower mounting cover 3 also rotate relative to each other, thereby driving the two support rods 721 to rotate. The support rods 721 move against the resistance of the resistive part, thereby achieving the exercise effect. When the bearing shell, the upper mounting cover 2 and the lower mounting cover 3 are in the same vertical position, the included angle between the two support rods 721 on the side closer to the resistance part is an obtuse angle, preferably less than 160°.

[0050] The impedance section includes an arc-shaped sleeve 73 and an arc-shaped rod 74, with the centers of both arc-shaped sleeve 73 and arc-shaped rod 74 coinciding with the center of rotation of the support rod 721. The arc-shaped sleeve 73 and arc-shaped rod 74 are respectively mounted on the fixing plates 722 of the two support rods 721, and a piston 741 is fixed to the end of the arc-shaped rod 74. The piston 741 is slidably connected to the inner wall of the arc-shaped tube, meaning the end of the arc-shaped rod 74 extends into the arc-shaped tube. The connection between the arc-shaped tube and the fixing plate 722 is provided with a port communicating with its inner cavity. When the two support rods 721 move, the arc-shaped sleeve 73 and arc-shaped rod 74 on the support rods 721 also rotate relative to each other, meaning the arc length of the outer contour of the arc-shaped sleeve 73 and arc-shaped rod 74 increases or decreases. The piston 741 at the end of the arc-shaped rod 74 slides on the inner wall of the arc-shaped tube, and the friction between the piston 741 and the arc-shaped tube is the additional impedance force.

[0051] The arc-shaped sleeve 73 is fixed to the fixed plate 722 corresponding to the support rod 721. The end of the arc-shaped rod 74 is rotatably connected to the rotating plate 742, and the rotating plate 742 is fixed to another fixed plate 722. The friction force overcome by the piston 741 inside the arc-shaped sleeve 73 is the additional resistance experienced by the knee joint during flexion and extension. When the piston 741 slides inside the arc-shaped sleeve, air in the corresponding part of the arc-shaped sleeve enters and exits through the port.

[0052] The massage components are described in detail below.

[0053] like Figure 16-24 As shown, it also includes a massage component 9 disposed on the inner wall of the upper mounting cover 2. The massage component 9 is connected to the driving exercise component 7 via a pressure transmission component 8. There are two pressure transmission components 8, and each pressure transmission component 8 is connected to one of the two driving exercise components 7. During knee flexion and extension, the driving exercise component 7 drives the massage component 9 to massage the area at the top of the knee joint, mainly the quadriceps femoris muscle, through the pressure transmission component 8. The driving force generated by the user during exercise drives the massage component 9 to operate, and the massage component 9 massages the quadriceps femoris muscle, thereby simultaneously achieving muscle relaxation and stimulation during exercise. This structure can effectively relieve local fatigue caused by flexion and extension movements, improve the comfort and sustainability of exercise, and help prevent discomfort such as muscle stiffness and soreness, while enhancing post-exercise recovery efficiency.

[0054] The pressure transmission component 8 includes a rigid tube 81, one end of which is connected to the port on the arc-shaped tube, and the other end is connected to the inner cavity of the collecting shell 83. The collecting shell 83 is fixed to the surface of the upper mounting cover 2, and the collecting shell 83 and the massage component 9 are connected to each other through a transmission mechanism. The middle area of ​​the rigid tube 81 is replaced by a soft tube 82, which is connected to the rigid tube 81. The soft tube 82 can maintain a spiral structure and provides a connection length margin for the rotation of the support part 72. When the piston 741 at the end of the arc-shaped rod 74 slides in the inner cavity of the arc-shaped tube, the air in the inner cavity of the arc-shaped tube is forced into the rigid tube 81 through the port or drawn into the rigid tube 81, thereby inflating or drawing air into the massage airbag 92, causing the massage airbag 92 to expand and contract. The rhythmic expansion and contraction of the massage airbag 92 squeezes the quadriceps femoris muscle, which can achieve a physiological effect similar to massage. The massage component 9 includes a support plate 91, which has a circular arc cross-section and is fixed to the inner wall of the upper mounting cover 2; and multiple massage airbags 92, which are fixed to the support plate 91 and are connected to the collection shell 83.

[0055] The collecting shell 83 is connected to one of the massage airbags 92 via a connecting pipe 84. Adjacent massage airbags 92 are connected to each other via a connecting member 93, meaning all massage airbags 92 are interconnected. The connecting member 93 can be a tubular component or a connecting channel formed inside the support plate 91. The external shape of the massage airbag 92 is not limited, as long as it provides a massage effect. Figure 16 The massage airbag 92 shown is elongated.

[0056] As another preferred embodiment, the collection shell 83 can also be interconnected with individual massage airbags 92 via multi-port tubes, and the massage airbags 92 can be interconnected with each other. Direct connection of the massage airbags 92 via multi-port tubes can further improve the response speed of the expansion and contraction of the massage airbags 92. A soft covering of similar thickness is also provided on the inner wall of the lower mounting cover 3 to accommodate the massage airbags 92 when they are not fully inflated. The upper mounting cover 2 and lower mounting cover 3 are respectively fixed to the top and bottom areas of the knee joint, so that the distances of the upper mounting cover 2, lower mounting cover 3, and support cover 1 from the body surface are approximately the same.

[0057] In summary, the present invention has been described in detail through specific embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to these embodiments. Any changes in shape or structure made without departing from the principles and essence of the present invention should fall within the protection scope of the present invention. The protection scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A joint assistive device for relieving chronic pain in the elderly, comprising a support cover (1) covering the front of the knee joint, wherein the top and bottom of the support cover (1) are respectively connected to an upper mounting cover (2) and a lower mounting cover (3) via a soft connecting layer (5). The upper mounting cover (2) and the lower mounting cover (3) respectively cover the front of the thigh above the knee joint and the front of the lower leg below the knee joint, characterized in that: The bearing cover (1) is provided with a heating unit on one side surface that fits against the joint, and a mounting shell (11) is fixed on the other side surface. The mounting shell (11) is provided with a drive component (6) that forms a one-way airflow at the joint heat application site, and the drive component (6) absorbs the moisture of the air passing through it. Two symmetrically arranged drive exercise components (7) are arranged on both sides of the support cover (1) and connected to the upper mounting cover (2) and the lower mounting cover (3); Knee flexion and extension cause the upper mounting cover (2) and the lower mounting cover (3) to rotate relative to each other, and the drive exercise component (7) provides resistance.

2. The joint assistive device for relieving chronic pain in the elderly as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The support cover (1) is fixed with a support plate (13) that serves as heat insulation. A circular or elliptical fitting airbag (14) is fixed at the center of the support plate (13). The heating unit is disposed on the surface of the support plate (13) located in the inner cavity of the fitting airbag (14). The drive assembly (6) is integrated onto the mounting shell (11) on the surface of the support cover (1); The drive assembly (6) includes a drive member that forms a unidirectional airflow, and the two sides of the drive member are respectively connected to the guide pipe (62).

3. The joint assistive device for relieving chronic pain in the elderly as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The drive unit includes a housing (61), and a fan (64) for forming a unidirectional airflow is installed in the inner cavity of the housing (61). Furthermore, both ends of the outer shell (61) are connected to guide tubes (62); At least one of the guide tubes (62) is provided with a drying section.

4. The joint assistive device for relieving chronic pain in the elderly as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The drive exercise assembly (7) includes a rotating connection (71), which is disposed on the bearing cover located in the middle; Two symmetrically arranged support parts (72), one end of each support part (72) is rotatably connected to a rotating connection part (71), and the other end is connected to an upper mounting cover (2) and a lower mounting cover (3) respectively; Furthermore, an impedance section is provided between the two support sections (72), which provides resistance.

5. The joint assistive device for relieving chronic pain in the elderly as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The rotating connection part (71) includes a guide rail (711) arranged in the horizontal direction. The guide rail (711) is fixed on one side of the surface of the bearing cover (1). A slider (7111) is slidably connected on the guide rail (711). A bearing plate (712) is fixed on the surface of the slider (7111). A locking element is provided on the bearing plate (712) to lock the position of the bearing plate (712) on the guide rail (711). A connecting post (713) is fixed at the center of the surface of the bearing plate (712), and two connecting rings (714) are sleeved on the surface of the connecting post (713). The two connecting rings (714) rotate on the surface of the connecting post (713). Both connecting rings (714) have connecting plates (715) fixed on their surfaces. The connecting plates (715) are connected to the corresponding support parts (72) through a "Z"-shaped connector (7151).

6. The joint assistive device for relieving chronic pain in the elderly as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The support part (72) includes a support rod (721), the end of which is fixed to the upper mounting cover (2) or the lower mounting cover (3) by a connecting rod (723); The impedance section is mounted on a fixing plate (722) on two support rods (721).

7. The joint assistive device for relieving chronic pain in the elderly as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The impedance part includes an arc-shaped sleeve (73) and an arc-shaped rod (74) with an arc structure, and the center of the arc-shaped sleeve (73) and the arc-shaped rod (74) coincides with the center of rotation of the support rod (721); The arc-shaped sleeve (73) and the arc-shaped rod (74) are respectively installed on the fixing plate (722) of the two support rods (721), and a piston (741) is fixed on the end of the arc-shaped rod (74), and the piston (741) is slidably connected to the inner wall of the arc-shaped sleeve; The connection between the arc-shaped tube and the fixing plate (722) is provided with a port that communicates with its inner cavity.

8. The joint assistive device for relieving chronic pain in the elderly as described in claim 7, characterized in that: It also includes a massage component (9) disposed on the inner wall of the upper mounting cover (2), the massage component (9) being connected by a pressure transmission component (8) and a driving exercise component (7), there are two pressure transmission components (8), and the two pressure transmission components (8) are respectively connected to the two driving exercise components (7); During the knee flexion and extension process, the drive exercise component (7) drives the massage component (9) to massage the area at the top of the knee joint through the pressure transmission component (8).

9. The joint assistive device for relieving chronic pain in the elderly as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The pressure transmission component (8) includes a rigid tube (81), one end of which is connected to the port on the arc-shaped tube, and the other end is connected to the inner cavity of the collection shell (83). The collection shell (83) is fixed on the surface of the upper mounting cover (2), and the collection shell (83) and the massage component (9) are connected to each other through transmission. The middle region of the rigid tube (81) is replaced by a soft tube (82), and the soft tube (82) is connected to the rigid tube (81).

10. The joint assistive device for relieving chronic pain in the elderly as described in claim 9, characterized in that: The massage component (9) includes a support plate (91), the cross-section of which is also an arc-shaped structure, and the support plate (91) is fixed on the inner wall of the upper mounting cover (2); Multiple massage airbags (92) are fixed on the support plate (91) and the massage airbags (92) and the collection shell (83) are interconnected.

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