Ankle joint motion measuring device
By designing an ankle joint motion measurement device, which uses an elastic rope to detect changes in tension during ankle flexion and extension movements, and automatically monitors and counts these changes, the problem of difficulty in monitoring the effectiveness of postoperative ankle joint exercises for patients is solved, and effective remote supervision and data management are achieved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- NINGXIA HUI AUTONOMOUS REGION PEOPLES HOSPITAL
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-05
AI Technical Summary
Patients often have difficulty performing effective ankle flexion and extension exercises during the postoperative recovery period, and medical staff often struggle to monitor the effectiveness of these exercises.
Design an ankle joint motion measurement device including finger sleeves, leg sleeves, counters, tension sensors, and elastic ropes. The device detects changes in tension during ankle flexion and extension movements using the elastic ropes, automatically identifies and accumulates valid data, and enables remote monitoring through wireless communication.
It enables automatic monitoring and counting of ankle flexion and extension movements, ensuring the effectiveness of patients' daily exercise, reducing measurement errors and maintenance costs, and supporting remote data management.
Smart Images
Figure CN122141205A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to an ankle joint motion measurement device. Background Technology
[0002] Patients who have undergone lower extremity orthopedic or vascular surgery, such as Achilles tendon repair, internal fixation of tibia and fibula fractures, or knee replacement surgery, need to perform ankle flexion and extension exercises during the postoperative recovery period in order to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and maintain joint range of motion to avoid stiffness and adhesions.
[0003] When performing ankle flexion and extension exercises, the patient should first extend their toes forward, flattening the instep as much as possible, and hold for 3-5 seconds. Then, flex the toes back, bringing them as close to the front of the lower leg as possible, and hold for 3-5 seconds to effectively exercise the ankle joint.
[0004] However, when patients exercise their ankle joints, if the flexion and extension angles of the ankle joint are not large enough, or the duration of the exercise is not long enough, medical staff may find it difficult to identify the problem and thus fail to achieve the desired exercise effect.
[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an ankle joint motion measurement device to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention
[0006] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides an ankle joint motion measurement device that can monitor patients' ankle joint exercises.
[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: Ankle joint motion measurement device, including: a finger sleeve for wearing on the big toe of a patient; Leg sleeves, which wrap and secure the leg sleeves 2-3cm above the ankle; A counter, mounted on the leg sleeve; A tension sensor, electrically connected to the counter and located below it; The elastic cord is connected to a tension sensor at one end and to the finger sleeve in a detachable manner at the other end. The elastic rope remains stretched while the patient performs ankle flexion and extension movements, allowing the tension sensor to continuously detect changes in tension.
[0008] Preferably, the leg sleeves have an open design, with Velcro fasteners at the open area for circumferential fixation.
[0009] Preferably, the leg sleeve has a slot on one side and a matching plug on the corresponding side of the counter, and the two are plugged in to achieve quick separation and individual maintenance.
[0010] Preferably, a hinged seat is provided at the bottom of the counter, and it is hinged to the tension sensor through the hinge shaft, allowing the tension sensor to deflect with the direction of the tension to reduce measurement error.
[0011] Preferably, a pull ring is fixed to the detection end of the tension sensor, and one end of the elastic rope is tied to the pull ring; a buckle is fixedly installed on the finger sleeve to fix the other end of the elastic rope.
[0012] Preferably, a U-shaped mounting bracket is installed at one end of the elastic rope, and a connecting rod is fixedly installed inside the mounting bracket. The buckle has an irregularly shaped groove, which, together with the mounting bracket and the connecting rod, enables the quick assembly and disassembly of the elastic rope.
[0013] Preferably, a rubber anti-slip head is embedded in the groove to prevent the connecting rod from accidentally slipping off by narrowing the channel.
[0014] Preferably, the counter includes a touchscreen, processor, memory, and communication unit, supporting user interaction, data storage, and wireless transmission functions.
[0015] Preferably, the communication unit uses wireless technology to communicate with the handheld client device to achieve remote data monitoring and management.
[0016] The device performs the following steps when it is in operation: S1: Calibration phase – Patients complete the maximum dorsiflexion movement to obtain the baseline value T1, and the maximum plantarflexion movement to obtain the baseline value T2; S2: Monitoring phase - Real-time tensile data are collected at 50-100ms intervals, and the effective ranges that meet the requirements of ≥95%T1 or ≤105%T2 are selected. S3: Judgment rule - When the duration of a single continuous effective interval is ≥3 seconds, it is counted as a complete flexion-extension cycle, and the counter accumulates the count and displays the result.
[0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: (1) By setting up finger sleeves, leg sleeves, counters, tension sensors and elastic ropes, the present invention continuously monitors ankle joint flexion and extension movement data by using the elastic ropes to monitor the tension changes of the tension sensors, automatically judges valid data, and accumulates valid data, which can effectively monitor the patient's daily ankle joint flexion and extension movement data and supervise the patient to perform ankle joint exercises. (2) By fixing a slot on one side of the leg sleeve and fixing a plug on one side of the counter, the present invention can easily separate the counter from the leg sleeve, making it convenient to replace and maintain the two separately and reducing maintenance costs. (3) By installing a hinge base at the bottom of the counter and a hinge shaft on the hinge base, the present invention enables the tension sensor to deflect as the direction of the tension changes, which helps to reduce measurement error. (4) By setting pull rings and buckles, the present invention can facilitate the connection of elastic rope with tension sensor and finger sleeve; (5) The present invention has a groove of irregular shape on the buckle, a U-shaped mounting bracket is installed at one end of the elastic rope, and a connecting rod is fixedly installed inside the mounting bracket, which can facilitate the separation and connection of the elastic rope and the finger sleeve. (6) By installing a rubber anti-detachment head in the groove, the present invention can achieve the anti-detachment effect and reduce the possibility of the connecting rod detaching from the groove; (7) By setting a touch screen, processor, memory and communication unit on the counter, the present invention can meet the usage requirements of the counter; (8) By setting up a handheld client, the present invention can remotely view the data on the counter without close supervision of the patient's ankle flexion and extension exercises, thereby achieving the purpose of remotely supervising the patient's exercise. Attached Figure Description
[0018] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the ankle joint motion measuring device provided by the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A side view of the ankle joint motion measurement device shown. Figure 3 for Figure 1 A top view schematic diagram of the ankle joint motion measurement device shown; Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the tailgate flipping in the ankle joint motion measuring device shown; Figure 5 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the limiting plate in the ankle joint motion measuring device. Figure 6 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a structural schematic of one embodiment of the ankle joint motion measurement device.
[0019] The corresponding names of the attached figures are: 1-finger sleeve, 2-leg sleeve, 3-counter, 4-tension sensor, 5-elastic rope, 6-slot, 7-plug, 8-hinge seat, 9-hinge shaft, 10-pull ring, 11-buckle, 12-groove, 13-mounting bracket, 14-connecting rod, 15-anti-detachment head, 16-touch screen. Detailed Implementation
[0020] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. The embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, the following embodiments. Example
[0021] like Figure 1-6As shown, the ankle joint motion measuring device provided by the present invention includes: a finger sleeve 1 and a leg sleeve 2. The finger sleeve 1 is worn on the big toe, and the leg sleeve 2 is wrapped and fixed 2-3 cm above the ankle. A counter 3 is installed on the leg sleeve 2, and a tension sensor 4 is installed below the counter 3. The tension sensor 4 is electrically connected to the counter 3, and an elastic rope 5 is installed between the tension sensor 4 and the finger sleeve 1. The elastic rope 5 remains stretched when the patient performs ankle flexion and extension movements, therefore, the tension sensor 4 can always detect tension. When using the device, the patient first puts the finger sleeve 1 and leg sleeve 2 on the thumb and lower leg near the ankle, respectively. Then, following the ankle flexion and extension movements, the patient first extends the toes forward to the maximum angle, making the instep and lower leg as straight as possible, so that the thumb is away from the tension sensor 4, and the elastic rope 5 is further stretched. At this time, the tension sensor 4 measures a maximum tension value, recorded as T1. Then, the toes are pulled back, making the toes as close as possible to the front of the lower leg, and the angle between the foot and lower leg reaches its minimum. At this time, the stretched elastic rope 5 pulls the tension sensor 4, and the tension sensor 4 measures a minimum tension value, recorded as T2. (This process is for device calibration before use and needs to be performed before each use.) During the ankle flexion and extension movements, the tension sensor 4 automatically sends data to the counter 3 every 50-100ms. Counter 3 processes and analyzes this data (including data reception time and numerical value), considering ≥95%T1 and ≤105%T2 as valid, and the rest as invalid. For continuous data reception times of ≥95%T1 and ≤105%T2, the duration of each continuous ≥95%T1 tension is recorded as S1, and similarly, the duration of each continuous ≤105%T2 tension is recorded as S2. If S1 (S2) is greater than or equal to 3 seconds, it is considered valid by counter 3. A continuous S1 + S2 (one valid ankle flexion / extension, without interruption) is recorded by counter 3 as one ankle flexion / extension movement, and the data is recorded and displayed. Counter 3 accumulates and displays the number of ankle flexion / extension movements. Therefore, this device enables automatic counting of ankle flexion / extension movements, effectively monitoring the patient's daily ankle flexion / extension data, facilitating supervision of ankle joint exercises, and aiding in patient rehabilitation.
[0022] By setting up finger sleeves 1, leg sleeves 2, counters 3, tension sensors 4, and elastic ropes 5, and utilizing the tension changes of tension sensors 4 through elastic ropes 5, the ankle joint flexion and extension movement data are continuously monitored. Valid data is automatically identified and accumulated, which can effectively monitor the patient's daily ankle joint flexion and extension movement data, supervise the patient's ankle joint exercises, and help the patient recover. Example
[0023] like Figure 3-4As shown, the leg sleeve 2 has an open design, and the open part is fixed with Velcro for easy fixation to the leg. A slot 6 is fixedly installed on one side of the leg sleeve 2, and a plug 7 is fixedly installed on one side of the counter 3. The plug 7 is connected to the slot 6, which makes it easy to separate the counter 3 from the leg sleeve 2, making it convenient to replace and maintain them separately, making it more convenient to use and reducing maintenance costs.
[0024] By fixing the slot 6 to one side of the leg sleeve 2 and the plug 7 to one side of the counter 3, the counter 3 can be easily separated from the leg sleeve 2, making it easier to replace and maintain them separately and reducing maintenance costs. Example
[0025] like Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, a hinge seat 8 is installed at the bottom of the counter 3, and a hinge shaft 9 is installed on the hinge seat 8. The hinge shaft 9 is connected to the tension sensor 4, thereby making the tension sensor 4 hinged to the counter 3. The tension sensor 4 can deflect as the direction of the tension changes, which helps to reduce measurement errors.
[0026] By installing a hinge base 8 at the bottom of the counter 3 and a hinge shaft 9 on the hinge base 8, the tension sensor 4 can deflect as the direction of the tension changes, which helps to reduce measurement errors. Example
[0027] like Figure 4-6 As shown, in this embodiment, a pull ring 10 is fixedly installed at the detection end of the tension sensor 4, one end of the elastic rope 5 is tied to the pull ring 10, a buckle 11 is fixedly installed on the finger sleeve 1, and the other end of the elastic rope 5 is connected to the buckle 11.
[0028] By setting the pull ring 10 and the buckle 11, the elastic rope 5 can be easily connected to the tension sensor 4 and the finger sleeve 1. Example
[0029] like Figure 5-6 As shown, in this embodiment, the buckle 11 has an irregularly shaped groove 12, and a U-shaped mounting bracket 13 is installed at one end of the elastic rope 5. A connecting rod 14 is fixedly installed inside the mounting bracket 13. The connecting rod 14 enters the groove 12 from the side of the groove 12, thereby making the elastic rope 5 snap into the finger sleeve 1, which is convenient for installation and disassembly.
[0030] By creating irregularly shaped grooves 12 on the buckle 11, a U-shaped mounting bracket 13 is installed at one end of the elastic rope 5. A connecting rod 14 is fixedly installed on the inner side of the mounting bracket 13, which facilitates the separation and connection of the elastic rope 5 and the finger sleeve 1. Example
[0031] like Figure 5As shown, a rubber anti-detachment head 15 is installed in the groove 12. The anti-detachment head 15 narrows the groove 12 at that point. When the connecting rod 12 enters the groove 12, it will squeeze the anti-detachment head 15. Therefore, the connecting rod 12 cannot easily come out of the groove 12.
[0032] By installing a rubber anti-detachment head 15 inside the groove 12, an anti-detachment effect can be achieved, reducing the possibility of the connecting rod 12 detaching from the groove 12. Example
[0033] like Figure 4 As shown, the counter 3 is equipped with a touch screen 16, a processor, a memory, and a communication unit (other components such as registers will not be described in detail here). Users can operate the counter 3 through the touch screen 16, such as clearing the data, setting T1 and T2 data, etc. The processor is used to process the data, and the exercise count will also be displayed on the touch screen 16. The memory stores the data, and the communication unit is used for data communication between the counter 3 and other devices (such as the tension sensor 4). Through this design, the counter 3 can meet various functions required for use.
[0034] By setting a touch screen 16, a processor, a memory, and a communication unit on the counter 3, the usage requirements of the counter 3 can be met. Example
[0035] In this embodiment, the communication unit uses wireless communication technology to communicate with an APP on a handheld client (such as a mobile phone) to transmit data, enabling the counter 3 to be remotely connected to the handheld client. Users (medical staff) can remotely view the data on the counter 3 in real time through the handheld client, making it more convenient to use.
[0036] By setting up a handheld client, the data on counter 3 can be viewed remotely without close supervision of the patient's ankle flexion and extension exercises, thus achieving the purpose of remotely supervising the patient's exercise.
[0037] Working principle: In use, first, place the finger sleeve 1 and leg sleeve 2 on the thumb and lower leg near the ankle, respectively. Then, the patient performs ankle flexion and extension movements. First, extend the toes forward to the maximum angle, making the instep and lower leg as straight as possible, so that the thumb is away from the tension sensor 4, further stretching the elastic rope 5. At this point, the tension sensor 4 measures a maximum tension value, recorded as T1. Then, flex the toes back, bringing them as close as possible to the front of the lower leg, minimizing the angle between the foot and lower leg. At this point, the stretched elastic rope 5 pulls the tension sensor 4, and the tension sensor 4 measures a minimum tension value, recorded as T2. During ankle flexion and extension movements, the tension sensor 4 automatically sends a signal to the counter 3 every 50-100ms. For each data point, counter 3 processes and analyzes the data, considering multiple data points ≥95%T1 and ≤105%T2 as valid. For continuous data points ≥95%T1 and ≤105%T2, the receiving time is processed. Since ankle flexion and extension movements are repeated, the duration of continuous ≥95%T1 tension within the same time period is obtained, denoted as S1. Similarly, the duration of continuous ≤105%T2 tension within the same time period is obtained, denoted as S2. As long as S1 (S2) is greater than or equal to 3s, it is considered valid by counter 3. For a continuous S1+S2, counter 3 will record it as one ankle flexion and extension movement, record it, and display it. Counter 3 accumulates and displays the number of ankle flexion and extension movements.
Claims
1. An ankle joint motion measuring device, characterized in that, include: Finger sleeve (1), used to be put on the big toe of the patient; Leg sleeves (2) are wrapped and secured above the ankle; A counter (3) is installed on the leg sleeve (2); A tension sensor (4) is electrically connected to and located below the counter (3); An elastic rope (5) is connected at one end to the tension sensor (4) and at the other end to the finger sleeve (1) in a detachable manner; The elastic rope (5) remains stretched when the patient performs ankle flexion and extension movements, so that the tension sensor (4) continuously detects changes in tension.
2. The ankle joint motion measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The leg sleeve (2) adopts an open design, and the open part is equipped with Velcro to achieve circumferential fixation.
3. The ankle joint motion measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The leg sleeve (2) has a slot (6) on one side, and the counter (3) has a matching plug (7) on the corresponding side. The two are connected to achieve quick separation and individual maintenance.
4. The ankle joint motion measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The counter (3) is provided with a hinge seat (8) at the bottom and is hinged to the tension sensor (4) through a hinge shaft (9), allowing the tension sensor (4) to deflect with the direction of the tension to reduce measurement error.
5. The ankle joint motion measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection end of the tension sensor (4) is fixed with a pull ring (10), and one end of the elastic rope (5) is tied to the pull ring (10); a buckle (11) is fixedly installed on the finger sleeve (1) to fix the other end of the elastic rope (5).
6. The ankle joint motion measuring device according to claim 5, characterized in that, One end of the elastic rope (5) is fitted with a U-shaped mounting bracket (13), and a connecting rod (14) is fixedly installed on the inner side of the mounting bracket (13). The buckle (11) has an irregular groove (12) to cooperate with the mounting bracket (13) and the connecting rod (14) to realize the quick assembly and disassembly of the elastic rope (5).
7. The ankle joint motion measuring device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The groove (12) is fitted with a rubber anti-slip head (15) to prevent the connecting rod (14) from slipping off accidentally by narrowing the channel.
8. The ankle joint motion measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The counter (3) is equipped with a touch screen (16), a processor, a memory and a communication unit, and supports user interaction, data storage and wireless transmission functions.
9. The ankle joint motion measuring device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The communication unit uses wireless technology to communicate with handheld client devices to achieve remote data monitoring and management.
10. The ankle joint motion measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The device performs the following steps when it is in operation: S1: Calibration phase – Patients complete the maximum dorsiflexion movement to obtain the baseline value T1, and the maximum plantarflexion movement to obtain the baseline value T2; S2: Monitoring phase - Real-time tensile data are collected at 50-100ms intervals, and the effective ranges that meet the requirements of ≥95%T1 or ≤105%T2 are selected. S3: Judgment rule - When the duration of a single continuous effective interval is ≥3 seconds, it is counted as a complete flexion-extension cycle, and the counter (3) accumulates the count and displays the result.