Ankle support walking aid

Abstract

The application discloses an ankle support walking aid device, which comprises a leg mounting part for fixing on a user's leg, a foot mounting part for fixing on a user's foot, and a connecting part connected between the leg mounting part and the foot mounting part, capable of being bent under force and having a limit bending angle for limiting the angle range when the user's ankle joint is plantar flexed. The application realizes the upgrade from static fixation to dynamic limiting, can fundamentally prevent the foot drop, and is helpful to maintain the joint functionality and blood circulation. In addition, the whole structure of the application is simple, the limiting and fixing effect is good, the comfort is high, the foot drop can be limited in various occasions, the operation is convenient, the wearing can be completed independently, and the wearing is comfortable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical rehabilitation assistive devices, and in particular to an ankle support walking aid device. Background Technology

[0002] People with ankle problems, such as nerve damage or sports injuries, often experience difficulty performing dorsiflexion, resulting in foot drop, also known as ankle dorsiflexion dysfunction. This is a common complication in patients with neurological diseases (such as stroke, spinal cord injury, and peripheral neuropathy), long-term bedridden patients, and patients after lower limb surgery. Clinically, it manifests as abnormally high muscle tone in the ankle plantar flexors or weakened muscle strength in the dorsiflexors, making it impossible for patients to actively dorsiflex their ankles. The toes often involuntarily drag on the ground while walking, greatly increasing the risk of tripping, falls, and other secondary injuries, severely impacting the patient's rehabilitation process, mobility, and quality of life.

[0003] In clinical practice, traditional ankle braces or soft braces are often used for fixation. However, soft braces provide insufficient support, resulting in poor preventative effects. Ankle braces, on the other hand, restrict all physiological micro-movements of the ankle joint due to their completely static fixation, which can easily lead to joint stiffness, cartilage degeneration, and muscle disuse atrophy. They also lack devices to assist ankle joint movement during walking. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main objective of this invention is to provide an ankle support walking aid device, which aims to solve at least one of the aforementioned technical problems.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an ankle support walking aid device, comprising: Leg mounts are used to secure the device to the user's legs. Foot mount, used to secure the foot to the user; A connector, connecting the leg mount and the foot mount, is bendable and has a limit bending angle to limit the range of angles when the user's ankle is plantarflexed.

[0006] Furthermore, the connector includes a deformable body, one side of which is divided into a plurality of spaced ribs by a plurality of transverse slots formed thereon.

[0007] Furthermore, the transverse groove and the ribs are provided on the side of the deformable body facing the user's ankle joint. When the connector reaches the limit bending angle, the free ends of the multiple ribs abut against each other to form a mechanical stop.

[0008] Furthermore, an air bladder or corrugated tube is provided between each pair of adjacent ribs, and the bending and repositioning of the connector is controlled by inflating or deflating the air bladder or corrugated tube.

[0009] Furthermore, the corresponding ends of the connector are adjustablely connected to the leg mounting member in both vertical and horizontal positions.

[0010] Furthermore, the corresponding end of the connector is connected to the leg mounting component via a lead screw guide module, and the vertical position adjustment is achieved by driving the lead screw guide module with a motor, or the vertical position adjustment is achieved by driving the corresponding end of the connector with a linear motor.

[0011] Furthermore, the leg mounting component is provided with a first support frame, and the corresponding end of the connector is slidably connected to the first support frame. The vertical position is adjusted by a screw pair, or the vertical position is flexibly adjusted by an inflatable airbag disposed between the connector and the first support frame.

[0012] Furthermore, the corresponding ends of the connector are slidably connected to the foot mount.

[0013] Furthermore, the foot mounting component is provided with a second support frame, and the corresponding end of the connector is slidably connected to the second support frame via a guide rail and a sliding groove or a sliding rod and a sliding hole.

[0014] Furthermore, the foot mounting component is a shoe upper or instep fixing plate or shoe body fixing component that adapts to the instep or is wearable ankle fixation device.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are reflected in: This invention restricts the foot to limit the range of motion of the ankle joint within a preset safe angle, effectively preventing excessive plantar flexion that could lead to foot drop. The leg mount is used to fix the device to the user's leg and to support other components for subsequent restraint and fixation. The foot mount is used to fix the user's foot to the device; specifically, the foot mount can be fixed to the user's shoe or foot. The connector connects the leg mount and the foot mount and can bend under force with ankle movement to adapt to deformation. It also has a limit bending angle; when the ankle flexes, the connector bends under force. When plantar flexion reaches the preset limit angle, the connector cannot bend further, thus preventing further increase in the plantar flexion angle and achieving the function of restricting foot drop.

[0016] This invention features a simple overall structure, excellent fixation and high comfort, making it easy to wear in various situations to maintain a suitable foot drop angle. It is convenient to operate, can be worn independently, and is comfortable to wear. Furthermore, the adjustable connection design between the connector and the leg mounting component allows the leg mounting component to be positioned and fixed in different locations, enabling adjustments based on different users or rehabilitation stages. This ease of adjustment caters to the needs of diverse individuals and has broad applicability. This invention represents an upgrade from "static fixation" to "dynamic limitation," fundamentally preventing foot drop while helping to maintain joint function and blood circulation. It also assists ankle joint movement during walking. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ankle support walking aid device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the leg mounting component and related connecting mechanism in an ankle support walking aid device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the foot mounting component and related connecting mechanism in an ankle support walking aid device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting member in the ankle support walking aid device according to an embodiment of the present invention under normal conditions; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the downward bending of the connecting member in an ankle support walking aid device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the upward bending of the connecting member in an ankle support walking aid device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a linear stepper motor combined with a lead screw slide module. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an airbag in an ankle support walking aid device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 110. Leg mounting component; 111. First support frame; 112. First slide rail; 113. Adjusting bolt; 120. Connector; 121. Deformable body; 122. Transverse groove; 123. Rib; 1231. Airbag; 124. Lead screw guide module; 125. First slide groove; 126. Threaded hole; 127. Second slide groove; 128. Sliding hole; 130. Foot mounting component; 131. Second support frame; 132. Second slide rail; 133. Slide rod; 134. Shoelace connection hole. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation schemes of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification. The present invention can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the features in the following embodiments and examples can be combined with each other.

[0020] It should be noted that the illustrations provided in the following embodiments are only schematic representations of the basic concept of the present invention. The illustrations only show the components related to the present invention and are not drawn according to the actual number, shape and size of the components in the actual implementation. In the actual implementation, the shape, quantity and proportion of each component can be arbitrarily changed, and the layout of the components may also be more complex.

[0021] See Figures 1 to 8 .

[0022] The ankle support walking aid provided by the present invention includes: Leg mount 110, for securing to the user's leg; Foot mount 130, for securing to the user's foot; The connector 120, connected between the leg mount 110 and the foot mount 130, is bendable under force and has a limit bending angle to limit the angle range of the user's ankle joint during plantar flexion.

[0023] In this invention, the leg mounting component 110 is used to fix the device to the user's leg (preferably the lower leg) and to install and support the remaining components, so as to facilitate subsequent restraint and fixation work; the foot mounting component 130 is used to fix the user's foot to the device, specifically the foot mounting component can be fixed to the user's shoe or foot; The connector 120 is used to connect the leg mount 110 and the foot mount 130, and can bend under force with the movement of the ankle to adapt to deformation. At the same time, it has a limit bending angle. When the ankle joint undergoes plantar flexion, the connector 120 is bent and deformed under force. When the plantar flexion reaches the preset limit angle, the connector 120 can no longer bend, thereby preventing the plantar flexion angle from increasing further and achieving the function of limiting excessive foot drop.

[0024] In one embodiment, the connector 120 includes a deformable body 121, one side of which is divided into a plurality of spaced-apart ribs 123 by a plurality of transverse slots 122 formed thereon. Preferably, the transverse slots 122 and the ribs 123 are located on the side of the deformable body 121 facing the user's ankle joint, and when the connector 120 reaches the limit bending angle, the free ends of the plurality of ribs 123 abut against each other to form a mechanical stop.

[0025] In this design, the connector 120 is a straight line under normal conditions, such as... Figure 4 As shown, when the user performs plantar flexion, the ribs 123 move closer together, and the connector 120 bends accordingly, forming a downward-curving arc. As the bending angle increases, the free ends of the ribs 123 contact and abut against each other, forming a mechanical stop, as shown. Figure 5 As shown, the bending angle of the connector 120 is prevented from increasing further, reaching its limit, thereby limiting foot drop. When the user lifts their toes, the ribs 123 move away from each other, and the connector 120 can also bend accordingly, but in an upward bending motion, as shown. Figure 6 As shown, because there are no other obstructing structures on its upper side, the ankle is allowed to move normally in the "dorsiflexion" direction. This design provides better restraint without completely locking the ankle, allowing the ankle joint to move within a safe range.

[0026] In one embodiment, an airbag 1231 or a corrugated tube is provided between each two adjacent ribs 123, and the bending and repositioning of the connector 120 is controlled by inflating or deflating the airbag or corrugated tube. Figure 8 An example of an airbag 1231 is shown, which is flat when deflated and bulges on both sides when inflated, and can be inflated manually or with an air pump. This design allows the spacing between the ribs 123 to be changed by inflating and deflating, so as to achieve controllable adjustment of the relative position of the free ends of the ribs 123, enabling passive training and mobility assistance for the user.

[0027] In one embodiment, the corresponding ends of the connector 120 are adjustablely connected to the leg mount 110. This design allows the leg mount to be positioned and fixed at different heights, thus enabling adjustment according to different users and meeting the needs of a wide range of people.

[0028] In one embodiment, the adjustable vertical connection is achieved using the following structure: the corresponding end of the connector 120 is connected to the leg mounting member 110 via a lead screw guide module 124, and the vertical position is adjusted by driving the lead screw guide module 124 with a motor; alternatively, the corresponding end of the connector 120 is adjusted vertically by driving a linear motor. This design allows for electric drive of the relative position between the leg mounting member 110 and the connector 120 before use, reducing operational difficulty and improving the automation and ease of use of the overall device.

[0029] In one embodiment, the adjustable vertical connection can also be achieved using the following structure: The leg mounting member 110 is provided with a first support frame 111, the first support frame 111 is fixed with a first slide rail 112 and threadedly connected with an adjusting bolt 113, the corresponding end of the connector 120 has a first sliding groove 125 and a threaded hole 126, the corresponding end of the connector 120 is threadedly connected to the adjusting bolt 113 via the threaded hole 126, and the first slide rail 112 is slidably engaged within the first sliding groove 125. This design, through the cooperation of the first slide rail 112 and the first sliding groove 125, restricts the lateral rotational movement between the connector 120 and the adjusting bolt 113, converting the rotation of the adjusting bolt 113 into linear movement of the connector 120. Before use, the user can adjust the relative position between the leg mounting member 110 and the connector 120 using the adjusting bolt 113, thereby adjusting the entire device to the appropriate initial position. This design allows users to adjust it according to different users or different usage environments, making it highly practical and widely applicable.

[0030] In one embodiment, the helical pair formed by the threaded hole 126 and the adjusting bolt 113 can be replaced with the following structure: an inflatable airbag disposed between the connector 120 and the first support frame 111 for flexible vertical adjustment. This design makes the adjustment process more flexible.

[0031] In one embodiment, the corresponding end of the connector 120 is slidably connected to the foot mount 130. This design allows the connector 120 to slide back and forth on the foot mount 130 during plantar flexion and dorsiflexion movements, making the overall movement of the device more closely resemble the arc of human plantar flexion and dorsiflexion movements, while preventing excessive restriction of user activity and increasing accuracy and comfort during use.

[0032] In one embodiment, the front-to-back sliding connection is achieved using the following structure: a second support frame 131 is provided on the foot mounting member 130, a second slide rail 132 is fixed on the second support frame 131 and a slide rod 133 passes through it, a second slide groove 127 and a slide hole 128 are provided at the corresponding end of the connector 120, the corresponding end of the connector 120 is slidably sleeved on the slide rod 133 through the slide hole 128, and the second slide rail 132 is slidably engaged in the second slide groove 127. This design allows the corresponding end of the connector 120 to slide more smoothly on the slide rod 133, and the cooperation of the second slide rail 132 and the second slide groove 127 can limit the lateral rotational movement between the connector 120 and the slide rod 133, increasing the safety and stability of the overall device during operation.

[0033] In one embodiment, the leg mount 110 is U-shaped. The leg mount 110 may be made of a rigid or semi-rigid material and includes at least one adjustable strap for securing it to the leg. This design allows the leg mount 110 to be secured to the user's lower leg as needed, and the tightness of the installation can be adjusted to improve user comfort.

[0034] In one embodiment, the inner circumferential surface of the leg mounting member 110 is provided with a sponge pad to reduce the pressure on the legs during leg fixation and fixation work, thereby protecting the legs and improving the comfort during fixation.

[0035] In one embodiment, the foot mounting component 130 is a shoe upper or instep fixing plate adapted to the instep, with shoelace connection holes 134 provided thereon. The foot mounting component 130 is fixed by having the shoelaces pass through the shoelace connection holes 134. Alternatively, the foot mounting component 130 can be a wearable ankle brace to fix the human foot onto the ankle support walking aid device. This design is simple and reasonable in structure and easy to operate.

[0036] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in the present invention should still be covered by the claims of the present invention.

[0037] Throughout this description, numerous specific details, such as examples of components and / or methods, are provided to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the invention. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without one or more of these specific details or by other devices, systems, components, methods, parts, materials, components, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations have not been specifically shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of embodiments of the invention.

[0038] Throughout this specification, the terms "in one embodiment," "embodiment," or "specific embodiment" refer to a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment that is included in at least one embodiment of the invention, but not necessarily in all embodiments. Therefore, the various representations of the phrases "in one embodiment," "in an embodiment," or "in a specific embodiment" in different places throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic of any specific embodiment of the invention can be combined with one or more other embodiments in any suitable manner. It should be understood that other variations and modifications of the embodiments of the invention described and illustrated herein may be based on the teachings herein and will be considered part of the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0039] It should also be understood that one or more of the elements shown in the figures may be implemented in a more separate or more integrated manner, or may even be removed because they are inoperable in certain circumstances or provided because they may be useful for a particular application.

[0040] Furthermore, unless otherwise expressly stated, any arrows in the accompanying drawings should be considered illustrative only and not limiting. Additionally, unless otherwise stated, the term "or" as used herein is generally intended to mean "and / or". Where a term is anticipated to provide a separation or combination capability that is unclear, a combination of components or steps will also be considered as indicated.

[0041] As used herein and throughout the claims below, unless otherwise specified, “a” and “the” include a plurality of references, and “a number” means two or more. Similarly, as used herein and throughout the claims below, unless otherwise specified, “in” means both “in” and “on”.

[0042] The above description of the embodiments shown in this invention (including the content set forth in the abstract of the specification) is not intended to be an exhaustive enumeration or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed herein. Although specific embodiments and examples of the invention have been described herein for illustrative purposes only, various equivalent modifications are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention, as will be recognized and understood by those skilled in the art. As indicated, these modifications can be made to the invention in accordance with the above description of the embodiments described herein, and such modifications will be within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0043] This document has generally described the systems and methods in detail to aid in understanding the invention. Furthermore, various specific details have been set forth to provide a general understanding of embodiments of the invention. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of the invention can be practiced without one or more specific details, or using other means, systems, accessories, methods, components, materials, parts, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, and / or operations have not been specifically shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of embodiments of the invention.

[0044] Therefore, although the invention has been described herein with reference to specific embodiments thereof, freedom of modification, various changes and substitutions are also within the scope of the foregoing disclosure, and it should be understood that in some cases, certain features of the invention may be adopted without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention and without corresponding use of other features. Thus, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular environment or material to the essential scope and spirit of the invention. The invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology used in the following claims and / or the specific embodiments disclosed as the best mode for carrying out the invention, but the invention will include any and all embodiments and equivalents falling within the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the scope of the invention will be defined only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An ankle-support walking aid, characterized in that, include: Leg mounts are used to secure the device to the user's legs. Foot mount, used to secure the foot to the user; A connector, connecting the leg mount and the foot mount, is bendable and has a limit bending angle to limit the range of angles when the user's ankle is plantarflexed.

2. The ankle support walking aid as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The connector includes a deformable body, one side of which is divided into a plurality of spaced ribs by a plurality of transverse slots formed thereon.

3. The ankle support walking aid as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The transverse groove and the ribs are located on the side of the deformable body facing the user's ankle joint. When the connector reaches the limit bending angle, the free ends of the multiple ribs abut against each other to form a mechanical stop.

4. The ankle support walking aid as described in claim 2, characterized in that, An air bladder or corrugated tube is provided between each pair of adjacent ribs, and the bending and repositioning of the connector is controlled by inflating or deflating the air bladder or corrugated tube.

5. The ankle support walking aid as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The corresponding ends of the connector are adjustablely connected to the leg mounting.

6. The ankle support walking aid as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The corresponding end of the connector is connected to the leg mounting component via a lead screw guide module. The up-and-down position adjustment is achieved by driving the lead screw guide module with a motor, or the corresponding end of the connector is driven by a linear motor to achieve up-and-down position adjustment.

7. The ankle support walking aid as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The leg mounting piece is provided with a first support frame, and the corresponding end of the connector is slidably connected to the first support frame. The vertical position is adjusted by a screw pair, or by an inflatable airbag disposed between the connector and the first support frame.

8. The ankle support walking aid as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The corresponding ends of the connector are slidably connected to the foot mount.

9. The ankle support walking aid as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The foot mounting component is provided with a second support frame, and the corresponding end of the connector is slidably connected to the second support frame via a guide rail and a sliding groove or a sliding rod and a sliding hole.

10. The ankle support walking aid as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The foot fitting is an upper or instep fixing plate or shoe body fixing component that conforms to the instep or is wearable ankle fixation device.

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