A passive cushioning and protection device for the knee joint of the elderly based on a variable cell mechanism

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of medical device technology and discloses a passive knee cushioning protection device for the elderly based on a variable-cell mechanism. The device includes a wearable knee brace and a controlled liquid release mechanism. Its structure comprises a hollow shell fixedly installed on the upper surface of the knee brace shell, a movable valve plate placed inside the hollow shell and capable of controlling the outward flow of liquid, and a helical spring that provides elastic damping to the movable valve plate. This passive knee cushioning protection device for the elderly, based on a variable-cell mechanism, utilizes the fluidity of the liquid and the softness of the elastic air cushion to achieve a large contact area with the knee, thereby reducing the force transmitted per unit area during impact. Furthermore, when the impact force reaches a threshold, the device performs a squeezing-type liquid discharge function, achieving an effective force cushioning effect and further improving the protection of the knee.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, specifically to a passive cushioning and protection device for the knee joint of the elderly based on a variable cell mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] The knee joint, composed of the lower end of the femur, the upper end of the tibia, and the patella, is the largest and most complex joint in the human body. It is the primary structure for human walking and movement, bearing most of the body's weight. Therefore, the incidence of knee joint diseases is much higher than other joints. Knee protection devices are generally worn to assist the elderly in walking and prevent knee injuries from falls. However, existing knee protection devices have simple structures and poor protective effects. When an elderly person falls, the outer shell of the knee brace is impacted by the ground, and the impact force is applied to the part that contacts the knee (because the fit between the knee brace and the knee is relatively poor, the impact force per unit area on the knee is relatively large), leading to knee injury and weak protection. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a passive knee cushioning protection device for the elderly based on a variable-cell mechanism. Utilizing the fluidity of liquid and the softness of the elastic air cushion, it can achieve large-area contact with the knee, thereby reducing the force transmission per unit area during impact. Furthermore, when the impact force reaches a threshold, the device realizes the function of squeezing out the liquid, thereby achieving an effective force cushioning effect and further improving the protection function for the knee, thus solving the aforementioned technical problems.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a passive cushioning and protection device for the knee joint of the elderly based on a variable cell mechanism, comprising a wearable knee brace mechanism, the structure of which includes a knee brace shell that can wrap around the knee, a first elastic bandage and a second elastic bandage that can fix the knee brace shell in the form of elastic pretension, and an elastic air cushion installed in the concave part of the knee brace shell and able to abut against the knee; and a controlled liquid release mechanism, the structure of which includes a hollow shell that is fixedly installed on the outer surface of the knee brace shell at an angle above it and has a hollow internal structure, a movable valve plate placed inside the hollow shell and capable of controlling the outward flow of liquid, and a helical spring that generates elastic damping for the movable valve plate.

[0005] Preferably, the wearable knee brace mechanism further includes a fixed ear structure integrally disposed on both symmetrical sides of the knee brace shell. One end of the two fixed ear structures is respectively fixedly installed with a first elastic bandage and a second elastic bandage. One end of the first elastic bandage and the second elastic bandage is respectively installed with a hook and loop side and a loop side. An elastic air cushion is embedded in the concave end face of the knee brace shell. The convex surface of the elastic air cushion and the concave surface of the knee brace shell form a closed liquid buffer chamber. A liquid injection valve for injecting buffer solution into the liquid buffer chamber is provided on the lower outer surface of the knee brace shell. A first docking channel integrally disposed with the knee brace shell is provided on the upper outer surface of the knee brace shell. A first liquid hole communicating with the liquid buffer chamber is provided inside the first docking channel.

[0006] Preferably, the first elastic bandage and the second elastic bandage are made of textile materials with elastic extensibility.

[0007] Preferably, the hook side and the loop side of the hook and loop are adapted to each other to form an adhesive effect.

[0008] Preferably, the controlled liquid release mechanism further includes a component movable cavity disposed inside the hollow shell. One end of the hollow shell is provided with a second docking channel integrally formed therewith and fixedly connected to the first docking channel. The interior of the second docking channel is provided with a second liquid hole connecting one end of the component movable cavity and the first liquid hole. The other end of the hollow shell is provided with a third liquid hole connecting the other end of the component movable cavity. A movable valve plate capable of moving along its axial direction is placed inside the component movable cavity. The circumferential side of the movable valve plate is provided with a concave liquid flow groove. One end of the movable valve plate is embedded with a sealing gasket that abuts against the discharge port of the second liquid hole. A coil spring in a compressed state is placed at the other end of the movable valve plate.

[0009] Preferably, the structural radius of the sealing gasket is greater than the structural radius of the second liquid hole and less than the distance between the center lines of the liquid flow channel and the movable valve plate.

[0010] Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a passive cushioning and protection device for the knee joint of the elderly based on a variable cell mechanism, which has the following beneficial effects: By utilizing the fluidity of the liquid and the softness of the elastic air cushion, it can achieve a large contact area with the knee, thereby reducing the force transmitted per unit area during impact. In addition, when the impact force reaches a threshold, the device realizes the function of squeezing out the liquid, thereby achieving an effective force cushioning effect and further improving the protection of the knee. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the present invention; Figure 2This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the wearable knee brace mechanism in this invention; Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the wearable knee brace mechanism in this invention; Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the controlled liquid release mechanism in this invention; Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the controlled liquid release mechanism in this invention; Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the movable valve plate in this invention.

[0012] The components include: 1. Wearable knee brace mechanism; 11. Knee brace shell; 12. Fixing ear structure; 13. Elastic bandage No. 1; 14. Elastic bandage No. 2; 15. Hook and loop fastener; 16. Hook and loop fastener; 17. Liquid injection valve; 18. Docking channel No. 1; 19. Liquid hole No. 1; 110. Elastic air cushion; 111. Liquid buffer chamber; 2. Controlled liquid release mechanism; 21. Hollow shell; 22. Component movable chamber; 23. Docking channel No. 2; 24. Liquid hole No. 2; 25. Liquid hole No. 3; 26. Movable valve plate; 27. Liquid flow channel; 28. Sealing gasket; 29. ​​Helical spring. Detailed Implementation

[0013] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0014] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 A passive cushioning and protection device for the knee joint of the elderly based on a variable cell mechanism requires the use of a liquid injector, which can be a disposable syringe, to inject buffer solution into the knee brace shell 11.

[0015] For cushioned knee protection, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4A wearable knee brace mechanism 1 needs to be installed. Its structure includes a knee brace shell 11 that can wrap around the knee, a first elastic bandage 13 and a second elastic bandage 14 that can fix the knee brace shell 11 with elastic pre-tension, and an elastic air cushion 110 installed in the concave part of the knee brace shell 11 and able to abut against the knee. The elastic air cushion 110 and the concave surface of the knee brace shell 11 are secured to the outside of the knee. Then, the first elastic bandage 13 and the second elastic bandage 14 are wrapped around the leg, and secured by the hook and loop fasteners 15 and the loop fastener loops. 16 Securely fasten the buffer solution, then use the liquid injector to inject the buffer solution into the liquid buffer chamber 111 through the liquid injection valve 17 until the amount of buffer solution is such that the elastic air cushion 110 is in contact with the knee. Then stop the liquid injection. When there is a collision with the knee, the knee pad shell 11 makes hard contact with the external environment. Then the knee pad shell 11 will transfer the impact force to the elastic air cushion 110 through the buffer solution. The elastic air cushion 110 can evenly transfer the impact force to the knee surface, thereby minimizing the impact force on the knee.

[0016] For details regarding the specific structure of the wearable knee brace mechanism 1, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 3 and Figure 4 It also includes integrated fixing ear structures 12 symmetrically disposed on both sides of the knee brace shell 11. One end of each fixing ear structure 12 is respectively fixed with a first elastic bandage 13 and a second elastic bandage 14. One end of each first elastic bandage 13 and second elastic bandage 14 is respectively fitted with a hook and loop fastener 15 and a loop fastener 16. An elastic air cushion 110 is embedded in the concave end face of the knee brace shell 11. The convex surface of the elastic air cushion 110 and the concave surface of the knee brace shell 11 form a closed liquid buffer cavity 111. The outer surface of the shell 11 at its lower angle is provided with a liquid injection valve 17 for injecting buffer solution into the liquid buffer chamber 111. The outer surface of the knee pad shell 11 at its upper angle is provided with a first docking channel 18 integral with it. The first docking channel 18 is provided with a first liquid hole 19 communicating with the liquid buffer chamber 111. The first elastic bandage 13 and the second elastic bandage 14 are made of textile material with elastic extensibility. The hook and loop sides 15 and the loop side 16 of the hook and loop are adapted to each other to form an adhesive effect.

[0017] To achieve buffered protection, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7A controlled liquid release mechanism 2 needs to be set up. Its structure includes a hollow shell 21 fixedly installed on the outer surface of the knee pad shell 11 at an angle above it and with a hollow internal structure, a movable valve plate 26 placed inside the hollow shell 21 and capable of controlling the liquid flow outward, and a coil spring 29 that provides elastic damping to the movable valve plate 26. When the impact force is too large, the impact force formed by the knee on the elastic air cushion 110 will put pressure on the buffer solution. When the pressure is greater than the elastic force of the coil spring 29, it will cause the movable valve plate 26 to move in a directional direction. At this time, the buffer solution located inside the liquid buffer chamber 111 will be discharged outward in sequence along the liquid buffer chamber 111, the first liquid hole 19, the second liquid hole 24, the movement gap of the movable valve plate 26, the liquid flow channel 27, the component movable chamber 22, and the third liquid hole 25. The flow of the buffer solution can form a certain buffering effect, thereby realizing the buffer protection function.

[0018] For details regarding the specific structure of the controlled liquid release mechanism 2, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 It also includes a component movable cavity 22 disposed inside the hollow shell 21. One end of the hollow shell 21 is provided with a second docking channel 23 integrally formed with it and fixedly connected to the first docking channel 18. The interior of the second docking channel 23 is provided with a second liquid hole 24 connecting one end of the component movable cavity 22 and the first liquid hole 19. The other end of the hollow shell 21 is provided with a third liquid hole 25 connecting the other end of the component movable cavity 22. The interior of the component movable cavity 22 is provided with a movable valve plate 26 that can move along its axial direction. The circumferential side of the movable valve plate 26 is provided with a concave liquid flow groove 27. One end of the movable valve plate 26 is embedded with a sealing gasket 28 that abuts against the discharge port of the second liquid hole 24. The other end of the movable valve plate 26 is provided with a coil spring 29 in a compressed state. The structural radius of the sealing gasket 28 is larger than the structural radius of the second liquid hole 24 and smaller than the distance between the center lines of the liquid flow groove 27 and the movable valve plate 26.

[0019] In use, the concave surfaces of the elastic air cushion 110 and the knee brace shell 11 are placed around the knee. Then, the first elastic bandage 13 and the second elastic bandage 14 are wrapped around the leg and secured tightly using the hook and loop fasteners 15 and 16. Next, using the liquid injector, buffer solution is injected into the liquid buffer chamber 111 through the liquid injection valve 17 until the amount of buffer solution is sufficient for the elastic air cushion 110 to contact the knee. The injection process is then stopped. In the event of a collision with the knee, the knee brace shell 11 makes hard contact with the external environment, and the buffer solution is then transferred to the elastic air cushion 110. The elastic air cushion 110 can then... The impact force is evenly transmitted to the knee surface, thereby minimizing the impact on the knee. When the impact force is too large, the impact force formed by the knee on the elastic air cushion 110 will put pressure on the buffer solution. When the pressure is greater than the elastic force of the coil spring 29, it will cause the movable valve plate 26 to move in a specific direction. At this time, the buffer solution located inside the liquid buffer chamber 111 will be discharged outward in sequence along the liquid buffer chamber 111, the first liquid hole 19, the second liquid hole 24, the movement gap of the movable valve plate 26, the liquid flow channel 27, the component movable chamber 22 and the third liquid hole 25. The flow of the buffer solution can form a certain buffering effect, thereby realizing the buffer protection function.

[0020] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A passive cushioning and protection device for the knee joint of the elderly based on a variable-cell mechanism, characterized in that: include, The wearable knee brace mechanism (1) includes a knee brace shell (11) that can wrap around the knee, a first elastic bandage (13) and a second elastic bandage (14) that can fix the knee brace shell (11) in the form of elastic pretension, and an elastic air cushion (110) installed in the recess of the knee brace shell (11) and able to abut against the knee. And a controlled liquid release mechanism (2), the structure of which includes a hollow shell (21) fixedly installed on the outer surface of the knee pad shell (11) at an angle above and having a hollow internal structure, an active valve plate (26) placed inside the hollow shell (21) and capable of controlling the liquid flow outward, and a helical spring (29) that generates elastic damping on the active valve plate (26).

2. The passive cushioning and protection device for the knee joint of the elderly based on a variable-cell mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The wearable knee brace mechanism (1) also includes a fixed ear structure (12) integrally disposed on both sides of the knee brace shell (11). One end of each of the two fixed ear structures (12) is fixedly installed with a first elastic bandage (13) and a second elastic bandage (14). One end of the first elastic bandage (13) and the second elastic bandage (14) is respectively equipped with a hook and loop fastener (15) and a loop fastener (16). An elastic air cushion (110) is embedded in the concave end face of the knee brace shell (11). The convex surface of the elastic air cushion (110) and the concave surface of the knee pad shell (11) form a closed liquid buffer chamber (111). The outer surface of the knee pad shell (11) at the lower angle is provided with a liquid injection valve (17) for injecting buffer solution into the liquid buffer chamber (111). The outer surface of the knee pad shell (11) at the upper angle is provided with a first docking channel (18) integral with it. The first docking channel (18) is provided with a first liquid hole (19) communicating with the liquid buffer chamber (111).

3. A passive cushioning and protection device for the knee joint of the elderly based on a variable-cell mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The No. 1 elastic bandage (13) and the No. 2 elastic bandage (14) are bands made of textile materials with elastic extensibility.

4. A passive cushioning and protection device for the knee joint of the elderly based on a variable-cell mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: The hook side (15) and loop side (16) of the hook and loop fasteners are adapted to each other to form an adhesive effect.

5. A passive cushioning and protection device for the knee joint of the elderly based on a variable-cell mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: The controlled liquid release mechanism (2) further includes a component movable cavity (22) disposed inside the hollow shell (21). One end of the hollow shell (21) is provided with a second docking channel (23) integral with it and fixedly connected to the first docking channel (18). The interior of the second docking channel (23) is provided with a second liquid hole (24) connecting one end of the component movable cavity (22) and the first liquid hole (19). The other end of the hollow shell (21) is provided with a third liquid hole (25) connecting the other end of the component movable cavity (22). The interior of the component movable cavity (22) is provided with a movable valve plate (26) that can move along its axial direction. The circumferential side of the movable valve plate (26) is provided with a concave liquid flow groove (27). One end of the movable valve plate (26) is embedded with a sealing gasket (28) that abuts against the discharge port of the second liquid hole (24). The other end of the movable valve plate (26) is provided with a coil spring (29) in a compressed state.

6. A passive cushioning and protection device for the knee joint of the elderly based on a variable-cell mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that: The structural radius of the sealing gasket (28) is greater than the structural radius of the second liquid hole (24) and less than the distance between the center lines of the liquid flow channel (27) and the movable valve plate (26).

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