A gradient pressure treatment device for breast cancer postoperative upper limb lymphedema

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of positioning device technology and discloses a gradient pressure therapy device for upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery. The device includes: a lower housing with through holes on both sides and a gradually narrowing placement groove inside; two hinges fixedly connected to one side of the lower housing, with the other ends of the hinges fixedly connected to an upper housing; a handle fixedly connected to one side of the upper housing; a buckle fixedly connected to one side of the lower housing; and a drive mechanism including a geared motor fixedly connected to one side of the upper housing. One end of the output shaft of the geared motor is connected to a rotating shaft via a coupling. This invention not only applies gradually increasing gradient pressure from the distal to the proximal end to the patient's upper limb, but also solves the problem of the inability to quantitatively set and adjust the pressure of traditional low-elasticity textiles, and reduces energy dependence, making it more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly during use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of therapeutic device technology, specifically a gradient pressure therapy device for upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery. Background Technology

[0002] Upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery is a common and serious complication. It is caused by damage to the lymphatic system due to axillary lymph node dissection or radiotherapy, resulting in obstruction of lymphatic fluid return. The pathological basis requires the application of external pressure to promote the return of lymphatic fluid along the arm to the shoulder.

[0003] Currently, pressure therapy technologies in clinical and home applications mainly consist of low-elasticity textiles and inflatable pressure therapy devices. The former relies on its radial recoil force to apply pressure, while the latter uses a multi-chamber airbag to surround the limb, with an air pump inflating and deflating each chamber in a preset sequence to generate peristaltic pressure waves. However, the pressure value of the former cannot be quantitatively set and adjusted, making it difficult to maintain the therapeutic pressure and affecting the efficacy and comfort. The latter requires the connection of a main unit, air tube, and cuff, and needs to maintain air pressure for a long time, consuming electricity continuously and increasing energy dependence. Summary of the Invention

[0004] (a) Technical problems to be solved To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a gradient pressure therapy device for upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery. The main purpose is to solve the problems of pressure values ​​being unable to be quantitatively set and adjusted, treatment pressure being difficult to maintain, the need to maintain air pressure for a long period of time, continuous power consumption, and increased energy dependence.

[0005] (II) Technical Solution To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A gradient pressure therapy device for upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery includes: The lower housing has through holes on both sides and a placement groove inside, which gradually narrows. Two hinges are fixedly connected to one side of the lower housing, and the other ends of the two hinges are fixedly connected to the upper housing. A handle is fixedly connected to one side of the upper housing, and a buckle is fixedly connected to one side of the lower housing. The drive mechanism includes a geared motor, which is fixedly connected to one side of the upper housing. One end of the output shaft of the geared motor is connected to a rotating shaft via a coupling. The outer side of the rotating shaft is keyed with a first gear, a second gear, and a third gear. The first gear, the second gear, and the third gear have the same module but different numbers of teeth. According to the direction of the human arm, the number of teeth is arranged from most to least as follows: the third gear at the proximal end, the second gear in the middle section, and the first gear at the distal end. A pressure actuator includes pressure plates. The bottom of the upper housing has multiple sliding grooves, and racks are slidably connected in each of the multiple sliding grooves. The racks mesh with a first gear, a second gear, and a third gear, respectively. The multiple pressure plates are fixedly connected to the bottom of the multiple racks. A pressure indicator mechanism, which is disposed inside the upper housing, is used to display the current pressure.

[0006] Furthermore, the pressure indicating mechanism includes a fixing plate, which is fixedly connected to the bottom inner wall of the upper housing. A plurality of rectangular grooves are provided on one side of the fixing plate, and scale lines are provided on one side of the fixing plate located on one side of the rectangular grooves. A plurality of pointers that slide along the rectangular grooves are fixedly connected to one side of the plurality of racks. A plurality of viewing windows corresponding one-to-one with the pointers are provided on one side of the upper housing. A ventilation mechanism is provided inside the lower housing for ventilation inside the housing.

[0007] Based on the aforementioned solution, the ventilation mechanism includes a fan, and two through slots are opened on both sides of the lower housing, with multiple fans respectively fixedly connected in multiple through slots.

[0008] As a further embodiment of the present invention, filters are fixedly connected to one side of the fan in each of the plurality of the through slots.

[0009] Furthermore, the bottom of each of the plurality of pressure plates is provided with a first liner, a second liner, and a third liner, and the bottom of each of the plurality of pressure plates is provided with two springs, and the other end of the springs is connected to the first liner, the second liner, and the third liner, respectively.

[0010] Based on the aforementioned scheme, the first, second, and third lining plates are of different sizes, and according to the direction of the human arm, they are arranged from largest to smallest as follows: the third lining plate at the proximal end, the second lining plate in the middle section, and the first lining plate at the distal end.

[0011] Furthermore, a mounting plate is fixedly connected to one side of the upper housing, and a knob is fixedly connected to one side of the mounting plate. The knob is electrically connected to the geared motor.

[0012] Based on the aforementioned scheme, a protective shell is rotatably connected to one side of the mounting plate, and a transparent plate is provided on one side of the protective shell.

[0013] (III) Beneficial Effects Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a gradient pressure therapy device for upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery, which has the following beneficial effects: 1. Stable Pressure: This invention, through the cooperation of a drive mechanism and a pressure actuator, uses a geared motor to drive the first, second, and third gears with different numbers of teeth to rotate, thereby moving the corresponding rack and pressure plate. Combined with the design of the third liner at the proximal end, the second liner in the middle section, and the first liner at the distal end, it can apply a gradient pressure that gradually increases from the distal end to the proximal end to the patient's upper limb. This precisely meets the pathological requirement of lymphatic fluid returning to the shoulder, effectively promoting lymphatic fluid return and improving the treatment effect.

[0014] 2. Pressure visualization: This invention uses a pressure indicator mechanism. When the rack moves, it drives the pointer to slide along the rectangular groove on the fixed plate. Combined with the scale lines and the viewing window on the upper shell, the pressure value during treatment can be displayed intuitively and quantitatively. This solves the problem that the pressure of traditional low-elasticity textiles cannot be quantitatively set and adjusted. Medical staff or patients can accurately control the treatment parameters according to the displayed pressure value to ensure that the treatment pressure is maintained within the ideal range, taking into account both efficacy and comfort.

[0015] 3. Simplified structure: This invention uses mechanical transmission to apply pressure, eliminating the need for air pumps, air tubes, and continuous air pressure maintenance. This avoids the drawbacks of pneumatic pressure therapy devices that require long-term air pressure maintenance and continuous power consumption, reducing energy dependence and making the process more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. At the same time, it simplifies the device structure, reduces inconvenience caused by air tube connections, and improves the ease of use of the device.

[0016] 4. Heat dissipation and dust prevention: The invention is equipped with a ventilation mechanism in the lower shell, which allows air circulation between the inside and outside of the shell through a fan and a channel. This can dissipate the heat and moisture generated during treatment in a timely manner, keep the skin of the upper limbs dry, and improve the comfort of the patient. The filter in the channel can also effectively filter dust and impurities in the air, preventing them from entering the device and affecting the operation of the components, thus extending the service life of the device.

[0017] 5. Buffer fit: The present invention is equipped with springs and linings at the bottom of the pressure plate. The springs can play a buffering role, making the pressure application more gentle and avoiding damage to the patient's skin and tissues caused by rigid compression. The linings of different sizes can better fit the natural shape of the human arm, ensuring even pressure distribution and further improving the comfort and safety of treatment.

[0018] 6. Convenient operation: The invention uses buckles and hinges to make it easy to open and close the upper and lower shells, making it convenient for patients to place their upper limbs into the placement slot. The operation is simple and convenient. The knob design on one side of the upper shell allows patients or medical staff to easily control the start and stop of the geared motor and adjust the pressure, improving the ease of use of the device. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the treatment device proposed in this invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the lower shell proposed in this invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the upper shell proposed in this invention; Figure 4 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the treatment device proposed in this invention; Figure 5 This is a side view of the treatment device proposed in this invention. Figure 6 This is a front view of the treatment device proposed in this invention. In the diagram: 1. Lower housing; 2. Through slot; 3. Handle; 4. Filter screen; 5. Buckle; 6. Through hole; 7. Protective shell; 8. Gear motor; 9. Upper housing; 10. Fixing plate; 11. Pointer; 12. Scale line; 13. Hinge; 14. Viewing window; 15. First liner plate; 16. Second liner plate; 17. Third liner plate; 18. Placement slot; 19. First gear; 20. Rack; 21. Second gear; 22. Shaft; 23. Third gear; 24. Fan; 25. Pressure plate; 26. Spring; 27. Knob; 28. Mounting plate. Detailed Implementation

[0020] 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.

[0021] Reference Figures 1-6 A gradient pressure therapy device for upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery, comprising: The lower housing 1 has through holes 6 on both sides and a placement groove 18 inside, which gradually narrows. Two hinges 13 are fixed to one side of the lower housing 1 by bolts, and the other end of the two hinges 13 is fixed to the upper housing 9 by bolts. A handle 3 is fixed to one side of the upper housing 9 by bolts, and a buckle 5 is fixed to one side of the lower housing 1 by bolts. The upper housing 9 and the lower housing 1 can be easily opened and closed by the buckle 5 and the hinges 13, making it easy for the patient to put the upper limb into the placement groove 18. The operation is simple and convenient. The drive mechanism includes a geared motor 8, which is fixed to one side of the upper housing 9 by bolts. One end of the output shaft of the geared motor 8 is connected to a rotating shaft 22 via a coupling. The outer side of the rotating shaft 22 is keyed with a first gear 19, a second gear 21, and a third gear 23. The first gear 19, the second gear 21, and the third gear 23 have the same module but different numbers of teeth. According to the direction of the human arm, the number of teeth is from most to least in the following order: the third gear 23 at the proximal end, the second gear 21 in the middle section, and the first gear 19 at the distal end. Specifically, the drive mechanism synchronously drives the first gear 19, the second gear 21 and the third gear 23 to rotate through a single geared motor 8, realizing the integrated design of the power source, effectively simplifying the internal structure of the device, reducing the overall size and weight of the equipment, and making it easier for patients to use in their daily activities.

[0022] The pressure actuator includes a pressure plate 25. The bottom of the upper housing 9 has multiple sliding grooves, and racks 20 are slidably connected in each of the multiple sliding grooves. The racks 20 mesh with the first gear 19, the second gear 21, and the third gear 23 respectively. The multiple pressure plates 25 are fixed to the bottom of the multiple racks 20 by bolts. Specifically, the pressure actuator uses a rack 20 that meshes with gears of varying numbers of teeth to convert the rotational motion of the geared motor 8 into the linear reciprocating motion of the pressure plate 25, thereby applying pressure to the patient's upper limb. Since the number of teeth on the first gear 19, second gear 21, and third gear 23 decreases sequentially from the distal to the proximal end, when the geared motor 8 drives the shaft 22 to rotate, the distal rack 20, meshing with the first gear 19 (which has more teeth), moves relatively faster, resulting in a higher compression frequency and stroke of the distal pressure plate 25 on the limb, generating relatively higher pressure. Conversely, the proximal rack 20, meshing with the third gear 23 (which has more teeth), moves slower, resulting in a lower compression frequency and stroke of the proximal pressure plate 25, generating relatively lower pressure. This creates a gradient pressure therapy effect, with pressure gradually decreasing from the distal to the proximal end. This pressure gradient design, consistent with the physiological characteristics of lymphatic return in the human body, can more effectively promote the return of lymph fluid towards the heart, alleviating edema symptoms.

[0023] The pressure indicating mechanism is located inside the upper housing 9 and is used to display the current pressure. The pressure indicating mechanism includes a fixing plate 10, which is fixed to the bottom inner wall of the upper housing 9 by bolts. Multiple rectangular grooves are provided on one side of the fixing plate 10, and scale lines 12 are provided on one side of the fixing plate 10 located on the side of the rectangular grooves. Multiple pointers 11 that slide along the rectangular grooves are fixed to one side of multiple racks 20 by bolts. Multiple viewing windows 14 corresponding to the pointers 11 are provided on one side of the upper housing 9. Specifically, when the rack 20 moves, it causes the pointer 11 to slide along the rectangular groove on the fixed plate 10. Medical staff or patients can observe the position of the pointer 11 corresponding to the scale line 12 through the viewing window 14 of the upper shell 9 and intuitively understand the current pressure value of each part. The lower housing 1 is equipped with a ventilation mechanism for ventilation inside the housing. The ventilation mechanism includes a fan 24. Two through slots 2 are opened on both sides of the lower housing 1. Multiple fans 24 are fixed in the multiple through slots 2 by bolts. During treatment, the fans 24 in the through slots 2 on both sides of the lower housing 1 are activated to promote air circulation inside and outside the housing and dissipate heat and moisture in time. In this invention, multiple through slots 2 are each fixed with a filter screen 4 by bolts on one side of the fan 24. The filter screen 4 blocks dust and impurities. The bottom of multiple pressure plates 25 is respectively provided with a first liner 15, a second liner 16, and a third liner 17. The bottom of multiple pressure plates 25 is provided with two springs 26, and the other end of the springs 26 is connected to the first liner 15, the second liner 16, and the third liner 17 respectively. This can play a buffering role, making the pressure application more gentle and avoiding rigid compression that could damage the patient's skin and tissues. The first liner 15, the second liner 16, and the third liner 17 are of different sizes. According to the direction of the human arm, they are arranged from large to small as follows: the third liner 17 at the proximal end, the second liner 16 in the middle, and the first liner 15 at the distal end. The different sizes of the liner can better fit the natural shape of the human arm, ensure even pressure distribution, and further improve the comfort and safety of treatment. In particular, a mounting plate 28 is fixed to one side of the upper housing 9 by bolts, and a knob 27 is fixed to one side of the mounting plate 28 by bolts. The knob 27 is electrically connected to the geared motor 8, and the geared motor 8 can be finely adjusted by the knob 27 to precisely control the pressure. It should be noted that the geared motor 8 is a mechanical self-locking geared motor, model 5IK120RGU-CF. It has a mechanical self-locking function, which can maintain the current pressure output state when it stops running, avoid sudden pressure changes due to accidental power failure or mechanical failure, ensure the stability and safety of the treatment process, and provide patients with a continuous and reliable gradient pressure treatment environment. The knob 27 is a multi-turn precision potentiometer, specifically model 3590S-2-103L. Knob 27 achieves closed-loop control through the controller and geared motor 8. When the patient or medical staff sets the target pressure value through knob 27, the controller can receive the actual pressure data fed back by the pressure sensor in real time and compare it with the set value. By adjusting the output torque of the geared motor 8, the pressure deviation is dynamically corrected, thereby ensuring that the treatment pressure is always accurately maintained within the preset range, effectively improving the controllability and accuracy of the treatment.

[0024] A protective shell 7 is rotatably connected to one side of the mounting plate 28. A transparent plate is provided on one side of the protective shell 7, which can effectively protect the core components inside the device from external dust, water stains and accidental collisions, ensuring the safety and durability of the device.

[0025] Working principle: When using it, the patient first opens the upper shell 9 through the buckle 5, puts the upper limb that needs to be treated after surgery into the placement slot 18 of the lower shell 1. The gradually shrinking design of the placement slot 18 can initially fit the shape of the arm. Then, the upper shell 9 is closed and the buckle 5 is fastened. After closing the upper housing 9 and fastening the buckle 5, open the protective housing 7 and start the reduction motor 8 by rotating the knob 27. The reduction motor 8 drives the rotating shaft 22 to rotate, which in turn drives the first gear 19, the second gear 21, and the third gear 23 connected to it to rotate synchronously. Since the number of teeth of each gear is different, the third gear 23 at the proximal end has the most teeth, the second gear 21 in the middle section has the second most teeth, and the first gear 19 at the distal end has the fewest teeth. Therefore, the rack 20 that meshes with the gear moves a different distance, which in turn causes the pressure plate 25 connected to the bottom of the rack 20 and the liner below it to have different downward strokes. When the rack 20 drives the bottom pressure plate 25 to press down, the size of the first liner 15, the second liner 16, and the third liner 17 is set to be the largest at the proximal end and the smallest at the distal end. Combined with the buffering effect of the spring 26, the gradient pressure is applied to the upper limb from the first liner 15 at the distal end to the third liner 17 at the proximal end. After treatment, turn off knob 27 and open buckle 5 to remove the upper limb. The operation is convenient and efficient, allowing the application of gradually increasing gradient pressure from the distal to the proximal end of the patient's upper limb. This precisely meets the pathological requirement of lymphatic fluid return to the shoulder, effectively promoting lymphatic fluid return and improving the treatment effect.

[0026] All electrical components mentioned in this article are connected to an external main controller and 220V AC mains power, and the main controller can be a conventional known device such as a computer that can control it.

[0027] In the description herein, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, mechanical connections, electrical connections, or direct connections. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0028] In the description herein, it should be noted that the terms “comprising,” “including,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0029] 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 gradient pressure therapy device for upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery, characterized in that, include: The lower housing (1) has through holes (6) on both sides. The lower housing (1) has a placement groove (18) inside, and the placement groove (18) gradually shrinks. Two hinges (13) are fixedly connected to one side of the lower housing (1). The other end of the two hinges (13) is fixedly connected to the upper housing (9). A handle (3) is fixedly connected to one side of the upper housing (9). A buckle (5) is fixedly connected to one side of the lower housing (1). The drive mechanism includes a geared motor (8), which is fixedly connected to one side of the upper housing (9). One end of the output shaft of the geared motor (8) is connected to a rotating shaft (22) via a coupling. The outer side of the rotating shaft (22) is connected to a first gear (19), a second gear (21), and a third gear (23). The first gear (19), the second gear (21), and the third gear (23) have the same module but different number of teeth. According to the direction of the human arm, the number of teeth is from most to least as follows: the third gear (23) at the proximal end, the second gear (21) at the middle section, and the first gear (19) at the distal end. The pressure actuator includes a pressure plate (25), and the bottom of the upper housing (9) is provided with multiple sliding grooves. Each of the multiple sliding grooves is slidably connected with a rack (20), and the rack (20) meshes with the first gear (19), the second gear (21), and the third gear (23) respectively. The multiple pressure plates (25) are respectively fixedly connected to the bottom of the multiple racks (20). A pressure indicator mechanism is disposed inside the upper housing (9) and is used to display the current pressure.

2. The gradient pressure therapy device for upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure indicating mechanism includes a fixed plate (10), which is fixedly connected to the bottom inner wall of the upper housing (9). A plurality of rectangular grooves are provided on one side of the fixed plate (10), and scale lines (12) are provided on one side of the fixed plate (10) located on one side of the rectangular groove. A plurality of pointers (11) that slide along the rectangular grooves are fixedly connected to one side of the plurality of racks (20). A plurality of viewing windows (14) corresponding one-to-one with the pointers (11) are provided on one side of the upper housing (9). A ventilation mechanism is provided in the lower housing (1) for ventilation inside the housing.

3. The gradient pressure therapy device for upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ventilation mechanism includes a fan (24), and two through slots (2) are opened on both sides of the lower housing (1), and multiple fans (24) are fixedly connected in multiple through slots (2).

4. The gradient pressure therapy device for upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery according to claim 3, characterized in that, Each of the multiple through slots (2) is fixedly connected to a filter screen (4) on one side of the fan (24).

5. The gradient pressure therapy device for upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of each of the multiple pressure plates (25) is provided with a first liner (15), a second liner (16), and a third liner (17). The bottom of each of the multiple pressure plates (25) is provided with two springs (26), and the other end of the springs (26) is connected to the first liner (15), the second liner (16), and the third liner (17) respectively.

6. A gradient pressure therapy device for upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first liner (15), the second liner (16), and the third liner (17) are of different sizes. According to the direction of the human arm, they are arranged from largest to smallest as follows: the third liner (17) at the proximal end, the second liner (16) at the middle section, and the first liner (15) at the distal end.

7. The gradient pressure therapy device for upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery according to claim 1, characterized in that, A mounting plate (28) is fixedly connected to one side of the upper housing (9), and a knob (27) is fixedly connected to one side of the mounting plate (28). The knob (27) is electrically connected to the geared motor (8).

8. A gradient pressure therapy device for upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery according to claim 7, characterized in that, A protective shell (7) is rotatably connected to one side of the mounting plate (28), and a transparent plate is provided on one side of the protective shell (7).

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