Ankle bionic ice compress device

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of medical apparatus and instruments, in particular to a kind of foot ankle bionic ice compress device, including foot bottom support plate and with the detachable connection foot ankle ice compress component, the foot bottom support plate with foot ankle ice compress component between around into foot ankle department accommodating cavity, the foot bottom support plate section is U-shaped structure, foot bottom support plate rear end is the inclined structure of upward, foot bottom support plate upper end front and back two sides are respectively equipped with connecting plate, connecting plate outer side is evenly equipped with locking nail, the foot ankle ice compress component overall is the boot type structure;The present application is through the foot ankle ice compress component of boot type structure, cooperate the adjustment of the tightening band and ear seat in rear vertical opening, the basic package to foot ankle is realized, simultaneously, by being provided with air bag layer between shell support layer and ice compress layer, air bag layer can uniformly compress ice compress layer to occur deformation after inflation, push the heat-conducting frame of array setting on the inboard of transmission layer and adhere to the irregular skin surface such as medial malleolus, lateral malleolus, achilles tendon two sides recess.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a biomimetic ice compress device for the foot and ankle. Background Technology

[0002] Ice application is a common physical therapy for acute injuries and postoperative rehabilitation of the foot and ankle. Its basic principle is to use low-temperature stimulation to constrict local blood vessels, reducing bleeding and tissue fluid exudation, thereby alleviating swelling, relieving pain, and suppressing inflammatory responses. Traditional ice application methods mainly include: medical ice packs, immersion in ice-water mixtures, chemical ice packs, and circulating water cooling pressurization devices.

[0003] However, the foot and ankle region is characterized by irregular bone morphology (multiple bony prominences in the medial malleolus, lateral malleolus, and calcaneus), significant differences in soft tissue thickness, and complex joint mobility, leading to the following significant shortcomings in the practical clinical application of existing ice application techniques: 1. Most existing ice packs are flat and soft. After the ice or gel inside melts, it accumulates at a low position due to gravity, making it difficult to conform to the complex curves of the foot and ankle. The bony prominences such as the medial and lateral malleoli are often suspended and cannot contact the cold source, resulting in uneven cold compress effect and slow swelling reduction.

[0004] 2. When traditional ice packs come into contact with warm skin, their surface temperature drops rapidly. Water vapor in the air condenses into a large amount of condensate. This condensate drips down the surface of the ice pack or seeps into dressings, sheets, and the patient's clothing along the bandage. This not only causes discomfort to the patient, but more importantly, the continuously moist environment will soak the skin around the wound, damaging the skin barrier function and significantly increasing the risk of maceration dermatitis and wound infection.

[0005] 3. Traditional ice packs are too cold in the initial stage of application. Direct contact with the skin for more than 10 minutes may cause severe vasoconstriction or even local frostbite (manifested as pale skin, numbness, and blisters). As the ice pack melts, the temperature quickly rises back to room temperature, and the coldness disappears too quickly. This non-constant temperature characteristic of "cold first, then warm" cannot achieve a safe and long-lasting cold therapy effect, and requires medical staff to frequently change ice packs, increasing the workload of nursing care.

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention proposes a biomimetic ice compress device for the foot and ankle, which closely conforms to the irregular anatomical shape of the foot and ankle, effectively manages condensation, and achieves the function of constant temperature compress. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the problems existing in the background art, the present invention proposes a biomimetic ice compress device for the foot and ankle.

[0008] The biomimetic ice compress device for the ankle and foot provided in this application adopts the following technical solution: A biomimetic ice compress device for the foot and ankle includes a foot support plate and a foot and ankle ice compress assembly detachably connected thereto, wherein the foot support plate and the foot and ankle ice compress assembly surround each other to form a foot and ankle receiving cavity.

[0009] The foot support plate has a U-shaped cross-section, and the rear end of the foot support plate is an upward inclined structure. Connecting plates are installed on the front and rear sides of the upper end of the foot support plate, and locking nails are evenly installed on the outer side of the connecting plates.

[0010] The foot and ankle ice pack assembly has a boot-shaped structure. The lower end of the foot and ankle ice pack assembly has symmetrical connecting grooves, and locking buckles are evenly installed on the connecting grooves. The locking buckles and locking pins are locked together.

[0011] Furthermore, a flexible pad is installed on the upper surface of the foot support plate, and the flexible pad is a disposable and removable structure.

[0012] Furthermore, the foot and ankle ice pack assembly includes an ice pack unit, a tightening strap, and ear seats. The ice pack unit has a boot-shaped structure. A vertical opening is provided on the rear side of the ice pack unit to facilitate the insertion of the foot and ankle. A tightening strap is evenly installed on one side of the opening, and ear seats are evenly installed on the other side of the opening. The end of the tightening strap passes through the ear seat and is tightened to the opening via Velcro.

[0013] Furthermore, the ice pack unit includes an outer shell support layer, an ice pack layer, and a conductive layer. The outer shell support layer is made of a lightweight polymer material, the ice pack layer is installed on the inner side of the outer shell support layer, and the conductive layer is provided on the inner side of the ice pack layer.

[0014] Furthermore, the ice pack layer has uniformly spaced arrays of filling cavities inside, each filled with a phase change cold storage material, and adjacent filling cavities are connected by a flexible material.

[0015] Furthermore, the conductive layer is made of thermally conductive silicone, and thermally conductive frames are uniformly arrayed on the inner side of the conductive layer.

[0016] Furthermore, the heat-conducting frame has a regular polygonal structure, and a flow gap is provided between adjacent heat-conducting frames.

[0017] Furthermore, a slot is provided in the middle of the heat-conducting frame, and a capillary siphon layer is installed in the slot. The capillary siphon layer is a sponge-like fabric or a microporous membrane.

[0018] Furthermore, an airbag layer is provided between the outer shell support layer and the ice pack layer. The airbag layer is used to deform the ice pack layer so that the conductive layer adheres tightly to the skin of the ankle.

[0019] Beneficial effects Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a biomimetic ice compress device for the foot and ankle, which has the following beneficial effects: 1. In this invention, a boot-shaped foot and ankle ice pack component, combined with a tightening strap and adjustable ear seat at the rear vertical opening, achieves basic wrapping of the foot and ankle. At the same time, by setting an air bladder layer between the outer shell support layer and the ice pack layer, the air bladder layer can evenly compress the ice pack layer to deform after inflation, pushing the heat-conducting frames arrayed on the inner side of the conductive layer to fit tightly against irregular skin surfaces such as the medial malleolus, lateral malleolus, and depressions on both sides of the Achilles tendon. The ice pack layer adopts an array structure of "hard filling cavity + soft connection", which maintains good flexibility even after the phase change cold storage material is frozen, and can bend with the contour of the foot and ankle. This effectively solves the problem of traditional ice packs being suspended at bony prominences and unable to cover depressions, achieving biomimetic fit and uniform distribution of cold.

[0020] 2. In this invention, a capillary layer is set in the hollow groove in the heat-conducting frame of the conductive layer. This layer is made of sponge-like fabric or microporous membrane material. When the ice pack releases cold energy and causes condensation on the surface of the conductive layer, the capillary layer can immediately absorb and lock in the moisture, preventing the condensation from dripping down the skin or dressing. At the same time, the moisture locked in by the capillary layer slowly evaporates under the action of skin temperature, forming a continuous "wet and cold" environment. This not only simulates the wet compress effect of the traditional "wet gauze + ice pack", but also avoids the problem of the traditional ice pack condensation soaking the wound and bed sheet, significantly reducing the risk of maceration dermatitis and wound infection.

[0021] 3. By encapsulating a phase change cold storage material with a specific melting point within the array filling cavity of the ice pack, it maintains a constant temperature during the entire phase change process to release cold energy, unlike the drastic temperature change curve of traditional ice packs that rapidly rise from below 0°C to room temperature. This allows it to maintain a safe and effective treatment temperature throughout the entire ice pack cycle, effectively constricting blood vessels and reducing swelling, while fundamentally avoiding local frostbite caused by excessively low temperatures. At the same time, it eliminates the need for frequent ice pack replacements, reducing the nursing burden on medical staff. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of this application.

[0024] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of this application.

[0025] Figure 3 This is the rear view of this application.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the foot and ankle ice pack component of this application.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the ice pack layer in this application.

[0028] Figure 6This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the conductive layer in this application.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Foot support plate; 11. Connecting plate; 12. Locking pin; 2. Foot and ankle ice pack assembly; 201. Connecting groove; 202. Locking buckle; 21. Ice pack unit; 211. Outer shell support layer; 212. Ice pack layer; 2121. Filling cavity; 213. Conductive layer; 2131. Heat-conducting frame; 2132. Capillary siphon layer; 22. Tightening strap; 23. Ear seat. Detailed Implementation

[0030] 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.

[0031] Example 1

[0032] like Figures 1-6 As shown, this application provides a biomimetic ice compress device for the foot and ankle, including a foot support plate 1 and a foot and ankle ice compress component 2 detachably connected thereto. The foot support plate 1 and the foot and ankle ice compress component 2 surround each other to form a receiving cavity for accommodating the patient's foot and ankle.

[0033] Specifically, the foot support plate 1 is used to conform to the patient's foot and provide a stable support base. Its cross-section is U-shaped to adapt to the natural curvature of the foot and prevent lateral displacement. The rear end of the foot support plate 1 is set to an upward inclined structure. This inclined structure matches the natural lifting angle of the heel when the human body is standing or lying down, which can effectively reduce the tension at the Achilles tendon. Connecting plates 11 are installed on the front and rear sides of the upper end of the foot support plate 1, and locking pins 12 are evenly installed on the outer side of the connecting plate 11.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, the foot and ankle ice pack component 2 has a boot-shaped structure to completely wrap the patient's medial and lateral malleoli and Achilles tendon area. A connecting groove 201 is symmetrically provided at the lower end of the foot and ankle ice pack component 2. The position of the connecting groove 201 corresponds to the connecting plate 11. Locking buckles 202 are evenly installed on the connecting groove 201. The locking buckles 202 and the locking pins 12 are locked together by pressing, thereby realizing the quick assembly and disassembly of the foot support plate 1 and the foot and ankle ice pack component 2, which facilitates the replacement of the ice pack component or the replacement of the foot support plate 1.

[0035] In actual use, medical staff first place the patient's foot into the foot support plate 1, then put the foot and ankle ice pack component 2 into the foot and ankle from top to bottom, align the connecting groove 201 with the connecting plate 11, press the locking buckle 202 to lock the locking pin 12, and complete the assembly.

[0036] Example 2

[0037] Based on Example 1, in order to improve the comfort of patients and ensure hygiene, a flexible pad is installed on the upper surface of the foot support plate 1. The flexible pad can be made of medical-grade EVA foam or memory foam. In particular, the flexible pad is designed as a disposable and detachable structure. After the patient has used it for a long time, the old pad can be directly torn off and replaced with a new pad, which effectively prevents cross-infection and sweat accumulation.

[0038] Example 3

[0039] This embodiment optimizes the connection structure of the foot and ankle ice pack component 2, such as... Figures 3-4 As shown, the foot and ankle ice pack assembly 2 includes an ice pack unit 21, a tightening band 22, and an ear seat 23. The ice pack unit 21 has a boot-shaped structure, and a vertical opening is provided on its rear side (corresponding to the Achilles tendon position) to facilitate the insertion of the foot and ankle. Tightening bands 22 are evenly installed on one side edge of the opening, and ear seats 23 are evenly installed on the other side edge of the opening. The free end of the tightening band 22 passes through the slot of the ear seat 23 and is tightened and fixed by Velcro (hook side and loop side) sewn on its surface.

[0040] By adjusting the tightness of the tightening band 22, patients can adjust the pressure of the ice pack component on the affected area according to the degree and thickness of their ankle swelling, ensuring both fit and avoiding blood circulation obstruction caused by excessive pressure.

[0041] like Figure 4 As shown, the ice pack unit 21 includes an outer shell support layer 211, an ice pack layer 212, and a conductive layer 213. The outer shell support layer 211 is injection molded from a lightweight polymer material (such as nylon or polypropylene) to maintain the boot shape and resist external pressure. The ice pack layer 212 is installed on the inner side of the outer shell support layer 211, and the conductive layer 213 is provided on the inner side of the ice pack layer 212.

[0042] Furthermore, such as Figure 5As shown, the ice pack layer 212 has uniformly spaced filling cavities 2121 inside. These filling cavities 2121 have a circular or polygonal honeycomb structure. The filling cavities 2121 are sealed with a phase change cold storage material (such as a paraffin-based or salt water-based phase change material with a melting point of 10℃-15℃). Adjacent filling cavities 2121 are connected by a flexible material (such as thermoplastic elastomer TPE). This "hard cavity + soft connection" structure allows the entire ice pack layer 212 to still bend with the shape of the foot and ankle after freezing, avoiding the problem of traditional whole ice packs hardening and becoming unfit after freezing.

[0043] Furthermore, such as Figure 6 As shown, the conductive layer 213 is made of thermally conductive silicone with a high thermal conductivity. Thermally conductive frames 2131 are uniformly arrayed on the inner side of the conductive layer 213. Preferably, the thermally conductive frames 2131 have a regular hexagonal structure, and a flow gap is provided between adjacent thermally conductive frames 2131. This regular hexagonal structure can conform to the skin curve to the maximum extent, while the flow gap allows sweat on the skin surface to be discharged.

[0044] In order to achieve the "wet compress" effect and solve the problem of condensate management, a through-hole is provided in the middle of the heat-conducting frame 2131. A capillary siphon layer 2132 is installed in the slot. The capillary siphon layer 2132 is made of sponge-like fabric or microporous membrane (such as PVA sponge or hydrophilic polytetrafluoroethylene membrane).

[0045] The working process is as follows: When the phase change cold storage material in the ice pack layer 212 absorbs heat and melts, the surface temperature of the conductive layer 213 decreases, and water vapor in the air condenses into small water droplets upon cooling. These small water droplets would cause clothing or wounds to become wet in a traditional ice pack, but in this device, the water droplets are instantly absorbed by the capillary layer 2132 in the middle of the heat-conducting frame 2131. At the same time, as the skin temperature rises, the water in the capillary layer 2132 will slowly evaporate, taking away the heat from the skin surface, forming a continuous "wet compress" effect, improving the efficiency of cold conduction and reducing the risk of frostbite.

[0046] As a further preferred embodiment, an airbag layer is also provided between the outer shell support layer 211 and the ice pack layer 212. The airbag layer is inflated by a miniature manual air pump or a mouth-blowing valve. When the airbag layer is inflated, it will evenly compress the ice pack layer 212, causing it to deform inward, thereby pushing the conductive layer 213 to fit tightly against the irregular skin of the foot and ankle (such as the depression below the medial malleolus or both sides of the Achilles tendon). This design solves the problem of poor fit caused by differences in foot and ankle circumference among different patients through adaptive air pressure adjustment.

[0047] The specific steps for using this invention are as follows: S1. Preparation and Cooling: The entire foot and ankle ice pack assembly 2 is placed in a medical refrigeration device and frozen or refrigerated at -5°C to 4°C for 30-60 minutes, so that the phase change cold storage material in the arrayed filling cavities 2121 within the ice pack layer 212 can fully solidify and store cold energy.

[0048] S2. Patient fitting and initial fixation: Take out the foot and ankle ice pack component 2 after it has been cooled, and place the patient's affected foot steadily on the foot support plate 1, so that the sole of the foot fits against the flexible pad at the upper end of the foot support plate 1; then, slip the boot-shaped foot and ankle ice pack component 2 onto the foot and ankle from top to bottom, so that the patient's heel, medial malleolus, lateral malleolus and Achilles tendon area are completely contained in the cavity formed between the foot support plate 1 and the foot and ankle ice pack component 2; next, align the connecting groove 201 at the lower end of the foot and ankle ice pack component 2 with the connecting plate 11 on the foot support plate 1, and press down until the locking buckle 202 locks into place with the locking pin 12, so as to realize the detachable fixed connection between the foot and ankle ice pack component 2 and the foot support plate 1.

[0049] S3. Pressure bonding and sealing: Pull the tightening strap 22 on the vertical opening side of the ice pack unit 21 so that the end of the tightening strap 22 passes through the corresponding ear seat 23 on the other side of the opening. Adjust the tightening force according to the swelling or circumference of the patient's foot and ankle. Then, use the Velcro on the tightening strap 22 to close and tighten the opening so that the ice pack unit 21 tightly wraps the foot and ankle. Then, inflate the air bladder layer by manually pumping air or inflating the air bladder layer. The air bladder layer expands and evenly compresses the ice pack layer 212 to deform, pushing the heat-conducting frames 2131 arrayed on the inner side of the conductive layer 213 to stick tightly to the irregular skin surface of the foot and ankle, ensuring a gapless fit.

[0050] S4. Ice compress process and condensation management: When in the applied state, the phase change cold storage material in the filling cavity 2121 of the ice pack layer 212 absorbs the heat generated by the patient's foot and ankle, and begins to melt at a constant temperature (maintaining 10℃-15℃). The cold energy is transferred to the skin through the conductive layer 213 made of thermally conductive silicone. At the same time, the condensation water generated on the surface of the conductive layer 213 due to the temperature difference is immediately absorbed and locked by the capillary layer 2132 installed in the hollow groove in the middle of the heat-conducting frame 2131, forming a continuously moist cold compress environment. During this process, the flow gap between adjacent heat-conducting frames 2131 maintains the breathability of the skin surface, avoiding excessive moisture or frostbite.

[0051] S5. Disassembly and disinfection: After completing the scheduled ice compress time, loosen the Velcro on the tightening strap 22 and open the vertical opening; press the locking buckle 202 to disengage it from the locking pin 12, and lift the foot and ankle ice compress assembly 2 upwards to separate it from the foot support plate 1; place the foot and ankle ice compress assembly 2 in a room temperature environment to warm up naturally or wipe it to disinfect it, and at the same time remove and replace the disposable flexible pad on the upper surface of the foot support plate 1 for the next use or for the next patient.

[0052] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A biomimetic ice compress device for the ankle, characterized in that, include: A foot support plate (1) and a foot and ankle ice pack assembly (2) detachably connected thereto, wherein the foot support plate (1) and the foot and ankle ice pack assembly (2) surround each other to form a foot and ankle receiving cavity; The foot support plate (1) has a U-shaped cross section and an upward inclined structure at the rear end. Connecting plates (11) are installed on the front and rear sides of the upper end of the foot support plate (1), and locking nails (12) are evenly installed on the outer side of the connecting plates (11). The ankle ice pack assembly (2) has a boot-shaped structure. The lower end of the ankle ice pack assembly (2) is symmetrically provided with connecting grooves (201). Locking buckles (202) are evenly installed on the connecting grooves. The locking buckles (202) and locking pins (12) are locked together. The foot and ankle ice pack assembly (2) includes an ice pack unit (21), a tightening band (22), and an earpiece (23); The ice pack unit (21) includes an outer shell support layer (211), an ice pack layer (212), and a conductive layer (213). The outer shell support layer (211) is made of lightweight polymer material. The ice pack layer (212) is installed on the inner side of the outer shell support layer (211), and the conductive layer (213) is provided on the inner side of the ice pack layer (212). The ice layer (212) has uniformly spaced arrays of filling cavities (2121) inside, and the filling cavities (2121) are filled with phase change cold storage material. Adjacent filling cavities (2121) are connected by flexible material. The conductive layer (213) is made of thermally conductive silicone, and thermally conductive frames (2131) are uniformly arrayed on the inner side of the conductive layer (213). The heat-conducting frame (2131) has a slot in the middle, and a capillary siphon layer (2132) is installed in the slot. The capillary siphon layer (2132) is a sponge-like fabric or a microporous membrane.

2. The biomimetic ice compress device for the ankle and foot according to claim 1, characterized in that: A flexible pad is installed on the upper surface of the foot support plate (1), and the flexible pad is a disposable structure.

3. The biomimetic ice compress device for the ankle and foot according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ice pack unit (21) has a boot-shaped structure. The rear side of the ice pack unit (21) is provided with a vertical opening that facilitates the insertion of the foot and ankle. A tightening strap (22) is evenly installed on one side of the opening, and an ear seat (23) is evenly installed on the other side of the opening. The end of the tightening strap (22) passes through the ear seat (23) and is tightened by Velcro to the opening.

4. The biomimetic ice compress device for the ankle and foot according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat-conducting frame (2131) has a regular polygonal structure, and a flow gap is provided between adjacent heat-conducting frames (2131).

5. The biomimetic ice compress device for the ankle and foot according to claim 1, characterized in that: An airbag layer is also provided between the outer shell support layer (211) and the ice pack layer (212). The airbag layer is used to drive the ice pack layer (212) to deform so that the conductive layer (213) is in close contact with the skin of the ankle.

Images