3D printed hip protection device

Abstract

The application discloses a 3D printing hip joint protection device and belongs to the technical field of protection devices. The device comprises a protection plate, a movement plate arranged below the protection plate, a connecting plate connected to one side of the protection plate, a symmetrical mechanism, two synchronous rods arranged on one side of the connecting plate, a switching mechanism, a knob arranged on the side of the protection plate away from a user, an adaptive mechanism, and a contact plate arranged on the side of the protection plate facing the user. The symmetrical mechanism drives the two connecting plates to move synchronously and equidistantly, the center of gravity of the device is kept symmetrical, and the device is adapted to different user waists. The knob of the switching mechanism is used for adjusting and realizing free switching between the static rigid locking mode and the dynamic flexible limiting mode, and the wearing convenience and the motion safety are considered. In combination with the ball hinge universal pair and the spring floating mechanism of the adaptive mechanism, the contact plate and the hip surface are adapted to closely adhere to each other and absorb walking impact, and the universality, the safety protection performance and the wearing comfort of the device are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of protective device technology, and particularly relates to a 3D-printed hip joint protective device. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing aging of society and the development of modern medicine, total hip replacement surgery and various internal fixation surgeries for hip fractures are becoming increasingly common in clinical practice. During the postoperative rehabilitation period, the patient's hip joint and surrounding muscle groups are in a vulnerable state. When getting out of bed or undergoing early rehabilitation training, they are prone to serious postoperative complications such as prosthesis dislocation and fracture displacement due to improper force, excessive flexion and extension of the joint, internal and external rotation, or accidental falls. Therefore, it is crucial to configure high-performance hip joint protection devices during the rehabilitation period to provide external support and physical protection. In recent years, 3D printing technology has been widely used in the field of orthopedic rehabilitation medical devices due to its unique advantages of lightweight, controllable anisotropic structure, and high degree of customization. Using 3D printing technology, it is possible to accurately match the anatomical shape of the outer shell according to the patient's medical imaging data and construct special energy-absorbing structures such as porous and topology-optimized structures inside the protective cover.

[0003] Existing hip protection devices often use independent Velcro straps and bandages on both sides for circumference adjustment. When patients put on or adjust them themselves, it is difficult to ensure that the tightening force and displacement on both sides are consistent, resulting in uneven force on the left and right sides of the brace. This causes the core protection area to deviate from the key bone area, shifting the center of gravity of protection and affecting the protection effect on the hip joint. The distribution of soft tissue and bone structure in the human hip varies from person to person. The contact panels of existing hip protection devices are mostly at a fixed angle, which can easily cause local stress concentration during prolonged wear, leading to patient discomfort. When patients are walking for rehabilitation, the reaction force from the foot will go directly to the hip joint, making it difficult to protect the fragile soft tissues of the hip after surgery. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the problems of existing hip joint protection devices, such as difficulty in ensuring symmetry in circumference adjustment, lack of coordination between static wearing and dynamic rehabilitation, and insufficient conformity and shock absorption of the contact surface. Therefore, a 3D-printed hip joint protection device is proposed.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A 3D-printed hip joint protection device includes a protective plate, a motion plate located below the protective plate, and a connecting plate connected to one side of the protective plate; The symmetrical mechanism includes two synchronizing rods located on one side of the connecting plate, which drive the two protective plates to move closer or further away synchronously. The switching mechanism includes a knob located on the side of the protection plate away from the user, which allows the hip joint protection device to switch operating modes by rotating the knob; The adapter mechanism includes a contact plate located on the user-facing side of the protective plate, which is offset relative to the protective plate to fit the user's hip.

[0006] As a further description of the above technical solution: The symmetric mechanism further includes: A support plate, wherein the support plate is disposed between two connecting plates; A central shaft, one end of which is rotatably connected to one side of a support plate; A rotating wheel, which is connected to the other end of a central shaft.

[0007] As a further description of the above technical solution: The symmetric mechanism further includes: A linkage rod is sleeved outside the central shaft, and one end of the linkage rod is rotatably connected to one end of the synchronizing rod. A rotating shaft is located on the outer wall of the connecting plate on the side away from the user, and the other end of the synchronizing rod is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft.

[0008] As a further description of the above technical solution: The symmetric mechanism further includes: A slider is disposed on the outer wall of the connecting plate on the side facing the user. The slide rail is located on the outer wall of the support plate on the side away from the user, and the inner wall of the slider is slidably connected to the outer wall of the slide rail.

[0009] As a further description of the above technical solution: The switching mechanism further includes: A positioning seat is provided between the protective plate and the moving plate, and the positioning seat is fixedly connected to the moving plate by a rod. A fixed gear, the bottom of which is connected to the top of the positioning seat; A connecting pipe, the bottom end of which is connected to the top of the fixed gear.

[0010] As a further description of the above technical solution: The switching mechanism further includes: A rotating gear, which is sleeved outside the connecting pipe; Stroke grooves, a plurality of such stroke grooves are formed on the outer wall of the rotating gear around the axis of the rotating gear; The first stop rod is disposed in the stroke groove, and the outer wall of the first stop rod is connected to the inner wall of the stroke groove; The second stop is located in the stroke groove, and the top of the second stop passes through the top of the connecting pipe. The first spring is disposed in the stroke groove, and its two ends are respectively connected to the corresponding positions of the outer walls of the first and second stop rods.

[0011] As a further description of the above technical solution: The switching mechanism further includes: A rotating column is located inside a positioning seat, and the top of the rotating column is connected to the bottom of the knob; A positioning shell is sleeved on the outside of the top end of the rotating column, and the positioning shell is fixedly connected to the protective plate by a rod. Guide rods, a plurality of guide rods are arranged around the axis of the positioning shell at the bottom of the positioning shell, and the bottom end of the guide rods passes through the corresponding position at the top of the positioning seat.

[0012] As a further description of the above technical solution: The adapter mechanism also includes: A fixing plate, one side of which is connected to the side of the protective plate facing the user; A support column, one end of which is connected to a corresponding position on the other side of the fixing plate; An offset plate is fitted over the outside of the support column.

[0013] As a further description of the above technical solution: The adapter mechanism also includes: An offset seat, the top of which is connected to the bottom of an offset plate; An offset shaft, the top end of which is connected to the bottom of the contact plate; A limiting ring, the bottom of which is connected to the top of the offset plate.

[0014] As a further description of the above technical solution: The adapter mechanism also includes: Telescopic rods, a plurality of such telescopic rods are arranged outside the offset axis around the offset axis, and the top end of each telescopic rod is connected to the bottom of the contact plate at a corresponding position; The second spring is located outside the telescopic rod, and its two ends are connected to the bottom of the contact plate and the corresponding position on the outer wall of the telescopic rod, respectively.

[0015] In summary, due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: 1. In this invention, by means of a symmetrical mechanism, rotating the rotating wheel can drive the double synchronous rods to pull the connecting plates on both sides to move synchronously and equidistantly closer or further away along the slide rail. There is no need to adjust both sides separately, which not only ensures the symmetry of the overall center of gravity of the protection device, but also adapts to the waist size of different users, thus improving the versatility of the device.

[0016] 2. In this invention, by means of a switching mechanism, rotating the knob drives the rotating shaft to rise axially, so that the positioning shell can freely switch between engaging with the fixed gear and engaging with the rotating gear. In a static state, it provides rigid locking, reducing the difficulty for users to wear it. In motion, it is converted into a flexible limiting structure, which not only restricts the range of motion of the joints during walking to prevent secondary damage, but also provides elastic support, ensuring the protective effect of the device.

[0017] 3. In this invention, by setting an adaptation mechanism, a universal joint is formed by the ball head offset shaft and the offset seat, which can adaptively conform to the contact surface of different users' hips. With the second spring, it can ensure a tight fit between the contact plate and the skin, prevent dynamic displacement, absorb the vibration and impact generated by walking, protect the fragile soft tissue after surgery, and improve the comfort and adaptability of the device. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of a 3D-printed hip joint protection device proposed in this invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the disassembled structure of a 3D-printed hip joint protection device proposed in this invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the symmetrical mechanism structure of a 3D-printed hip joint protection device proposed in this invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a symmetrical mechanism structure of a 3D-printed hip joint protection device proposed in this invention; Figure 5 This is a half-sectional schematic diagram of the switching mechanism of a 3D-printed hip joint protection device proposed in this invention. Figure 6 This is a half-sectional structural diagram of the switching mechanism of a 3D-printed hip joint protection device proposed in this invention. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the adapter mechanism structure of a 3D printed hip joint protection device proposed in this invention; Figure 8 This is a half-sectional schematic diagram of the adapter structure of a 3D printed hip joint protection device proposed in this invention.

[0019] Legend: 1. Protective plate; 2. Motion plate; 3. Connecting plate; 4. Symmetrical mechanism; 401. Support plate; 402. Central shaft; 403. Rotating wheel; 404. Linkage rod; 405. Synchronizing rod; 406. Rotating shaft; 407. Slider; 408. Slide rail; 5. Switching mechanism; 501. Positioning seat; 502. Fixed gear; 503. Rotating gear; 504. Stroke groove; 505. First stop rod; 506. Connecting pipe; 507. Second stop rod; 508. First spring; 509. Positioning shell; 510. Rotating column; 511. Knob; 512. Guide rod; 6. Adaptor mechanism; 601. Fixed plate; 602. Support column; 603. Offset plate; 604. Offset seat; 605. Offset shaft; 606. Contact plate; 607. Limiting ring; 608. Telescopic rod; 609. Second spring. 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] Please see Figures 1-8 The present invention provides a technical solution: a 3D printed hip joint protection device, including a protection plate 1, a motion plate 2 provided below the protection plate 1, and a connection plate 3 on one side of the protection plate 1; The symmetrical mechanism 4 includes two synchronous rods 405 located on one side of the connecting plate 3, which drive the two protective plates 1 to move closer or further away synchronously. The switching mechanism 5 includes a knob 511 located on the side of the protection plate 1 away from the user, which can be rotated to switch the working mode of the hip joint protection device. The adapter mechanism 6 includes a contact plate 606 located on the user-facing side of the protective plate 1, which is offset relative to the protective plate 1 to fit the user's hip.

[0022] Please see Figures 3-4 The symmetric mechanism 4 also includes: Support plate 401, which is located between two connecting plates 3; Central shaft 402, one end of which is rotatably connected to one side of support plate 401; Rotating wheel 403 is connected to the other end of central shaft 402.

[0023] Symmetric mechanism 4 also includes: Linkage rod 404 is sleeved outside the central shaft 402, and one end of linkage rod 404 is rotatably connected to one end of synchronization rod 405. Rotating shaft 406 is located on the outer wall of the connecting plate 3 away from the user, and the other end of the synchronizing rod 405 is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft 406.

[0024] Symmetric mechanism 4 also includes: Slider 407 is located on the outer wall of the connecting plate 3 facing the user. The slide rail 408 is located on the outer wall of the support plate 401 on the side away from the user, and the inner wall of the slider 407 is slidably connected to the outer wall of the slide rail 408.

[0025] Specifically: the rotating wheel 403 is fixedly connected to the central shaft 402, and the linkage rod 404 is fixedly connected to the central shaft 402. Rotating the rotating wheel 403 clockwise causes the central shaft 402 to rotate clockwise synchronously, which in turn causes the linkage rod 404 to rotate clockwise synchronously. One end of the synchronous rod 405 pulls the connecting plate 3 to move along the slide rail 408, and the two ends of the linkage rod 404 pull the other ends of the two synchronous rods 405 respectively, causing the two connecting plates 3 to move synchronously and move closer to each other, thus reducing the wearing range of the hip joint protection device. Conversely, rotating the rotating wheel 403 counterclockwise causes the linkage rod 404 to drive the two connecting plates 3 to move synchronously and move away from each other through the synchronous rods 405, thus increasing the wearing range of the hip joint protection device, adapting to the waist circumference of different users, and improving the versatility of the device.

[0026] Please see Figures 5-6 The switching mechanism 5 also includes: Positioning seat 501 is located between protective plate 1 and moving plate 2. Positioning seat 501 is fixedly connected to moving plate 2 through rod body. Fixed gear 502, the bottom of fixed gear 502 is connected to the top of positioning seat 501; A connecting pipe 506 is included, with its bottom end connected to the top of the fixed gear 502. The switching mechanism 5 also includes: Rotating gear 503 is sleeved on the outside of connecting pipe 506; Stroke grooves 504, multiple stroke grooves 504 are formed on the outer wall of the rotating gear 503 around the axis of the rotating gear 503; The first stop rod 505 is disposed in the stroke groove 504, and the outer wall of the first stop rod 505 is connected to the inner wall of the stroke groove 504. The second stop 507 is located in the stroke groove 504, and the top end of the second stop 507 passes through the top of the connecting pipe 506. The first spring 508 is disposed in the stroke groove 504, and the two ends of the first spring 508 are respectively connected to the corresponding positions of the outer wall of the first stop 505 and the outer wall of the second stop 507.

[0027] Switching mechanism 5 also includes: Rotating column 510 is located inside positioning seat 501, and the top of rotating column 510 is connected to the bottom of knob 511; Positioning shell 509 is sleeved on the outside of the top end of rotating column 510, and positioning shell 509 is fixedly connected to protective plate 1 through rod body; Guide rods 512, multiple guide rods 512 are arranged around the axis of positioning shell 509 at the bottom of positioning shell 509, and the bottom end of the guide rods 512 passes through the corresponding position at the top of positioning seat 501.

[0028] Specifically, the bottom of the inner wall of the positioning shell 509 is provided with internal teeth, allowing the positioning shell 509 to mesh with the fixed gear 502 or the rotating gear 503. The positioning shell 509 is fixedly connected to the fixed plate 601 via a rod, and the positioning seat 501 is fixedly connected to the moving plate 2 via a rod. In the initial state, the positioning shell 509 meshes with the fixed gear 502, fixing the relative positions of the positioning shell 509 and the positioning seat 501, thereby fixing the relative positions of the fixed plate 601 and the moving plate 2. This is the static mode, facilitating the user to wear the hip joint protection device. After the device is worn, the knob 511 is rotated, causing the rotating column 510 to rotate synchronously. The external thread on the outer wall of the rotating column 510 meshes with the internal thread on the inner wall of the positioning seat 501, causing the rotating column 510 to rise relative to the positioning seat 501. The top of the rotating column 510 can rotate relative to the positioning shell 509. The rotating column 510 synchronously drives the positioning shell 509 to move. The guide rod 512 restricts the positioning shell 509 from axially rising relative to the positioning seat 501. The positioning shell 509 then meshes with the rotating gear 503, allowing the positioning shell 509 and the positioning seat 501 to rotate relative to each other. When the user starts walking, the motion plate 2 follows the movement of the thigh. The motion plate 2 rotates around the protective plate 1. The motion plate 2 drives the rotating gear 503 to rotate through the positioning shell 509. When the rotating gear 503 rotates, the inner wall of the stroke groove 504 pushes the first stop 505, and the second stop 507 is fixed in position. The distance between the first stop 505 and the second stop 507 is reduced, and the first spring 508 is compressed. The stroke groove 504 restricts the rotation angle of the motion plate 2 relative to the protective plate 1, thereby restricting the user's joint range of motion and providing stable support for the user's rehabilitation exercise.

[0029] Please see Figures 7-8 The adapter 6 also includes: Fixing plate 601, one side of fixing plate 601 is connected to the side of protection plate 1 facing the user; Support column 602, one end of support column 602 is connected to the corresponding position on the other side of fixed plate 601; Offset plate 603 is sleeved on the outside of support column 602.

[0030] The adapter 6 also includes: Offset seat 604, the top of offset seat 604 is connected to the bottom of offset plate 603; Offset shaft 605, the top end of offset shaft 605 is connected to the bottom of contact plate 606; The bottom of the limiting ring 607 is connected to the top of the offset plate 603.

[0031] The adapter 6 also includes: Telescopic rods 608, multiple telescopic rods 608 are arranged around the axis of offset shaft 605 outside offset shaft 605, and the top of telescopic rods 608 are connected to the corresponding position of the bottom of contact plate 606; The second spring 609 is located outside the telescopic rod 608, and its two ends are connected to the bottom of the contact plate 606 and the corresponding position on the outer wall of the telescopic rod 608, respectively.

[0032] Specifically, the bottom end of the offset shaft 605 is spherical, and the outer wall of the spherical shape can slide relative to the inner wall of the offset seat 604. When the user wears the hip joint protection device, the contact plate 606 contacts the user's hip. The user's hip pushes the contact plate 606 outward and causes the offset plate 603 to deflect. The spherical shape at the bottom end of the offset shaft 605 slides relative to the offset seat 604, so that the contact angle of the contact plate 606 matches the user's hip. The telescopic rod 608 in the offset direction retracts, and the second spring 609 is compressed. The second spring 609 reacts to the contact plate 606 through its own elastic force, making the outer wall of the contact plate 606 fit more tightly to the user's hip, improving the user's wearing comfort. At the same time, the second spring 609 can absorb vibration through its own elastic potential energy, reducing the impact on the user's hip during postoperative rehabilitation.

[0033] Working principle: When in use, the user places the support plate 401 against the lower back and rotates the rotating wheel 403 counterclockwise to expand the wearing range of the protective device. Then, the user aligns the protective plate 1 with their hip and puts it on. Rotating the rotating wheel 403 clockwise until the contact force between the contact plate 606 and the hip is appropriate, then stopping the rotation of the rotating wheel 403. After the hip joint protection device is put on, the user rotates the knob 511 to switch the protection device to the exercise mode. After switching, the user can start walking freely.

[0034] In this invention, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance; the term "multiple" refers to two or more unless otherwise explicitly defined. The terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; "linking" can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0035] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A 3D-printed hip joint protection device, comprising a protective plate (1), characterized in that, A moving plate (2) is provided below the protective plate (1), and one side of the protective plate (1) is connected to the connecting plate (3); The symmetrical mechanism (4) includes two synchronous rods (405) located on one side of the connecting plate (3), which drive the two protective plates (1) to move closer or further away synchronously through the two synchronous rods (405); The switching mechanism (5) includes a knob (511) located on the side of the protection plate (1) away from the user, and the working mode of the hip joint protection device can be switched by rotating the knob (511); The adapter (6) includes a contact plate (606) disposed on the user-facing side of the protective plate (1), which is offset relative to the protective plate (1) to adapt to the user's hip.

2. The 3D-printed hip joint protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The symmetric mechanism (4) also includes: A support plate (401) is disposed between two connecting plates (3); A central shaft (402) is rotatably connected at one end to a support plate (401); A rotating wheel (403) is connected to the other end of a central shaft (402).

3. The 3D-printed hip joint protection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The symmetric mechanism (4) also includes: Linkage rod (404), which is sleeved outside the central shaft (402), and one end of the linkage rod (404) is rotatably connected to one end of the synchronizing rod (405); Rotating shaft (406) is located on the outer wall of the connecting plate (3) away from the user, and the other end of the synchronizing rod (405) is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft (406).

4. A 3D-printed hip joint protection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The symmetric mechanism (4) also includes: Slider (407), the slider (407) is provided on the outer wall of the connecting plate (3) facing the user; The slide rail (408) is located on the outer wall of the support plate (401) away from the user, and the inner wall of the slider (407) is slidably connected to the outer wall of the slide rail (408).

5. A 3D-printed hip joint protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The switching mechanism (5) further includes: Positioning seat (501), the positioning seat (501) is located between the protective plate (1) and the moving plate (2), and the positioning seat (501) is fixedly connected to the moving plate (2) through a rod; A fixed gear (502) is provided, the bottom of which is connected to the top of the positioning seat (501); A connecting pipe (506) is provided, the bottom end of which is connected to the top of a fixed gear (502).

6. A 3D-printed hip joint protection device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The switching mechanism (5) further includes: Rotating gear (503), the rotating gear (503) is sleeved on the outside of the connecting pipe (506); Stroke grooves (504), a plurality of said stroke grooves (504) are formed on the outer wall of the rotating gear (503) around the axis of the rotating gear (503); The first stop (505) is disposed in the stroke groove (504), and the outer wall of the first stop (505) is connected to the inner wall of the stroke groove (504); The second stop (507) is located in the stroke groove (504), and the top end of the second stop (507) passes through the top of the connecting pipe (506); The first spring (508) is located in the stroke groove (504), and the two ends of the first spring (508) are respectively connected to the corresponding positions of the outer wall of the first stop (505) and the outer wall of the second stop (507).

7. A 3D-printed hip joint protection device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The switching mechanism (5) further includes: A rotating column (510) is located inside a positioning seat (501), and the top end of the rotating column (510) is connected to the bottom of a knob (511). Positioning shell (509), the positioning shell (509) is sleeved on the outside of the top of the rotating column (510), and the positioning shell (509) is fixedly connected to the protective plate (1) through the rod body; Guide rods (512), a plurality of guide rods (512) are arranged around the axis of the positioning shell (509) at the bottom of the positioning shell (509), and the bottom end of the guide rods (512) passes through the corresponding position at the top of the positioning seat (501).

8. A 3D-printed hip joint protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adapter (6) also includes: A fixing plate (601) is provided, one side of which is connected to the side of the protective plate (1) facing the user; A support column (602) is provided, one end of which is connected to the corresponding position on the other side of the fixing plate (601); Offset plate (603), which is sleeved on the outside of support column (602).

9. A 3D-printed hip joint protection device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The adapter (6) also includes: An offset seat (604) is provided, the top of which is connected to the bottom of an offset plate (603); An offset shaft (605) is provided, the top end of which is connected to the bottom of a contact plate (606); A limiting ring (607) is provided, the bottom of which is connected to the top of an offset plate (603).

10. A 3D-printed hip joint protection device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The adapter (6) also includes: Telescopic rods (608), a plurality of such telescopic rods (608) are arranged around the axis of the offset shaft (605) outside the offset shaft (605), and the top of the telescopic rods (608) is connected to the bottom of the contact plate (606) at the corresponding position; The second spring (609) is located outside the telescopic rod (608), and the two ends of the second spring (609) are respectively connected to the bottom of the contact plate (606) and the corresponding position of the outer wall of the telescopic rod (608).

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