A flexible intelligent support system based on shape memory alloy spring and intelligent wearable device

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of intelligent wearing, and particularly relates to a flexible intelligent support system based on shape memory alloy springs and an intelligent wearing device. From outside to inside, the flexible intelligent support system comprises an outer protective layer, a dynamic support layer, a flexible sensing layer and a skin-adhesive layer; the flexible sensing layer is provided with distributed flexible pressure sensors, fiber angle sensors and surface electromyography sensor arrays; the dynamic support layer is distributed with a plurality of shape memory alloy springs, a flexible closed air chamber array, a temperature driving module and an air pump; the temperature driving module is used for adjusting the temperature of the shape memory alloy springs according to the monitoring data of the flexible sensing layer, so as to adjust the rigidity and deformation of the shape memory alloy springs; and the air pump is used for controlling the inflation or deflation of the flexible closed air chamber array, so as to adjust the restriction strength of the flexible intelligent support system on the wearing part. The application can dynamically adjust the support strength and the activity range according to the rehabilitation target.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of smart wearable technology, specifically relating to a flexible smart support system and smart wearable device based on shape memory alloy springs. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, with the rapid development of smart wearable devices, and the integration of technologies from multiple fields such as sensing technology, medical rehabilitation, data analysis and mobile health management, wearable devices can be used to monitor and evaluate patients' motor functions in real time. This can help patients assess their rehabilitation progress and provide real-time feedback, providing data support for the development of personalized rehabilitation plans.

[0003] Currently, commonly used wearable rehabilitation devices are mainly divided into two categories: one is traditional rigid braces, which use a fixed-angle structure to immobilize the joints, and can only achieve fixed support at a single angle, and cannot dynamically adjust the range of motion according to the patient's rehabilitation stage; the other is basic smart wearable devices, which can simply collect data such as joint range of motion and muscle electrical signals, but the data is mostly collected independently and stored locally, and can only provide basic numerical display, lacking in-depth integration with clinical rehabilitation programs.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an improved smart wearable device to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a flexible intelligent support system and intelligent wearable device based on shape memory alloy springs, so as to achieve dynamic adjustment of support strength and range of motion.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a flexible intelligent support system based on shape memory alloy springs, which comprises, from the outside to the inside: an outer protective layer, a dynamic support layer, a flexible sensing layer, and a skin-adhesive layer; The flexible sensing layer is equipped with a distributed flexible pressure sensor, a fiber optic angle sensor, and a surface electromyography (EMG) sensor array. The distributed flexible pressure sensor is used to collect wearable pressure distribution data in real time. The fiber optic angle sensor is used to measure joint flexion, extension, or rotation angles. The surface EMG sensor array is used to collect muscle electrical signals to analyze muscle activation level and force exertion sequence. The dynamic support layer is distributed with several shape memory alloy springs, a flexible sealed air chamber array, a temperature driving module, and an air pump. The temperature driving module is used to adjust the temperature of the shape memory alloy springs according to the monitoring data of the flexible sensing layer, thereby adjusting their stiffness and deformation. The air pump is used to control the inflation or deflation of the flexible sealed air chamber array, thereby adjusting the restriction strength of the flexible intelligent support system on the wearable parts.

[0007] Furthermore, the shape memory alloy spring has higher stiffness and compressive deformation above the phase transformation temperature, and lower stiffness and tensile deformation below the phase transformation temperature; the phase transformation temperature is less than or equal to 42°C.

[0008] Furthermore, the wearable part includes the knee joint, shoulder joint, or elbow joint; when the wearable part is the knee joint, the shape memory alloy spring is distributed in the middle part of the dynamic support layer, and the flexible sealed air chamber array is distributed on both sides of the shape memory alloy spring.

[0009] Furthermore, the skin-adhesive layer is provided with sweat-guiding microgrooves to guide sweat out.

[0010] Furthermore, the outer protective layer is provided with a detachable ventilation window and a strap assembly.

[0011] The present invention also provides a smart wearable device based on shape memory alloy springs, comprising: a data acquisition module, a data analysis module, and a flexible smart support system based on shape memory alloy springs as described above; The data acquisition module is used to acquire data collected by the flexible sensing layer of the flexible intelligent support system, as well as heart rate and body temperature data; The data analysis module is used to analyze the data acquired by the data acquisition module; The dynamic support layer is used to regulate the state of the shape memory alloy spring and the flexible sealed air chamber array based on the analysis results of the data analysis module.

[0012] Furthermore, the data processing module includes a local processing unit and a cloud processing unit; the local processing unit is used to determine the standardization of movements in real time, assess training load in real time, and provide emergency risk warnings. The real-time judgment of movement standardization includes: identifying abnormal movements through spectral analysis of electromyographic signals and temporal changes in joint angles, and comparing them with standard rehabilitation movement templates to determine whether the movements are standard. The real-time assessment of training load includes: combining the patient's heart rate and muscle activation level to calculate the metabolic equivalent of the current training and determine whether it is within the safe load range of the rehabilitation stage; The emergency risk warning includes triggering a local warning mechanism when the joint angle exceeds a set threshold, muscle exertion is abnormal, or heart rate suddenly increases.

[0013] Furthermore, the cloud processing unit is wirelessly connected to the local processing unit to synchronize the patient's rehabilitation data and training logs to the physician's end. The physician can view the patient's rehabilitation progress curve through the cloud platform and adjust the rehabilitation plan based on clinical guidelines and patient data. The adjusted plan is synchronized to the local processing unit in real time and used to control the state of the shape memory alloy spring and the flexible sealed air chamber array.

[0014] Furthermore, it also includes a multimodal interaction module and a compliance incentive module; the multimodal interaction module includes voice broadcasting, vibration feedback and video display; the video display is used to overlay and compare the patient's real-time joint movements with a standard movement model to intuitively show the movement deviation; The compliance incentive module includes a rehabilitation check-in system and a phased goal reward mechanism.

[0015] In summary, compared with the prior art, the above-described technical solutions conceived by this invention mainly possess the following technical advantages: 1. The flexible intelligent support system provided by the present invention can monitor the joint status in real time through the flexible sensing layer, and realize the dynamic change of support stiffness and the dynamic adjustment of joint range of motion through the shape memory alloy spring and flexible sealed air chamber array of the dynamic support layer to adapt to different rehabilitation stages.

[0016] 2. The layered flexible structure design of this invention balances support and breathability, and the 3D customized fit to the curvature of the human body reduces skin pressure and discomfort; the simple and intuitive interaction method, AR action guidance and compliance incentive system lower the threshold for patients to use it and greatly improve the compliance of long-term wearing and training.

[0017] 3. Through 3D customized wearable structure, dynamically adjustable support system and AI-driven personalized rehabilitation plan, the transformation from "general fit" to "individual precise matching" is realized. The support strength, range of motion and training content can be dynamically adjusted according to the patient's surgical type, rehabilitation stage and real-time recovery data. This avoids complications caused by over-fixation and prevents secondary damage caused by premature activity, thus significantly improving the rehabilitation effect.

[0018] 4. Through real-time monitoring by multimodal sensors and AI risk warning models, non-standard movements, activities exceeding thresholds, and abnormal physiological indicators can be identified in a timely manner, and intervention can be carried out through physical feedback and voice prompts to minimize the risk of secondary injury and provide full-process safety assurance for postoperative rehabilitation.

[0019] 5. Construct a complete closed loop of "data collection - analysis and feedback - plan adjustment - execution and verification". Patients' rehabilitation data is synchronized to the physician's end in real time. Physicians can remotely and dynamically adjust the rehabilitation plan, and patients can receive real-time guidance based on their own data, making rehabilitation management more efficient and precise.

[0020] 6. The massive amount of rehabilitation data accumulated on the cloud platform can be used to optimize clinical rehabilitation guidelines, provide evidence-based medicine for rehabilitation programs for different types of surgeries and different populations, and help promote the development of sports medicine rehabilitation from experience-based to data-driven and precise. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the data acquisition and processing process of the postoperative intelligent wearable device for sports medicine according to the present invention. Figure 2 This is a partially enlarged structural diagram of the dynamic support layer SMA spring and flexible air chamber array. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the sensor point distribution in the flexible sensing layer (example of knee joint wear). Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating the overall structure and principle of the hardware system of the present invention. Figure 5 This is the logical topology diagram of the four-party closed-loop rehabilitation management platform.

[0022] In all the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same elements or structures, wherein: 1-Outer protective layer; 2-Removable ventilation window; 3-Dynamic support layer; 4-Flexible sensing layer; 5-Skin-adhesive layer; 6-Wound bandage assembly; 7-Main control box; 31-Shape memory alloy spring; 32-Flexible sealed air chamber array; 33-Miniature air pump; 34-Temperature control drive module; 35-Air path connecting tube; 41-Distributed flexible pressure sensor; 42-Fiber optic angle sensor; 43-Surface electromyography sensor array; 51-Sweat diversion microgroove; 71-Main control box wiring harness. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, the technical features involved in the various embodiments of this invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0024] Please see Figure 1-3 The present invention provides a flexible intelligent support system based on shape memory alloy springs, which includes, from the outside to the inside: an outer protective layer 1, a dynamic support layer 3, a flexible sensing layer 4, and a skin-adhesive layer 5.

[0025] The flexible sensing layer 4 is equipped with a distributed flexible pressure sensor 41, a fiber optic angle sensor 42, and a surface electromyography (EMG) sensor array 43. The distributed flexible pressure sensor 41 is placed at joint pressure points (such as below the patella or at the greater tuberosity of the humerus) to collect wear pressure distribution data in real time, avoiding pressure sores caused by local pressure overload. The fiber optic angle sensor 42 adopts an implantable design and can measure multi-dimensional activity angles such as joint flexion, extension, or rotation with high precision, with a measurement accuracy of ±0.5°. The surface EMG sensor array 43 covers the target rehabilitation muscle groups (such as the quadriceps femoris and deltoid muscles), collects muscle electrical signals, and analyzes indicators such as muscle activation degree and force exertion sequence to determine the standardization of movement.

[0026] The dynamic support layer 3 is provided with a plurality of shape memory alloy springs 31, a flexible sealed air chamber array 32, a temperature driving module 34, and a micro air pump 33. The temperature driving module is used to regulate the temperature of the shape memory alloy springs according to the monitoring data of the flexible sensing layer, thereby adjusting their stiffness and deformation. The air pump is used to control the inflation or deflation of the flexible sealed air chamber array, thereby adjusting the restriction strength of the flexible intelligent support system on the wearable parts.

[0027] Specifically, the wearing part includes the knee joint, shoulder joint, or elbow joint; when the wearing part is the knee joint, the shape memory alloy spring is distributed in the middle part of the dynamic support layer, and the flexible sealed air chamber array is distributed on both sides of the shape memory alloy spring.

[0028] like Figure 2 The dynamic support layer of this invention adopts a structure combining shape memory alloy (SMA) springs 31 and flexible sealed air chamber arrays 32. The energized temperature of the SMA springs is adjusted by an embedded microcontroller to achieve dynamic changes in support stiffness (e.g., in the early rehabilitation stage, the SMA springs are in a relatively high temperature state to provide high-stiffness braking support; in the middle stage, the temperature is reduced to achieve slow deformation of the springs to assist the joint in passive movement). The flexible sealed air chamber array is distributed on both sides of the joint. The air pump controls the inflation / deflation of the air chambers to precisely adjust the limiting threshold of the joint's range of motion. For example, in the early stage after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, the knee flexion angle is limited to no more than 30°, and gradually relaxed to 90° in the middle stage.

[0029] In some specific implementations, the SMA spring can first undergo a "thermal-mechanical" cycling treatment above the phase transition temperature (typically between 35-42°C). This force can be the compressive force provided to the SMA spring. After training, the SMA spring is cooled to room temperature, then stretched to the target state and embedded into the dynamic support layer 3. During use, when the temperature rises above the phase transition temperature, the SMA spring will return to the deformation state of the training phase, and its stiffness will increase.

[0030] Preferably, a heat insulation layer is provided between the dynamic support layer and the flexible sensing layer to reduce the inward transfer of heat from the SMA spring and prevent overheating from affecting the user experience.

[0031] The present invention uses a dynamic support layer 3 to dynamically adjust the support strength and range of motion according to the patient's rehabilitation goals at different stages after surgery (such as early immobilization, mid-term passive movement, and late-term active training), so as to prevent muscle atrophy and joint adhesion caused by excessive fixation.

[0032] Furthermore, the skin-adhesive layer is equipped with sweat-guiding microchannels to guide sweat out. The skin-adhesive layer is made of medical-grade breathable silicone material and can be 3D customized and molded according to the curved shape of different joints (knee joint, shoulder joint, elbow joint, etc.) to ensure a close fit to the skin while reducing pressure.

[0033] like Figure 1 The outer protective layer is equipped with a detachable ventilation window and a strap assembly. The outer protective layer is made of a high-strength, lightweight, flexible composite material, providing waterproof and impact-resistant properties. The detachable ventilation window allows for adjustable breathability based on ambient temperature. The outer protective layer 1 also houses the main control box 7, which is electrically connected to sensors on the flexible sensing layer 4 and temperature or air pump control elements on the dynamic support layer 3 via a wiring harness 71.

[0034] Please see Figure 4-5 The present invention also provides a smart wearable device based on shape memory alloy springs, comprising: a data acquisition module, a data analysis module, and a flexible smart support system based on shape memory alloy springs as described above; The data acquisition module is used to acquire data collected by the flexible sensing layer of the flexible intelligent support system, as well as heart rate and body temperature data; The data analysis module is used to analyze the data acquired by the data acquisition module; The dynamic support layer is used to regulate the state of the shape memory alloy spring and the flexible sealed air chamber array based on the analysis results of the data analysis module.

[0035] like Figure 4 The data processing module includes a local processing unit and a cloud processing unit. The local processing unit can be wirelessly connected to the data acquisition module (e.g., via Bluetooth). It primarily utilizes a local MCU processor to implement its functions, including an AI rehabilitation recognition model, a pre-warning module, and a drive control module. The drive control module is connected to the SMA temperature drive circuit, the air chamber pump drive circuit, and the vibration / voice feedback module (see the multimodal interaction module below) to control the operation of each circuit or module.

[0036] The local processing unit is used to determine the standardization of movements in real time, assess training load in real time, and provide emergency risk warnings. Specifically, the real-time determination of movement standardization includes: identifying abnormal movements (such as inward valgus during knee training and shoulder shrugging during shoulder abduction) through spectral analysis of electromyographic signals and temporal changes in joint angles, and comparing these movements with standard rehabilitation movement templates to determine whether the movements are standard. The real-time assessment of training load includes: combining the patient's heart rate and muscle activation level to calculate the current training metabolic equivalent (MET) and determine whether it is within the safe load range of the rehabilitation phase; The emergency risk warning mechanism includes triggering a local warning system when joint angles exceed a set threshold, muscle exertion is abnormal (e.g., electromyographic signal amplitude far exceeds the safe range), or heart rate suddenly increases. When patients perform movements beyond the rehabilitation stage, exhibit abnormal muscle exertion, or have joint angles exceeding the safe threshold, timely intervention can be provided through physical feedback (e.g., vibration, gentle immobilization) or voice prompts to reduce the risk of secondary injury.

[0037] The local processing unit typically has a built-in AI rehabilitation model, which is trained on data from 10,000+ clinical rehabilitation cases (covering patient data from different surgical types and rehabilitation stages) to achieve the three main functions mentioned above.

[0038] Furthermore, the cloud processing unit is wirelessly connected to the local processing unit to synchronize the patient's rehabilitation data and training logs to the physician's end. The physician can view the patient's rehabilitation progress curve through the cloud platform and adjust the rehabilitation plan based on clinical guidelines and patient data. The adjusted plan is synchronized to the local processing unit in real time and used to control the state of the shape memory alloy spring and the flexible sealed air chamber array.

[0039] The data acquisition unit simultaneously collects pressure data, joint angle data, electromyography data, and data from the flexible sensing layer, as well as data from the built-in heart rate sensor and body temperature sensor. This data is transmitted in real time to the local processor and cloud platform via a low-power Bluetooth 5.0 module. The data sampling frequency can reach 100Hz, ensuring the continuity and accuracy of the data.

[0040] This creates a four-way collaborative closed-loop management platform involving the patient, device, physician, and cloud. On the patient's end: personalized rehabilitation plans are accessed through the device's accompanying app, including daily training content (such as passive joint mobilization and isometric contraction training), training duration, and guidance on proper movement (including 3D animation demonstrations). During training, the device provides real-time feedback via voice and vibration, such as "The current flexion angle has reached the safe threshold; please stop the movement" or "Insufficient muscle strength; you can appropriately increase the training intensity." The app automatically generates a rehabilitation log, clearly displaying daily progress and recovery trends.

[0041] Physician side: The cloud platform provides visualized information integration of patient rehabilitation data, including rehabilitation stage achievement rate, movement standardization rate, risk warning records, etc. Physicians can adjust the patient's rehabilitation stage online (such as upgrading from "passive activity stage" to "active training stage"), modify joint range of motion thresholds, and adjust training movement combinations. The adjusted content is synchronized to the patient's device in real time.

[0042] Platform intelligent adaptation: Based on the patient's surgical type, postoperative time, physical indicators (such as weight and muscle mass), and real-time rehabilitation data, the AI ​​model automatically matches the corresponding plan in the clinical rehabilitation guidelines and provides physicians with adjustment suggestions, such as "Six weeks after the patient's surgery, the knee flexion angle has reached 100°, which meets the standard for entering the active training stage. It is recommended to increase isotonic training of the quadriceps femoris."

[0043] This invention utilizes a closed-loop management system of "patient-device-physician-cloud" to provide real-time feedback of rehabilitation data (such as activity angles, training duration, and muscle exertion) collected by smart devices to rehabilitation physicians. Physicians can adjust rehabilitation plans promptly based on the patient's recovery progress, while patients can also receive immediate training guidance based on their own data.

[0044] Furthermore, it also includes a multimodal interaction module and a compliance incentive module. The multimodal interaction module includes voice broadcasting, tactile feedback (such as vibrations of different frequencies corresponding to different guidance instructions), and video display. The video display is used to overlay and compare the patient's real-time joint movements with a standard movement model, visually demonstrating movement deviations. Simultaneously, the physical signal monitoring and control of the aforementioned dynamic support layer forms physical feedback. That is, when the patient's movements are not standardized or exceed the safe range, the dynamic support layer corrects the joint posture in real time through the slight vibration of the SMA spring or the local inflation of the air chamber. In the passive rehabilitation phase, by controlling the slow deformation of the SMA spring, the joint is driven to perform uniform and controllable passive movements, and the speed and angle of the movements can be automatically adjusted according to the patient's tolerance.

[0045] The compliance incentive module includes a rehabilitation check-in and stage goal reward mechanism. For example, a rehabilitation check-in and stage goal reward mechanism can be set up through the APP. Based on the patient's training completion and data achievement rate, rehabilitation points are generated, which can be redeemed for rehabilitation nursing products or online doctor consultation services, thereby improving the patient's long-term rehabilitation compliance.

[0046] This invention integrates the aforementioned flexible intelligent support system, multimodal data acquisition and analysis module, clinical rehabilitation closed-loop management platform, and adaptive interactive feedback mechanism to achieve full-process rehabilitation management of "personalized support - precise data acquisition - dynamic plan adjustment - real-time safety intervention".

[0047] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flexible intelligent support system based on shape memory alloy springs, characterized in that, From the outside in, it includes: an outer protective layer, a dynamic support layer, a flexible sensing layer, and a skin-adhesive layer; The flexible sensing layer is equipped with a distributed flexible pressure sensor, a fiber optic angle sensor, and a surface electromyography (EMG) sensor array. The distributed flexible pressure sensor is used to collect wearable pressure distribution data in real time. The fiber optic angle sensor is used to measure joint flexion, extension, or rotation angles. The surface EMG sensor array is used to collect muscle electrical signals to analyze muscle activation level and force exertion sequence. The dynamic support layer is distributed with several shape memory alloy springs, a flexible sealed air chamber array, a temperature driving module, and an air pump. The temperature driving module is used to adjust the temperature of the shape memory alloy springs according to the monitoring data of the flexible sensing layer, thereby adjusting their stiffness and deformation. The air pump is used to control the inflation or deflation of the flexible sealed air chamber array, thereby adjusting the restriction strength of the flexible intelligent support system on the wearable parts.

2. The flexible intelligent support system based on shape memory alloy springs according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shape memory alloy spring has higher stiffness and compressive deformation above the phase transition temperature, and lower stiffness and tensile deformation below the phase transition temperature; the phase transition temperature is less than or equal to 42°C.

3. The flexible intelligent support system based on shape memory alloy springs according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wearable part includes the knee joint, shoulder joint, or elbow joint; when the wearable part is the knee joint, the shape memory alloy spring is distributed in the middle part of the dynamic support layer, and the flexible sealed air chamber array is distributed on both sides of the shape memory alloy spring.

4. The flexible intelligent support system based on shape memory alloy springs according to claim 1, characterized in that, The skin-adhesive layer is provided with sweat-guiding microchannels to guide sweat out.

5. The flexible intelligent support system based on shape memory alloy springs according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer protective layer is equipped with a detachable ventilation window and a strap assembly.

6. A smart wearable device based on a shape memory alloy spring, characterized in that, include: The data acquisition module, the data analysis module, and the flexible intelligent support system based on shape memory alloy springs as described in any one of claims 1-5; The data acquisition module is used to acquire data collected by the flexible sensing layer of the flexible intelligent support system, as well as heart rate and body temperature data; The data analysis module is used to analyze the data acquired by the data acquisition module; The dynamic support layer is used to regulate the state of the shape memory alloy spring and the flexible sealed air chamber array based on the analysis results of the data analysis module.

7. The smart wearable device based on a shape memory alloy spring according to claim 6, characterized in that, The data processing module includes a local processing unit and a cloud processing unit; The local processing unit is used to judge the standardization of movements in real time, assess training load in real time, and provide emergency risk warnings. The real-time judgment of movement standardization includes: identifying abnormal movements through spectral analysis of electromyographic signals and temporal changes in joint angles, and comparing them with standard rehabilitation movement templates to determine whether the movements are standard. The real-time assessment of training load includes: combining the patient's heart rate and muscle activation level to calculate the metabolic equivalent of the current training and determine whether it is within the safe load range of the rehabilitation stage; The emergency risk warning includes triggering a local warning mechanism when the joint angle exceeds a set threshold, muscle exertion is abnormal, or heart rate suddenly increases.

8. The smart wearable device based on a shape memory alloy spring according to claim 7, characterized in that, The cloud processing unit is wirelessly connected to the local processing unit and is used to synchronize the patient's rehabilitation data and training logs to the physician's end. The physician can view the patient's rehabilitation progress curve through the cloud platform and adjust the rehabilitation plan based on clinical guidelines and patient data. The adjusted plan is synchronized to the local processing unit in real time and is used to control the state of the shape memory alloy spring and the flexible sealed air chamber array.

9. The smart wearable device based on a shape memory alloy spring according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a multimodal interaction module and a compliance incentive module; the multimodal interaction module includes voice broadcasting, vibration feedback and video display; the video display is used to overlay and compare the patient's real-time joint movements with a standard movement model to intuitively show the movement deviation; The compliance incentive module includes a rehabilitation check-in and a phased goal reward mechanism.

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