An orthopedic rehabilitation adaptive orthotic device and a driving mode thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of orthopedic rehabilitation adaptive orthopedic devices, belong to orthopedic rehabilitation equipment technical field.The device includes back support assembly, left shoulder orthopedic assembly, right shoulder orthopedic assembly, central drive module being arranged in the lower part of back support assembly and one end being connected to central drive module Tension transmission cable.Said back support assembly includes the flexible spine plate extending along vertical direction, and the upper part is fixedly connected with upper partial wire guide rail.Tension transmission cable is extended upwards along flexible spine plate after being led out by central drive module, and is divided into symmetrical left branch and right branch by passing through upper partial wire guide rail, and is connected to left and right shoulder orthopedic assembly respectively.Central drive module is rolled by tension transmission cable.The application realizes the symmetry, synchronous orthopedic of double shoulders by single power source, compact structure, low gravity center, wear comfortable, can actively adjust orthopedic strength according to user demand, improves the accuracy and effectiveness of rehabilitation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of orthopedic rehabilitation equipment technology, and in particular to an orthopedic rehabilitation adaptive orthopedic device for correcting human trunk posture. Background Technology

[0002] With changes in modern lifestyles and work habits, prolonged desk work, frequent use of electronic devices, and incorrect sitting postures have led to an increasing number of people developing poor posture problems such as hunchback, rounded shoulders, and uneven shoulders. These problems not only affect personal image and temperament, but more seriously, they can trigger a series of musculoskeletal diseases such as cervical spondylosis, lumbar muscle strain, and scoliosis, causing long-term negative impacts on an individual's physical and mental health. To correct poor posture and prevent and alleviate related symptoms, various posture correction products, commonly known as back braces or hunchback correctors, have appeared on the market.

[0003] Without such orthotic devices, operators or users requiring rehabilitation rely primarily on their own conscious effort to maintain correct posture, which is extremely difficult to sustain during long hours of work or study, resulting in minimal effectiveness. Some users seek help from physical therapists for professional rehabilitation training, but this approach is costly, time-consuming, and difficult to reach the vast potential population. Therefore, wearable orthotic devices have become a common and convenient auxiliary corrective method.

[0004] However, existing orthopedic devices generally suffer from the following technical challenges: First, most orthotic devices on the market are passive orthotic bands, whose structure mainly consists of elastic straps and fixation straps. These devices provide a constant, non-adjustable tension through the physical elasticity of the straps, forcibly pulling the user's shoulders backward. The shortcomings of this design are obvious: First, the orthotic force cannot be precisely adjusted according to individual differences, changes in rehabilitation progress, or different activity scenarios (such as sitting or walking). Too little tension will not have an effective corrective effect, while too much tension will cause severe pressure and discomfort in the shoulders, armpits, and other areas, even affecting blood circulation, making it impossible for users to wear them for extended periods and significantly reducing the orthotic effect. Second, the elastic material is prone to elasticity decay after long-term use, leading to a decrease in orthotic force and loss of its intended function.

[0005] Secondly, to address the limitations of passive orthotic devices, some research and products have begun to explore the introduction of active drive systems, i.e., electric orthotic devices. However, existing active solutions also have significant drawbacks. Some designs place independent micro-motors or actuators on each shoulder strap, attempting to achieve synchronized stretching on both sides through complex control systems. This distributed drive structure not only increases the overall weight and size of the device, but more importantly, due to individual differences in motors, varying frictional resistance in the transmission system, and slight delays in control signals, it is extremely difficult to ensure that the orthotic tension applied on both sides is completely synchronized and symmetrical. Long-term asymmetrical tension may exacerbate the user's posture problems and even lead to new trunk biomechanical imbalances, causing secondary injuries. Furthermore, the dispersed layout of multiple actuators makes the device structurally complex, prone to failure, and expensive, and inconvenient to wear or conceal under clothing, affecting the product's practicality and user acceptance.

[0006] Therefore, how to design a posture correction device that is compact, comfortable to wear, and can provide precise, symmetrical, and adjustable active orthostatic force is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention proposes an orthopedic rehabilitation adaptive orthopedic device and its driving method, which more accurately solves the problems raised in the background art.

[0008] This invention is achieved through the following technical solution: This invention proposes an orthopedic rehabilitation adaptive orthotic device, comprising a back support assembly, a left shoulder orthotic assembly, and a right shoulder orthotic assembly. The device further includes: a central drive module disposed at the lower part of the back support assembly; a tension transmission cable with one end connected to the central drive module; the back support assembly includes a flexible spinal plate extending vertically, with an upper dividing guide rail fixedly connected to the upper part of the flexible spinal plate; the tension transmission cable extends upward along the flexible spinal plate after being led out from the central drive module, and passes through the upper dividing guide rail, being divided into a left branch and a right branch; the left branch connects to the left shoulder orthotic assembly, and the right branch connects to the right shoulder orthotic assembly; the central drive module is used to wind up the tension transmission cable to apply tension to the left and right shoulder orthotic assemblies synchronously and symmetrically.

[0009] Preferably, the central drive module includes a miniature worm gear motor and a winding reel coaxially and fixedly connected to the output shaft of the miniature worm gear motor, and the tension transmission cable is wound on the winding reel.

[0010] Preferably, the lower end of the flexible spinal plate is provided with a lower drive module mounting base, and the central drive module is fixedly mounted on the lower drive module mounting base.

[0011] Preferably, the upper guide rail has a Y-shaped structure, including a base and a left forked arm and a right forked arm that extend symmetrically upward from the base; after the tensioning transmission cable passes through the base, its left branch and right branch are guided along the paths of the left forked arm and the right forked arm, respectively.

[0012] Preferably, the left shoulder orthotic assembly includes a left shoulder strap, with a left branch of the tension drive cable driven to the left shoulder strap to pull the left shoulder strap when the tension drive cable is wound up.

[0013] Preferably, the left shoulder orthotic assembly further includes a left shoulder strap front anchor point disposed at the front end of the left shoulder strap and a left shoulder strap rear end connecting ring disposed at the rear end of the left shoulder strap; the left shoulder strap rear end connecting ring connects the left shoulder strap to the upper part of the flexible spinal plate; the left branch of the tension transmission cable passes through the left shoulder strap rear end connecting ring and its end is fixedly connected to the left shoulder strap front anchor point.

[0014] Preferably, the left shoulder strap has an internal guide tube through which the left branch of the tensioning transmission cable passes, and the path of the internal guide tube extends from the position of the rear connecting ring of the left shoulder strap to the position of the front anchor point of the left shoulder strap.

[0015] Preferably, the device also includes a lumbar fixation assembly connected to the lower part of the flexible spinal plate for securing the device to the user's waist.

[0016] Preferably, the lumbar fixation assembly includes a waist belt extending from the left and right sides of the lower part of the flexible spinal plate, and waist belt buckles for connecting the two ends of the waist belt. The central drive module also includes a drive module housing, which covers the miniature worm gear motor and the winding reel. The upper surface of the drive module housing is provided with a cable outlet hole, through which the tension transmission cable is led out from the drive module housing.

[0017] A driving method for an orthopedic rehabilitation adaptive orthotic device includes the following steps: Confirm that the back support assembly, left / right shoulder orthopedic assembly, central drive module, tension transmission cable, waist fixation assembly and other components are complete and undamaged. Check that the miniature worm gear motor, reel and tension transmission cable are securely connected and that the cable outlet hole of the drive module housing is not blocked. Ensure the central drive module reel is in a relaxed state (the tension drive cable is not wound up), and check that the left / right shoulder straps of the left / right shoulder orthotic assembly are naturally stretched and free from twisting or tangling. Fit the lower part of the flexible spinal plate against the user's waist, ensuring that the lower drive module mounting base is located below the lumbar spine. Wrap the waist belt of the lumbar fixation assembly around the waist and secure it with the waist belt buckle. Adjust the tightness to a comfortable and secure position. The rear end of the left shoulder strap is fixed to the upper left side of the flexible spinal plate via the left shoulder strap rear end connecting ring, ensuring that the internal conduit path of the left shoulder strap is unobstructed and that the left branch of the tension transmission cable can pass through freely; The tension transmission cable is led out from the outlet hole of the central drive module, extends upward along the flexible spine plate, passes through the base of the upper part guide rail, so that the left / right branches are guided along the left / right forked arm paths respectively, and connected to the front anchor point of the left / right shoulder strap. Turn on the miniature worm gear motor to drive the reel to wind up and tension the transmission cable. Observe whether the left and right branches pull the left and right shoulder straps synchronously to ensure that the shoulder orthotic assembly applies force symmetrically.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides an orthopedic rehabilitation adaptive orthotic device, which has the following beneficial effects: 1. This invention achieves precise and equal distribution of the tension generated by a single power source to both shoulders by setting a single central drive module located at the lower part of the back support assembly and a Y-shaped upper branch guide rail located at the upper part, and by using a single tension transmission cable to connect to the shoulder orthopedic assemblies on both sides after branching through the branch guide rail. This ensures the synchronicity and absolute symmetry of the orthopedic force, thereby achieving the effect of accurately correcting posture and avoiding secondary damage or aggravation of postural imbalance caused by uneven force.

[0019] 2. By integrating the central drive module into the lower end of the flexible spinal plate near the waist, this invention achieves a compact integration of the drive system and the support structure, thereby lowering the center of gravity of the entire device and effectively reducing the leverage torque and swaying sensation during wear. At the same time, the main rigid components are concentrated on the central axis of the back, resulting in a lightweight structure and a simple appearance. This improves the user's wearing comfort, reduces interference with daily activities, and facilitates concealed wearing under clothing.

[0020] 3. This invention uses a miniature worm gear motor as the power source for the central drive module. By utilizing the inherent self-locking characteristics of the worm gear transmission mechanism, it achieves that even if the motor is powered off after applying orthopedic force, the winding reel can stably maintain its current position without reversing, thus maintaining the tension of the cable. This results in significant energy savings, improved safety, and allows users to precisely adjust and stably maintain the orthopedic force at any time according to their own feelings or rehabilitation needs through simple electronic control operations.

[0021] 4. This invention achieves smooth, low-friction transmission of orthopedic force within the shoulder strap structure by incorporating built-in conduits inside the left and right shoulder straps for the corresponding branches of the tension transmission cable to pass through. This avoids direct friction between the cable and the shoulder strap fabric, thereby reducing energy loss and component wear during transmission, extending the service life of the device, and ensuring that the tension can be efficiently applied to the front end of the shoulder strap to produce the best shoulder abduction orthopedic torque. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a side view of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a top view of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the central drive module in this invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the upper section of the linear guide rail in this invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the connection state (tensioned state) of the tension transmission cable at the anchor point at the front end of the left shoulder strap in this invention. Figure 7 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the left shoulder strap in this invention. Figure 8 This is a rear view schematic diagram of the upper part of the back support assembly in this invention.

[0023] Component numbering list in the diagram: 1. Back support assembly; 11. Flexible spinal plate; 12. Upper cable guide rail; 13. Lower drive module mounting base; 2. Central drive module; 21. Miniature worm gear motor; 22. Drive module housing; 23. Cable reel; 24. Cable outlet; 3. Tensioning transmission cable; 4. Waist fixation assembly; 41. Waist belt; 42. Waist belt buckle; 5. Left shoulder orthosis assembly; 51. Left shoulder strap; 52. Left shoulder strap front anchor point; 53. Left shoulder strap internal guide tube; 54. Left shoulder strap rear end connecting ring; 6. Right shoulder orthosis assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Please see Figures 1-8 This invention provides an orthopedic rehabilitation adaptive orthotic device, the overall structure of which mainly includes a back support assembly 1 as the main frame, a central drive module 2 as the power source, a tension transmission cable 3 for transmitting power, a waist fixation assembly 4 for fixing the device to the human body, and a left shoulder orthotic assembly 5 and a right shoulder orthotic assembly 6 that act on the user's left and right shoulders respectively. The structure of the right shoulder orthotic assembly 6 is completely symmetrical to that of the left shoulder orthotic assembly 5, therefore, in the following description, the left-side component will be used as an example for detailed explanation.

[0025] Specifically, the back support assembly 1 is the mounting base and support core of the entire device. It includes a flexible spinal plate 11 extending vertically along the direction of the human spine. This flexible spinal plate 11 is preferably made of a high-strength, lightweight, and pre-elastic composite material, such as carbon fiber reinforced polymer or glass fiber reinforced plastic, manufactured through a compression molding process. Its ergonomic design conforms to the physiological curve of the back, providing stable support while allowing the user a range of physical activity without rigid constraints. An upper guide rail 12 is securely connected to the upper region of the flexible spinal plate 11 via bolts or integral molding. At the lower end of the flexible spinal plate 11, a lower drive module mounting base 13 is integrally molded or fixedly connected via screws, providing a stable mounting platform for the central drive module 2.

[0026] The central drive module 2 is fixedly mounted on the lower drive module mounting base 13. This module is the core component for achieving active orthopedic correction. It includes a drive module housing 22 made of high-strength engineering plastic or lightweight alloy, inside which a miniature worm gear motor 21 and a winding reel 23 are precisely installed. The miniature worm gear motor 21 serves as the power output unit, and its output shaft is coaxially fixedly connected to the winding reel 23 via a coupling or key. The power supply and control of the motor are achieved through a microcontroller (not shown in the figure) connected to an external device, which allows the user to start, stop, or reverse the motor. The winding reel 23 is used for winding and releasing the tension transmission cable 3. A smooth cable outlet hole 24 is provided on the top of the drive module housing 22 to guide the tension transmission cable 3 out.

[0027] The tensioning transmission cable 3 is preferably made of a high-strength, low-elongation material, such as multi-strand steel wire rope or Kevlar fiber braided rope, to ensure minimal deformation under tension and achieve precise force transmission. The starting end of the cable 3 is reliably fixed in the groove of the reel 23, and most of the cable is neatly wound on the reel 23. The other end of the cable 3 passes through the outlet hole 24 and extends straight upward along its central axis, closely adhering to the rear surface of the flexible spinal plate 11.

[0028] The left branch of the tension drive cable 3 extends from the left forked arm of the upper split guide rail 12 and connects to the left shoulder orthotic assembly 5. The main body of the left shoulder orthotic assembly 5 is a ring-shaped left shoulder strap 51 made of soft and durable fabric, with a skin-friendly cushioning pad on the inside for improved wearing comfort. The rear of the left shoulder strap 51 is hinged to the upper end of the flexible spinal plate 11, on the left side of the upper split guide rail 12, via a rotatable left shoulder strap rear end connecting ring 54. This hinged connection allows for a small range of angle adjustments around the connection point during use to accommodate different body types and shoulder movements.

[0029] To ensure efficient force transmission and protect the shoulder strap, a built-in conduit 53 is embedded inside the left shoulder strap 51. This conduit 53 is a flexible tube with a low coefficient of friction, such as a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tube, whose path begins at the rear end connecting ring 54 of the left shoulder strap and extends along the arcuate contour of the left shoulder strap 51 to the front end of the shoulder strap. The left branch of the tension transmission cable 3, after passing through the rear end connecting ring 54 of the left shoulder strap, enters the built-in conduit 53 and slides freely inside it.

[0030] At the front end of the left shoulder strap 51 (approximately in the user's collarbone or chest area), a reinforced left shoulder strap front anchor point 52 is provided. This anchor point 52 can be a metal or high-strength plastic D-ring or fixing seat, which is securely fixed to the shoulder strap by means of sewing or riveting. The end of the left branch of the tension drive cable 3, after passing through the left shoulder strap's internal guide tube 53, is securely terminated and fixed to the left shoulder strap front anchor point 52 by a crimp connector or rope clamp or other fastener.

[0031] The function of the lumbar fixation assembly 4 is to provide a stable base for the entire orthopedic device, so that the tension generated by the central drive module 2 has a reaction force support. It includes two lumbar belts 41 extending from the left and right sides of the lower drive module mounting base 13 (or the lower end of the flexible spinal plate 11), and a lumbar belt buckle 42 for connecting the free end of the lumbar belts 41. The length of the lumbar belts 41 is adjustable, and the user can securely fasten them to the lumbosacral region according to their waist circumference.

[0032] In terms of the details of the transmission system, the material selection and installation method of the inner tube 53 of the left shoulder strap have also been optimized. The tube 53 is made of Teflon (PTFE) with an extremely low coefficient of friction or a flexible material with a similar lubricating coating. The tube is fixed inside the shoulder strap using multiple flexible fixing points to ensure a smooth path without dead angles, avoiding excessive frictional resistance or jamming of the cable 3 when passing through bends. This makes the tension adjustment process more sensitive and smooth, allowing the user to make very fine adjustments to the force through the controller.

[0033] The driving method of the orthopedic rehabilitation adaptive orthotic device includes the following steps: Confirm that the back support assembly, left / right shoulder orthotic assembly, central drive module, tension transmission cable, and lumbar fixation assembly are complete and undamaged; check that the miniature worm gear motor, reel, and tension transmission cable are securely connected, and that the cable outlet of the drive module housing is not blocked; ensure that the reel of the central drive module is in a relaxed state (the tension transmission cable is not wound); check that the left / right shoulder straps of the left / right shoulder orthotic assembly are naturally stretched and free from twisting or tangling; align the lower part of the flexible spinal plate with the user's waist, ensuring that the lower drive module mounting base is located below the lumbar spine; and position the lumbar fixation assembly... The belt wraps around the waist and is secured with a buckle. Adjust the tightness to a comfortable and secure position. Secure the rear end of the left shoulder strap to the upper left side of the flexible spinal board via the rear end connecting ring, ensuring the internal conduit path of the left shoulder strap is unobstructed and the left branch of the tension drive cable can pass freely. Lead the tension drive cable out from the outlet hole of the central drive module, extend it upward along the flexible spinal board, pass through the base of the upper branch guide rail, and guide the left / right branches along the left / right bifurcated arm paths respectively, connecting them to the front anchor points of the left / right shoulder straps. Turn on the micro worm gear motor to drive the reel to wind up the tension drive cable, and observe whether the left / right branches pull the left / right shoulder straps synchronously to ensure that the shoulder orthotic assembly applies force symmetrically.

Claims

1. An orthopedic rehabilitation adaptive orthotic device, comprising a back support assembly (1), a left shoulder orthotic assembly, and a right shoulder orthotic assembly, characterized in that, The device further includes: A central drive module (2) is disposed at the lower part of the back support assembly (1); Tensioning drive cable (3), one end of which is connected to the central drive module (2); The back support assembly (1) includes a flexible spinal plate (11) extending in a vertical direction, and an upper part guide rail (12) is fixedly connected to the upper part of the flexible spinal plate (11). The tension transmission cable (3) is led out from the central drive module (2) and extends upward along the flexible spinal plate (11), and passes through the upper part guide rail (12) and is divided into a left branch and a right branch; the left branch is connected to the left shoulder orthopedic assembly, and the right branch is connected to the right shoulder orthopedic assembly; The central drive module (2) is used to wind up the tension drive cable (3) to apply tension to the left shoulder orthosis assembly and the right shoulder orthosis assembly synchronously and symmetrically.

2. The orthopedic rehabilitation adaptive orthopedic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The central drive module (2) includes a miniature worm gear motor (21) and a winding reel (23) coaxially and fixedly connected to the output shaft of the miniature worm gear motor (21), and the tension transmission cable (3) is wound on the winding reel (23).

3. The orthopedic rehabilitation adaptive orthopedic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower end of the flexible spinal plate (11) is provided with a lower drive module mounting base (13), and the central drive module (2) is fixedly installed on the lower drive module mounting base (13).

4. The orthopedic rehabilitation adaptive orthopedic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper guide rail (12) has a Y-shaped structure, including a base and a left forked arm and a right forked arm that extend symmetrically upward from the base; after the tensioning transmission cable (3) passes through the base, its left branch and right branch are guided along the paths of the left forked arm and the right forked arm, respectively.

5. The orthopedic rehabilitation adaptive orthopedic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The left shoulder orthotic assembly includes a left shoulder strap (51), and a left branch of the tension drive cable (3) is driven to the left shoulder strap (51) to pull the left shoulder strap (51) when the tension drive cable (3) is wound up.

6. The orthopedic rehabilitation adaptive orthotic device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The left shoulder orthotic assembly also includes a left shoulder strap front anchor point (52) located at the front end of the left shoulder strap (51) and a left shoulder strap rear end connecting ring (54) located at the rear end of the left shoulder strap (51); the left shoulder strap rear end connecting ring (54) connects the left shoulder strap (51) to the upper part of the flexible spinal plate (11); the left branch of the tension transmission cable (3) passes through the left shoulder strap rear end connecting ring (54) and its end is fixedly connected to the left shoulder strap front anchor point (52).

7. The orthopedic rehabilitation adaptive orthotic device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The left shoulder strap (51) is provided with a left shoulder strap built-in conduit (53) through which the left branch of the tension transmission cable (3) passes. The path of the left shoulder strap built-in conduit (53) extends from the position of the left shoulder strap rear end connecting ring (54) to the position of the left shoulder strap front end anchor point (52).

8. The orthopedic rehabilitation adaptive orthopedic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device also includes a lumbar fixation assembly (4), which is connected to the lower part of the flexible spinal plate (11) and is used to fix the device to the user's waist. The lumbar fixation assembly (4) includes a waist belt (41) extending from the left and right sides of the lower part of the flexible spinal plate (11) respectively, and a waist belt buckle (42) for connecting the two ends of the waist belt (41).

9. The orthopedic rehabilitation adaptive orthopedic device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The central drive module (2) also includes a drive module housing (22), which covers the micro worm gear motor (21) and the winding reel (23); the upper surface of the drive module housing (22) is provided with a cable outlet hole (24), through which the tension transmission cable (3) is led out from the drive module housing (22).

10. The driving method of the orthopedic rehabilitation adaptive orthotic device according to claims 1-9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Confirm that the back support assembly (1), left / right shoulder orthopedic assembly, central drive module (2), tension transmission cable (3), waist fixation assembly (4) and other components are complete and undamaged. Check whether the micro worm gear motor (21), reel (23) and tension transmission cable (3) are securely connected and whether the cable outlet (24) of the drive module housing (22) is unblocked. Ensure that the reel (23) of the central drive module (2) is in a relaxed state (the tension drive cable (3) is not wound up), and check whether the left / right shoulder straps (51) of the left / right shoulder orthotic assembly are naturally stretched and without twisting or tangling; Fit the lower part of the flexible spinal plate (11) against the user’s waist, ensure that the lower drive module mounting base (13) is located below the lumbar spine, wrap the waist belt (41) of the waist fixation assembly (4) around the waist, and fix it by the waist belt buckle (42), and adjust the tightness to be comfortable and secure. The rear end of the left shoulder strap (51) is fixed to the upper left side of the flexible spinal plate (11) through the left shoulder strap rear end connecting ring (54) to ensure that the path of the left shoulder strap built-in catheter (53) is unobstructed and the left branch of the tension transmission cable (3) can pass through freely. The tension transmission cable (3) is led out from the outlet hole (24) of the central drive module (2), extends upward along the flexible spine plate (11), passes through the base of the upper part guide rail (12), so that the left / right branches are guided along the left / right forked arm paths respectively, and connected to the front anchor point (52) of the left / right shoulder strap. Turn on the miniature worm gear motor (21) to drive the winding reel (23) to wind up the tension transmission cable (3), and observe whether the left / right branches pull the left / right shoulder straps (51) synchronously to ensure that the shoulder orthopedic assembly applies force symmetrically.

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