A fine motor rehabilitation device for stroke patients

Abstract

This invention discloses a fine motor rehabilitation device for stroke patients, belonging to the technical field of fine motor recovery equipment for fingers. It includes an arm fixation plate with a first auxiliary mechanism for assisting the flexion of the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints. The first auxiliary mechanism has a second auxiliary mechanism for assisting the flexion of the distal interphalangeal joints. The arm fixation plate also has an air bladder for inputting or extracting gas into the first auxiliary mechanism. By inputting or extracting different amounts of gas into or from the first auxiliary mechanism via the air bladder, different degrees of flexion adjustment are made to each finger, assisting in the recovery of fine motor skills. By pressing or lifting the second linkage of the second auxiliary mechanism, the distal interphalangeal joints are flexed, strengthening the fingertip muscles. Alternatively, by pre-inflating the device with gas and opening the palm to resist the resistance of the device, the overall hand muscles are strengthened. This invention has the advantages of simple structure, convenient use, wide applicability, high flexibility, and high reliability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fine motor rehabilitation equipment for fingers, and specifically to a fine motor rehabilitation device for fingers of stroke patients. Background Technology

[0002] Stroke is a common neurological disease, and its sequelae can lead to impaired hand function. Common symptoms include joint range of motion, upper limb coordination, muscle weakness, or decreased fine motor skills in the fingers, which seriously affect the patient's normal life. Therefore, during the recovery period of stroke patients, rehabilitation devices are needed to help patients restore finger function. Currently, there are some hand rehabilitation products for stroke patients on the market, but these products generally provide systematic rehabilitation training for the whole hand and lack personalized and customized assistance for the fine motor skills of the fingers, thus failing to meet the rehabilitation needs of different patients.

[0003] A search revealed Chinese patent CN219941148U, which discloses a fine motor rehabilitation device for the fingers during the recovery period of stroke. The device includes a housing with openings on both sides for hand access. A rotary motor is rotatably connected to the top of the housing, and a first rotating rod is fixedly mounted on the power output end of the rotary motor. Protrusions for hand movement are mounted on both sides of the first rotating rod, and a first gear is fitted on the top of the first rotating rod. A second rotating rod is rotatably connected inside the housing, with a second gear fitted on its top. The first gear meshes with the second gear, and protrusions are also provided on both sides of the second rotating rod. This application involves placing the patient's palm inside the device, where the protrusions on the rotating rods drive the palm and fingers to move. However, because the device only assists the overall muscle recovery of the palm through two rotating rods, its effect on the fine motor recovery of the patient's fingers is poor. When using the device, the patient's palm can only perform grasping movements, and it cannot provide targeted recovery of the fine motor skills of the patient's fingers. Therefore, this invention has poor flexibility. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention aims to provide a fine motor rehabilitation device for stroke patients. It uses an air bladder to inflate or depress gas into a piston chamber to extend or retract a push rod, which, combined with a connecting rod, assists in finger flexion. Furthermore, it can provide targeted adjustment for each finger according to different types of fine motor skills. Additionally, by pre-applying a pushing force to the push rod, the fingers can be attempted to open from a flexed state, thus exercising hand muscles. The device boasts advantages such as simple structure, ease of use, wide applicability, high flexibility, and high reliability.

[0005] The main idea of ​​the technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows: A first auxiliary mechanism is designed, in which gas is input or extracted into the piston chamber of the first auxiliary mechanism through an airbag, causing the push rod to be pushed out or retracted from the piston chamber, thereby pushing the first connecting rod to assist the bending of the metacarpophalangeal joint and the proximal interphalangeal joint of the finger. A second auxiliary mechanism is designed, in which the fingertip presses down or lifts the protrusion of the second connecting rod, and the second connecting rod is reset by a torsion spring to assist the bending of the distal interphalangeal joint of the finger. Different volumes of gas are input or extracted into the push rod through an airbag, thereby dynamically adjusting the degree of finger bending and assisting in the recovery of fine motor skills of the finger.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: A fine motor rehabilitation device for stroke patients includes an arm fixation plate. The arm fixation plate is provided with a first auxiliary mechanism for assisting the bending of the metacarpophalangeal joints and interphalangeal joints. The first auxiliary mechanism is provided with a second auxiliary mechanism for assisting the bending of the distal interphalangeal joints.

[0007] Furthermore, through the above technical solution, the first auxiliary mechanism includes a push rod base that is rotatably connected to the arm fixing plate, and multiple piston push rod assemblies are installed on the push rod base in the direction of the five fingers in the open state of a human hand.

[0008] Furthermore, through the above technical solution, the plurality of piston push rod assemblies include a piston chamber disposed above the push rod base, a push rod is slidably installed in the piston chamber, and a first connecting rod is rotatably connected to one end of the push rod located outside the piston chamber.

[0009] Furthermore, through the above technical solution, in the plurality of piston push rod assemblies, the ends of the four first connecting rods located on the same side of the push rod base that are away from the corresponding push rods are rotatably connected to the second auxiliary mechanism.

[0010] Furthermore, through the above technical solution, the second auxiliary mechanism includes a second link for assisting the distal interphalangeal joint, the second link being rotatably connected to the first link, and a torsion spring for resetting the second link is provided at the connection between the first link and the second link.

[0011] Furthermore, the arm fixation plate is equipped with an airbag for inputting or extracting gas into the piston push rod assembly. The airbag is connected to the piston chamber in the piston push rod assembly. By filling or extracting different volumes of gas into each piston chamber through the airbag, the patient's fingers can be assisted in making different movements, thereby helping to restore the patient's fine motor skills. Alternatively, by pre-filling the piston chamber with gas, the patient's fingers can be made to try to open from a bent state, thereby exercising the overall muscles of the fingers.

[0012] Furthermore, through the above technical solution, the airbag adjusts the amount of gas input or extracted from each piston push rod assembly via external equipment.

[0013] Furthermore, through the above technical solution, multiple limiting pins are provided through the push rod base and the first connecting rod. One end of the limiting pin located below the push rod base or the first connecting rod is fixed with a hanging ring for passing through a finger, and a return spring is sleeved on the other end of the limiting pin located above the push rod base or the first connecting rod.

[0014] Furthermore, the arm fixing plate is provided with straps for connecting to the arm, based on the above technical solution.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are: 1. By designing a first auxiliary mechanism, gas is injected or extracted into the piston chamber of the first auxiliary mechanism using an airbag, thereby pushing or pulling back the first connecting rod to assist the patient in bending or relaxing the metacarpophalangeal joints and interphalangeal joints, making the present invention convenient to use.

[0016] 2. By designing a second auxiliary mechanism, patients can exercise their fingertip muscles by pressing down from the top of the second link or lifting up from the bottom of the second link. At the same time, by pre-inflating the air bladder, patients can try to spread their five fingers and exercise and restore the overall muscles of the fingers by resisting the resistance. It has the advantage of wide applicability.

[0017] 3. By controlling the airbag to fill different amounts of gas into each piston chamber through external devices, the system can dynamically adjust the airbag according to the different recovery speeds of the patient's finger muscles, or adjust the hand to suit the usage situation, such as the grip of a pen, which is more conducive to the recovery of the patient's fine motor skills, thus improving the flexibility and reliability of the invention.

[0018] 4. The overall structure of this invention is designed based on the shape of a human hand. Its structure is simple and easier to manufacture. At the same time, the connecting rod, torsion spring and other structures can be directly disassembled and replaced when problems occur, which reduces the overall maintenance cost of the device. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural cross-sectional view of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a side view of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a top view of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the arm fixation plate of the present invention; Figure 6This is a top view of the arm fixing plate of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a side view of the arm fixing plate of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the push rod base of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a bottom view of the push rod base of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a side view of the push rod base of the present invention; Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the first push rod of the present invention; Figure 12 This is a front view of the first push rod of the present invention; Figure 13 This is a bottom view of the first push rod of the present invention; Figure 14 This is a partial detail view of the present invention at point A; Figure 15 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the second push rod of the present invention.

[0020] The components include: 1. Arm fixing plate; 2. Push rod base; 3. Piston push rod assembly; 301. Piston chamber; 302. Push rod; 4. First connecting rod; 5. Second connecting rod; 6. Torsion spring; 7. Airbag; 8. Air supply pipe; 9. Limit pin; 10. Lifting ring; 11. Return spring; 12. Straps. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0022] The inventors discovered that most existing devices for restoring hand function in patients are systemic restorations of the fingers as a whole, lacking devices that can customize the restoration of each finger. Therefore, they cannot meet the needs for restoring fine motor skills based on individual fingers.

[0023] Based on the above findings, this application proposes a fine motor rehabilitation device for stroke patients. The device uses an airbag to drive a first auxiliary mechanism to assist in bending the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints of the fingers. A second auxiliary mechanism assists in bending the distal interphalangeal joints. An external device controls the airbag to input or extract different amounts of gas into each piston chamber, thereby assisting in the recovery of fingers with different recovery speeds. The device is easy to use, has a simple structure, and is widely applicable.

[0024] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 This application discloses a fine motor rehabilitation device for stroke patients, including an arm fixation plate 1, see reference. Figure 5 , Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 The arm fixation plate 1 can be made of corrosion-resistant metal or other materials with good strength. In some embodiments, a semi-circular through groove can be opened on the side of the arm fixation plate 1 that is close to the arm, or the arm fixation plate 1 can be made into a curved shape that fits the arm to facilitate close contact with the arm. At the same time, multiple straps 12 are fixed on both sides of the arm fixation plate 1 to fix the arm fixation plate 1 to the patient's arm. In some embodiments, the connection of the straps 12 can be made by buckles or Velcro, which makes it easy for the patient to wear the device. At the same time, the width of the straps 12 should not be too narrow to avoid causing chafing to the patient's arm skin. The arm fixation plate 1 is provided with a first auxiliary mechanism for assisting the flexion of the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints. The first auxiliary mechanism includes a push rod base 2 rotatably connected to the arm fixation plate 1. In some embodiments, a pivot or ball joint can be used to connect the arm fixation plate 1 and the push rod base 2 to ensure that the patient's wrist can rotate when using the device; see reference. Figure 8 , Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 The overall shape of the push rod base 2 is designed to closely resemble the shape of a human hand in a relaxed state, ensuring both aesthetics and ease of use for patients.

[0025] Five piston push rod assemblies 3 are installed on the push rod base 2, arranged in the direction of the five fingers in the open state of a human hand. Each piston push rod assembly 3 includes a piston chamber 301 on the push rod base 2. In some embodiments, the piston chamber 301 can be fixed at a certain angle above the push rod base 2, or can be rotated and installed via a connecting shaft, so as to facilitate the adjustment of the tilt angle of the piston chamber 301 to suit patients with different hand sizes. A push rod 302 is slidably mounted inside the piston chamber 301. Gas can be introduced into or extracted from the piston chamber 301 to push the push rod 302 out or pull it back. One end of the push rod 302 located outside the piston chamber 301 is rotatably connected to one end of the first connecting rod 4 via a connecting shaft. Lateral movement of the push rod 302 causes the first connecting rod 4 to rotate in either the forward or reverse direction. The first connecting rod 4 is a two-section connecting rod. In some embodiments, the structure and shape of the first connecting rod 4 can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 11 , Figure 12 as well as Figure 13 Meanwhile, the middle part of the first connecting rod 4 is rotatably connected to the edge of the push rod base 2 via a rotating shaft; Of the five piston rod assemblies 3, the other ends of the four first connecting rods 4 located on the same side of the rod base 2 serve as simulations of the four fingers in a human hand and are rotatably connected to the second auxiliary mechanism; the remaining piston rod assembly 3 serves as the thumb in a human hand, and the purpose of assisting the rotation of the thumb joint can be achieved solely through the first auxiliary mechanism. Furthermore, by installing the piston rod assembly 3 at this location to the left or right side of the other four piston rod assemblies 3, a device suitable for the patient's left or right hand can be manufactured.

[0026] The second auxiliary mechanism includes a second link 5 for assisting the distal phalanx joint, see reference. Figure 14 , Figure 15 The second link 5 is a single-segment structure and is rotatably connected to one end of the first link 4 via a pivot. The other end of the second link 5 has a protrusion to facilitate the patient's fingertip application of force. A torsion spring 6 is also provided at the connection between the first link 4 and the second link 5 to reset the second link 5. When the patient needs to perform rehabilitation exercises on the muscles of the distal phalanx, they can place their fingers above the protrusion at the end of the second link 5 and press their fingers down, or place them below the protrusion and lift their fingers up to achieve the purpose of training the muscles of the distal phalanx. When a muscle rehabilitation exercise is completed, the patient relaxes their fingers, at which point the torsion spring 6 can drive the second link 5 to reset so that the patient can perform the next fingertip muscle exercise.

[0027] The arm fixation plate 1 is equipped with an airbag 7 for inputting or extracting gas into the piston push rod assembly 3. The airbag 7 is connected to the piston chamber 301 in the piston push rod assembly 3 via an air supply pipe 8. In some embodiments, the airbag 7 can be placed in the internal cavity in the middle of the arm fixation plate 1, or the airbag 7 can be directly installed to the outside of the arm fixation plate 1 by means of bonding or other methods. Gas is injected or extracted into the piston chamber 301 in the piston push rod assembly 3 by the airbag 7, thereby pushing the push rod 302 out of the piston chamber 301 or pulling it back, so as to adjust the rotation angle of the first connecting rod 4 and achieve the purpose of assisting the patient's finger bending. At the same time, when the muscle recovery speed of each finger of the patient is different, or when the patient needs to perform fine movements such as holding a pen, the airbag can be controlled by an external device to inject or extract different amounts of gas into the piston chamber 301 at different positions to dynamically adjust each finger of the patient, provide different auxiliary power, provide customized recovery services, or assist the patient to perform different fine finger movements. This invention has the advantages of good flexibility and wide applicability.

[0028] Multiple limiting pins 9 are provided at the edge of the push rod base 2 and through the first connecting rod 4. A sling 10 for passing through the finger is fixed to one end of the limiting pin 9 below the push rod base 2 or the first connecting rod 4, and a return spring 11 is sleeved on the other end of the limiting pin 9 above the push rod base 2 or the first connecting rod 4. When the patient inserts their five fingers through the sling 10, during later rehabilitation training, the patient can inflate or deflate the piston chamber 301 without using the airbag 7 and attempt to bend the first and second auxiliary mechanisms of the device using their own finger strength. This helps to train the overall muscles of the hand. Simultaneously, the limiting pins 9 and the return spring 11 provide cushioning while resetting the position of the first connecting rod 4 or the second connecting rod 5, improving the reliability of the device and making it easier to use.

[0029] Based on the above technical solutions, a method for using a fine motor rehabilitation device for stroke patients includes the following steps: S1. Insert the arm fixation plate 1 of this device along the direction of the patient's arm, and insert the five fingers of the patient's hand through the hanging ring 10 located at the bottom of the arm fixation plate 1 and the first connecting rod 4. After adjusting the patient's arm, hand and the entire device to a suitable position, use the strap 12 to fix the patient's arm to the arm fixation plate 1. After fixing, check whether there is a tendency for the patient's arm to slip between the arm fixation plate 1, so as to avoid affecting the accuracy of assisting the recovery of the patient's fingers. S2. Gas is injected into the piston chamber 301 through the airbag 7, thereby pushing the push rod 302 out of the piston chamber 301. The push rod 302 pushes the first connecting rod 4, thereby bending the fingers located below the first auxiliary mechanism downwards, thus assisting the patient's metacarpophalangeal joints and interphalangeal joints in bending. Gas is extracted from the piston chamber 301 through the airbag 7, thereby pulling the push rod 302 back. The push rod 302 pulls the first connecting rod 4, thereby assisting the patient's metacarpophalangeal joints and interphalangeal joints in relaxing. When it is necessary to provide differentiated assistance for the recovery of fingers with different recovery speeds, an external control device can be used to control the airbag 7, injecting or extracting different volumes of gas into each piston chamber 301 through the air supply tube 8, dynamically adjusting according to the different recovery speeds of each finger. This targeted and customized adjustment is beneficial to improving the recovery effect of the patient's fine motor ability. At the same time, this adjustment method is conducive to the patient's fingers making different fine movements, such as holding a pen or making some gestures. Therefore, this device has strong flexibility.

[0030] S3. Patients can place their fingertips on the protruding part at the end of the second link 5 and try to press down on the second link 5, or try to lift it up from below the end of the second link 5 with their fingertips, thereby achieving the purpose of exercising the fingertip muscles. After one press or lift is completed, the torsion spring 6 at the connection between the first link 4 and the second link 5 will reset the second link 5, which is convenient for the next fingertip muscle exercise.

[0031] In addition, the device can pre-inflate the piston chamber 301 with gas via the airbag 7, bend the patient's fingers, and exercise the overall muscles of the palm by opening the palm to resist the gas resistance in the piston chamber 301. This makes the invention have the advantage of wide applicability.

[0032] Working principle First, insert the arm fixation plate 1 of this device along the direction of the patient's arm, and insert the patient's five fingers into the hanging ring 10. After adjusting the patient's arm, palm, and the entire device, use the strap 12 to fix the device to the patient's arm through the arm fixation plate 1. Control the airbag 7 to inflate or depress different volumes of gas into the piston chamber 301 through external equipment, pushing the push rod 302 in the piston chamber 301 to extend or retract. The push rod 302 pushes the first connecting rod 4 to bend, assisting the patient's metacarpophalangeal joints and interphalangeal joints to bend or relax as needed, thereby achieving the purpose of assisting the patient's recovery of fine motor skills. The patient can press down or lift up the protrusion at the end of the second connecting rod 4 with their fingertips to exercise the patient's fingertip muscles. Alternatively, gas can be pre-inflated into the piston chamber 301 through the airbag 7 to put the first auxiliary mechanism in a bent state, and the patient can try to relax their palm from the bent state to exercise the overall muscles of the palm by resisting resistance.

[0033] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed. The scope of protection of this invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A fine motor rehabilitation device for fingers of stroke patients, comprising an arm fixation plate (1), characterized in that, The arm fixation plate (1) is provided with a first auxiliary mechanism for assisting the bending of the metacarpophalangeal joint and interphalangeal joint, and the first auxiliary mechanism is provided with a second auxiliary mechanism for assisting the bending of the distal interphalangeal joint.

2. The fine motor rehabilitation device for stroke patients according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first auxiliary mechanism includes a push rod base (2) rotatably connected to the arm fixing plate (1), and a plurality of piston push rod assemblies (3) arranged in the direction of the five fingers in the open state of a human hand are installed on the push rod base (2).

3. The fine motor rehabilitation device for stroke patients according to claim 2, characterized in that, The plurality of piston push rod assemblies (3) include a piston chamber (301) disposed above the push rod base (2), a push rod (302) is slidably mounted in the piston chamber (301), and a first connecting rod (4) is rotatably connected to one end of the push rod (302) located outside the piston chamber (301).

4. The fine motor rehabilitation device for stroke patients according to claim 3, characterized in that, The ends of the four first connecting rods (4) located on the same side of the push rod base (2) away from the corresponding push rod (302) are rotatably connected to the second auxiliary mechanism.

5. A fine motor rehabilitation device for stroke patients according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second auxiliary mechanism includes a second link (5) for assisting the distal interphalangeal joint. The second link (5) is rotatably connected to the first link (4). A torsion spring (6) for resetting the second link (5) is provided at the connection between the first link (4) and the second link (5).

6. A fine motor rehabilitation device for stroke patients according to claim 2, characterized in that, The arm fixation plate (1) is provided with an airbag (7) for inputting or extracting gas into the piston push rod assembly (3). The airbag (7) is connected to the piston chamber (301) in the piston push rod assembly (3). Different volumes of gas are injected or extracted into each piston chamber (301) through the airbag (7) to assist the patient's fingers in making different movements, thereby helping to restore the patient's fine motor ability; or by pre-filling the piston chamber (301) with gas, the patient's fingers can try to open from a bent state, thereby exercising the overall muscles of the fingers.

7. A fine motor rehabilitation device for stroke patients according to claim 6, characterized in that, The airbag (7) adjusts the amount of gas input or extracted into each piston push rod assembly (3) through an external device.

8. A fine motor rehabilitation device for stroke patients according to claim 3, characterized in that, Multiple limiting pins (9) are provided through the push rod base (2) and the first connecting rod (4). One end of the limiting pin (9) located below the push rod base (2) or the first connecting rod (4) is fixed with a lanyard (10) for passing through a finger. The other end of the limiting pin (9) located above the push rod base (2) or the first connecting rod (4) is fitted with a return spring (11).

9. A fine motor rehabilitation device for stroke patients according to claim 1, characterized in that, The arm fixing plate (1) is provided with straps (12) for connecting to the arm.

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