Graphene PCM intelligent phase change constant temperature hot compress medical physiotherapy knee pad

Abstract

The application discloses a graphene PCM intelligent phase change constant-temperature hot compress medical physiotherapy knee pad, which comprises a knee pad main body, an external electric control module, a conductive connecting line, a knee bone temperature measurement NTC, an upper knee lateral temperature measurement NTC, a lower knee lateral temperature measurement NTC and a knee medial temperature measurement NTC; the knee pad main body is composed of a wear-resistant elastic protection layer, a graphene blended spinning heating layer, a PCM 40 DEG C phase change constant-temperature heat storage interlayer and a medical low-sensitivity skin-friendly contact layer in sequence; the graphene PCM intelligent phase change constant-temperature hot compress medical physiotherapy knee pad is designed, the knee pad main body adopts a four-layer flexible composite textile structure, there is no hard rigid plate material, the knee pad can be adapted to the 0120 reciprocal bending of the knee joint, the heating impedance fluctuation is 15% after more than 10000 times of bending, and the comfort and stability of the product in the use process are ensured, and through the introduction of the PCM phase change constant-temperature heat storage layer with a temperature of 40 DEG C, the knee pad realizes a double regulation mechanism of active temperature control and passive temperature storage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of wearable medical device technology, and in particular to a graphene PCM intelligent phase change constant temperature heat therapy medical physiotherapy knee brace. Background Technology

[0002] Knee osteoarthritis is the most common degenerative joint disease among middle-aged and elderly people, with over 140 million patients in China, including over 60 million with mild to moderate cases. Clinical guidelines clearly recommend long-term constant-temperature heat therapy as the first-line conservative rehabilitation method. Currently, heat therapy knee braces on the market are mainly divided into two categories: The first category is ordinary consumer-grade electric heating knee braces, which rely solely on resistance wires or simple heating films for heating. They lack precise temperature control and constant-temperature heat storage structures, resulting in extreme temperature fluctuations and a high risk of localized overheating. This poses a significant risk of low-temperature burns for elderly individuals with reduced skin sensitivity, and they lack medical device certification, failing to meet clinical rehabilitation requirements. The second category is existing graphene medical knee braces, which only have a single active heating function and lack a phase-change energy storage structure. This results in two major fatal flaws in the industry: firstly, the heating process is prone to overheating and insufficient safety redundancy; secondly, the temperature drops instantly after power failure, resulting in a very short effective treatment time and limited rehabilitation effects. Furthermore, existing products mostly use single-point temperature measurement and software-based temperature control, lacking multiple hardware-level safety protections, and their medical device compliance and suitability for the elderly are insufficient.

[0003] In summary, existing technologies generally have shortcomings such as lack of physical constant temperature locking, low level of safety protection, physiotherapy parameters that do not match clinical guidelines, poor bending durability, and weak adaptability to the elderly. The market urgently needs a new type of physiotherapy knee brace that is medically compliant, has phase change constant temperature anti-scalding, can resume treatment after power failure, and has multi-level safety protection. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a graphene PCM intelligent phase change constant temperature heat therapy medical physiotherapy knee brace to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a graphene PCM intelligent phase change constant temperature heat therapy medical physiotherapy knee brace, comprising a knee brace body, wherein the knee brace body is composed of a wear-resistant elastic protective layer, a graphene blended spinning heating layer, a PCM 40℃ phase change constant temperature heat storage interlayer and a medical low-sensitivity skin-friendly contact layer, and an external electronic control module is provided on the knee brace body.

[0006] As a further technical solution of the present invention, a heating coverage area is provided on the graphene blended spinning heating layer.

[0007] As a further technical solution of the present invention, the graphene blended spinning heating layer is provided with a bone-like protrusion void area.

[0008] As a further technical solution of the present invention, the external electronic control module includes a temperature acquisition module and a PID software constant temperature control module.

[0009] As a further technical solution of the present invention, the external power control module includes a hardware over-temperature power-off module.

[0010] As a further technical solution of the present invention, the external electronic control module includes a thermal fuse limit protection module.

[0011] As a further technical solution of the present invention, the inner side of the knee brace body is fixedly connected with a knee bone temperature measuring NTC, an upper knee outer side temperature measuring NTC, a lower knee outer side temperature measuring NTC and a knee inner side temperature measuring NTC.

[0012] As a further technical solution of the present invention, the two ends of the knee brace body are fixedly connected with straps.

[0013] As a further technical solution of the present invention, one end of the strap is fixedly connected with a Velcro strap.

[0014] As a further technical solution of the present invention, a conductive connecting wire is fixedly connected to the external electronic control module.

[0015] Compared with existing technologies, the beneficial effects achieved by this invention are as follows: This invention designs a graphene PCM intelligent phase change constant temperature heat therapy medical physiotherapy knee brace. The main body of the knee brace adopts a four-layer flexible composite textile structure, without rigid sheet materials, which can adapt to the knee joint's 0-120° reciprocating bending. After more than 10,000 bending cycles, the thermal resistance fluctuation is only 15%, ensuring the comfort and stability of the product during use. By introducing a 40℃ PCM phase change thermostatic heat storage layer, this knee brace achieves a dual regulation mechanism of active temperature control and passive heat storage. The PCM layer absorbs heat when the temperature rises to prevent overheating and releases heat when the temperature drops to maintain a constant temperature. This effectively avoids the problems of large temperature fluctuations and easy overheating burns associated with traditional electric heating knee braces. The introduction of the PCM layer allows the knee brace to continue releasing latent heat of phase change even after power is cut off, maintaining a constant temperature for physiotherapy and avoiding the risk of low-temperature burns caused by sudden temperature drops after power failure. It is suitable for elderly people with reduced skin sensation. The knee brace is equipped with a multi-point NTC temperature measurement module to collect real-time temperature data across the entire knee joint, providing precise data support for PID thermostatic control and ensuring the therapeutic temperature. The temperature is stably locked within the golden temperature zone, improving the rehabilitation effect. The heating layer adopts a zoned design, avoiding the patellar bone protrusion and covering both sides of the knee joint and the surrounding soft tissue physiotherapy area. It conforms to the pain distribution characteristics of knee osteoarthritis, improving the pertinence and effectiveness of physiotherapy. The knee brace integrates a PID temperature control module, a hardware over-temperature cut-off module, and a thermal fuse limit protection module, forming a dual three-level safety protection system of software and hardware, far exceeding the safety standards of ordinary consumer protective gear, ensuring the safety of the product during use. It uses a spinning-grade graphene heating fabric, abandoning the industry-standard coated fabric, solving problems such as bending impedance drift, coating peeling, and lifespan reduction, improving the reliability and service life of the product. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the layered structure of the knee brace body of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the distribution of the zoned heating and three-point temperature measurement points in this invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the external electronic control module of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a comparison curve of temperature characteristics under constant temperature with power on and heat storage without power in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] In the diagram: 1. Knee brace body; 11. Wear-resistant elastic protective layer; 12. Graphene blended spinning heating layer; 121. Heating coverage area; 122. Bone protrusion clearance area; 13. PCM 40℃ phase change constant temperature heat storage interlayer; 14. Medical hypoallergenic skin-friendly contact layer; 2. External electronic control module; 21. Temperature acquisition module; 22. PID software constant temperature control module; 23. Hardware over-temperature power-off module; 24. Thermal fuse limit protection module; 3. Conductive connecting wire; 4. Bandage; 5. Velcro; 6. Knee bone temperature measuring NTC; 7. Upper knee outer side temperature measuring NTC; 8. Lower knee outer side temperature measuring NTC; 9. Knee inner side temperature measuring NTC. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] Please see the appendix Figure 1 - Appendix Figure 5This invention provides an embodiment of a graphene PCM intelligent phase change constant temperature heat therapy medical physiotherapy knee brace, comprising a knee brace body 1, which is composed of a wear-resistant elastic protective layer 11, a graphene blended spinning heating layer 12, a PCM 40℃ phase change constant temperature heat storage interlayer 13, and a medical low-sensitivity skin-friendly contact layer 14. An external electronic control module 2 is installed on the knee brace body 1. The PCM 40℃ phase change constant temperature heat storage interlayer 13 is made of elastic nonwoven fabric impregnated with paraffin microcapsules that are heat-resistant up to 80℃. The microcapsules have high enthalpy and strong thermal cycling stability, and can withstand long-term electrothermal cycling and bending fatigue. It is sandwiched between the graphene blended spinning heating layer 12 and the medical low-sensitivity skin-friendly contact layer 14, avoiding direct contact with human skin and completely preventing microcapsule breakage. To mitigate skin safety risks and meet medical device biosafety standards, the external electronic control module 2 is a detachable, modular structure. The knee brace body 1 can be independently and gently washed. The heating fabric is washable up to 20 times. The wear-resistant elastic protective layer 11 is made of a nylon-spandex high-elasticity blended fabric, possessing anti-snagging, washable, and insulating properties. The graphene blended spinning heating layer 12 is a blended spinning woven fabric, ensuring uniform heating and eliminating the risk of coating peeling. The graphene blended spinning heating layer 12 has a heating coverage area 121 that concentrates on covering both sides of the knee joint and the surrounding soft tissue physiotherapy area, conforming to the pain distribution characteristics of KOA lesions. The graphene blended spinning heating layer 12 is composed of a bony prominence clearance area 122 located on the patella. The bony prominence prevents localized heat buildup that could cause burns. The external electrical control module 2 includes a temperature acquisition module 21 and a PID software temperature control module 22. The temperature acquisition module 21 receives temperature data from the NTC thermometer, and the PID software temperature control module 22 processes this data using a PID algorithm, continuously adjusting the output power of the graphene heating layer to ensure the knee joint remains within the optimal therapeutic temperature range. The external electrical control module 2 also includes a hardware over-temperature power-off module 23. This module detects abnormal temperature increases in the knee brace and, when the temperature approaches or exceeds a safety threshold, quickly cuts off the power to prevent further temperature increases and thus avoid burns and other safety accidents. The system includes a thermal fuse limit protection module 24, which serves as the last line of defense for the knee brace. Under extreme fault conditions, when the temperature rises to the melting point of the thermal fuse, the fuse will melt, completely cutting off the circuit and preventing serious consequences such as equipment damage or fire. The inner side of the knee brace body 1 is fixedly connected to a knee bone temperature measuring NTC6, an upper knee lateral temperature measuring NTC7, a lower knee lateral temperature measuring NTC8, and a knee medial temperature measuring NTC9. All four NTCs are flexible, collecting real-time temperature data across the entire knee joint and accurately detecting localized temperature anomalies. The knee brace body 1 is also fixedly connected to straps 4 at both ends.One end of the strap 4 is fixedly connected to a Velcro 5. The elastic straps 4 on both sides, together with the Velcro 5, can adapt to different leg circumference sizes, ensuring a high degree of fit and strong adaptability. A conductive connecting wire 3 is fixedly connected to the external electronic control module 2. The conductive connecting wire 3 is used to connect to an external power source for power supply. The knee brace has a fully flexible structure, which can realize the full range of 0120-degree reciprocating bending of the knee joint. After 10,000 bending fatigue tests, the impedance change of the heating fabric is 15%, and the structure and heating performance are stable and reliable. The electronic control system has three built-in medical-specific physiotherapy modes: standard 30-minute constant temperature physiotherapy mode, PCM heat storage and continuous physiotherapy mode, and joint stiffness enhancement mode, which can be adapted to the rehabilitation needs of patients with different degrees of KOA. The electronic control module is detachable, and the main body of the fabric supports gentle washing and is resistant to 20 washes, meeting the requirements for long-term use and maintenance of medical devices, as shown in the attached document. Figure 5 As shown, during the power-on operation phase, this invention can rapidly heat up and maintain a stable temperature range of 3941℃. When the temperature approaches the upper limit, the PCM phase change microcapsules automatically absorb heat, suppressing temperature spikes and preventing overheating burns. After power failure, traditional protective gear experiences a rapid and precipitous temperature drop, while this invention relies on the coagulation and heat release of PCM microcapsules to maintain a constant temperature therapeutic state for 810 minutes, effectively extending recovery time and solving the core pain point of instantaneous temperature loss during power failure in the industry. The therapeutic effect is significantly better than existing products.

[0021] Working principle: When using this invention, align the knee brace body 1 with the knee joint, ensuring the medical-grade hypoallergenic skin-friendly contact layer 14 is tightly attached to the skin. Wrap the strap 4 around the leg and secure it with Velcro 5, ensuring the knee brace is stable and comfortable. Connect the external electronic control module 2 to an external power source using the conductive connecting wire 3, ensuring a secure connection without loosening. Select the appropriate physiotherapy mode according to individual needs using the mode selection button on the external electronic control module 2, including the standard 30-minute constant temperature physiotherapy mode, the PCM heat retention continuous physiotherapy mode, and the joint stiffness enhancement mode. The device is locked at the clinically optimal temperature zone of 3941℃ by default, requiring no manual adjustment. Temperature adjustment: Temperature acquisition module 21 collects real-time temperature data of the entire knee joint area via knee bone temperature measurement NTC6, upper knee lateral temperature measurement NTC7, lower knee lateral temperature measurement NTC8, and knee medial temperature measurement NTC9. PID software constant temperature control module 22 dynamically adjusts the output power of graphene blended spinning heating layer 12 based on the temperature data using a PID algorithm to ensure temperature stability. When the temperature abnormally approaches the safety threshold, hardware over-temperature power-off module 23 is triggered first for forced power-off protection. In extreme fault conditions, the thermal fuse ultimate protection module 24 melts, achieving ultimate power-off protection and completely eliminating the risk of burns.

[0022] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms installation, connection, and linking should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0023] The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs. Those skilled in the art can understand and implement this without any creative effort.

[0024] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A graphene PCM intelligent phase change constant temperature heat therapy medical physiotherapy knee brace, comprising a knee brace body (1), characterized in that: The knee brace body (1) is composed of a wear-resistant elastic protective layer (11), a graphene blended spinning heating layer (12), a PCM 40℃ phase change constant temperature heat storage interlayer (13) and a medical low-sensitivity skin-friendly contact layer (14). An external electronic control module (2) is provided on the knee brace body (1).

2. The graphene PCM intelligent phase change constant temperature heat therapy medical physiotherapy knee brace according to claim 1, characterized in that: The graphene blended spinning heating layer (12) has a heating coverage area (121).

3. The graphene PCM intelligent phase change constant temperature heat therapy medical physiotherapy knee brace according to claim 1, characterized in that: The graphene blended spinning heating layer (12) is composed of a bone protrusion clearance area (122).

4. The graphene PCM intelligent phase change constant temperature heat therapy knee brace according to claim 1, characterized in that: The external electronic control module (2) includes a temperature acquisition module (21) and a PID software constant temperature control module (22).

5. The graphene PCM intelligent phase change constant temperature heat therapy medical physiotherapy knee brace according to claim 1, characterized in that: The external power control module (2) includes a hardware over-temperature power-off module (23).

6. The graphene PCM intelligent phase change constant temperature heat therapy medical physiotherapy knee brace according to claim 1, characterized in that: The external electronic control module (2) includes a thermal fuse limit protection module (24).

7. The graphene PCM intelligent phase change constant temperature heat therapy medical physiotherapy knee brace according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner side of the knee brace body (1) is fixedly connected to a knee bone temperature measuring NTC (6), an upper knee outer side temperature measuring NTC (7), a lower knee outer side temperature measuring NTC (8), and a knee inner side temperature measuring NTC (9).

8. The graphene PCM intelligent phase change constant temperature heat therapy medical physiotherapy knee brace according to claim 1, characterized in that: The knee brace body (1) is fixedly connected to both ends with straps (4).

9. The graphene PCM intelligent phase change constant temperature heat therapy medical physiotherapy knee brace according to claim 8, characterized in that: One end of the strap (4) is fixedly connected with a Velcro strap (5).

10. The graphene PCM intelligent phase change constant temperature heat therapy medical physiotherapy knee brace according to claim 1, characterized in that: The external electronic control module (2) is fixedly connected with a conductive connecting wire (3).

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