Limb movement assisting exoskeleton for rehabilitation in neurology department

Abstract

The utility model provides a limb movement assisting exoskeleton for rehabilitation in the neurology department, belongs to the technical field of rehabilitation, and solves the problem that in the prior art, surface-to-surface contact is adopted for joint rotation, and the rotation friction force is large. The device comprises a thigh constraining arc plate and a shank constraining arc plate, a rotating piece allowing the thigh constraining arc plate and the shank constraining arc plate to rotate relatively is arranged between the thigh constraining arc plate and the shank constraining arc plate, the rotating piece comprises an inner ring and an outer ring arranged on the inner ring in a clearance sleeving mode, and chamfered faces are arranged on the two edges of the inner side of the outer ring. A protruding column is fixedly arranged on the chamfering face, a rolling ball is arranged on the protruding column in a rotating mode, and an inclined face which is the same as the chamfering face in gradient and makes contact with the rolling ball is arranged on the inner ring. And the existing rotating friction between surfaces is converted into rolling friction, so that the friction force generated when the thigh binding arc plate and the shank binding arc plate rotate relatively can be reduced, and the power-assisted exoskeleton is more convenient to use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of rehabilitation technology, specifically to a limb movement assistive exoskeleton for neurological rehabilitation. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of neurological rehabilitation, helping patients regain limb mobility is a crucial task. For many patients with limb dysfunction caused by neurological diseases or injuries, effective rehabilitation assistive devices can greatly improve their rehabilitation process and quality of life.

[0003] In traditional neurological rehabilitation, some patients rely on simple rehabilitation devices such as canes and walking aids. However, these devices can only provide limited support and assistance and cannot provide precise assistance and guidance for the patient's limb movements. They are of very limited help to patients with weak limb strength and poor motor control.

[0004] Existing limb rehabilitation assistive exoskeletons have revealed numerous problems in practical applications. On one hand, their joint rotation structure design is not sufficiently rational, often employing surface-to-surface contact (e.g., via pivot connections) rotation methods, resulting in significant friction at the exoskeleton's joints during limb movement. This not only causes discomfort for patients during wear and use but also increases the burden on their limbs, hindering the smooth progress of rehabilitation training. Therefore, developing a low-friction limb movement assistive exoskeleton for neurological rehabilitation has significant practical implications and clinical application value. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, the purpose of this invention is to provide a limb movement assistive exoskeleton for neurological rehabilitation, which transforms the existing surface-to-surface rotational friction into rolling friction, thereby reducing the frictional force when the thigh restraint plate and the calf restraint plate rotate relative to each other, making the assistive exoskeleton more convenient to use.

[0006] The technical solution adopted in this utility model is as follows:

[0007] A limb movement assistive exoskeleton for neurological rehabilitation includes a thigh restraint plate and a calf restraint plate. A rotating component is provided between the thigh restraint plate and the calf restraint plate to allow relative rotation between them. The rotating component includes an inner ring and an outer ring that is spaced and fitted onto the inner ring. Both edges on the inner side of the outer ring are provided with chamfered surfaces. A protruding post is fixedly provided on the chamfered surface, and a rolling ball is rotatably mounted on the protruding post. An inclined surface with the same inclination as the chamfered surface and in contact with the rolling ball is provided on the inner ring.

[0008] Preferably, an annular groove is formed on the inclined surface for the rolling ball to roll.

[0009] Preferably, an annular elastic plate located outside the rolling ball is provided on the inclined surface.

[0010] Preferably, a wear-resistant plate is provided at the end of the annular elastic plate away from the inclined surface, and the wear-resistant plate is in contact with the chamfered surface.

[0011] Preferably, the angle between the chamfered surface and the vertical surface is between 30° and 60°, and the chamfered surface is smooth.

[0012] In summary, due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0013] 1. By transforming the existing rotational friction between surfaces into rolling friction, the frictional force between the thigh restraint plate and the calf restraint plate during relative rotation can be reduced, making the assistive exoskeleton more convenient to use.

[0014] 2. By combining the use of annular elastic plates and wear-resistant plates, the rolling ball can be kept in a sealed state, preventing dust on the outside from contacting the rolling ball and affecting its rolling. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram provided for an embodiment of this utility model;

[0017] Figure 2 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the rotating component provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified structural diagram of part A in the middle;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure at the outer ring provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the inner ring structure provided in an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0021] Reference numerals: 1-Thigh restraint arc plate; 2-Lower leg restraint arc plate; 3-Rotating component; 301-Outer ring; 302-Protruding column; 303-Rolling ball; 304-Inner ring; 305-Annular groove; 306-Annular elastic plate; 307-Wear-resistant plate. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0023] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0024] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that if terms such as "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer" appear to indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product is in use, they are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0025] The following is combined Figures 1-5 This utility model will be described in detail.

[0026] Example

[0027] A limb movement assistive exoskeleton for neurological rehabilitation includes a thigh restraint arc plate 1 and a calf restraint arc plate 2. A rotating component 3 is provided between the thigh restraint arc plate 1 and the calf restraint arc plate 2 to allow relative rotation between them. The rotating component 3 includes an inner ring 304 and an outer ring 301 that is spaced and fitted onto the inner ring 304. Both edges on the inner side of the outer ring 301 are provided with chamfered surfaces. A protruding post 302 is fixedly provided on the chamfered surface, and a rolling ball 303 is rotatably provided on the protruding post 302. An inclined surface with the same inclination as the chamfered surface and in contact with the rolling ball 303 is provided on the inner ring 304.

[0028] The outer ring 301 has a chamfered surface forming a conical protrusion on its inner side, while the inner ring 304 has an inclined surface forming a conical groove to accommodate the conical protrusion. During the rotation of the rolling ball 303, the conical structure restricts its lateral sway, ensuring stable rotation. By rotating the rolling ball 303, the rotational friction between surfaces is transformed into rolling friction, reducing the friction between the thigh restraint plate 1 and the lower leg restraint plate 2 during relative rotation, making the assistive exoskeleton more convenient to use.

[0029] The axis of the protruding post 302 is parallel to the axis of the outer ring 301. The protruding post 302 is T-shaped, which facilitates the engagement and installation of the rolling ball 303.

[0030] An annular groove 305 is provided on the inclined surface for the rolling ball 303 to roll. The rolling ball 303 is located in the annular groove 305 and rolls with the annular groove 305. The annular groove 305 further stabilizes the inner ring 304 and the outer ring 301 when they rotate relative to each other.

[0031] Existing exoskeletons lack effective protective measures, allowing external dust and other impurities to easily enter the joint connections. Dust accumulation further accelerates component wear, reduces the exoskeleton's lifespan, and also affects its rotational flexibility and stability, ultimately impacting rehabilitation outcomes. Therefore, this application provides an annular elastic plate 306 located outside the rolling ball 303 on the inclined surface. The annular elastic plate 306 adheres to the chamfered surface through its own elasticity, sealing the gap between the inner ring 304 and the outer ring 301 to prevent impurities from entering the location of the rolling ball 303.

[0032] A wear-resistant plate 307 is provided at the end of the annular elastic plate 306 away from the inclined surface, and the wear-resistant plate 307 contacts the chamfered surface. The wear-resistant plate 307 on the annular elastic plate 306 reduces wear on the wear-resistant plate 307, ensuring long-term sealing requirements. The annular elastic plate 306 can be made of rubber.

[0033] The angle between the chamfered surface and the vertical surface is between 30° and 60°, and the chamfered surface is smooth. The smooth chamfered surface can further reduce the wear of the wear-resistant plate 307.

[0034] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A limb movement assistive exoskeleton for neurological rehabilitation, comprising a thigh restraint plate (1) and a calf restraint plate (2), wherein a rotating component (3) is provided between the thigh restraint plate (1) and the calf restraint plate (2) for relative rotation of the thigh restraint plate (1) and the calf restraint plate (2), characterized in that, The rotating component (3) includes an inner ring (304) and an outer ring (301) that is fitted onto the inner ring (304) with a gap. Both edges of the inner side of the outer ring (301) are provided with chamfered surfaces. A protruding post (302) is fixedly provided on the chamfered surface. A rolling ball (303) is rotatably provided on the protruding post (302). An inclined surface with the same inclination as the chamfered surface and in contact with the rolling ball (303) is provided on the inner ring (304).

2. The limb movement assistive exoskeleton for neurological rehabilitation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inclined surface is provided with an annular groove (305) for the rolling ball (303) to roll.

3. The limb movement assistive exoskeleton for neurological rehabilitation according to claim 1, characterized in that, An annular elastic plate (306) located outside the rolling ball (303) is provided on the inclined surface.

4. The limb movement assistive exoskeleton for neurological rehabilitation according to claim 3, characterized in that, The annular elastic plate (306) is provided with a wear-resistant plate (307) at the end away from the inclined surface, and the wear-resistant plate (307) is in contact with the chamfered surface.

5. The limb movement assistive exoskeleton for neurological rehabilitation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The angle between the chamfered surface and the vertical surface is between 30° and 60°, and the chamfered surface is smooth.

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