Supporting tool connector and health protection supporting tool

Abstract

The utility model provides a brace connector and a health care brace. The brace connector comprises two fixing rods which are arranged in parallel at an interval; each fixed rod is sleeved with the at least one movable piece in a sliding mode, and the movable piece is provided with a through type movable groove matched with the cross section of the fixed rod in shape in the axial direction; the limiting assembly is arranged on the side wall of the movable part, the limiting assembly comprises an adjusting screw hole penetrating through the side wall of the movable part and a locking bolt matched with the adjusting screw hole, and radial pressure is generated by screwing the locking bolt so that friction fixation can be formed between the movable part and the fixed rod; the arc-shaped fixing plate is connected between the two adjacent movable parts of the two fixing rods, and the two ends of the fixing plate are detachably connected with the movable parts through quick connecting mechanisms; the U-shaped limiting cavity used for wrapping the legs is jointly defined by the two fixing rods and the fixing plate, and the defect that welding needs to be adopted in the manufacturing process of a traditional lower limb brace is overcome.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of knee joint technology, specifically relating to a brace connector and a rehabilitation brace. Background Technology

[0002] Because everyone's body shape and gait are different, traditional lower limb braces need to be custom-made at home, and the current customization method is mainly welding. In practice, brace customization requires multiple wearing tests and adjustments, but it is difficult to disassemble and modify after welding, resulting in a waste of materials, manpower, and time costs, and increasing the purchase cost for patients. At the same time, welding requires carrying heavy professional equipment and poses safety hazards.

[0003] Traditional lower limb brace manufacturing has technical limitations: Due to individual differences in human biomechanical characteristics, current clinical solutions mostly adopt on-site molding and welding processes, which have the following drawbacks:

[0004] 1. Irreversible assembly process: Using permanent connection methods such as welding, the structure of the brace cannot be adjusted after assembly. Clinically, it requires 3-5 cycles of trial fitting and modification. Traditional process modifications result in a 28-42% material scrap rate (data source: 2022 Annual Report of Chinese Association of Rehabilitation Medicine).

[0005] 2. High dependence on equipment: Customization requires carrying heavy equipment such as arc welding machines and argon arc welding machines (average weight 15-30kg), the operating environment requires a professional ventilation system, and the cost of mobile services is high.

[0006] 3. High-temperature working environments pose safety hazards and require high levels of professional skills from operators.

[0007] 4. The average production cycle is long, increasing the time cost for patients.

[0008] 5. Difficulty in later maintenance: When the patient's body shape changes or parts are damaged, the overall structure of the brace cannot be adjusted locally and must be completely replaced. Utility Model Content

[0009] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this utility model provides a brace connector to solve the problems described in the background section.

[0010] The present invention provides the following technical solution: a brace connector, comprising two fixed rods arranged in parallel and spaced apart;

[0011] At least one movable member is slidably sleeved on each of the fixed rods, and the movable member has a through movable groove along the axial direction that is adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the fixed rod;

[0012] A limiting component is provided on the side wall of the movable part. The limiting component includes an adjusting screw hole that penetrates the side wall of the movable part and a locking bolt that cooperates with it. By tightening the locking bolt, radial pressure is generated to make the movable part and the fixed rod frictionally fixed.

[0013] An arc-shaped fixing plate is connected between two adjacent movable parts of the two fixed rods, and the two ends of the fixing plate are detachably connected to the movable parts through a quick-connect mechanism;

[0014] A U-shaped limiting cavity for covering the legs, formed by the two fixing rods and the fixing plate.

[0015] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are as follows: The operator uses the movable slot to attach the movable parts to the fixed rods. Once the movable parts are in the appropriate positions, a quick-connect mechanism connects one end of the fixed plate to the movable part on one of the fixed rods, and then the quick-connect mechanism again connects the other end of the fixed plate to the movable part on the other fixed rod. In this way, the two fixed parts and the fixed plate are connected together, forming a U-shaped limiting cavity for covering the leg. Next, the limiting component secures the movable parts to the fixed rods, allowing the fixed plate to be installed in the appropriate position on the fixed rods, thus adapting it to different patients. The limiting component and quick-connect mechanism replace traditional welding, solving the drawbacks of welding required in traditional lower limb brace manufacturing. This not only saves manufacturing costs but also optimizes the maintenance and use costs of the brace, reduces processing steps during manufacturing, and avoids the current market practice of requiring bulky, specialized large equipment for manufacturing. Furthermore, the connectors are mass-produced in the factory, allowing for convenient, safe, and rapid assembly of the brace without the need for any specialized large equipment or complex operations. Most importantly, the use of connectors enables the brace to be disassembled and adjusted throughout the manufacturing process, achieving optimal brace performance, comfort, and cost-effectiveness.

[0016] Furthermore, the quick connection mechanism includes a first insertion groove provided on the side wall of the movable part, a first connecting boss integrally formed with the end of the fixed plate and complementary in shape to the first insertion groove, a first positioning hole penetrating the first connecting boss, a second positioning hole communicating with the first insertion groove, and a locking member that can be simultaneously inserted into the first positioning hole and the second positioning hole.

[0017] Furthermore, the locking element is the locking bolt, and the adjusting screw hole is the second positioning hole.

[0018] Furthermore, the quick-connect mechanism includes a connecting wing plate extending outward from the side wall of the movable part, a second insertion groove provided at the end of the connecting wing plate, a second connecting boss integrally formed with the end of the fixed plate and complementary in shape to the second insertion groove, a third positioning hole penetrating the second connecting boss, a fourth positioning hole communicating with the second insertion groove, and a pin-type locking member that can be simultaneously inserted into the third positioning hole and the fourth positioning hole.

[0019] Furthermore, the second insertion groove passes through the upper and lower ends of the connecting wing plate and communicates with the movable groove, so that the connecting wing plate and the movable part form two spaced clamping plates. The adjusting screw hole is provided on the connecting wing plate, and the locking bolt passes through the adjusting screw hole and is threaded to the side wall of the clamping plate. When tightened, the clamping plate can undergo elastic deformation to clamp the fixing rod.

[0020] Furthermore, the dimensions of the fixed rod and the movable groove are polygonal.

[0021] Furthermore, the edges of the fixed rod, the movable part, and the fixed plate are all chamfered.

[0022] This utility model also provides a rehabilitation brace, including the above-mentioned brace connector. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the brace connector in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is an exploded three-dimensional view of the support connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the arc-shaped fixing plate in the first embodiment of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the brace connector in the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the three-dimensional structure of the support connector according to the second embodiment of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the arc-shaped fixing plate in the second embodiment of this utility model.

[0029] Explanation of main component symbols: 10, fixed rod; 20, moving part; 21, moving groove; 30, limiting assembly; 31, adjusting screw hole; 32, locking bolt; 40, quick connection mechanism; 41, first insertion groove; 42, first connecting boss; 43, first positioning hole; 44, connecting wing plate; 45, second insertion groove; 46, second connecting boss; 47, third positioning hole; 48, fourth positioning hole; 49, pin-type locking component; 50, fixed plate.

[0030] The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, will further illustrate this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To facilitate understanding of this utility model, a more complete description of it will be provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Several embodiments of this utility model are shown in the drawings. However, this utility model can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make the disclosure of this utility model more thorough and complete.

[0032] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only.

[0033] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0034] Example 1

[0035] Please see Figures 1 to 2 As shown, a brace connector in Embodiment 1 of this utility model includes:

[0036] Two fixed rods 10 are set in parallel at intervals;

[0037] At least one movable member 20 is slidably sleeved on each of the fixed rods 10, and the movable member 20 is provided with a through movable groove 21 along the axial direction that is adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the fixed rod 10;

[0038] A limiting component 30 is provided on the side wall of the movable part 20. The limiting component 30 includes an adjusting screw hole 31 that penetrates the side wall of the movable part 20 and a locking bolt 32 that cooperates with it. By tightening the locking bolt 32, radial pressure is generated to make the movable part 20 and the fixed rod 10 form a frictional fixation.

[0039] An arc-shaped fixing plate 50 is connected between two adjacent movable parts 20 of the two fixing rods 10. Both ends of the fixing plate 50 are detachably connected to the movable parts 20 through a quick connection mechanism 40.

[0040] A U-shaped limiting cavity for covering the legs is formed by the two fixing rods 10 and the fixing plate 50.

[0041] It is worth noting that the adjustment process for the brace connector, depending on the user's specific usage, is as follows:

[0042] First, the operator uses the movable slot 21 to attach the movable parts 20 onto the fixed rods 10. Once the movable parts 20 are in the correct positions, a quick-connect mechanism 40 connects one end of the fixed plate 50 to the movable part 20 on one of the fixed rods 10. Then, the quick-connect mechanism 40 is used again to connect the other end of the fixed plate 50 to the movable part 20 on the other fixed rod 10. This connects the two fixed parts to the fixed plate 50, forming a U-shaped limiting cavity for covering the leg. Next, the limiting assembly 30 secures the movable parts 20 to the fixed rods 10, ensuring the fixed plate 50 is installed in the appropriate position on the fixed rods 10, thus adapting it to different patients.

[0043] The use of limiting components 30 and quick-connect mechanisms 40 replaces traditional welding, solving the drawbacks of welding in traditional lower limb brace manufacturing. This not only saves manufacturing costs but also optimizes subsequent maintenance and usage costs, reduces processing steps, and avoids the need for bulky, specialized equipment in current market manufacturing methods. Furthermore, the connectors are mass-produced in the factory, allowing for convenient, safe, and rapid brace fabrication without the use of any specialized equipment or complex operations. Most importantly, the connectors allow for disassembly and adjustment of the brace throughout the manufacturing process, achieving optimal brace performance, comfort, and cost-effectiveness.

[0044] Please see Figure 3As shown, specifically, the quick connection mechanism 40 includes a first insertion groove 41 provided on the side wall of the movable part 20, a first connecting boss 42 integrally formed with the end of the fixed plate 50 and complementary in shape to the first insertion groove 41, a first positioning hole 43 penetrating the first connecting boss 42, a second positioning hole communicating with the first insertion groove 41, and a locking member that can be inserted into the first positioning hole 43 and the second positioning hole simultaneously.

[0045] More specifically, the locking element is the locking bolt 32, and the adjusting screw hole 31 is the second positioning hole.

[0046] Furthermore, in order to improve the stability between the fixed rod 10 and the limiting groove, the fixed rod 10 and the movable groove 21 are polygonal in size.

[0047] Furthermore, the edges of the fixing rod 10, the movable part 20, and the fixing plate 50 are all chamfered.

[0048] Example 2

[0049] Please see Figures 4 to 6 As shown, a second embodiment of this utility model provides a brace connector. The difference between the brace connector of this second embodiment and the brace connector provided in the first embodiment is that:

[0050] Specifically, the quick-connect mechanism 40 includes a connecting wing plate 44 extending outward from the side wall of the movable member 20, a second insertion groove 45 disposed at the end of the connecting wing plate 44, a second connecting boss 46 integrally formed with the end of the fixed plate 50 and complementary in shape to the second insertion groove 45, a first positioning hole 43 penetrating the second connecting boss 46, a second positioning hole communicating with the second insertion groove 45, and a pin-type locking member 49 that can be simultaneously inserted into the first positioning hole 43 and the second positioning hole.

[0051] Specifically, the second insertion groove 45 passes through the upper and lower ends of the connecting wing plate 44 and communicates with the movable groove 21, so that the connecting wing plate 44 and the movable part 20 form two spaced clamping plates. The adjusting screw hole 31 is provided on the connecting wing plate 44, and the locking bolt 32 passes through the adjusting screw hole 31 and is threaded to the side wall of the clamping plate. When tightened, the clamping plate can undergo elastic deformation to clamp the fixing rod 10.

[0052] In summary, the brace connector in the above embodiments of this utility model has the following advantages:

[0053] We have developed a customizable brace connector that is mass-produced in our factory. Using this connector, braces can be manufactured quickly, easily, and safely without the need for specialized large equipment or complex operations. Its core advantage lies in the cooperation of the limiting component 30, the quick-connect mechanism 40, and the movable slot 21, which allows for the disassembly and adjustment of the brace throughout the manufacturing process, thereby ensuring optimal brace performance and comfort while reducing manufacturing costs.

[0054] 1. The production process is simple;

[0055] Flexible adjustment: The support is made with connectors, which allows for disassembly and adjustment at any time during the manufacturing process, making it easy to operate.

[0056] Convenient door-to-door service: When providing customized services at home, there is no need to carry a lot of professional and bulky equipment, and no complicated operations are required, which greatly improves service efficiency and convenience.

[0057] 2. Advantages in post-maintenance;

[0058] Simple maintenance: The later maintenance and repair process is simpler, reducing maintenance difficulty and cost.

[0059] Low maintenance costs: The maintenance and usage costs of the braces have been optimized, saving users money.

[0060] 3. Traditional problem-solving;

[0061] Alternative welding process: This solves the problem of traditional lower limb braces being made by welding, avoiding the inconvenience and limitations of welding.

[0062] Simplified processing flow: Reduces processing steps in the production process and improves production efficiency.

[0063] No large equipment required: This solves the problem of needing to carry bulky professional equipment when making braces, making the manufacturing process more flexible and efficient.

[0064] Cost reduction: It effectively reduces production costs while optimizing subsequent maintenance and usage costs, resulting in significant economic advantages.

[0065] Another embodiment of this utility model also provides a rehabilitation brace, which includes the above-mentioned brace connector.

[0066] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0067] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of this utility model, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed. However, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this utility model patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these all fall within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A brace connector, characterized by include: Two fixed rods are set in parallel at intervals; At least one movable member is slidably sleeved on each of the fixed rods, and the movable member has a through movable groove along the axial direction that is adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the fixed rod; A limiting component is provided on the side wall of the movable part. The limiting component includes an adjusting screw hole that penetrates the side wall of the movable part and a locking bolt that cooperates with it. By tightening the locking bolt, radial pressure is generated to make the movable part and the fixed rod frictionally fixed. An arc-shaped fixing plate is connected between two adjacent movable parts of the two fixed rods, and the two ends of the fixing plate are detachably connected to the movable parts through a quick-connect mechanism; A U-shaped limiting cavity for covering the legs, formed by the two fixing rods and the fixing plate.

2. The brace connector of claim 1, wherein The quick-connect mechanism includes a first insertion groove on the side wall of the movable part, a first connecting boss integrally formed with the end of the fixed plate and complementary in shape to the first insertion groove, a first positioning hole penetrating the first connecting boss, a second positioning hole communicating with the first insertion groove, and a locking member that can be inserted into the first positioning hole and the second positioning hole simultaneously.

3. The brace connector of claim 2, wherein, The locking element is the locking bolt, and the adjusting screw hole is the second positioning hole.

4. The brace connector of claim 1, wherein The quick-connect mechanism includes a connecting wing plate extending outward from the side wall of the movable part, a second insertion groove provided at the end of the connecting wing plate, a second connecting boss integrally formed with the end of the fixed plate and complementary in shape to the second insertion groove, a third positioning hole penetrating the second connecting boss, a fourth positioning hole communicating with the second insertion groove, and a pin-type locking member that can be inserted into the third positioning hole and the fourth positioning hole simultaneously.

5. The brace connector of claim 4, wherein, The second insertion slot passes through the upper and lower ends of the connecting wing plate and communicates with the movable slot, so that the connecting wing plate and the movable part form two spaced clamping plates. The adjusting screw hole is provided on the connecting wing plate, and the locking bolt passes through the adjusting screw hole and is threaded to the side wall of the clamping plate. When tightened, the clamping plate can undergo elastic deformation to clamp the fixing rod.

6. The brace connector of claim 1, wherein The dimensions of the fixed rod and the movable groove are polygonal.

7. The brace connector of claim 1, wherein The edges of the fixed rod, the movable part, and the fixed plate are all chamfered.

8. A rehabilitation brace, characterized by Includes the brace connector as described in any one of claims 1-7.

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