Functional finger trainer

Abstract

The utility model discloses a functional finger training device, which can provide power for abduction of a thumb and straighten other fingers when in use, and solves various functional defects of an existing orthosis. The functional finger trainer comprises a thumb sleeve, a first pressing plate, a supporting plate, a second pressing plate, a first torsional spring, a second torsional spring, a connecting rod and a finger bandage. The thumb sleeve wraps the thumb; the first pressing plate is located on the back side of the proximal phalanx, the supporting plate is located on a palm side fat pad of the finger root, and the second pressing plate is located on the back side of the finger tail segment. The first torsional spring is matched with the jaw shape, and two ends of the first torsional spring are respectively connected with the back end surface of the thumbstall and the radial end of the first pressing plate; the two second torsional springs are located on the two sides of the finger correspondingly, and the two ends of each second torsional spring are connected with the first pressing plate and the second pressing plate correspondingly; the two connecting rods are located on the two sides of the supporting plate correspondingly, and the two ends of each connecting rod are connected with the first pressing plate and the supporting plate correspondingly. The finger bandage is fixed to the second pressing plate and wound by a circle to fix the tail segment of the finger.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of rehabilitation assistive device technology, and specifically refers to a functional finger trainer. Background Technology

[0002] Many stroke patients or those with other brain injuries, as well as some with low radial nerve injury, may experience or permanently retain extension dysfunction in the affected hand during rehabilitation. Specifically, the thumb is in a flexed adduction position, the other four fingers are in a flexed grasping position, and the major functional fingers (the thumb accounts for more than 40% of hand function, the index finger more than 20%, and the middle finger more than 15%) and the entire palm cannot be opened voluntarily. This makes it difficult for patients to perform active grasping, pinching, and moving actions (such as holding a bowl, holding a stick, buttoning buttons, holding a pen, or taking a spoon).

[0003] Using assistive devices to straighten or provide support for flexed and adducted fingers, enabling patients to participate in functional training or perform daily living activities, is currently the most effective treatment method. However, existing dynamic finger extension orthoses are either limited in function or cannot fully correct finger flexion, making it difficult to address thumb abduction and other finger (especially the second and third fingers) straightening problems caused by increased muscle tone in the whole hand, multiple finger nerve damage, or paralysis. Furthermore, some dynamic orthoses are bulky, complex to wear, and have difficulty adjusting elasticity, resulting in low patient acceptance and high abandonment rates. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main purpose of this invention is to provide a functional finger trainer that can not only provide thumb abduction power but also straighten other fingers during use, thus solving many functional defects of existing finger extension power orthotics.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the solution of this utility model is:

[0006] A functional finger trainer includes a thumb sleeve, a first pressure plate, a support plate, a second pressure plate, a first torsion spring, a second torsion spring, a connecting rod, and a finger strap. The thumb sleeve is used to wrap around the thumb of the human hand. The first pressure plate is located on the dorsal side of the proximal phalanx, the support plate is located at the palmar fat pad at the base of the finger, and the second pressure plate is located on the dorsal side of the distal phalanx. The first torsion spring is shaped to match the web of the hand, and its two ends are respectively connected to the dorsal end face of the thumb sleeve and the radial end of the first pressure plate. There are two second torsion springs, located on both sides of the finger, and their two ends are respectively connected to the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate. There are two connecting rods, located on both sides of the support plate, and their two ends are respectively connected to the first pressure plate and the support plate. The finger strap is fixed to the second pressure plate and wraps around the second pressure plate once to fix the distal phalanx of the finger.

[0007] The second torsion spring keeps the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate in a coplanar state under normal conditions.

[0008] The connecting rod keeps the first pressure plate parallel to the support plate.

[0009] The thumb sleeve, the first pressure plate, the support plate, and the second pressure plate are all made of thermoplastic material.

[0010] Preferably, the thermoplastic material is one of low-temperature thermoplastic sheet, polycaprolactone-based material, modified polyurethane composite material, polyethylene, and polypropylene-based material.

[0011] The finger strap is a strip of Velcro with a textured surface.

[0012] After adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following technical effects:

[0013] This invention is designed with functional rehabilitation and daily living activities as its goals. It applies the relevant mechanical principles of orthotics (three-point force, lever, spring mechanics, etc.) to not only utilize and enhance the residual function of the affected hand, but also cleverly solves the problems of insufficient thumb opening and excessive flexion of interphalangeal joints in other similar functional orthotics. It enables patients to grasp, align, and release their fingers properly during functional finger training. It also has the advantages of small size, light weight, simple materials, easy wearing, strong patient initiative, and high acceptance. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 Three-dimensional representation of a specific embodiment of this utility model Figure 1 .

[0015] Figure 2 Three-dimensional representation of a specific embodiment of this utility model Figure 2 .

[0016] Figure 3 Three-dimensional representation of a specific embodiment of this utility model Figure 3 (Finger straps not tied).

[0017] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0018] 1-Thumb sleeve; 2-First pressure plate; 3-Support plate; 4-Second pressure plate; 5-First torsion spring; 6-Second torsion spring; 7-Connecting rod; 8-Finger strap. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To further explain the technical solution of this utility model, the following detailed description is provided through specific embodiments.

[0020] refer to Figure 1-3As shown, this utility model discloses a functional finger trainer, including a thumb sleeve 1, a first pressure plate 2, a support plate 3, a second pressure plate 4, a first torsion spring 5, a second torsion spring 6, a connecting rod 7, and a finger strap 8.

[0021] Thumb sleeve 1 is used to wrap the thumb of the human hand; the first pressure plate 2 is located on the dorsal side of the proximal phalanx, the support plate 3 is located at the palmar fat pad at the base of the finger, and the second pressure plate 4 is located on the dorsal side of the distal phalanx of the finger.

[0022] The first torsion spring 5 matches the shape of a tiger's mouth, and its two ends are respectively connected to the back side of the thumb sleeve 1 and the radial end of the first pressure plate 2;

[0023] The second torsion spring 6 is designed to have two parts, located on both sides of the finger. Its two ends are connected to the first pressure plate 2 and the second pressure plate 4 respectively, so that the first pressure plate 2 and the second pressure plate 4 remain coplanar or nearly coplanar under normal conditions, matching the state of the finger being fully extended.

[0024] There are two connecting rods 7, located on both sides of the support plate 3. Their ends are connected to the first pressure plate 2 and the support plate 3 respectively, so that the first pressure plate 2 and the support plate 3 are kept parallel or nearly parallel, ensuring that the first pressure plate 2 fits against the dorsal side of the proximal phalanx of the finger and the support plate 3 fits against the palmar fat pad at the base of the finger.

[0025] The finger strap 8 is fixed to the second pressure plate 4 and wrapped around the second pressure plate 4 once to fix the finger distal phalanx.

[0026] Through the above-mentioned solution, this utility model is aimed at functional rehabilitation and daily living activities. It applies the relevant mechanical principles of orthotics (three-point force, lever, spring mechanics, etc.), which not only utilizes and strengthens the residual function of the affected hand, but also cleverly solves the problems of insufficient thumb opening and excessive flexion of interphalangeal joints in other similar functional orthotics. It enables patients to grasp and align their fingers accurately and release them when performing finger functional tasks. It also has the advantages of small size, light weight, simple materials, convenient wearing, strong patient initiative, and high acceptance.

[0027] The following shows a specific embodiment of the above-mentioned functional finger trainer.

[0028] The thumb sleeve 1, the first pressure plate 2, the support plate 3, and the second pressure plate 4 mentioned above are all made of low-temperature thermoplastic material, which allows these parts to be shaped to match the patient's palm during manufacturing, making them more compatible with the patient's palm and finger surfaces.

[0029] Furthermore, the aforementioned thermoplastic materials include low-temperature thermoplastic sheets, as well as polycaprolactone (PCL)-based materials, modified polyurethane composites, polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP)-based materials, etc. Among them, low-temperature thermoplastic sheets are a new type of medical material made from a specially synthesized high-molecular polyester through a series of physical and chemical processes. They are used for the fabrication of orthopedic external fixation devices and braces. Due to its outstanding properties such as non-absorption of radiation, excellent shaping effect after softening by heating, and unique shape memory function (allowing for reheating and reshaping when the shaping is unsatisfactory), as well as its simple operation and convenient fixation, it is the most ideal fabrication material.

[0030] The aforementioned finger strap 4 can be made of elastic material or a strip of Velcro with a hook-and-loop surface, which is used in conjunction with the Velcro injection hook surface for strap fixation, making it easy to put on and take off the trainer and adjust the position and tightness of the strap.

[0031] Furthermore, this utility model also discloses the manufacturing process of the aforementioned functional finger trainer. Firstly, in manufacturing the functional finger trainer, suitable patients need to be screened through assessment. Generally, the assessment criteria are as follows:

[0032] ① The patient has an active grasping instinct;

[0033] ② After the affected hand is passively opened, it can make grasping movements, or it has recovered the closing function of all or most of the functional fingers of the affected hand and can grasp and pinch objects;

[0034] ③ The function of thumb opposition is still present;

[0035] ④ The affected hand's grip strength can resist spring resistance: flexor muscle strength (MMT muscle strength assessment) grade 2 or above;

[0036] ⑤ Limited opening of the affected hand: This is caused by increased muscle tone or low-level radial nerve injury, resulting in loss of strength in the finger extensor muscles and thumb abductor muscles.

[0037] Once the patient is selected, the training device is made according to the following steps:

[0038] 1. Draw the outline of the hand.

[0039] Draw a hand outline and accurately mark the positions of the patient's palmar and finger creases and the interphalangeal creases on the drawing as a reference standard for the specifications of each component in subsequent steps.

[0040] 2. Winding a torsion spring

[0041] Select a steel wire of appropriate diameter based on the required gripping and opening force of the hand. 316 stainless steel wire (corrosion resistant) or carbon steel wire (high elasticity) are commonly used. Based on the positions of the transverse creases of each finger as indicated on the drawing, wind one first torsion spring 5 and two second torsion springs 6 (if only a few fingers are being corrected, the second torsion spring 6 can be wound as a single unit). Wind the first torsion spring 5 to the size of the "tiger's mouth" when the thumb and index finger are fully open. Wind the second torsion springs 6 according to the positions of the transverse creases of the fingers to be corrected. The elasticity of the torsion springs can be individually fine-tuned by adjusting the wire thickness, spring coil diameter, number of coils, and angle of attack.

[0042] 3. Orthopedic assembly

[0043] 3-1. Making Thumb Coat 1: Referring to the drawing, cut a 2.4mm thick low-temperature thermoplastic sheet of the corresponding length and width. Using the low-temperature thermoplastic sheet manufacturing technique, mold thumb coat 1 onto the affected hand, overlapping and bonding the sheets on the back of the thumb. The finger coat should cover the interphalangeal joint of the thumb, but some of the fingertip must be exposed. It should also be appropriately tight to ensure it is easy to wear and does not easily fall off.

[0044] 3-2. Fabrication of the finger extension support: Referring to the drawings and the width and thickness of each finger to be corrected, cut three 2.4mm thick low-temperature thermoplastic sheets of corresponding length and width, which will serve as the first pressure plate 2, the support plate 3, and the second pressure plate 4, respectively. After heating, fix them to the two second torsion springs 6 to form the finger extension support. The first pressure plate 2 and the second pressure plate 4 are both in the shape of "[" and are placed on the back of the finger. Connect and fix the two second torsion springs 6 to the radial and ulnar sides of the finger. The support plate 3 is a straight plate located at the palmar fat pad at the base of the finger (if all four fingers need to be corrected, it is best to choose a slightly thicker sheet for the fixation plate). After the finger extension support is fabricated, wear it on the patient's hand and adjust the springs and fixation plate to ensure the corrective effect and safety and comfort.

[0045] 3-3. Install the first torsion spring 5: Cut two small pieces of board. Using the self-adhesive properties of the heated board, fix one end of the first torsion spring 5 to the back of the thumb sleeve 1 and the other end to the back of the index finger end of the first pressure plate 2 (or use rivets to fix both ends), or clamp and fix the two ends of the first torsion spring 5 when molding the corresponding parts of the board. After the overall installation is completed, sand each piece of board to make it smooth inside and out and round the four corners. Then attach the Velcro hook to the second pressure plate 4 and install the finger strap 8. At this point, the entire training device is complete.

[0046] 4. Try it on

[0047] The assembled training device is worn on the patient's affected hand. The second pressure plate 4 is wrapped and secured to the back of the distal phalanx of the finger using Velcro, leaving as much of the fingertip exposed as possible to preserve tactile sensation and increase grasping sensitivity. The patient is then asked to perform grasping and pinching movements. The closure and opening of the affected hand, the corrective effect on the interphalangeal joints, and any potential safety hazards such as local compression are observed. Any issues with use are addressed promptly.

[0048] 5. Delivery and Use

[0049] After ensuring safety and effectiveness, the training device is delivered to the patient, and usage education is provided. Follow-up visits are conducted, and the training device is adjusted or replaced based on the follow-up results.

[0050] The above embodiments and figures are not intended to limit the product form and style of this utility model. Any appropriate changes or modifications made by those skilled in the art should be considered as not departing from the patent scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A functional finger trainer, characterized in that: It includes a thumb sleeve, a first pressure plate, a support plate, a second pressure plate, a first torsion spring, a second torsion spring, a connecting rod, and a finger strap; The thumb sleeve is used to wrap around the thumb of the human hand; the first pressure plate is located on the dorsal side of the proximal phalanx, the support plate is located at the palmar fat pad at the base of the finger, and the second pressure plate is located on the dorsal side of the distal phalanx of the finger. The first torsion spring is designed to match the shape of a thumb's mouth, and its two ends are respectively connected to the back end face of the thumb sleeve and the radial end of the first pressure plate. The second torsion spring is designed to have two parts, located on both sides of the finger, with its two ends connected to the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate respectively; The connecting rod is designed to be two in number, located on both sides of the support plate, with its two ends connected to the first pressure plate and the support plate respectively; The finger strap is fixed to the second pressure plate and wraps around the second pressure plate once to fix the distal phalanx of the finger.

2. The functional finger trainer as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The second torsion spring keeps the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate in a coplanar state under normal conditions.

3. The functional finger trainer as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting rod keeps the first pressure plate parallel to the support plate.

4. The functional finger trainer as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The thumb sleeve, the first pressure plate, the support plate, and the second pressure plate are all made of thermoplastic material.

5. The functional finger trainer as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The thermoplastic material is one of the following: low-temperature thermoplastic sheet, polycaprolactone-based material, modified polyurethane composite material, polyethylene, and polypropylene-based material.

6. The functional finger trainer as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The finger strap is a strip of Velcro with a textured surface.

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