Single-axis hydraulic load-bearing knee joint

Abstract

The utility model provides a single -shaft hydraulic pressure bearing knee joint, this design can utilize human body's own weight to activate hydraulic system, its high complex hydraulic mechanism makes the amputee can walk in natural, smooth way, realizes the stable conversion of gait in each stage in gait cycle, it includes the connecting body, the connecting body is hollow structure, the bottom of connecting body is provided with end impact damping, the top of connecting body rotatory installation has top end impact damping, the inside of connecting body is provided with damping hydraulic press, the output of damping hydraulic press is connected with top end impact damping through axle pin rotation, the bottom of damping hydraulic press is connected with adjusting mechanism, adjusting mechanism bottom and end impact damping fixed mounting, adjusting mechanism includes hydraulic control seat, be provided with sensitivity adjusting screw, first adjusting screw, second adjusting screw and locking switch on the hydraulic control seat.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of hydraulic knee joint technology, and in particular to a single-axis hydraulic load-bearing knee joint. Background Technology

[0002] In today's society, to help lower limb amputees regain basic walking function, prostheses are usually installed at the amputation site. To improve the patient's walking experience, the prosthesis also incorporates a single-axis hydraulic knee joint in the same position as the normal knee joint, enabling the patient to bend their leg during walking. The frequency of knee flexion during walking also plays a crucial role in the user's walking coordination.

[0003] Existing knee prostheses not only have problems such as complex structure, inconvenience of use, and inability to meet various needs, but also have problems with poor movement stability and safety. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the deficiencies in existing technologies, the present invention provides a single-axis hydraulically supported knee joint.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides:

[0006] A single-axis hydraulic load-bearing knee joint includes a connecting body, which is a hollow structure. The bottom end of the connecting body is provided with an end impact damper, and the top end impact damper is rotatably mounted on the top end of the connecting body. A damping hydraulic device is provided inside the connecting body. The output end of the damping hydraulic device is rotatably connected to the top end impact damper through a pin. An adjustment mechanism is connected to the bottom end of the damping hydraulic device, and the bottom end of the adjustment mechanism is fixedly mounted to the end impact damper.

[0007] Preferably, the adjustment mechanism includes a hydraulic control seat, which is connected to a damping hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic control seat is provided with a sensitivity adjustment screw, a first adjustment screw, a second adjustment screw, and a locking switch.

[0008] Preferably, a protective shell is provided on the outside of the connector to protect the adjustment mechanism.

[0009] Preferably, two support shafts are installed on the top impact damper, and both support shafts are rotatably mounted to the inner wall of the connector through bearings to form a knee joint structure.

[0010] Preferably, ventilation holes are provided on both sides of the connector.

[0011] Preferably, the inner side of the top impact damper is provided with multiple springs, and the same connecting block is fixedly installed between the multiple springs. The connecting block is rotatably connected to the output end of the damping hydraulic device.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this utility model are:

[0013] This knee joint design allows for locking under weight, helping amputees maintain stability when walking on slopes and descending stairs. This hydraulic cylinder knee joint features two unique standing modes—"Stand Lock" and "Stand Bend." In "Stand Lock," the knee automatically locks based on body weight upon heel strike, and when weight is released, the knee bends slightly by approximately 15-20 degrees, preparing for the swing phase. The knee joint cleverly utilizes the body's own weight to activate the hydraulic system; its highly complex hydraulic mechanism allows amputees to walk naturally and smoothly, achieving seamless gait transitions throughout the gait cycle. Furthermore, the hydraulic cylinder integrates unique functions such as manual locking, stand lock, and stand yielding. These features mean that new amputees can progress from initial use to becoming users who need and enjoy a high-performance walking experience. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of this design;

[0015] Figure 2 For this design Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the side view structure;

[0016] Figure 3 For this design Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure for disassembling the protective shell;

[0017] Figure 4 This is a top view of the top impact damping structure in this design.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a product drawing of the single-axis hydraulically supported knee joint used in this design;

[0019] Figure 6 This is a top-view structural diagram of the connecting body and end impact damper in this design.

[0020] In the diagram: 1. Connector; 11. Vent hole; 12. Protective shell; 2. End impact damper; 3. Top impact damper; 31. Connecting block; 4. Support shaft; 5. Damping hydraulic device; 6. Hydraulic control seat; 61. Sensitivity adjustment screw; 62. First adjustment screw; 63. Second adjustment screw; 64. Locking switch. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The embodiments of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] See Figure 1-6 As shown, a single-axis hydraulic load-bearing knee joint includes a connecting body 1, which has a hollow structure. The bottom end of the connecting body 1 is provided with an end impact damper 2, and the top end impact damper 3 is rotatably mounted on the top end of the connecting body 1. A damping hydraulic device 5 is provided inside the connecting body 1. The output end of the damping hydraulic device 5 is rotatably connected to the top end impact damper 3 through a shaft pin. An adjustment mechanism is connected to the bottom end of the damping hydraulic device 5, and the bottom end of the adjustment mechanism is fixedly installed with the end impact damper 2.

[0023] In this embodiment, the adjustment mechanism includes a hydraulic control seat 6, which is connected to the damping hydraulic device 5. The hydraulic control seat 6 is provided with a sensitivity adjustment screw 61, a first adjustment screw 62, a second adjustment screw 63, and a locking switch 64.

[0024] In this embodiment, a protective shell 12 is provided on the outside of the connector 1 to protect the adjustment mechanism, and ventilation holes 11 are provided on both sides of the connector 1.

[0025] In this embodiment, two support shafts 4 are installed on the top impact damper 3. Both support shafts 4 are rotatably installed on the inner wall of the connector 1 through bearings to form a knee joint structure.

[0026] In this embodiment, multiple springs are provided on the inner side of the top impact damper 3, and the same connecting block 31 is fixedly installed between the multiple springs. The connecting block 31 is rotatably connected to the output end of the damping hydraulic device 5.

[0027] In operation, the top impact damper 3 is connected to the legs, and the end impact damper 2 is connected to the machine's ankle. The damping hydraulic device 5 is used to support the top impact damper 3. The hydraulic sensitivity of the damping hydraulic device 5 is adjusted by the sensitivity adjustment screw 61, the first adjustment screw 62 adjusts the first level of hydraulic pressure of the damping hydraulic device 5, the second adjustment screw 63 adjusts the second level of hydraulic pressure of the damping hydraulic device 5, and the locking switch 64 controls the switching of the damping hydraulic device 5.

[0028] 1. The hydraulic single-axis knee joint provides patients with two standing posture modes: standing locked and standing yielding. In standing locked mode, when the heel is impacted, the knee joint locks due to body weight, with a maximum flexion angle of approximately 15-20 degrees. Once the weight is released, the knee joint enters the flexion phase. A locking switch allows switching between yielding and locked states when the heel touches the ground, while adjusting screw 1 is used to adjust the degree of yielding. When the locking switch is in the upward position, the knee joint is in the yielding state. To increase resistance, turn adjusting screw 1 clockwise; to decrease resistance, turn it counterclockwise.

[0029] In this application, "yielding" refers to controlling the flexion of the knee joint under load, thereby assisting in walking on slopes and descending stairs.

[0030] 2. Sensitivity Modulation

[0031] When the hydraulic knee joint is under load and the heel strikes the ground, the sensitivity adjustment screw 61 during the standing phase needs to be adjusted according to the amputee's body weight and gait. Turning the sensitivity adjustment screw 61 clockwise decreases sensitivity, while turning it counterclockwise increases sensitivity. Slower gaits require a more sensitive setting than fast walkers.

[0032] 3. Swing phase control

[0033] The oscillation phase is jointly controlled by the second adjusting screw 63 and the end impact damper 2.

[0034] The second adjusting screw 63 controls the resistance to heel rise and knee flexion during the swing. Clockwise rotation increases resistance, while counterclockwise rotation decreases resistance.

[0035] End-impact damping 2 can be increased by removing the tube from the fitting and using a 2mm Allen wrench to turn the adjusting hex screw (located inside the 30mm fitting) clockwise and counterclockwise to decrease damping. Ensure the knee joint is fully extended at the end of the swing phase.

[0036] 4. Walking down stairs – stepping over steps

[0037] Locking switch 64 is in the "Up" position. Have the amputee place their heel on the stair, bending their knee to bear weight and push in while keeping their body upright, then carefully place their healthy foot on the next step. Proceed down the stairs, transferring weight to the prosthesis as you coordinate the movement, carefully anticipating the next step's position for the healthy foot. Adjust the first adjustment screw 62 for the correct, comfortable speed. The patient must position the prosthetic foot at the edge of the stair, with the edge of the stair maximally positioned in the middle of the foot. If the foot is placed too far back, it will be difficult to initiate flexion, and balance will be affected. If it is placed too far forward, there is a risk of the heel slipping off the stairs. Correct foot placement, timing (pushing in the knee and lifting the hip forward), and body posture (keeping upright) are crucial.

[0038] 5. Walking downhill

[0039] For slopes greater than 20 degrees, amputees use the yielding function of the hydraulic knee joint. This is done by pushing in a slightly bent knee joint while keeping the hip joint flexed and fixed, allowing the knee joint to flex under yielding resistance. Maintaining an upright posture and hip angle allows for forward propulsion, enabling the knee joint to flex while moving forward smoothly.

[0040] This utility model is not limited to the above-described preferred embodiment. Anyone can derive other products in various forms under the guidance of this utility model. However, regardless of any changes made in its shape or structure, any technical solution that is the same as or similar to this utility model is within its protection scope.

Claims

1. A single-axis hydraulically supported knee joint, comprising a connecting body (1), wherein the connecting body (1) is a hollow structure, characterized in that: The bottom end of the connector (1) is provided with an end impact damper (2), and the top end impact damper (3) is rotatably installed on the top end of the connector (1). The connector (1) is provided with a damping hydraulic device (5). The output end of the damping hydraulic device (5) is rotatably connected to the top end impact damper (3) through a shaft pin. The bottom end of the damping hydraulic device (5) is connected to an adjustment mechanism. The bottom end of the adjustment mechanism is fixedly installed with the end impact damper (2).

2. The single-axis hydraulic load-bearing knee joint according to claim 1, characterized in that: The adjustment mechanism includes a hydraulic control seat (6), which is connected to a damping hydraulic device (5). The hydraulic control seat (6) is provided with a sensitivity adjustment screw (61), a first adjustment screw (62), a second adjustment screw (63), and a locking switch (64).

3. A single-axis hydraulically supported knee joint according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer side of the connector (1) is provided with a protective shell (12) to protect the adjustment mechanism.

4. A single-axis hydraulically supported knee joint according to claim 1, characterized in that: Two support shafts (4) are installed on the top impact damper (3), and both support shafts (4) are rotatably mounted to the inner wall of the connector (1) via bearings.

5. A single-axis hydraulically supported knee joint according to claim 1, characterized in that: Ventilation holes (11) are provided on both sides of the connector (1).

6. A single-axis hydraulically supported knee joint according to claim 1, characterized in that: Multiple springs are provided on the inner side of the top impact damper (3), and the same connecting block (31) is fixedly installed between the multiple springs. The connecting block (31) is rotatably connected to the output end of the damping hydraulic device (5).

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