A foot support for an ankle exerciser

Abstract

This utility model relates to a footrest for an ankle joint trainer, comprising a side plate and a base plate, with the lower end face of the side plate fixed to the upper end face of the base plate; it also includes a lateral foot detection mechanism and a plantar foot detection mechanism. The lateral foot detection mechanism is fixedly disposed on the lower end of the inner side of the side plate, and includes a first resistive thin-film pressure sensor correspondingly disposed on both sides of the side plate. The plantar foot detection mechanism includes a second resistive thin-film pressure sensor, which is disposed on the base plate according to the positional relationship between the transverse arch and the heel of the human foot; the first and second resistive thin-film pressure sensors are connected to a data acquisition module. This utility model uses the lateral foot detection mechanism to detect lateral pressure, and the plantar foot detection mechanism to detect plantar pressure according to the positional relationship between the transverse arch and the heel of the human foot. The data acquisition module completes the acquisition and outward transmission of pressure signals.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of ankle joint training and testing technology, and specifically to a footrest for an ankle joint trainer. Background Technology

[0002] The ankle joint plays a crucial role in human movement, and its flexibility and stability directly affect gait, balance, and athletic performance. In rehabilitation medicine, sports training, and elderly health management, ankle trainers are widely used for training scenarios such as restoring ankle function, strengthening muscles, improving proprioception, and enhancing motor control.

[0003] Currently, most ankle trainers on the market rely on mechanical structures for training. Some high-end devices are equipped with angle sensors or inertial measurement units (IMUs) for angle monitoring, and use optical encoders or laser displacement sensors to track the movement trajectory of the ankle joint through an external camera or laser ranging system, thereby calculating angle, speed and posture changes.

[0004] Existing testing institutions focus on angle and posture measurements and cannot provide data on plantar and lateral pressure of trainees under load or different training modes. During rehabilitation training, the distribution of plantar and lateral pressure directly affects the training effect. For example, in proprioceptive training, weight-bearing training or balance training, understanding the distribution of plantar pressure helps to determine whether the force is even and avoid secondary injuries caused by improper posture.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a device that can detect plantar and lateral pressure. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the issue that existing equipment cannot perform plantar and lateral pressure detection, a footrest for an ankle joint trainer is proposed. The footrest includes a lateral foot detection mechanism and a plantar foot detection mechanism. The lateral foot detection mechanism detects lateral pressure, while the plantar foot detection mechanism detects plantar pressure according to the positional relationship between the transverse arch of the foot and the heel. A data acquisition module is included to collect and transmit the pressure signals.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model proposes a foot support for an ankle joint trainer, comprising a foot support, a left foot support and a right foot support, a side plate and a bottom plate, the bottom plate having an oblong hole structure, the side plate surrounding the edge of the bottom plate, the two ends of the side plate being connected end to end, and the lower end face of the side plate being fixed to the upper end face of the bottom plate;

[0008] The footrest is equipped with a detection mechanism, which includes a foot side detection mechanism and a foot sole detection mechanism. The foot side detection mechanism is fixedly installed on the lower end of the inner side of the side plate and includes a first resistive thin-film pressure sensor, which is respectively disposed on both sides of the side plate. The foot sole detection mechanism includes a second resistive thin-film pressure sensor, which is disposed on the bottom plate according to the positional relationship between the transverse arch of the human foot and the heel.

[0009] The first resistive thin-film pressure sensor and the second resistive thin-film pressure sensor are connected to a data acquisition module. The data acquisition module includes a power supply interface, a controller, and a data acquisition circuit. The input terminal of the data acquisition circuit is connected to the output terminals of the first resistive thin-film pressure sensor and the second resistive thin-film pressure sensor, respectively. The output terminal of the data acquisition circuit is connected to the controller, and the controller is connected to a communication interface.

[0010] The first resistive thin-film pressure sensor, the second resistive thin-film pressure sensor, the controller, the data acquisition circuit, and the communication interface are connected to a power supply via a power supply interface.

[0011] Furthermore, the side plate includes a first U-shaped segment and a second U-shaped segment, the openings of the first U-shaped segment and the second U-shaped segment are arranged opposite each other, the width of the first U-shaped segment is greater than the width of the second U-shaped segment, and the first U-shaped segment and the second U-shaped segment are connected by an arc transition.

[0012] The first U-shaped segment corresponds to the forefoot and metatarsal areas, providing ample space to accommodate foot movements; the second U-shaped segment corresponds to the heel and ankle joint areas, with a narrow design to enhance the fit, restrict lateral heel movement, and improve stability during training. The rounded transition connection reduces stress concentration at the junction of the U-shaped segments, avoiding friction or pressure on the foot bones, improving wearing comfort, and optimizing structural strength.

[0013] Furthermore, the inner side of the footrest is provided with a foot pad layer, which is a sleeve-shaped structure made of flexible material. The first resistive thin-film pressure sensor and the second resistive thin-film pressure sensor are fixedly disposed inside the foot pad layer. The outer side of the foot pad layer is fixed to the inner side of the footrest. The foot pad layer and the footrest are respectively provided with wiring ports. The wiring ports are located at the second U-shaped segment. A control box is disposed on the outer side of the second U-shaped segment, and the acquisition module is disposed inside the control box.

[0014] The footpad layer is made of a flexible material in a sleeve-like structure that conforms to the curves of the foot, reducing discomfort caused by direct contact between the pressure sensor and the skin, while also cushioning the impact during training. The pressure sensor is built into the footpad layer, avoiding direct exposure to the external environment, preventing wear, moisture, or damage from external forces, and extending its service life. The wiring ports and control box are designed to keep the wiring layout concealed and neat, preventing tangled wires from interfering with training movements, and facilitating disassembly and maintenance.

[0015] Furthermore, there are two first resistive thin-film pressure sensors, which are respectively located on both sides of the side plate near the first U-shaped segment.

[0016] Two first resistive thin-film pressure sensors are positioned on either side of the side plate near the first U-shaped segment (forefoot region), focusing on monitoring the pressure distribution on the inner and outer sides of the forefoot (first and fifth metatarsal regions). Ergonomic design improves the reliability of the detection data.

[0017] Furthermore, there are two second resistive thin-film pressure sensors, with one second resistive thin-film pressure sensor arranged laterally at the opening of the first U-shaped segment according to the transverse arch position of the human foot.

[0018] A second resistive thin-film pressure sensor is laterally positioned near the apex of the second U-shaped segment, aligned with the heel of the human foot. One second resistive thin-film pressure sensor is laterally positioned at the opening of the first U-shaped segment to monitor changes in the support force of the transverse arch during training, while the other is laterally positioned near the apex of the second U-shaped segment (corresponding to the heel) to detect heel pressure. Ergonomic design enhances the reliability of the detection data.

[0019] Furthermore, the controller includes a microcontroller, the acquisition circuit includes multiple operational amplifier units, the input terminals of the multiple operational amplifier units are connected to the output terminals of the first resistive thin-film pressure sensor and the second resistive thin-film pressure sensor, the output terminals of the operational amplifier units are connected to the ADC port of the microcontroller, and the communication interface includes an IIC interface, which is communicatively connected to the microcontroller.

[0020] The data acquisition module adopts a mature solution combining a microcontroller and an operational amplifier unit, which has low hardware cost and low development difficulty; the IIC interface supports communication between multiple devices, which facilitates the external transmission of pressure data.

[0021] The beneficial effects of this utility model through the above technical solution are as follows:

[0022] This invention enables the detection of plantar and lateral pressure. A waist-shaped perforated sole plate and double U-shaped side plates provide both support and a snug fit, ensuring stability during training. Multiple sets of resistive thin-film pressure sensors are installed inside the shoe insert according to the pressure points on the sides and sole of the foot to detect plantar and lateral pressure. The output terminals of multiple resistive thin-film pressure sensors are connected to a data acquisition module for efficient signal processing and transmission. Furthermore, a flexible foot pad layer, concealed wiring, and modular design enhance wearing comfort, sensor protection, and system expandability, meeting the requirements for ankle joint rehabilitation training. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a footrest for an ankle joint trainer according to the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a circuit diagram of a footrest for an ankle joint trainer according to the present invention.

[0025] Reference numerals: Side plate 1, Base plate 2, Foot side detection mechanism 3, Foot sole detection mechanism 4, First resistive thin-film pressure sensor 5, Second resistive thin-film pressure sensor 6, Power supply interface 7, Controller 8, Acquisition circuit 9, Communication interface 10, First U-shaped segment 101, Second U-shaped segment 102, Foot pad layer 11, Control box 12. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Example 1

[0027] like Figures 1-2 As shown, a foot support for an ankle joint trainer includes a foot support, which includes a left foot support and a right foot support. The foot support is characterized in that it includes a side plate 1 and a base plate 2. The base plate 2 has an oblong hole structure. The side plate 1 surrounds the edge of the base plate 2. The two ends of the side plate 1 are connected end to end. The lower end face of the side plate 1 is fixed to the upper end face of the base plate 2.

[0028] The footrest is equipped with a detection mechanism, which includes a foot side detection mechanism 3 and a foot sole detection mechanism 4. The foot side detection mechanism 3 is fixedly installed on the lower end of the inner side of the side plate 1. The foot side detection mechanism 3 includes a first resistive thin film pressure sensor 5, which is respectively disposed on both sides of the side plate 1. The foot sole detection mechanism 4 includes a second resistive thin film pressure sensor 6, which is disposed on the bottom plate 2 according to the positional relationship between the transverse arch of the human foot and the heel.

[0029] The first resistive thin-film pressure sensor 5 and the second resistive thin-film pressure sensor 6 are connected to a data acquisition module. The data acquisition module includes a power supply interface 7, a controller 8 and a data acquisition circuit 9. The input terminal of the data acquisition circuit 9 is connected to the output terminals of the first resistive thin-film pressure sensor 5 and the second resistive thin-film pressure sensor 6, respectively. The output terminal of the data acquisition circuit 9 is connected to the controller 8. The controller 8 is connected to a communication interface 10.

[0030] The first resistive thin-film pressure sensor 5, the second resistive thin-film pressure sensor 6, the controller 8, the acquisition circuit 9, and the communication interface 10 are connected to a power supply via the power supply interface 7.

[0031] The side plate 1 includes a first U-shaped segment 101 and a second U-shaped segment 102. The openings of the first U-shaped segment 101 and the second U-shaped segment 102 are arranged opposite each other. The width of the first U-shaped segment 101 is greater than the width of the second U-shaped segment 102. The first U-shaped segment 101 and the second U-shaped segment 102 are connected by an arc transition.

[0032] The footrest has a foot pad layer 11 on its inner side. The foot pad layer 11 is a sleeve-shaped structure made of flexible material. The first resistive thin-film pressure sensor 5 and the second resistive thin-film pressure sensor 6 are fixedly disposed inside the foot pad layer 11. The outer side of the foot pad layer 11 is fixed to the inner side of the footrest. The foot pad layer 11 and the footrest are respectively provided with wiring ports. The wiring ports are located at the position of the second U-shaped segment 102. A control box 12 is disposed on the outer side of the second U-shaped segment 102. The acquisition module is disposed inside the control box 12.

[0033] There are two first resistive thin-film pressure sensors 5, which are respectively located on both sides of the side plate 1 near the first U-shaped segment 101.

[0034] The second resistive thin-film pressure sensor 6 is of two types, with one second resistive thin-film pressure sensor 6 being arranged laterally at the opening position of the first U-shaped segment 101 according to the transverse arch position of the human foot.

[0035] A second resistive thin-film pressure sensor 6 is horizontally positioned near the apex of the second U-shaped segment 102, according to the location of the heel of the human foot.

[0036] The controller 8 includes a microcontroller, the acquisition circuit 9 includes multiple operational amplifier units, the input terminals of the multiple operational amplifier units are connected to the output terminals of the first resistive thin-film pressure sensor 5 and the second resistive thin-film pressure sensor 6, the output terminals of the operational amplifier units are connected to the ADC port of the microcontroller, and the communication interface 10 includes an IIC interface, which is connected to the microcontroller for communication.

[0037] In this embodiment, both the first resistive thin-film pressure sensor 5 and the second resistive thin-film pressure sensor 6 are FSR402 thin-film pressure sensors, the microcontroller is STM8S003F3P6TR, and the operational amplifier unit is LM358DR.

[0038] The user wears the left and right foot supports for training, with the foot pad layer 11 in contact with the foot. At this time, two first resistive thin-film pressure sensors 5, located on both sides of the side plate 1 near the first U-shaped segment 101, and two second resistive thin-film pressure sensors 6, located on the base plate 2 corresponding to the transverse arch and heel of the human foot, begin to sense changes in foot pressure in real time.

[0039] As the foot contacts the footrest, the first resistive thin-film pressure sensor 5 of the foot side detection mechanism 3 and the second resistive thin-film pressure sensor 6 of the foot sole detection mechanism 4 convert the pressure change of the foot into a resistance value. Therefore, the electrical signals output by the first resistive thin-film pressure sensor 5 and the second resistive thin-film pressure sensor 6 change with the foot pressure. The LM358DR operational amplifier unit in the acquisition circuit 9 amplifies the electrical signal and then transmits the signal to the ADC port of the STM8S003F3P6TR microcontroller. The microcontroller converts the analog signal into a digital signal, and the final detection signal is transmitted to the outside via the IIC communication interface 10. This achieves the detection of plantar and lateral pressure.

[0040] The embodiments described above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of implementation of this utility model. Therefore, all equivalent changes or modifications made to the structure, features and principles described in the patent claims of this utility model should be included within the scope of the patent application of this utility model.

Claims

1. A footrest for an ankle joint trainer, comprising a footrest, said footrest including a left footrest and a right footrest, characterized in that, The footrest includes a side plate (1) and a bottom plate (2). The bottom plate (2) has a waist-shaped hole structure. The side plate (1) surrounds the edge of the bottom plate (2). The two ends of the side plate (1) are connected. The lower end face of the side plate (1) is fixed to the upper end face of the bottom plate (2). The footrest is equipped with a detection mechanism, which includes a foot side detection mechanism (3) and a foot sole detection mechanism (4). The foot side detection mechanism (3) is fixedly installed on the lower end of the inner side of the side plate (1). The foot side detection mechanism (3) includes a first resistive thin film pressure sensor (5). The first resistive thin film pressure sensor (5) is respectively installed on both sides of the side plate (1). The foot sole detection mechanism (4) includes a second resistive thin film pressure sensor (6). The second resistive thin film pressure sensor (6) is installed on the bottom plate (2) according to the positional relationship between the transverse arch of the human foot and the heel. The first resistive thin-film pressure sensor (5) and the second resistive thin-film pressure sensor (6) are connected to a data acquisition module. The data acquisition module includes a power supply interface (7), a controller (8) and a data acquisition circuit (9). The input terminal of the data acquisition circuit (9) is connected to the output terminals of the first resistive thin-film pressure sensor (5) and the second resistive thin-film pressure sensor (6) respectively. The output terminal of the data acquisition circuit (9) is connected to the controller (8). The controller (8) is connected to a communication interface (10). The first resistive thin-film pressure sensor (5), the second resistive thin-film pressure sensor (6), the controller (8), the acquisition circuit (9), and the communication interface (10) are connected to a power supply via the power supply interface (7).

2. A footrest for an ankle joint trainer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side plate (1) includes a first U-shaped segment (101) and a second U-shaped segment (102). The openings of the first U-shaped segment (101) and the second U-shaped segment (102) are arranged opposite each other. The width of the first U-shaped segment (101) is greater than the width of the second U-shaped segment (102). The first U-shaped segment (101) and the second U-shaped segment (102) are connected by a circular arc transition.

3. A footrest for an ankle joint trainer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The footrest has a foot pad layer (11) on its inner side. The foot pad layer (11) is a sleeve-shaped structure made of flexible material. The first resistive thin film pressure sensor (5) and the second resistive thin film pressure sensor (6) are fixed inside the foot pad layer (11). The outer side of the foot pad layer (11) is fixed to the inner side of the footrest. The foot pad layer (11) and the footrest are respectively provided with wiring ports. The wiring ports are located at the second U-shaped segment (102). The control box (12) is provided on the outer side of the second U-shaped segment (102). The acquisition module is located inside the control box (12).

4. A footrest for an ankle joint trainer according to claim 2, characterized in that, There are two first resistive thin-film pressure sensors (5), and the two first resistive thin-film pressure sensors (5) are located on both sides of the side plate (1) near the first U-shaped segment (101).

5. A footrest for an ankle joint trainer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The number of the second resistive thin-film pressure sensor (6) is two. A second resistive thin-film pressure sensor (6) is set laterally at the opening position of the first U-shaped segment (101) according to the horizontal position of the transverse arch of the human foot. A second resistive thin-film pressure sensor (6) is horizontally positioned near the apex of the second U-shaped segment (102) according to the position of the heel of the human foot.

6. A footrest for an ankle joint trainer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller (8) includes a microcontroller, the acquisition circuit (9) includes multiple operational amplifier units, the input terminals of the multiple operational amplifier units are connected to the output terminals of the first resistive thin-film pressure sensor (5) and the second resistive thin-film pressure sensor (6), the output terminals of the operational amplifier units are connected to the ADC port of the microcontroller, and the communication interface (10) includes an IIC interface, which is connected to the microcontroller for communication.

Images