A wearable device for cold legs
By designing wearable devices that include massage components and vibration heating components, the problem of existing devices being unable to provide comprehensive care around the knee has been solved, enabling multi-point care of the knee area and improving the care effect and ease of operation.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SUZHOU UNIV
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-19
AI Technical Summary
Existing wearable devices for treating chronic leg pain mainly focus on heating the knee area, failing to effectively care for the surrounding areas and resulting in insufficient care.
A device comprising first and second wearable components is designed. The first wearable component covers area A and contains a massage component, while the second wearable component covers area B and contains a vibration heating component. Combined with a microprocessor, a temperature sensor, and an interactive/communication device, it enables multifunctional care for the knee and surrounding area.
It enables multi-point care of the knee area, including massage and heating, which enhances the care effect. It is easy to operate, adapts to different temperature environments, and improves the comprehensiveness and comfort of care.
Smart Images

Figure CN224369131U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to a wearable device for treating chronic leg pain, and belongs to the field of wearable devices. Background Technology
[0002] In modern society, the number of people suffering from "old cold legs" is on the rise due to lifestyle habits, aging, and long-term strain. "Old cold legs" often manifests as pain, numbness, soreness, and difficulty in bending and straightening the knee joints and other leg joints in cold environments or when the weather changes, severely impacting patients' daily activities and quality of life. Currently, wearable devices for "old cold legs" mainly include heated pants, leg warmers, braces, and knee pads. These devices only provide heating to the knee area (including the knee and surrounding areas), offering insufficient knee care for patients with "old cold legs." Utility Model Content
[0003] This invention provides a wearable device for treating chronic leg pain, solving the problems disclosed in the background art.
[0004] According to one aspect of this application, a wearable device for treating chronic leg pain is provided, comprising a first wearable component and a second wearable component;
[0005] The first wearable component can cover at least area A after being worn, and a massage component is provided in area B1 of the first wearable component; wherein, area A includes the knee and area A1 within a preset range around the knee, and area B1 is the area that covers area A1 after the first wearable component is worn.
[0006] The second wearable piece, when worn, can at least cover area B, and a vibration heating element is provided in area C1 of the second wearable piece; wherein, area B is the area covered by area A after the first wearable piece is worn, and area C1 is the area directly opposite the knee after the second wearable piece is worn.
[0007] Furthermore, the second wearable device is equipped with a microprocessor, an ambient temperature sensor, and an internal temperature sensor. The vibration heating element, the ambient temperature sensor, and the internal temperature sensor are all connected to the microprocessor. The ambient temperature sensor and the internal temperature sensor are located near the first side and the second side of the second wearable device, respectively. The second side is the side of the second wearable device that is close to the first wearable device after it is worn, and the first side is the side of the second wearable device that is far away from the first wearable device after it is worn.
[0008] Furthermore, there are multiple vibration heating elements, which are evenly distributed on the same circle, and the center of the circle is aligned with the center of the knee after the second wearable device is worn.
[0009] Furthermore, the vibration heating element includes a vibrating plate connected to the microprocessor and a heating film connected to the microprocessor and covering the vibrating plate.
[0010] Furthermore, the vibrating pad has a circular structure, with a magnetic therapy stone installed in the central hole of the vibrating pad, and a protruding vibrator installed on the outer circumferential surface of the vibrating pad, the central axis of the protruding vibrator being parallel to the central axis of the vibrating pad.
[0011] Furthermore, the second wearable device is equipped with an interactive device and / or a communication device, which is connected to a microprocessor. The interactive surface of the interactive device is exposed from the first side of the second wearable device, and the communication device is connected to an external smart device.
[0012] Furthermore, a carrier adapted to the knee is provided in area C1 of the second wearable component, and the remaining components in the second wearable component are all provided on the carrier. A positioning structure is provided between the carrier and area B2 of the first wearable component; wherein, area B2 is the area that covers the knee after the first wearable component is worn.
[0013] Furthermore, the massage element is an airbag, which is connected to an inflation / deflation device controlled by a microprocessor.
[0014] Furthermore, the second wearable component is a protective wing in area B, with one side of the protective wing woven and connected to the first wearable component, and the other side of the protective wing detachably connected to the first wearable component.
[0015] The beneficial effects achieved by this utility model are as follows: 1. This utility model has a massage component on the first wearable part and a vibration heating component on the second wearable part. The massage component is used to massage the area around the knee, and the vibration heating component heats and massages the knee, which can realize individual and simultaneous care of different parts of the knee area, thus enhancing the care effect; 2. The second wearable part of this utility model is equipped with a microprocessor, an ambient temperature sensor, and an internal temperature sensor. The microprocessor can adjust the care heat according to the ambient temperature and the internal temperature; 3. The second wearable part of this utility model is woven and connected to the first wearable part in the form of wings, which makes the second wearable part easy to wear and convenient to operate. Attached Figure Description
[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a wearable device for treating rheumatism.
[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the vibration heating element;
[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the positions of various components within a flexible circuit board.
[0019] Figure 4 This is a front view of the carrier;
[0020] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the back of the carrier. Detailed Implementation
[0021] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit this application or its application or use. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0022] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this application.
[0023] At the same time, it should be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the accompanying drawings are not drawn according to actual scale.
[0024] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.
[0025] In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values.
[0026] It should be noted that similar symbols and letters in the following figures represent similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be discussed further in subsequent figures.
[0027] See Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a wearable device for treating chronic leg pain provided in an embodiment of this application. The wearable device may include at least a first wearable component 1 and a second wearable component 2. After being worn, the first wearable component 1 can cover at least area A. A massage component is installed in area B1 of the first wearable component 1. After being worn, the second wearable component 2 can cover at least area B. A vibration heating component 21 is installed in area C1 of the second wearable component 2. Area A includes the knee and an area A1 within a preset range around the knee. Area B1 is the area covered by the first wearable component 1 after being worn, and area C1 is the area directly opposite the knee after the second wearable component 2 is worn.
[0028] It should be noted that the first wearable component 1 can be any of the following: trousers, protective sleeves, belts, knee pads, etc. Figure 1 The example used is trousers.
[0029] by Figure 1 For example, the range of the knee is defined as a circular area with a radius of 3cm centered on the center of the knee, and area A1 is an annular area with a width of 5cm centered on the center of the knee. Of course, the above radius and width are just examples, and the specific values can be determined according to the actual situation.
[0030] The massage device in area B1 is mainly used to massage the area around the knee. The massage device can be an existing electric massage roller, etc. In some embodiments, the massage device is an airbag 3, which is connected to an inflation and deflation device, such as an air pump. This air pump can be an external device (not shown in the figure). The air pump is inflated and deflated by an independent air pump controller. However, for ease of operation, the air pump here is controlled by the subsequent microprocessor 16. By alternating and repeatedly inflating and deflating, it simulates human hand kneading, resulting in a better massage effect.
[0031] It should be noted that multiple airbags (airbag 3) need to be installed, such as... Figure 1 Three large air bladders are installed above and directly below the knee, each 15 cm long, 5 cm wide, and 1.5 cm thick when inflated, providing primary support and cushioning. A small air bladder can be installed on each side of the knee, each 5 cm long, 10 cm wide, and 1.5 cm thick when inflated. All air bladders are horizontally distributed and are multi-layered high-polymer fiber air bladders, conforming better to the human body and less prone to deformation. All air bladders can be interconnected and inflated and deflated using the same air pump, or different air pumps can be used. For example, large interconnected air bladders can be inflated and deflated using one air pump, while small interconnected air bladders can be inflated and deflated using another air pump, depending on the specific situation.
[0032] The airbag 3 can provide 3D three-dimensional full coverage of the area around the knee. The horizontally arranged airbag 3 applies pressure, making the massage more efficient and also has a certain warming effect to prevent heat loss from the area around the knee.
[0033] It should be noted that the second wearable component 2 can also be a sleeve, a strap, or a knee brace. However, for ease of wear and operation, in some embodiments, the second wearable component 2 is set as a wing in area B. One side of the wing is woven and connected to the first wearable component 1, specifically using a partial weaving method to form an arc that conforms to the human knee area. The other side of the wing is detachably connected to the first wearable component 1, such as by Velcro, and has warmth and impact resistance.
[0034] In some embodiments, a microprocessor 16, an ambient temperature sensor 13, and an internal temperature sensor 14 are also installed in the second wearable component 2. The vibration heating element 21, the ambient temperature sensor 13, and the internal temperature sensor 14 are all connected to the microprocessor 16. The ambient temperature sensor 13 and the internal temperature sensor 14 are respectively close to the first side and the second side of the second wearable component 2. The second side is the side of the second wearable component 2 that is close to the first wearable component 1 after it is worn, and the first side is the side of the second wearable component 2 that is far away from the first wearable component 1 after it is worn.
[0035] The ambient temperature sensor 13 and the internal temperature sensor 14 are used to collect the external temperature and the internal temperature (mainly the temperature near the knee), respectively. The controller receives these two temperatures and controls the heating power of the vibration heating element 21 according to the built-in program. This control program can be a simple lookup control, such as storing a control table in the controller. The control table stores the corresponding external temperature range, internal temperature range, and heating power of the vibration heating element 21. By looking up the table, the heating power of the vibration heating element 21 at different temperatures can be determined, thereby controlling the heat generated by the vibration heating element 21.
[0036] It should be noted that the ambient temperature sensor 13 and the internal temperature sensor 14 can use the MF52A-103F10K3950 negative temperature coefficient thermistor with a small black head. This thermistor is compact and lightweight, which will not add too much burden to the second wearable device 2, nor will it affect the user's wearing comfort. Its measurement range is -40℃ to 125℃, which can meet the temperature monitoring needs of the environment during daily wear. Whether in hot summer or cold winter, it can accurately measure the temperature around the knee. Moreover, this temperature sensor uses an epoxy resin head encapsulation, which has a fast response speed and can detect temperature changes in time, quickly feeding back the user's temperature information. This facilitates a rapid temperature response, has good stability, and is less affected by external environmental factors. It can maintain stable performance during wearing and washing, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of temperature measurement.
[0037] The microprocessor 16 can utilize the STM32F407ZGT6, which employs an ARM Cortex-M4 core with a clock speed of up to 168MHz, possessing powerful computing capabilities. It can quickly and accurately process data collected by the temperature sensor. The STM32F407ZGT6 features multiple low-power modes, including sleep, stop, and standby, effectively reducing energy consumption, extending device usage time, and improving ease of use and comfort. The STM32F407ZGT6 uses an LQFP144 package, which is small and lightweight, facilitating installation without adding excessive burden. This is beneficial for wearable device design, improving portability and practicality. It can operate stably within a temperature range of -40°C to 85°C, adapting to the complex usage environment around the knee and ensuring stable operation of the device over extended periods.
[0038] It should be noted that, in order to ensure the therapeutic effect, in some embodiments, multiple vibration heating elements 21 are configured, generally 20, and the multiple vibration heating elements 21 are evenly distributed on the same circle, with a spacing 1 between adjacent vibration heating elements 21 being centimeters. After the second wearable piece 2 is worn, the center of the circle is directly opposite the center of the knee, which can ensure uniform knee heating and balanced vibration massage.
[0039] The vibration heating element 21 mainly includes a vibrating pad 5 connected to the microprocessor 16, and a heating film connected to the microprocessor 16 and covering the vibrating pad 5. The vibrating pad 5 is used for vibration massage, and the heating film heats up after being energized to heat the knee.
[0040] To enhance the therapeutic effect, in some embodiments, a magnetic therapy stone and a protruding vibrator are added to the vibrating heating element 21. The vibrating plate 5 is set as a ring structure, a magnetic therapy stone is installed in the central hole of the vibrating plate 5, and a protruding vibrator is installed on the outer peripheral surface of the vibrating plate 5. The central axis of the protruding vibrator is parallel to the central axis of the vibrating plate 5.
[0041] The vibration heating element 21 can be encapsulated into a cylinder with a radius of 2 cm and a thickness of 0.5 cm. For details, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 2 The innermost layer is a magnetic therapy stone 6, which has a magnetic therapy effect on the knee. The magnetic therapy stone 6 is covered by a vibrating pad 5, which is covered with a heating film. The vibrating pad 5 is then wrapped with a wear-resistant layer 7, specifically made of polyurethane. This wear-resistant layer 7 reduces wear caused by vibration and enhances wear resistance. The wear-resistant layer 7 is then wrapped with a heat-insulating layer 8, made of one of the following materials: polyethylene, nylon, polyester, urethane, or polytetrafluoroethylene, to prevent heat loss. Multiple mounting sleeves 9 are evenly installed on the outer circumference of the heat-insulating layer 8. Protruding vibrators 10 are installed inside the mounting sleeves 9. The protruding vibrators 10 also provide a vibration massage, but in a different position than the vibrating pad 5, and their vibration frequencies can be set according to actual needs. A polyimide coating 11 is wrapped around the outside of the mounting sleeve 9. The polyimide coating 11 is a high-performance coating material made of organic polymer compounds. It has excellent heat resistance, with a maximum operating temperature of over 300°C. It also has good wear resistance, chemical resistance, high hardness, and mechanical properties. It can form a strong protective film on the surface of the heat-generating vibration point, effectively insulating heat and preventing corrosion from the external environment. An epoxy adhesive layer 12 is wrapped around the polyimide coating 11 to fix the entire vibration heating element 21. The epoxy adhesive layer 12 has strong adhesion and can firmly connect various materials. After curing, it has excellent insulation properties and good thermal insulation properties, and has a low shrinkage rate, which can accurately position and fix micro-sized components.
[0042] It should be noted that, in order to facilitate the configuration of the vibration heating element 21, such as configuring the frequency of the vibration or adjusting the heating power of the vibration heating element 21, in some embodiments, an interactive device and / or a communication device are also installed in the second wearable device 2. The interactive device and / or the communication device are connected to the microprocessor 16, the interactive surface of the interactive device is exposed from the first side of the second wearable device 2, and the communication device is connected to an external smart device.
[0043] The device can be equipped with either an interactive device or a communication device, and only one of them needs to be installed. When only the interactive device is installed, the temperature can be viewed and the vibration heating element 21 can be set (i.e., the vibration frequency and heating power can be set) through the interactive device. The microprocessor 16 can control the air pump in a wired manner. When only the communication device is installed, the communication device is a wireless communication module. The temperature can be viewed and the vibration heating element 21 can be set (i.e., the vibration frequency and heating power can be set) through a smart device (such as a mobile phone) connected to the wireless communication module. The microprocessor 16 can also control the air pump through the wireless communication module.
[0044] It should be noted that a priority can be set, such as the set heating power being superior to the heating power obtained by looking up the table. That is, if the set heating power exists, the vibration heating element 21 is controlled according to the set power.
[0045] Of course, an interactive device and a communication device can also be equipped at the same time. In this case, the interactive device can be used to view the temperature and set the heating element, and the communication device can be a simple wireless transmitter 15. The temperature can be remotely viewed through a smart device (such as a mobile phone) connected to the wireless transmitter 15, and the microprocessor 16 can also control the air pump through the wireless transmitter 15.
[0046] It should be noted that the interactive device mainly includes buttons 20 and a display screen 19. The display screen 19 can display the temperature, the status of the air pump and the vibration heating element 21 (such as working status or stop status), and of course, the mode. Buttons 20 can adjust the vibration frequency and the heat generated by the vibration heating element 21.
[0047] When the communication device functions as a wireless communication module, an existing Bluetooth module can be used. When the communication device functions as a wireless transmitter 15, the nRF24L01 can be used. It has very low power consumption, consumes minimal current during operation, extending the device's lifespan. Furthermore, it offers a long transmission distance and high data transmission rate, meeting users' requirements for data transmission speed. It can quickly transmit information such as temperature to the receiving end. The nRF24L01 uses GFSK modulation, providing good anti-interference performance and effectively reducing the bit error rate during data transmission, ensuring accurate information transmission.
[0048] To facilitate the installation of interactive devices, communication devices, microprocessor 16, vibration heating element 21, ambient temperature sensor 13, and internal temperature sensor 14 in the second wearable device 2, in some embodiments, a carrier 4 adapted to the knee is installed in region C1 of the second wearable device 2, and the remaining components installed in the second wearable device 2 are all installed on the carrier 4. A positioning structure is provided between the carrier 4 and region B2 of the first wearable device 1; wherein, region B2 is the area that covers the knee after the first wearable device 1 is worn.
[0049] The structure of carrier 4 can be found in [reference]. Figures 3-5 The carrier 4 is slightly arc-shaped and its shape and size fit the shape of the knee. It is embedded in the second wearable part 2. For example, a through hole can be opened in the area C1 of the second wearable part 2, and the carrier 4 can be fixed in the through hole by glue or Velcro.
[0050] The carrier 4 has a flexible circuit board installed inside. Except for the interactive device and the vibration heating element 21, all other components can be integrated on the flexible circuit board. The flexible circuit board is made of flexible substrate, which can be bent and folded. It can fit the bending and movement of the knee well, adapt to various postures and movements, and will not be damaged by the movement of the knee. It is lightweight and will not put too much burden on the knee, improving the wearing comfort. It has good shock resistance and can effectively absorb the vibration and impact generated by the movement of the knee.
[0051] Taking a device equipped with both an interactive device and a communication device as an example, the ambient temperature sensor 13, the internal temperature sensor 14, the microprocessor 16, and the communication device (i.e., the wireless transmitter 15) are all integrated on a flexible circuit board, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 3 An ambient temperature sensor 13 is installed in the upper left corner of the flexible circuit board, specifically 15 centimeters above the knee. This position is both far from human body heat interference and can accurately sense changes in the external ambient temperature. An internal temperature sensor 14 is installed in the center of the flexible circuit board, corresponding to the center of the knee. It is a circular patch structure, small in size and has minimal impact on the overall appearance. The microprocessor 16 is located on the right end, specifically in the pant leg area above the knee, slightly inside, 6 centimeters from the center of the knee. This location is relatively open, facilitating wiring to connect other components and avoiding excessive compression due to knee bending. The wireless transmitter 15 is installed in the lower left corner of the flexible circuit board, where signal transmission is less affected by human body obstruction and interference, ensuring stable data transmission. To facilitate data storage, a memory 17 connected to the microprocessor 16 is integrated on the flexible circuit board. The memory 17 is installed below the microprocessor 16 to achieve the shortest data transmission path and reduce signal transmission delay.
[0052] See Figure 4The power supply for the flexible circuit board can be fixed on the carrier 4. For example, battery compartments 18 can be set at the two corners of the carrier 4, and the flexible circuit board can be powered by the batteries in the battery compartments 18. The interactive device and the vibration heating element 21 are respectively installed on the outer and inner sides of the carrier 4 by fasteners (screws, etc.). In order to protect the carrier 4 and its internal components, a lining fabric layer can be covered on the parts of the carrier 4 that do not need to be exposed. The lining fabric layer is a composite fabric consisting of a lining, a barrier layer and a fabric layer that is not easily wetted by water. The barrier layer is made of one of the following materials: polyethylene, nylon, polyester, urethane, or polytetrafluoroethylene, to prevent heat loss.
[0053] To facilitate positioning between the carrier 4 and region B2 of the first wearable component 1, specifically to facilitate alignment of the internal temperature sensor 14 with the knee, a positioning structure will be provided between the carrier 4 and region B2 of the first wearable component 1, such as... Figure 4 and 5 In the middle, a slot is opened on the side of the carrier 4, and the protrusion corresponding to the slot is fixed in area B2. The carrier 4 is positioned by the protrusion and the slot.
[0054] by Figure 1 Taking the structure of the device as an example, the usage process of wearable devices for treating rheumatism is explained as follows:
[0055] When using the device, put on the first wearable piece 1 (i.e., pants). If only the area around the knee needs massage, without wearing the wings, trigger the air pump at a certain frequency by pressing button 20 to inflate and deflate the air, simulating hand kneading to massage the area around the knee. If a full knee massage is needed, wear the wings and set the vibration frequency according to comfort by pressing button 20. The vibrating pad 5 and the protruding vibrator 10 will then massage the knee. If knee heating is needed, the microprocessor 16 can automatically obtain the heating power through the built-in program based on the real-time internal and external temperatures, and control the heating film to heat according to the heating power, or set the heating power by pressing button 20 and control the heating film to heat according to the set heating power. If both knee massage and heating are needed, the knee massage and heating process will be implemented simultaneously.
[0056] The aforementioned wearable device has a massage component installed on the first wearable component 1 and a vibration heating component 21 installed on the second wearable component 2. The massage component is used to massage the area around the knee, while the vibration heating component 21 heats and massages the knee. This allows for individual or simultaneous care of different parts of the knee area, enhancing the overall care effect. The wearable device not only massages the knee area but also heats and keeps it warm, thus promoting knee care and rehabilitation, demonstrating strong practicality.
[0057] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this application. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A wearable device for treating chronic leg pain, characterized in that, Includes a first wearable component and a second wearable component; The first wearable component can cover at least area A after being worn, and a massage component is provided in area B1 of the first wearable component; wherein, area A includes the knee and area A1 within a preset range around the knee, and area B1 is the area that covers area A1 after the first wearable component is worn. When the second wearable component is worn, it can cover at least area B. A vibration heating element is provided in area C1 of the second wearable component. Area B is the area covered by area A when the first wearable component is worn. Area C1 is the area directly opposite the knee when the second wearable component is worn. A carrier adapted to the knee is provided in area C1 of the second wearable component. All other components in the second wearable component are provided on the carrier. A positioning structure is provided between the carrier and area B2 of the first wearable component. Area B2 is the area covered by the knee when the first wearable component is worn.
2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second wearable device is equipped with a microprocessor, an ambient temperature sensor, and an internal temperature sensor. The vibration heating element, the ambient temperature sensor, and the internal temperature sensor are all connected to the microprocessor. The ambient temperature sensor and the internal temperature sensor are located near the first side and the second side of the second wearable device, respectively. The second side is the side of the second wearable device that is close to the first wearable device after it is worn, and the first side is the side of the second wearable device that is far away from the first wearable device after it is worn.
3. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that, There are multiple vibration heating elements, which are evenly distributed on the same circle. After the second wearable device is worn, the center of the circle is directly opposite the center of the knee.
4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The vibration heating element includes a vibrating plate connected to a microprocessor and a heating film connected to the microprocessor and covering the vibrating plate.
5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The vibrating pad has a circular structure. A magnetic therapy stone is installed in the central hole of the vibrating pad, and a protruding vibrator is installed on the outer circumference of the vibrating pad. The central axis of the protruding vibrator is parallel to the central axis of the vibrating pad.
6. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second wearable device is equipped with an interactive device and / or a communication device, which is connected to a microprocessor. The interactive surface of the interactive device is exposed from the first side of the second wearable device, and the communication device is connected to an external smart device.
7. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The massage element is an airbag, which is connected to an inflation / deflation device controlled by a microprocessor.
8. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second wearable component is a protective wing in area B. One side of the protective wing is woven and connected to the first wearable component, and the other side of the protective wing is detachably connected to the first wearable component.