Exoskeleton support system for lower extremity muscle weakness

By designing an exoskeleton support system with adjustable height and support force, the problem of existing devices being unable to adjust the support force is solved, improving the safety and efficiency of rehabilitation training, reducing dependence on rehabilitation therapists, and making it suitable for rehabilitation training and daily life assistance for people with lower limb muscle weakness.

CN224484452UActive Publication Date: 2026-07-14YOUJIANG MEDICAL UNIV FOR NATIONALITIES
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202423268148.1
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-12-30
Publication Date
2026-07-14
Estimated Expiration
2034-12-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing lower limb rehabilitation training robot support devices cannot adjust the support force according to the needs of different rehabilitation stages, which makes patients prone to falling in the early stages of rehabilitation and too dependent on rehabilitation therapists, resulting in a waste of human resources and time.

Method used

An exoskeleton support system was designed, including an adjustable-height frame, a support mechanism, and straps. The height of the slider is adjusted by a motor, and the telescopic rod between the support column and the movable column provides flexible support. The straps are fixed with Velcro, and the support strength and safety can be adjusted according to the patient's rehabilitation progress.

Benefits of technology

It enables patients to adjust the support strength according to their needs, reducing the risk of falls, reducing reliance on rehabilitation therapists, saving labor costs, improving the efficiency of rehabilitation resource utilization, and supporting patients in assistive activities in their daily lives.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses an exoskeleton support system for lower limb muscle asthenic, aims at solving the problem that the existing support device cannot adjust support force according to the rehabilitation stage demand. The system comprises a square frame, a moving mechanism, a vertical connecting plate, a sliding slot, a sliding block, a motor, a mounting plate and a support mechanism. The support mechanism is composed of a support column and a moving column, is provided with a telescopic rod and a tension spring, and can adjust the support degree. The binding belt and the adjusting belt can be adjusted individually according to the patient condition. The system reduces the dependence on the physiotherapist, improves the rehabilitation resource efficiency, is suitable for rehabilitation training and daily life assistance, has simple structure, low cost and economy.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical rehabilitation equipment technology, and in particular to an exoskeleton support system for people with lower limb muscle weakness. Background Technology

[0002] In clinical rehabilitation, during the early and acute phases of rehabilitation for stroke, cerebral palsy, and other conditions, it is often necessary to awaken and reshape the disrupted and disordered nervous system caused by brain tissue damage through joint movement. Joint movement can also improve muscle strength, prevent muscle atrophy, and reduce pressure sores and other complications. Currently, in clinical rehabilitation departments, therapists often manually assist patients with rehabilitation exercises. Because patients are in the flaccid paralysis phase and cannot provide their own motor power, the entire effort must be borne by the therapists, resulting in a significant waste of human and time resources. Furthermore, the limited daily rehabilitation capacity of each therapist cannot meet the rapidly increasing demand from patients with brain injuries and orthopedic injuries.

[0003] Lower limb rehabilitation training robots have emerged in response to the growing demand. However, existing lower limb rehabilitation training robots all work by inducing walking movements in the patient's lower limbs for rehabilitation training. These robots are mostly fixed to the sides or partially wrapped around the lower limbs with straps, providing limited support for the patient. Throughout the rehabilitation process, especially in the early stages when the patient lacks the strength to support themselves, they are prone to tilting forward or backward due to a shift in their center of gravity, requiring the assistance of a support device to stand. However, existing support devices primarily serve as handrails, requiring the patient to use their upper limbs to support their lower limbs, which places a significant strain on the patient's physical strength. Utility Model Content

[0004] The present invention aims to provide an exoskeleton support system for people with lower limb muscle weakness, in order to solve the problem that existing support devices cannot adjust the support force according to the needs of different rehabilitation stages.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: an exoskeleton support system for individuals with lower limb muscle weakness, comprising a U-shaped frame, a moving mechanism at the bottom of the frame, a pair of vertical connecting plates fixedly connected inside the frame, each pair of connecting plates having a sliding groove at its front end, a slider slidably connected to the sliding groove, a motor connected to the pair of sliders via a screw, a mounting plate fixedly connected to the front end of the pair of sliders, and support mechanisms symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of the front end of the mounting plate, each support mechanism comprising a support column and a moving column, a handrail fixedly connected to the top front end of the support column, a pair of telescopic rods between the support column and the moving column, several tension springs fixedly connected to the bottom end of the support column, hooks fixedly connected to the free ends of the tension springs, several hanging rings cooperating with the hooks fixedly connected to the top end of the moving column, an adjusting belt fixedly connected to the bottom end of the moving column, and a binding strap fixedly connected to the free end of the adjusting belt.

[0006] Preferably, the two ends of the strap are fixedly connected with Velcro.

[0007] Preferably, a protective pad is fixedly connected to the top of the support column.

[0008] Preferably, the moving mechanism includes a set of wheel brackets, the set of wheel brackets is fixedly connected to the frame, and the bottom of the set of wheel brackets is provided with omnidirectional wheels.

[0009] The principle and beneficial effects of this technical solution:

[0010] The exoskeleton support system can adjust the height of the support mechanism according to patients of different heights. The height of the slider is adjusted by a motor, so that the device can adapt to the body shape and rehabilitation needs of different users.

[0011] The support mechanism includes support columns and movable columns, connected by a telescopic rod, allowing the support system to flexibly adjust the support strength according to the patient's rehabilitation progress. The external support force can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the number of tension springs; as the patient's condition improves, the external support can be gradually reduced, increasing the patient's ability to exercise independently. Simultaneously, the support force provided by the tension springs prevents the patient from collapsing and falling, ensuring their safety during rehabilitation training.

[0012] The adjustable straps and bandages can be customized to the patient's specific needs for optimal support. The bandages are secured with Velcro at both ends for easy and quick donning, doffing, and adjustment of the tightness.

[0013] This system reduces reliance on rehabilitation therapists, saves labor costs, and improves the efficiency of rehabilitation resource utilization. At the same time, the device has a simple structure, no material requirements, and low manufacturing cost, making it economical. It is not only suitable for rehabilitation training, but also supports patients to use it in their daily lives to help those with lower limb muscle weakness to perform daily activities better. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an exoskeleton support system for individuals with lower limb muscle weakness, provided as an embodiment of this utility model;

[0015] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of an exoskeleton support system for people with lower limb muscle weakness, provided as an embodiment of this utility model;

[0016] In the diagram: 1. Frame; 2. Wheel bracket; 3. Universal wheel set; 4. Connecting plate; 5. Slide groove; 6. Mounting plate; 7. Support mechanism; 8. Support column; 9. Moving column; 10. Handrail; 11. Telescopic rod; 12. Tension spring; 13. Hook; 14. Hanging ring; 15. Adjusting belt; 16. Strap; 17. Protective pad. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments:

[0018] like Figure 1-2 The exoskeleton support system shown includes a U-shaped frame 1. A moving mechanism is provided at the bottom of the frame 1. The moving mechanism includes a set of wheel brackets 2, which are fixedly connected to the frame 1. A set of universal wheels 3 is provided at the bottom of the set of wheel brackets 2 to achieve smooth movement of the system.

[0019] A pair of vertical connecting plates 4 are fixedly connected inside the frame 1. Each pair of connecting plates 4 has a sliding groove 5 at its front end. A slider is slidably connected to the sliding groove 5. A pair of sliders are connected to a motor through a screw. The height of the slider can be adjusted by the motor. The driving function of the motor allows the slider to move up and down along the screw, thereby adjusting the height of the support mechanism 7 to meet the needs of patients of different heights.

[0020] A pair of sliders are fixedly connected to a mounting plate 6 at their front ends. Support mechanisms 7 are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of the front end of the mounting plate 6. Each support mechanism 7 includes a support column 8 and a movable column 9. A handrail 10 is connected to the top of each support column 8 for the patient to grip. Additionally, to improve comfort during use, a protective pad 17 is specially added to the top of each support column 8. This design ensures stability and comfort for the patient during use.

[0021] A pair of telescopic rods 11 are installed between the support column 8 and the movable column 9. Several tension springs 12 are fixedly connected to the bottom of the support column 8, and hooks 13 are fixedly connected to the free ends of the tension springs 12. Several hanging rings 14 that cooperate with the hooks 13 are fixedly connected to the top of the movable column 9. An adjusting strap 15 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the movable column 9, and a binding strap 16 is fixedly connected to the free end of the adjusting strap 15. Velcro fasteners are fixed to both ends of the binding strap 16 for quick and easy fixation to the patient's thigh. When the adjusting strap 15 is taut, the binding strap 16 can securely fit the patient's leg. As the patient moves, the elasticity of the tension springs 12 provides necessary support. The number of tension springs 12 can be adjusted according to the patient's rehabilitation progress to gradually reduce external support and promote independent exercise. Furthermore, this design effectively prevents patients from falling due to insufficient strength, ensuring safety during use.

[0022] The specific implementation process is as follows:

[0023] After putting on the lower limb rehabilitation training robot, the patient can stand in the center of the device with the assistance of medical staff or by holding onto the support column 8. The patient needs to adjust the support mechanism 7 to a suitable height according to their comfort level and ensure that the straps 16 are secured to the groin. Next, adjust the adjustment straps 15 to a taut state to ensure stability. Depending on the stage of rehabilitation, the patient can increase or decrease the number of connected tension springs 12 to adjust the support strength. Once ready, the patient starts the rehabilitation training robot and uses the handrails 10 to push the device, coordinating with rehabilitation exercises. This process aims to provide personalized rehabilitation support while ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the training.

[0024] The above descriptions are merely embodiments of this utility model. Commonly known technical solutions or characteristics are not described in detail here. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the technical solution of this utility model, and these should also be considered within the scope of protection of this utility model. These modifications will not affect the effectiveness of the implementation of this utility model or the practicality of the patent. The scope of protection claimed in this application shall be determined by the content of its claims, and the specific embodiments described in the specification can be used to interpret the content of the claims.

Claims

1. An exoskeleton support system for individuals with lower limb muscle weakness, characterized in that: The system includes a U-shaped frame (1), with a moving mechanism at the bottom of the frame (1). A pair of vertical connecting plates (4) are fixedly connected inside the frame (1). Each pair of connecting plates (4) has a sliding groove (5) at its front end. A slider is slidably connected to the sliding groove (5). A motor is connected to the pair of sliders via a screw. A mounting plate (6) is fixedly connected to the front end of the pair of sliders. Supporting mechanisms (7) are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of the front end of the mounting plate (6). Each supporting mechanism (7) includes a supporting column (8) and a moving column (9). A handrail (10) is fixedly connected to the front end of the top of the supporting column (8). A pair of... The telescopic rod (11) has several tension springs (12) fixedly connected to the bottom end of the support column (8), and hooks (13) fixedly connected to the free ends of the tension springs (12). Several hanging rings (14) that cooperate with the hooks (13) are fixedly connected to the top end of the movable column (9). An adjustment belt (15) is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the movable column (9), and a strap (16) is fixedly connected to the free end of the adjustment belt (15). Velcro is fixedly connected to both ends of the strap (16) for quick fixation to the patient's thigh. When the adjustment belt (15) is tightened, the strap (16) can fit securely against the patient's leg, and the elasticity of the tension springs (12) provides necessary support for the patient.

2. The exoskeleton support system for individuals with lower limb muscle weakness according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the support column (8) is fixedly connected to a protective pad (17).

3. The exoskeleton support system for individuals with lower limb muscle weakness according to claim 1, characterized in that: The moving mechanism includes a set of wheel brackets (2), which are fixedly connected to the frame (1), and a set of universal wheels (3) is provided at the bottom of the set of wheel brackets (2).