A knee pad with heating function

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of kneecap with heating function, including kneecap inner layer, intermediate heating layer and kneecap outer layer, intermediate heating layer includes phase change material layer and electric heating sheet, electric heating sheet is sewn with the inner surface of kneecap inner layer, the upper surface of electric heating sheet is equipped with interlayer, phase change material layer is placed in interlayer;Kneecap inner layer and kneecap outer layer are attached by magic tape, kneecap inner layer is skin-friendly antibacterial material, and kneecap outer layer is waterproof and breathable material.The kneecap is also provided with overheating protection device, and the temperature sensor of the overheating protection device is arranged between the electric heating sheet and the kneecap inner layer, and the controller is electrically connected with the electric heating sheet through the relay, and the temperature sensor is electrically connected with the controller.The technical scheme realizes the accurate control of the temperature of the kneecap, effectively prevents the low-temperature scald;Multi-layer structure design improves the comfort and breathability of the kneecap, improves the wearing experience of user;Through ergonomic design, the kneecap is more fitted to knee joint, and the thermotherapy effect is enhanced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of textile and clothing technology, and in particular to a knee brace with a heating function. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional electric heating knee braces suffer from problems such as low temperature control accuracy and high thermal inertia, which can easily lead to low-temperature burns. At the same time, existing knee brace products are mostly focused on single functions of heat application or mechanical support, lacking intelligent and temperature control design, making it difficult to meet the needs of the elderly for safe, comfortable and effective heat therapy. The difficulties of existing technologies are: (1) Temperature control: Traditional knee braces are difficult to achieve accurate temperature control, and the temperature is prone to being too high or too low. (2) Safety: Long-term use of traditional electric heating knee braces can easily lead to low-temperature burns, especially for the elderly whose skin temperature perception ability is reduced, and the risk is higher. (3) Comfort: Existing knee braces are insufficient in terms of breathability, fit and material comfort, which affects the user experience.

[0003] The application of electric heating technology in knee braces mainly relies on flexible heating pads, but these pose a risk of localized overheating and fail to meet the safety and precise temperature control needs of the elderly. Domestic research focuses on flexible materials such as graphene and carbon fiber, achieving power densities up to 0.1 W / cm², but these materials have low levels of intelligence and lack synergistic temperature control designs with phase change materials. Currently, most electric heating knee braces on the market rely on passive temperature control elements (such as fuses) for protection, resulting in insufficient response speed and safety, and failing to effectively prevent low-temperature burns.

[0004] Phase change materials (PCMs) are materials capable of phase change at specific temperatures, offering advantages in thermal management. PCMs in knee braces primarily utilize their latent heat properties, meaning they maintain a relatively constant temperature when absorbing or releasing heat. Research on PCMs began earlier abroad, mainly focusing on energy storage and thermal management. In recent years, China has made significant progress in the research and development of organic PCMs (such as paraffin-based composites), but it remains in the exploratory stage and has not yet been widely applied in the field of therapeutic knee braces.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need to provide a knee brace with heating function to achieve dynamic temperature control, effectively prevent low-temperature burns, and provide a safe and effective solution for relieving knee pain in the elderly. Utility Model Content

[0006] In view of this, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a knee brace with heating function, which realizes precise temperature control technology, combines electric heating element for rapid heating and phase change material for stable heat storage, and the overheat protection device can prevent the risk of low-temperature burns during wearing.

[0007] To solve the above technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A knee brace with heating function includes an inner layer, a middle heating layer, and an outer layer. The middle heating layer includes a phase change material layer and an electric heating element. The electric heating element is sewn to the inner surface of the inner layer. A sandwich layer is provided on the upper surface of the electric heating element, within which the phase change material layer is placed. The inner and outer layers are attached with Velcro. The inner layer is made of a skin-friendly and antibacterial material, while the outer layer is made of a waterproof and breathable material. This multi-layered structure, with each layer using different functional materials, achieves waterproof, breathable, heat-insulating, and skin-friendly effects, thereby comprehensively improving wearing comfort and ease of daily cleaning and use. It provides a more convenient and effective functional knee brace for relieving knee pain in the elderly.

[0008] This knee brace utilizes a combination of phase change material and flexible electric heating element, resulting in rapid heating and stable temperature control within the ideal range of 35℃ to 40℃, significantly reducing the risk of low-temperature burns. The inner and outer layers of the knee brace are attached with Velcro for easy cleaning.

[0009] Preferably, the inner and outer layers of the knee brace correspond in shape. Both the inner and outer layers include two outwardly extending joints on each side. The two joints on one side of the outer layer are provided with outer hook-and-loop fasteners, and the two joints on the other side of the inner layer are provided with inner hook-and-loop fasteners corresponding to the outer fasteners. In terms of structure, the inner and outer layers are designed using three-dimensional cutting, improving upon existing knee braces that rely on the fabric's inherent properties to conform to the body's curves. By incorporating darts, the design achieves a better fit to the body's curves, essentially conforming to the knee area during dynamic movements.

[0010] The curved upper edges of the inner and outer layers of the knee brace ensure a snug fit when the knee is bent, preventing it from lifting. The curvature at the joints on both sides of the knee brace prevents stuffiness and discomfort caused by fabric buildup in the popliteal fossa. The asymmetry of the knee brace, used for the side design of the Velcro, improves comfort and prevents the Velcro's stiffness from affecting knee movement. As a one-piece design, the knee brace simply wraps around the leg; the outer Velcro layer is attached to the corresponding inner Velcro layer. The tightness can be adjusted during wear.

[0011] Preferably, the electric heating element is a flexible heating element, which is a carbon fiber heating element or a thin film heating element.

[0012] Preferably, the phase change material layer is a paraffin-based or fatty acid-based phase change material.

[0013] Preferably, the knee brace also includes an overheat protection device, which comprises a temperature sensor, a relay, and a controller. The temperature sensor is positioned between the electric heating element and the inner layer of the knee brace. The controller is electrically connected to the electric heating element via the relay, and the temperature sensor is electrically connected to the controller. The temperature sensor, as a key temperature-measuring component, primarily monitors the temperature of the electric heating element in real time. The relay controls the switching on and off of the power supply to the electric heating element. The controller, by writing and uploading program code, can read the data from the temperature sensor and control the operating state of the electric heating element according to preset temperature logic.

[0014] Preferably, the controller is equipped with a display screen. The display screen shows the temperature of the electric heating element monitored by the temperature sensor.

[0015] Preferably, a power plug is connected to the relay.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This utility model provides a knee brace with a heating function. By adopting the above technical solutions, it achieves precise temperature control of the knee brace and effectively prevents low-temperature burns. The multi-layer structure design improves the comfort and breathability of the knee brace, enhancing the user's wearing experience. Through ergonomic design, the knee brace fits the knee joint better, enhancing the heat therapy effect.

[0017] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of this utility model. In order to better understand the technical means of this utility model and to implement it according to the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, technical features and advantages of this utility model easier to understand, one or more preferred embodiments are listed below and described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0018] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings are not to be limited by scale.

[0019] Figure 1 This diagram shows the overall structure of a knee brace with heating function according to the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This diagram shows the outer layer structure of a knee brace with heating function according to the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This diagram shows the inner layer structure of a knee brace with heating function according to the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4This diagram illustrates the overheat protection program logic of a knee brace with heating function according to the present invention.

[0023] Explanation of key figure labels: 1-Inner layer of knee brace, 2-Outer layer of knee brace, 3-Phase change material layer, 4-Electric heating element, 5-Temperature sensor, 6-Inner layer Velcro, 7-Outer layer Velcro, 8-Relay, 9-Controller, 10-Display screen, 11-Power connector. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the scope of protection of this utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments.

[0025] Unless otherwise expressly stated, throughout the specification and claims, the term "comprising" or its variations such as "including" or "comprising" shall be understood to include the stated elements or components without excluding other elements or other components.

[0026] In this document, for ease of description, spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “down,” “above,” “above,” “up,” etc., are used to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of an object in use or operation, in addition to those depicted in the figures. For example, if an object in the figure is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” another element or feature would be oriented “above” that element or feature. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both the downward and upward orientations. An object may also have other orientations (rotated 90 degrees or other orientations), and the spatial relative terms used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0027] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, a knee brace with heating function includes an inner layer 1, a middle heating layer, and an outer layer 2. The middle heating layer includes a phase change material layer 3 and an electric heating element 4. The electric heating element 4 is sewn to the inner surface of the inner layer 1. A sandwich layer is provided on the upper surface of the electric heating element 4, and the phase change material layer 3 is placed within the sandwich layer. The electric heating element 4 is a flexible heating element, which can be a carbon fiber heating element or a thin film heating element. The phase change material layer 3 is a paraffin-based or fatty acid-based phase change material.

[0028] The inner layer 1 and outer layer 2 of the knee brace are attached together with Velcro. The inner layer 1 is made of skin-friendly and antibacterial material, while the outer layer 2 is made of waterproof and breathable material. The multi-layered structure, with each layer using materials with different functions, collectively achieves waterproof, breathable, heat-insulating, and skin-friendly effects, thereby comprehensively improving wearing comfort and ease of daily cleaning. This results in a more convenient and effective functional knee brace for relieving knee pain in the elderly.

[0029] This knee brace utilizes a combination of phase change material and flexible electric heating element, which not only heats up rapidly but also maintains a stable temperature within the ideal range of 35℃ to 40℃, greatly reducing the risk of low-temperature burns. The inner layer 1 and outer layer 2 of the knee brace are attached together with Velcro for easy cleaning.

[0030] The inner knee brace 1 and the outer knee brace 2 have corresponding shapes. Both sides of the inner knee brace 1 and the outer knee brace 2 include two outwardly extending joints. The two joints on one side of the outer knee brace 2 are provided with outer hook and loop fasteners 7, and the two joints on the other side of the inner knee brace 1 are provided with inner hook and loop fasteners 6 corresponding to the outer hook and loop fasteners 7. In terms of knee brace structure, the inner knee brace 1 and the outer knee brace 2 are designed by three-dimensional cutting, which improves the current situation where knee braces rely on the properties of the fabric itself to conform to the body curve. By adding darts, the knee brace can better conform to the body curve and basically fit the knee area during dynamic movements.

[0031] The curved upper edges of the inner layer 1 and outer layer 2 of the knee brace ensure a snug fit when the knee is bent, preventing lifting. The curvature of the joints on both sides of the knee brace avoids stuffiness and discomfort caused by fabric buildup in the popliteal fossa. The asymmetry of the knee brace, used for the side design of the Velcro, improves comfort and prevents the stiffness of the Velcro from affecting knee movement. The knee brace is a one-piece design that wraps directly around the leg; simply attach the outer Velcro 7 to the corresponding inner Velcro 6. The tightness can be adjusted during wear.

[0032] The knee brace also features an overheat protection device, which includes a temperature sensor 5, a relay 8, and a controller 9. The temperature sensor 5 is positioned between the electric heating element 4 and the inner layer 1 of the knee brace. The controller 9 is electrically connected to the electric heating element 4 via the relay 8, and the temperature sensor 5 is also electrically connected to the controller 9. The temperature sensor 5, as a key temperature measurement component, primarily monitors the temperature of the electric heating element 4 in real time. The relay 8 controls the switching on and off of the power supply to the electric heating element 4. The controller 9, through programmed and uploaded code, can read the data from the temperature sensor 5 and control the operating state of the electric heating element 4 according to preset temperature logic.

[0033] The controller 9 is equipped with a display screen 10. The display screen 10 shows the temperature of the electric heating element 4 monitored by the temperature sensor 5. A power plug 11 is connected to the relay 8.

[0034] The working principle of the overheat protection device is as follows: During program initialization, the pins of temperature sensor 5 and electric heating element 4 are defined, and serial communication is set up for outputting temperature data during debugging. In the main program loop, the electric heating element 4 is first started to heat up, and the temperature monitoring function is enabled. Temperature sensor 5 collects temperature data in real time and sends it to controller 9 for processing. During the temperature monitoring phase, if the temperature reaches or exceeds 45℃, controller 9 outputs a signal to control relay 8 to disconnect the power supply to electric heating element 4, achieving automatic power-off and preventing low-temperature burns.

[0035] In terms of hardware connection, temperature sensor 5 is placed at the hottest point of electric heating element 4 to simulate the position of electric heating element 4 in the knee brace. The data pin of temperature sensor 5 is connected to the analog input pin of controller 9 for monitoring the temperature of electric heating element 4. To achieve automatic power-off function, the control pin of relay 8 is connected to the digital pin of controller 9. When the temperature of electric heating element 4 reaches a certain threshold, controller 9 outputs a signal to control relay 8 to disconnect the power supply to electric heating element 4. By connecting electric heating element 4 to relay 8 and adjusting the input pin signal of temperature sensor 5, the on / off state of electric heating element 4 is controlled. At this time, display screen 10 displays the temperature of electric heating element 4 for user reference.

[0036] The foregoing description of specific exemplary embodiments of the present invention is for illustrative and explanatory purposes. These descriptions are not intended to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and it will be apparent that many changes and variations can be made in accordance with the foregoing teachings. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the specific principles of the present invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to implement and utilize various different exemplary embodiments of the present invention, as well as various different choices and variations. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the foregoing exemplary embodiments should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A knee brace with a heating function, characterized in that, It includes an inner knee brace (1), an intermediate heating layer and an outer knee brace (2). The intermediate heating layer includes a phase change material layer (3) and an electric heating element (4). The electric heating element (4) is sewn to the inner surface of the inner knee brace (1). The upper surface of the electric heating element (4) is provided with a sandwich layer, and the phase change material layer (3) is placed in the sandwich layer. The inner layer (1) and outer layer (2) of the knee brace are attached together by Velcro. The inner layer (1) of the knee brace is made of skin-friendly antibacterial material, and the outer layer (2) of the knee brace is made of waterproof and breathable material. The knee brace is also equipped with an overheat protection device, which includes a temperature sensor (5), a relay (8) and a controller (9). The temperature sensor (5) is located between the electric heating element (4) and the inner layer (1) of the knee brace. The controller (9) is electrically connected to the electric heating element (4) through the relay (8). The temperature sensor (5) is electrically connected to the controller (9).

2. A knee brace with heating function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner layer (1) of the knee brace corresponds to the shape of the outer layer (2) of the knee brace. Both sides of the inner layer (1) and the outer layer (2) of the knee brace include two outwardly extending joints. The two joints on one side of the outer layer (2) of the knee brace are provided with outer hook and loop fasteners (7), and the two joints on the other side of the inner layer (1) of the knee brace are provided with inner hook and loop fasteners (6) corresponding to the outer hook and loop fasteners (7).

3. A knee brace with heating function according to claim 2, characterized in that, The electric heating element (4) is a flexible heating element, which is a carbon fiber heating element or a thin film heating element.

4. A knee brace with heating function according to claim 3, characterized in that, The phase change material layer (3) is a paraffin-based or fatty acid-based phase change material.

5. A knee brace with heating function according to claim 4, characterized in that, The controller (9) is equipped with a display screen (10).

6. A knee brace with heating function according to claim 5, characterized in that, A power plug (11) is connected to the relay (8).

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