A simulated hand device for psychological comfort

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of medical comfort technology, specifically disclosing a simulated hand device for psychological comfort, including a comfort component one and a comfort component two. The comfort component one and the comfort component two are respectively fitted onto the palm area and back surface of the patient's hand, forming a symmetrical wrapping structure. A temperature control mechanism is embedded in the internal space of the comfort component one and the comfort component two. Precise temperature control: Temperature is controllable through an electric heating wire or PTC heating element to meet the personalized temperature needs of different patients. Modular design: The outer contact layer and inner sealing layer are detachable, facilitating cleaning, disinfection, and component replacement, improving hygiene. Flexible adaptability: The Velcro connecting strap and pleated structure can adapt to different hand shapes, enhancing wearing comfort. Acupoint-assisted therapy: Marked points accurately locate the Shenmen and Neiguan acupoints, enhancing the therapeutic effect of psychological comfort. Material safety: Medical-grade silicone material is non-irritating, and the textured layer simulates the feel of skin, reducing the risk of allergies.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical comfort technology, specifically a simulated hand device for psychological comfort. Background Technology

[0002] The accelerating global aging process and the increasing burden of chronic diseases have led to a continuous expansion of the number of terminally ill patients and those without long-term caregivers. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), by 2030, the global population aged 60 and over will reach 1.4 billion, with approximately 30% of these individuals facing severe psychological distress at the end of their lives, including anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. These patients often face a dual predicament of "physiological and psychological" hardship due to uneven distribution of medical resources, a shortage of caregivers, and insufficient social support. Traditional methods of psychological support mainly rely on human companionship or simple physical tools (such as hot water bottles and plush toys), but their limitations are becoming increasingly apparent.

[0003] Studies have shown that while human companionship can provide immediate emotional support, it is difficult to achieve 24 / 7 coverage due to a shortage of caregivers and ethical pressures (such as patient privacy protection). Ordinary hot water bottles, due to their inefficient temperature control (fluctuation range ±8℃) and poor biocompatibility (PVC hardness >1GPa, surface roughness Ra >3μm), not only easily cause skin damage or low-temperature burns (incidence >15%), but also lead to low patient compliance (use time <2 hours / day) due to their rigid feel. Neuroscience further reveals that gentle, continuous tactile and warm stimulation can activate the emotional integration pathway in the somatosensory cortex (S1 area) and insula, promoting the secretion of serotonin and endorphins, thereby reducing cortisol levels (a reduction of up to 28%, p<0.01). However, the technical bottlenecks of existing devices in terms of biomimetic touch, dynamic adaptation, and cultural compatibility severely restrict the realization of this physiological-psychological synergistic effect. Therefore, we propose a simulated hand device for psychological comfort. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a simulated hand device for psychological comfort, in order to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] This application proposes an innovative hand-soothing device with "temperature-controlled wrapping" as its core function. Through the integration of biomimetic design and cultural elements, it enhances patient psychological compliance. The device uses medical-grade silicone (Young's modulus 0.5 MPa, close to the flexibility of human skin) and a closed-loop temperature control system (PID algorithm, accuracy ±0.3℃) to simulate the warmth and soft touch of a natural human hand grip. Its elastic pleated structure and adjustable strap design can accommodate hand sizes from children to adults (covering 5% to 95% of the population). Simultaneously, its modular hygiene solution (removable inner liner supporting 121℃ high-temperature sterilization) significantly reduces the risk of hospital-acquired infections (total bacterial count <50 CFU / cm³).2 While maintaining its core functions (constant temperature of 40±0.5℃ and flexible fit to hand size), the device incorporates traditional Chinese medicine cultural symbols in its design—marking the locations of the Shenmen and Neiguan acupoints (acupoints related to calming the mind and soothing the nerves in traditional Chinese medicine theory) on the wrist. This design aims to enhance the patient's psychological comfort through cultural identification, rather than directly stimulating acupoints. The acupoints are presented with slightly raised textures or light-colored markings, which neither interfere with the device's function nor obstruct the flow of qi and blood, but convey the humanistic concept of "harmonizing qi and blood" in traditional Chinese medicine, providing patients with dual visual and tactile comfort.

[0006] To address the aforementioned challenges, this application proposes an innovative solution integrating traditional Chinese medicine meridian theory with modern engineering technology. Through high-precision acupoint positioning, combined with the biomimetic tactile sensation and intelligent temperature control technology of medical-grade silicone, it aims to achieve multi-pathway intervention involving "temperature-touch-nerve reflex." This design not only fills the technological gap in precise and personalized intervention in existing devices but also provides a quantifiable and sustainable tool for humanistic care for terminally ill patients, offering a new engineering approach to alleviate pressure on medical resources and enhance the dignity of life in the final stages of life.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a simulated hand device for psychological comfort, comprising:

[0008] Comforting piece one and comforting piece two are respectively attached to the palm area and the back of the patient's hand to form a symmetrical wrapping structure;

[0009] The temperature control mechanism is embedded in the internal space of the first and second comfort components. It actively regulates the surface temperature of the first and second comfort components by transferring heat through the heat-conducting solution.

[0010] The structure of Comfort Item 1 and Comfort Item 2: Both are composed of two layers of composite materials. The outer layer is the outer contact layer, made of medical-grade silicone. Its surface is formed with a texture layer that simulates human skin through laser engraving, which enhances the affinity of the touch. The inner layer is the inner sealing layer, made of highly elastic sealing material (such as TPU film), which forms a sealed space to contain the heat-conducting solution and is fixedly connected to the outer contact layer by hot melt welding or ultrasonic welding.

[0011] The outer contact layer and the inner sealing layer can be quickly separated by a snap-on or magnetic detachable structure.

[0012] The inner sealing layer is filled with a thermally conductive solution (such as a mixture of water and glycerin or food-grade silicone-based thermally conductive oil), which has high heat capacity and good fluidity, and can uniformly transfer heat. A silicone plug is provided on the outer side of the outer contact layer. The silicone plug is integrally extended into the inner sealing layer through an injection molding process, and an O-ring is embedded in the contact surface between the plug and the inner sealing layer to form a double sealing structure.

[0013] The first and second comfort items are linked and fixed together by an elastic connecting strap. The connecting strap is made of silicone elastic band, with one end fixed to the wrist area of ​​the first comfort item and the other end fixed to the wrist area of ​​the second comfort item. The free end of the connecting strap has a hook and loop side.

[0014] The temperature control mechanism includes:

[0015] The thermostat is integrated into the outer surface of the outer contact layer of the comforting device and is equipped with a touch screen or physical buttons, allowing users to set the target temperature (such as 37℃~42℃).

[0016] The heating element is embedded in the bottom of the inner sealing layer and is in full contact with the heat-conducting solution, generating heat and transferring it to the entire surface of the device.

[0017] A temperature sensor is embedded in the inner wall of the inner sealing layer to monitor the temperature of the heat-conducting solution in real time and feed the data back to the temperature controller to form a closed-loop control.

[0018] The heating element uses a spiral heating wire, which is bonded to the inner wall of the inner sealing layer with conductive adhesive.

[0019] The heating element uses a PTC (positive temperature coefficient) heating element, whose resistance increases with increasing temperature, and the heating power automatically decreases, forming a self-limiting temperature characteristic.

[0020] The index and middle fingers of the first piece of comforting device have raised markings that precisely correspond to the Shenmen acupoint (located in the depression at the head of the palmar transverse crease on the little finger side) and the Neiguan acupoint (located on the palmar side of the forearm, 2 inches above the wrist crease).

[0021] The finger sections of both Soothing Piece 1 and Soothing Piece 2 feature a wave-shaped pleated structure. The pleats are formed by folding or grooves in the silicone material and can freely stretch and contract along the length of the finger.

[0022] Both the first and second comfort devices have a fixed cylinder inside. One end of the fixed cylinder extends into the interior of the first comfort device. A silicone membrane is connected inside the fixed cylinder. A pressure sensor is fixedly connected inside the silicone membrane. A piston plate is slidably connected inside the fixed cylinder. A drive component is connected to one side of the piston plate.

[0023] This utility model has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0024] Precise temperature control: Temperature is controllable through heating wires or PTC heating elements to meet the personalized temperature needs of different patients.

[0025] Modular design: The outer contact layer and inner sealing layer are detachable, which facilitates cleaning, disinfection and component replacement, and improves hygiene.

[0026] Flexible fit: The Velcro strap and pleated structure can adapt to different hand shapes, enhancing wearing comfort.

[0027] Acupoint-assisted therapy: Marking points to accurately locate Shenmen and Neiguan acupoints enhances the therapeutic effect of psychological comfort.

[0028] Material safety: The medical-grade silicone material is non-irritating, and the textured layer simulates the feel of skin, reducing the risk of allergies. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the palm position of the comforting component of this utility model;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the comforting component of this utility model;

[0032] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of region A in the middle;

[0033] Figure 5 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of region B in the middle;

[0034] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the back of the hand position of the comforting component of this utility model.

[0035] In the diagram: 1. Comforting component one; 2. Comforting component two; 3. Temperature control mechanism; 4. Outer contact layer; 5. Inner sealing layer; 6. Pleats; 7. Silicone plug; 8. Connecting strap; 9. Hook and loop fastener; 10. Hook and loop fastener; 11. Temperature controller; 12. Heating element; 13. Temperature sensor; 14. Marker point; 15. Fixing cylinder; 16. Pressure sensor; 17. Silicone membrane; 18. Piston plate; 19. Drive component. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0037] Example 1

[0038] Please see Figures 1 to 6 This utility model provides a technical solution: a simulated hand device for psychological comfort, comprising:

[0039] Comforting component 1 and comforting component 2 are respectively attached to the palm area and the back of the patient's hand to form a symmetrical wrapping structure.

[0040] Temperature control mechanism 3 is embedded in the internal space of comfort component 1 and comfort component 2. It transfers heat through a heat-conducting solution to actively regulate the surface temperature of comfort component 1 and comfort component 2 to provide a constant warm or cool touch.

[0041] The structure of the comforting component 1 and the comforting component 2 is as follows: both are composed of two layers of composite materials. The outer layer is the outer contact layer 4, which is made of medical-grade silicone. Its surface is formed with a texture layer that simulates human skin through laser engraving process to enhance the affinity of touch. The inner layer is the inner sealing layer 5, which is made of a highly elastic sealing material (such as TPU film) to form a sealed space to contain the heat-conducting solution. It is fixedly connected to the outer contact layer 4 by hot melt welding or ultrasonic welding.

[0042] By placing comfort item 1 in the patient's palm and comfort item 2 on the back of the patient's hand, the internal temperature control mechanism 3 promptly controls the temperature, thereby ensuring the patient's comfort.

[0043] The outer contact layer 4 and the inner sealing layer 5 are quickly separated by a snap-on or magnetic detachable structure. For example, a groove is provided on the edge of the outer contact layer 4 to engage with the protruding snap of the inner sealing layer 5, or magnetic patches are used for adsorption and fixation. This design facilitates users in cleaning and disinfecting the contact layer, or in replacing the outer contact layer 4, which may have become blurred due to wear, thus improving the durability and hygiene safety of the device.

[0044] The inner sealing layer 5 is filled with a thermally conductive solution (such as a mixture of water and glycerin or food-grade silicone-based thermally conductive oil), which has high heat capacity and good fluidity, allowing for uniform heat transfer. A silicone plug 7 is provided on the outer side of the outer contact layer 4. This silicone plug 7 is integrally extended into the inner sealing layer 5 through injection molding, and an O-ring is embedded in its contact surface with the inner sealing layer 5, forming a double-sealing structure. The silicone plug 7 can be rotated open or removed, facilitating the user to replenish or replace the thermally conductive solution while preventing solution leakage during use.

[0045] The first and second comfort devices are linked and fixed together by an elastic connecting strap 8. The connecting strap 8 is made of silicone elastic band, with one end fixed to the wrist area of ​​the first comfort device and the other end fixed to the wrist area of ​​the second comfort device. The free end of the connecting strap 8 is provided with a hook and loop side 9 and a loop side 10. The tightness can be adjusted by the adhesion of the hook and loop sides to adapt to the different circumferences of different patients' palms, ensuring that the device is both stable and does not compress the fingers when worn.

[0046] The temperature control mechanism 3 includes:

[0047] The thermostat 11 is integrated on the outer surface of the outer contact layer 4 of the comforting element 1, and is equipped with a touch screen or physical buttons to allow users to set the target temperature (e.g., 37°C to 42°C).

[0048] The heating element 12 is embedded in the bottom of the inner sealing layer 5 and is in full contact with the heat-conducting solution, generating heat through heating and transferring it to the entire surface of the device.

[0049] Temperature sensor 13 is embedded in the inner wall of inner sealing layer 5 to monitor the temperature of heat-conducting solution in real time and feed the data back to temperature controller 11 to form closed-loop control.

[0050] The heating element 12 uses a spiral heating wire, which is bonded to the inner wall of the inner sealing layer 5 with conductive adhesive. The spiral structure of the heating wire can evenly distribute heat and avoid local overheating. At the same time, the heating power is controlled by adjusting the current through the temperature controller 11, making it suitable for scenarios requiring precise temperature control.

[0051] The heating element 12 uses a PTC (positive temperature coefficient) heating element, whose resistance increases with temperature, and the heating power automatically decreases, forming a self-limiting temperature characteristic. The PTC heating element is attached to the bottom of the inner sealing layer 5, and can automatically reduce the power when the temperature of the heat-conducting solution reaches the set value, without the need for complex circuit control, thus improving safety and extending service life.

[0052] The comforting device 1 has raised markers 14 on the corresponding areas of the index and middle fingers, which are precisely positioned to correspond to the Shenmen acupoint (located in the depression at the tip of the palmar crease on the little finger side) and the Neiguan acupoint (located on the palmar side of the forearm, 2 inches above the wrist crease). The markers 14 are visualized through silicone protrusions or a fluorescent coating, making it easy for users to stimulate the acupoints after contact, thus helping to relieve psychological problems such as anxiety and insomnia.

[0053] Example 2

[0054] The finger portions of both the first and second comfort devices feature a wave-shaped pleated structure 6. These pleats 6 are formed by folding or grooves in silicone material and can freely expand and contract along the length of the finger. When worn by the patient, the pleats 6 adapt to different finger thicknesses and lengths through elastic deformation. For example, the thumb pleat 6 can expand to 10cm, while the little finger pleat 6 can contract to 5cm, ensuring the device fits the contours of the hand and is suitable for most people.

[0055] Example 3

[0056] Both comfort device 1 and comfort device 2 have a fixed cylinder 15 inside. One end of the fixed cylinder 15 extends into the interior of comfort device 1. A silicone membrane 17 is connected inside the fixed cylinder 15. A pressure sensor 16 is fixedly connected inside the silicone membrane 17. A piston plate 18 is slidably connected inside the fixed cylinder 15. A drive component 19 is connected to one side of the piston plate 18. The drive component 19 can be a miniature electric telescopic rod or a motor fixedly connected to the fixed cylinder 15. A threaded cylinder is fixedly connected to the end of the motor. A screw is threadedly connected inside the threaded cylinder. The end of the screw is fixedly connected to the piston plate 18. Plate 18 is a non-circular plate. When the patient's hand is held by soothing element 1 and soothing element 2, the pressure sensor 16 senses the pressure when the patient's gripping force is applied to soothing element 1 and soothing element 2. The pressure is then applied to the silicone membrane 17, and the drive element 15 is activated. The drive element 15 moves the piston plate 18. When the piston plate 18 pushes the pressure onto the silicone membrane 17, the liquid pressure inside soothing element 1 and soothing element 2 increases, which in turn provides feedback force to the patient's hand. This can simulate the state of a real person's grip, enhance the patient's sense of realism, and bring the patient greater comfort.

[0057] The above solution has the following advantages:

[0058] 1. Intelligent temperature control, safe and reliable: Built-in temperature sensor 13 and external thermostat 11 monitor and adjust the water temperature in real time, maintaining it within the range of 40℃±0.5℃ to avoid sudden temperature changes. Low-power heating element is used to ensure uniform surface temperature and prevent local overheating.

[0059] 2. Human-like tactile design: The main body of the glove is made of medical-grade silicone, which is soft and elastic, similar to human skin (the feel is similar to the palm of a human hand). The surface is enhanced with fine textures (such as fingerprint-like bumps) to enhance the realistic tactile feedback when gripping.

[0060] 3. Flexible fit for different patients: The finger section features an elastic 6-fold structure with adjustable length (5-12 cm) to accommodate hand shapes from children to adults. A wide Velcro strap at the wrist allows for stepless adjustment of tightness, preventing compression of blood vessels or nerves.

[0061] 4. Easy to clean and infection-proof: The inner liner of the gloves is removable and supports high-temperature steam sterilization (120℃ sterilization). The seams are made with a seamless molding process to reduce bacterial hiding. The water inlet is designed with a sealed quick-release interface to prevent liquid leakage and contamination of sheets or equipment.

[0062] 5. Traditional Chinese Medicine Cultural Appearance Design: The locations of Shenmen and Neiguan acupoints on the wrist are laser-etched (light-colored dots with a diameter of 2mm and a depth of 0.1mm), which conforms to the ISO 15223-1 medical device marking standard; the streamlined grooves on the surface refer to the direction of the "Hand Shaoyin Heart Meridian", which enhances the visual cultural metaphor and improves the patient's psychological acceptance.

[0063] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0064] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A simulated hand device for psychological comfort, characterized in that: include: Comforting item one (1) and comforting item two (2), wherein comforting item one (1) and comforting item two (2) are located on the patient's palm and back of hand, respectively; Temperature control mechanism (3), the temperature control mechanism (3) is installed in comforting component one (1) and comforting component two (2), the temperature control mechanism (3) controls the liquid temperature in comforting component one (1) and comforting component two (2); Both the first comforting component (1) and the second comforting component (2) are composed of an outer contact layer (4) and an inner sealing layer (5). The outer contact layer (4) is made of medical silicone and has a texture layer that simulates skin.

2. The simulated hand device for psychological comfort according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer contact layer (4) and the inner sealing layer (5) are detachably connected.

3. The simulated hand device for psychological comfort according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner sealing layer (5) contains a thermally conductive solution, and the outer contact layer (4) has a silicone plug (7) on its outer side. The silicone plug (7) extends into the inner sealing layer (5) and seals the thermally conductive solution in the inner sealing layer (5).

4. The simulated hand device for psychological comfort according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first comforter (1) and the second comforter (2) are connected by a connecting strap (8), which is an elastic strap. One side of the connecting strap (8) is a hook and loop fastener (9), and the other side is a loop fastener (10).

5. The simulated hand device for psychological comfort according to claim 1, characterized in that: The temperature control mechanism (3) includes a temperature controller (11) installed on one side of the comforting element (1), a heating element (12) is provided inside the inner sealing layer (5), and a temperature sensor (13) is installed on the inner sealing layer (5).

6. The simulated hand device for psychological comfort according to claim 5, characterized in that: The heating element (12) is an electric heating wire.

7. The simulated hand device for psychological comfort according to claim 5, characterized in that: The heating element (12) is a PTC heating element.

8. The simulated hand device for psychological comfort according to claim 1, characterized in that: The comforting device (1) has marking points (14) on its index and middle fingers, and the marking points (14) correspond to the positions of the Shenmen and Neiguan acupoints of the patient.

9. The simulated hand device for psychological comfort according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the first comforting part (1) and the second comforting part (2) have folds (6) at the finger area, and the length of both the first comforting part (1) and the second comforting part (2) can be varied by the folds (6).

10. The simulated hand device for psychological comfort according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the first soothing component (1) and the second soothing component (2) are provided with a fixed cylinder (15). One end of the fixed cylinder (15) extends into the interior of the first soothing component (1). A silicone membrane (17) is connected inside the fixed cylinder (15). A pressure sensor (16) is fixedly connected inside the silicone membrane (17). A piston plate (18) is slidably connected inside the fixed cylinder (15). A driving component (19) is connected to one side of the piston plate (18).

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