A dynamic stiffness-adjustable electro-mechanical stimulation scoliosis orthosis

Abstract

This utility model discloses a force-electric stimulation scoliosis orthosis with dynamically adjustable stiffness, belonging to the field of medical rehabilitation device technology. It includes a main body, a rigid support plate, an information acquisition system, an electrical stimulation device, and force application modules. The rigid support plate is located behind the outer side of the main body, the information acquisition system is located inside the main body, the electrical stimulation device is connected to the interior of the main body and the rigid support plate, and several force application modules are respectively fitted onto the outer side of the main body. This utility model, using the above structure, is a force-electric stimulation scoliosis orthosis with dynamically adjustable stiffness. Different hardness material modules are inserted into the pocket structures on both sides of the chest and waist to achieve rapid adjustment of local stiffness. Simultaneously, pressure sensors and posture sensors are used to monitor the distribution of corrective force and spinal posture in real time. Electrical stimulation is used to stimulate the muscles on the convex side to maintain muscle strength, and an external power controller is connected to ensure safety.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical rehabilitation equipment technology, and in particular to a force-electric stimulation scoliosis orthosis with dynamically adjustable stiffness. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional scoliosis orthoses mostly employ a fixed rigid structure, applying constant pressure to the scoliosis area through a three-point mechanical principle. However, this design has the following drawbacks: (1) rigid materials result in low patient comfort and long-term wear can easily cause skin abrasion; (2) the force intensity cannot be adjusted according to differences in day and night activity or correction progress, easily leading to overcorrection or undercorrection; (3) lack of real-time monitoring function, making it difficult for doctors to accurately assess the correction effect. Existing improvement solutions, such as adjustable orthoses, mostly rely on mechanical knobs or airbag adjustments, which are complex to operate and lack reliability. (4) traditional orthoses lack intervention measures for muscle atrophy, and long-term scoliosis can easily lead to muscle atrophy. In response to the above problems, a dynamic stiffness-adjustable electro-mechanical stimulation scoliosis orthose is proposed. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a force-electric stimulation scoliosis orthosis with dynamically adjustable stiffness. It achieves rapid adjustment of local stiffness by inserting modules of different hardness materials into the pocket structure on both sides of the chest and waist. At the same time, it uses pressure sensors and posture sensors to monitor the distribution of corrective force and spinal posture in real time, and uses electrical stimulation to stimulate the muscles on the convex side to maintain muscle strength. The power controller is externally connected to ensure safety.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a force-electric stimulation scoliosis orthosis with dynamically adjustable stiffness, comprising a main body, a rigid support plate, an information acquisition system, an electrical stimulation device, and a force application module. The rigid support plate is disposed behind the outer side of the main body, the information acquisition system is disposed inside the main body, the electrical stimulation device is connected to the interior of the main body and the rigid support plate, and there are several force application modules, which are respectively sleeved on the outer side of the main body.

[0005] Preferably, the main body includes a body, pocket structures, and Velcro. There are several pocket structures, and all of the pocket structures are located on the outside of the main body with their openings facing upwards. The main body conforms to the curve of the human body, and the surface of the main body is provided with ventilation holes. The Velcro is located at both ends of the main body for tightening the main body.

[0006] Preferably, the body is made of flexible material combined with 3D printing technology, the force application module is disposed in the pocket structure, and at most one force application module is disposed in each pocket structure.

[0007] Preferably, the rigid support plate is made of carbon fiber composite material, the rigid support plate has an I-shaped structure and its length covers the first thoracic vertebra to the fifth lumbar vertebra. The rigid support plate has a slot on its side and is located in the middle of the outer side of the main body and is connected to the main body by screws.

[0008] Preferably, the information acquisition system includes an attitude sensor and a pressure sensor. There are several attitude sensors, and all of the attitude sensors are attached to the centerline inside the body. The pressure sensor is attached to the top vertebrae corresponding to the scoliosis of the thoracolumbar spine inside the body, which is the point of application of the corrective force.

[0009] Preferably, the attitude sensor is a six-axis inertial measurement unit for detecting spinal rotation angle and attitude offset, and the pressure sensor is a thin-film flexible pressure sensor for real-time monitoring of pressure distribution.

[0010] Preferably, there are several force-applying modules, which are respectively disposed in several pocket structures. The force-applying modules are of three types: soft, medium hardness, and hard, and each type has two structures: wedge-shaped and arc-shaped. The force-applying modules are connected to the rigid support plate by the screws.

[0011] Preferably, the electrical stimulation device includes a flexible electrical stimulation electrode module and a power controller. The flexible electrical stimulation electrode module is disposed on one side of the pressure sensor and between the pressure sensor and the posture sensor. The power controller is disposed in a slot on the side of the rigid support plate. The flexible electrical stimulation electrode module is connected to the power controller via a wire.

[0012] Preferably, the surface of the flexible electrical stimulation electrode module is covered with a biocompatible gel layer, the wire is placed inside the pocket structure, and the power controller has a built-in safety protection circuit to prevent current overload.

[0013] Therefore, the electro-mechanical stimulation scoliosis orthosis with dynamically adjustable stiffness using the above-described structure has the following advantages:

[0014] 1. A modular force application system is used, which allows for rapid adjustment of local stiffness by inserting modules of different hardness materials into the pockets on both sides of the chest and waist.

[0015] 2. Integrated sensors are used, with pressure and posture sensors to monitor the distribution of corrective force and spinal posture in real time, improving the accuracy of correction;

[0016] 3. An external power supply controls the electrical stimulation electrode module, which uses electrical stimulation to stimulate the muscles on the convex side to maintain muscle strength. The power controller is externally connected to ensure safety. While providing mechanical correction, it maintains muscle activity and reduces the risk of muscle degeneration due to long-term scoliosis.

[0017] 4. Combining a flexible body with a rigid support plate to balance comfort and corrective effectiveness.

[0018] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a front view of a force-electric stimulation scoliosis orthosis with dynamically adjustable stiffness according to the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a rear view of a force-electric stimulation scoliosis orthosis with dynamically adjustable stiffness according to the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is an internal unfolded view of a force-electric stimulation scoliosis orthosis with dynamically adjustable stiffness according to this utility model.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the arc-shaped force application module of a force-electric stimulation scoliosis orthosis with dynamically adjustable stiffness according to the present invention.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a side view of the rigid support plate of a force-electric stimulation scoliosis orthosis with dynamically adjustable stiffness according to the present invention.

[0024] Figure Labels

[0025] 1. Main body; 11. Body; 12. Pocket structure; 13. Velcro; 14. Ventilation holes; 2. Rigid support plate; 3. Screws; 4. Information acquisition system; 41. Posture sensor; 42. Pressure sensor; 5. Flexible electrical stimulation electrode module; 6. Power controller; 7. Force application module. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Example

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0028] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0030] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship that the utility model product is usually placed in during use. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0031] In the description of this utility model, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," and "connect" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0032] The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, outlines some embodiments of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0033] like Figures 1-5 As shown, this utility model discloses a force-electric stimulation scoliosis orthosis with dynamically adjustable stiffness, comprising a main body 1, a rigid support plate 2, an information acquisition system 4, an electric stimulation device, and a force application module 7. The rigid support plate is located on the rear side of the outer side of the main body 1, the information acquisition system 4 is located on the inner side of the main body 1, the electric stimulation device is connected to the interior of the main body 1 and the rigid support plate 2 respectively, and there are several force application modules 7, which are respectively sleeved on the outer side of the main body 1.

[0034] The main body 1 includes a body 11, pocket structures 12, and Velcro 13. There are several pocket structures 12, and all pocket structures 12 are located on the outside of the body 11 with their openings facing upwards. The body 11 conforms to the curve of the human body and is made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or silicone material with a thickness of 4mm. The surface of the body 11 is provided with ventilation holes 14 to increase the comfort during wearing. Velcro 13 is located at both ends of the body 11 for tightening the body 1.

[0035] The main body 11 is made of flexible material combined with 3D printing technology. The force application module 7 is set in the pocket structure 12 to ensure stability during movement, and each pocket structure 12 can have at most one force application module 7.

[0036] The rigid support plate 2 is made of carbon fiber composite material with a thickness of 2mm. The rigid support plate 2 has an I-shaped structure and its length covers the first thoracic vertebra to the fifth lumbar vertebra. A slot is provided on the side of the rigid support plate 2. The rigid support plate 2 is located in the middle position on the outside of the body 11 and is connected to the body 11 by screws 3.

[0037] The information acquisition system 4 includes an attitude sensor 41 and a pressure sensor 42. There are several attitude sensors 41, and all of them are attached to the centerline inside the body 11. The pressure sensor 42 is attached to the top vertebrae corresponding to the thoracic and lumbar scoliosis inside the body 11, which is the point of application of the corrective force.

[0038] The attitude sensor 41 uses a six-axis inertial measurement unit to detect the spinal rotation angle and attitude offset, and the pressure sensor 42 uses a thin-film flexible pressure sensor 42 for real-time monitoring of pressure distribution.

[0039] There are several force-applying modules 7, which are respectively set in several pocket structures 12. The force-applying modules 7 are of three types: soft, medium hardness and hardness. They are made of one or more combinations of silicone, memory foam and thermoplastic materials. Each type has two structures: wedge-shaped and arc-shaped. The force-applying modules 7 are connected to the rigid support plate 2 by screws 3. The local stiffness can be adjusted by changing the type and variety of modules.

[0040] The electrical stimulation device includes a flexible electrical stimulation electrode module 5 and a power controller 6. The flexible electrical stimulation electrode module 5 is disposed on one side of the pressure sensor 42 and between the pressure sensor 42 and the posture sensor 41, with a coverage area of ​​5cm×3cm. It acts on the erector spinae and psoas major muscles through microcurrent. The power controller 6 is disposed in a slot on the side of the rigid support plate 2. The flexible electrical stimulation electrode module 5 is connected to the power controller 6 through wires.

[0041] The flexible electrical stimulation electrode module 5 is made of conductive silicone or silver fiber fabric and covered with a biocompatible gel layer. It can output square wave or sine wave current with a frequency of 10-100Hz and an intensity of 0-5mA. The intensity of electrical stimulation can be changed to compensate for insufficient corrective force. The wire is placed in the pocket structure 12. The power controller 6 has a built-in safety protection circuit to prevent current overload.

[0042] After wearing the main body 1, the orthosis is tightened to fit the body by fastening the Velcro 13. The medium-hardness force application module 7 is fixed to the main body 1 by screws 3 and pocket structure 12. During daytime activities, the medium-hardness force application module 7 is replaced with a soft force application module 7, and at night it is replaced with a hard force application module 7. During the correction process, the posture sensor 41 and pressure sensor 42 monitor the spinal condition in real time. The electrical stimulation parameters of the flexible electrical stimulation electrode module 5 are dynamically adjusted according to the pressure monitored by the pressure sensor 42. If the correction pressure value drops by more than 15% for 24 consecutive hours, the electrical stimulation intensity is increased by 20%, and it is recommended to replace it with a higher-hardness force application module 7 for further correction.

[0043] Therefore, this utility model employs a dynamic stiffness-adjustable force-electric stimulation scoliosis orthosis with the aforementioned structure. It utilizes a modular force application system, inserting modules of different hardness materials into pocket structures on both sides of the chest and waist to achieve rapid adjustment of local stiffness. Simultaneously, it uses integrated sensors, employing pressure and posture sensors to monitor the distribution of corrective force and spinal posture in real time, improving correction accuracy. It also features an external power supply to control the electrical stimulation electrode module, using electrical stimulation to maintain muscle strength on the convex side. An external power controller ensures safety, maintaining muscle activity while providing mechanical correction and reducing the risk of long-term muscle degeneration due to scoliosis. Furthermore, it combines a flexible body with a rigid support plate, balancing comfort and corrective efficacy.

[0044] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and not to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can still be made to the technical solution of this utility model, and these modifications or equivalent substitutions cannot cause the modified technical solution to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solution of this utility model.

Claims

1. A force-electric stimulation scoliosis orthosis with dynamically adjustable stiffness, characterized in that: The device includes a main body, a rigid support plate, an information acquisition system, an electrical stimulation device, and a force application module. The rigid support plate is located behind the outer side of the main body, the information acquisition system is located inside the main body, the electrical stimulation device is connected to the interior of the main body and the rigid support plate, and there are several force application modules, each sleeved on the outer side of the main body.

2. The electro-mechanical stimulation scoliosis orthosis with dynamically adjustable stiffness according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main body includes a body, pocket structures, and Velcro. There are several pocket structures, all of which are located on the outside of the main body and open upwards. The main body conforms to the curve of the human body, and the surface of the main body is provided with ventilation holes. The Velcro is located at both ends of the main body for tightening the main body.

3. The electro-mechanical stimulation scoliosis orthosis with dynamically adjustable stiffness according to claim 2, characterized in that: The main body is made of flexible material combined with 3D printing technology. The force application module is set inside the pocket structure, and at most one force application module is set inside each pocket structure.

4. The electro-mechanical stimulation scoliosis orthosis with dynamically adjustable stiffness according to claim 3, characterized in that: The rigid support plate is made of carbon fiber composite material. The rigid support plate has an I-shaped structure and its length covers the first thoracic vertebra to the fifth lumbar vertebra. A slot is provided on the side of the rigid support plate. The rigid support plate is located in the middle position on the outer side of the main body and is connected to the main body by screws.

5. The electro-mechanical stimulation scoliosis orthosis with dynamically adjustable stiffness according to claim 4, characterized in that: The information acquisition system includes an attitude sensor and a pressure sensor. There are several attitude sensors, and all of them are attached to the centerline inside the main body. The pressure sensor is attached to the position of the top vertebra corresponding to the scoliosis of the thoracolumbar spine inside the main body, which is the point of application of the corrective force.

6. The electro-mechanical stimulation scoliosis orthosis with dynamically adjustable stiffness according to claim 5, characterized in that: The attitude sensor employs a six-axis inertial measurement unit for detecting spinal rotation angle and attitude offset, and the pressure sensor employs a thin-film flexible pressure sensor for real-time monitoring of pressure distribution.

7. The electro-mechanical stimulation scoliosis orthosis with dynamically adjustable stiffness according to claim 6, characterized in that: There are several force-applying modules, which are respectively set in several pocket structures. The force-applying modules are of three types: soft, medium hardness, and hard. Each type has two structures: wedge-shaped and arc-shaped. The force-applying modules are connected to the rigid support plate by screws.

8. The electro-mechanical stimulation scoliosis orthosis with dynamically adjustable stiffness according to claim 7, characterized in that: The electrical stimulation device includes a flexible electrical stimulation electrode module and a power controller. The flexible electrical stimulation electrode module is disposed on one side of the pressure sensor and between the pressure sensor and the posture sensor. The power controller is disposed in a slot on the side of the rigid support plate. The flexible electrical stimulation electrode module is connected to the power controller via a wire.

9. A dynamically adjustable stiffness electro-mechanical stimulation scoliosis orthosis according to claim 8, characterized in that: The flexible electrical stimulation electrode module is covered with a biocompatible gel layer, the wire is placed inside the pocket structure, and the power controller has a built-in safety protection circuit to prevent current overload.

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