Intelligent sports knee braces and intelligent control systems

Abstract

Disclosed is an intelligent sports knee brace including a base and a strap. The base is connected to the strap. The strap connects a knee brace to a target part of a target object through a connection structure, and an inner surface of the base facing the target part is provided with an airbag that contacts the target part. A cavity is provided inside the base. An inflation mechanism, a detection mechanism, a battery assembly, an early warning assembly, and a main control board are arranged in the cavity. The detection mechanism is configured to detect air pressure data of the airbag and motion status data of the target object, the inflation mechanism is configured to inflate or deflate the airbag, the early warning assembly is configured to provide a motion warning and an emergency rescue reminder, and the main control board is electrically connected to the inflation mechanism, the detection mechanism, the battery assembly, and the early warning assembly.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part application of International Application No. PCT / CN2025 / 107693, filed on Jul. 9, 2025, which claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411284993.X, filed on Sep. 13, 2024, the contents of each of which are entirely incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to the technical field of knee braces, and in particular to an intelligent sports knee brace and an intelligent control system.BACKGROUND

[0003] Knee braces are one of the most common sports injury protection products. The knee braces are mainly used as auxiliary devices worn by sports enthusiasts or athletes during exercise to protect a knee joint from sports injuries. Reasonable use of the knee brace can significantly reduce an occurrence of sports injuries.

[0004] Most sports knee braces adopt a sleeve type that wraps an entire knee joint. When worn for a long time, a knee movement becomes difficult, the knee joint is not easy to bend, and it is easy to cause stuffiness, affecting a normal exercise. In addition, tightness of traditional knee braces is mainly adjusted by a wearer adjusting a length of the strap. The adjustment is troublesome. Moreover, after being worn for a long time, a strap adjustment part is repeatedly pulled, resulting in adjustment failure and loosening. This causes inconvenience in exercise and failure of a knee protection function.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an intelligent sports knee brace and an intelligent control system.SUMMARY

[0006] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide an intelligent sports knee brace. The intelligent sports knee brace includes a base and a strap. The base is connected to the strap. The strap connects the knee brace to a target part of a target object through a connection structure. An inner surface of the base facing the target part is provided with an airbag that contacts the target part. A cavity is provided inside the base. A detection mechanism, a battery assembly, an early warning assembly, and a main control board are arranged in the cavity. The detection mechanism is configured to detect air pressure data of the airbag and motion status data of the target object. The inflation mechanism is configured to inflate or deflate the airbag. The early warning assembly is configured to provide motion warning and an emergency rescue reminder. The main control board is electrically connected to the inflation mechanism, the detection mechanism, the battery assembly, and the early warning assembly.

[0007] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide an intelligent control system applied to an intelligent sports knee brace. The intelligent control system includes a control module, a data acquisition module, a pressure adjustment module, an early warning module, a power module, a communication module, and a switch module. The control module is electrically connected to the data acquisition module, the pressure adjustment module, the early warning module, the power module, the communication module, and the switch module. The data acquisition module includes a pressure sensor and an acceleration sensor. The pressure sensor is configured to collect air pressure data of an airbag. The acceleration sensor is configured to collect motion status data of a target object. A database is stored in the control module. The database includes motion status data corresponding to a plurality of motion postures and pressure adjustment ranges corresponding to the plurality of motion postures. The control module is configured to search the database to determine a motion posture of the target object based on the air pressure data and the motion status data collected by the data acquisition module and control the pressure adjustment module and the early warning module to operate based on the motion posture. The pressure adjustment module is configured to adjust a pressure of the airbag on a target part according to the motion posture. The early warning module is configured to issue an early warning and send emergency rescue information to an emergency contact when a detection mechanism detects that the target object is in an abnormal state. The power module is electrically connected to the control module, the data acquisition module, the pressure adjustment module, the early warning module, the communication module, and the switch module. The communication module is configured to wirelessly transmit signals processed by the control module to a user terminal. The switch module includes a switch button and a human body sensing sensor. The switch module is configured to control the intelligent sports knee brace to turn on or turn off through the human body sensing sensor disposed on a base.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The present disclosure is further illustrated by way of exemplary embodiments, which is described in detail by means of the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are not limiting, and in these embodiments, the same numbering denotes the same structure, wherein:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a first schematic diagram illustrating a structure of an intelligent sports knee brace according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a second schematic diagram illustrating a structure of an intelligent sports knee brace according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an intelligent sports knee brace according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an internal structure of an intelligent sports knee brace according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 5 is an electric control schematic diagram of an intelligent sports knee brace according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection between a micro air pump and an airbag according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0015] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an intelligent control system of an intelligent sports knee brace according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] In the drawings: 1, a base; 11, a seat body; 111, an arc-shaped mounting part; 12, a base shell; 121, an annular groove; 13, a support plate; 131, a through hole; 14, a frame body; 15, a through hole; 16, a mounting hole; 2, a strap; 3, an airbag; 31, a first chamber; 32, a second chamber; 33, a third chamber; 4, a cavity; 5, an inflation mechanism; 51, a micro air pump; 52, an electromagnetic valve; 53, an air circuit connector; 54, a micro valve matrix; 6, a battery assembly; 61, a battery; 62, a magnetic charging dock; 7, an early warning assembly; 71, a light board; 72, a light-transmitting sheet; 8, a main control board; 9, a switch button; 10, a detection mechanism.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The drawings required for describing the embodiments are briefly introduced below. The drawings do not represent all embodiments.

[0018] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, when describing the operations performed step by step, unless otherwise specified, an order of the steps is adjustable, steps may be omitted, and other steps may be included during the operation.

[0019] The embodiments of the present disclosure are merely for illustration and description, and do not limit an applicable scope of the present disclosure. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and changes that can be made under the guidance of the present disclosure still fall within the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, certain features, structures, or characteristics in one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may be appropriately combined.

[0020] It should be noted that the “inner side” and “outer side” mentioned later are relative concepts. For example, the “inner side” is a side relatively facing a target part (e.g., a patellar tendon), and the “outer side” is a side relatively facing away from the target part (e.g., the patellar tendon).

[0021] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an intelligent sports knee brace.

[0022] FIG. 1 a first schematic diagram illustrating a structure of an intelligent sports knee brace according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a second schematic diagram illustrating a structure of an intelligent sports knee brace according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an intelligent sports knee brace according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an internal structure of an intelligent sports knee brace according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is an electric control schematic diagram of an intelligent sports knee brace according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1-5, the intelligent sports knee brace (also referred to as a smart sports knee brace or a knee brace) comprises a base 1 and a strap 2. The strap 2 is connected to a target part of a target object through a connection structure. An inner surface of the base 1 facing the target part is provided with an airbag 3 that contacts the target part. A cavity 4 is provided inside the base 1. The cavity 4 is provided with an inflation mechanism 5, a detection mechanism 10, a battery assembly 6, an early warning assembly 7, and a main control board 8. The detection mechanism 10 is configured to detect pressure data of the airbag 3 and motion status data of the target object. The inflation mechanism 5 is configured to inflate or deflate the airbag 3. The early warning assembly 7 is configured to provide a motion warning and an emergency rescue reminder. The main control board 8 is electrically connected to the inflation mechanism 5, the detection mechanism 10, the battery assembly 6, and the early warning assembly 7.

[0024] In some embodiments, the intelligent sports knee brace is overall designed as an annular narrow-band structure (i.e., a narrow-band type knee brace). The intelligent sports knee brace is worn at a patellar tendon position of the knee, which has a compact structure and is convenient to wear, without affecting human motion, thus improving a wearing experience.

[0025] The base 1 refers to a main load-bearing structure of the intelligent sports knee brace, which is used for integrally mounting various functional components. In some embodiments, the base is made of a flexible material. For example, the base is made of rubber.

[0026] In some embodiments, a switch button 9 is further provided on an outer side of the base 1. The switch button 9 is configured to control the knee brace to turn on (power on) or turn off (power off). The outer side of the base 1 refers to a side of the base 1 facing away from the target object.

[0027] The inner surface of the base 1 refers to a surface of the base facing the target object.

[0028] The strap 2 refers to a component used for connecting the knee brace to the target part of the target object through the connection structure. For example, the strap 2 is a hook-and-loop strap.

[0029] In some embodiments, the base 1 and the strap 2 are fixedly connected. The base and the strap may be fixedly connected by bonding, adhesion, etc., or may be integrally formed.

[0030] The connection structure is used for fixing the strap 2 to the target part. For example, the connection structure is a hook-and-loop fastener or a buckle structure.

[0031] The target object refers to a user who uses the knee brace. The target part refers to a knee joint part of the target object that the knee brace needs to fit, such as the patellar tendon.

[0032] In some embodiments, the inner surface of the base 1 facing the target part is provided with the airbag 3 that contacts the target part.

[0033] The airbag 3 refers to an inflatable and deflatable component that adjusts a pressure on the knee by changing the air pressure.

[0034] The cavity 4 refers to a sealed space inside the base 1 for accommodating functional components. In some embodiments, the cavity 4 is provided with the inflation mechanism 5, the detection mechanism 10, the battery assembly 6, the early warning assembly 7, and the main control board 8. A size of the cavity 4 may be set according to requirements. For example, the size of the cavity 4 is 60*40 mm. Its compact size allows for integrated installation of various functional components, resulting in a small overall volume, a simple and compact structure, and a high level of integration.

[0035] The inflation mechanism 5 is an execution component that controls inflation and deflation of the airbag 3. In some embodiments, the inflation mechanism 5 adjusts the pressure of the airbag according to different motion statuses, thereby affecting a pressure applied to the target part (e.g., the patellar tendon) of the target object. By applying pressure to the target part (e.g., the patellar tendon), damage and fatigue of the knee joint are prevented or reduced. A tightness of the knee brace is automatically adjusted, which prevents the knee brace from loosening and slipping or being too tight to affect human motion. The inflation mechanism 5 adjusts a gap between the airbag 3 and the knee by inflating or deflating the airbag 3, thereby adjusting the pressure applied by the knee brace to the patellar tendon position of the knee.

[0036] The detection mechanism 10 is a mechanism used for detecting the pressure data of the airbag 3 and the motion status data of the target object.

[0037] The pressure data is a parameter for describing an internal pressure of the airbag 3.

[0038] The motion status data refers to a parameter for describing a human body motion posture. For example, the motion status data includes human body triaxial acceleration information. The three axes refer to a forward axis, a vertical axis, and a lateral axis. The forward axis is along a direction the user is facing. The vertical axis is along a direction of gravitational acceleration. The lateral axis is perpendicular to the forward axis. The motion status data may include a forward acceleration, a lateral acceleration, a vertical acceleration, a lateral angular velocity, a vertical angular velocity, a gyroscope angular velocity, etc.

[0039] The motion posture refers to a posture or action mode of a user's body during motion. For example, the motion posture includes standing, sitting still, turning around, shaking legs, low-speed walking, high-speed walking, walking with stops, walking in circles, walking sideways, jogging, fast running, cycling, going up and down stairs, etc. Different pressures on the airbag 3 may be preset for different motion postures. Specific manners may be referred to in FIG. 6 and related descriptions.

[0040] In some embodiments, the detection mechanism 10 includes a pressure sensor and an acceleration sensor.

[0041] The pressure sensor is configured to detect the air pressure data of the airbag 3. The acceleration sensor is configured to detect the motion status data of the target object (e.g., the forward acceleration, the lateral acceleration, the vertical acceleration, etc.).

[0042] In some embodiments, the acceleration sensor is a six-axis acceleration sensor. Merely by way of example, the acceleration sensor is a six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU).

[0043] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the acceleration sensor identifies current motion status data of the user, and the pressure sensor monitors air pressure data. In this way, a direct and reliable data basis is provided for automatically adjusting the pressure of the airbag 3 by the knee brace, thereby avoiding a protection failure caused by loosening of the knee brace during motion, and also avoiding discomfort caused by excessive pressure when stay still.

[0044] In some embodiments, the detection mechanism 10 further includes a gyroscope. The gyroscope is configured to measure the lateral angular velocity, the vertical angular velocity, and a gyroscope angular velocity, etc.

[0045] The battery assembly 6 refers to a component that provides electrical energy for the knee brace.

[0046] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the battery assembly 6 comprises a battery 61 and a charger. The charger comprises a magnetic charging dock 62 disposed on the base 1, which enables a rapid charging connection. The main control board 8 controls the battery assembly 6 via a charge management chip and a power management chip.

[0047] In some embodiments, the battery 61 provides the electrical energy to other components of the knee brace (e.g., the detection mechanism 10, the inflation mechanism 5, the early warning assembly 7, etc.) via the charger (e.g., the magnetic charging dock 62 on the base 1).

[0048] The magnetic charging dock 62 is rapidly connected to the battery 61 via magnetic attraction.

[0049] The charge management chip is a chip that manages a charging process of the battery 61. In some embodiments, the charge management chip is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0050] The power management chip refers to a component that distributes and converts a voltage of the battery 61 into stable operating voltages required by various components within a system and implements an overall power consumption management strategy.

[0051] In some embodiments, after a power level of the battery 61 falls below a set threshold, the main control board 8 adjusts a control logic of the power management chip to enter a standby (low power) mode after ensuring the pressure of the airbag 3.

[0052] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the knee brace achieves fast and convenient charging via the magnetic charging dock 62. The main control board 8 intelligently manages the battery 61 via the charge management chip and the power management chip. When the power level is low, the knee brace prioritizes ensuring the basic pressure of the airbag 3 before entering the standby mode, thereby optimizing the user experience, and extending a device battery life.

[0053] The early warning assembly 7 refers to a module in the knee brace for issuing warning signals. For example, the early warning assembly 7 includes a warning light, a warning bell, etc.

[0054] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, during the fall of the target object, an abnormal rate of acceleration change in an abnormal direction typically occurs, followed by a stationary state with an abnormal posture. By calculating a change, a change direction, and a change rate of a total acceleration from acceleration data detected by the acceleration sensor, the detected abnormality is fed back to the main control board 8. The main control board 8 determines whether an abnormality such as a fall occurs by comparing these data with a set threshold in a database, thereby controlling the early warning assembly 7 to issue a warning and send emergency rescue information to an emergency contact. More contents regarding the acceleration sensor may be found in the related descriptions.

[0055] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the early warning assembly 7 comprises a light board 71 disposed within the cavity 4. The outer side of the base 1 facing away from the target part is provided with a light-transmitting sheet 72 corresponding to the light board 71.

[0056] The light board 71 is a component in the early warning assembly 7 that is installed within the cavity 4 of the base 1 as a light source and emits light upon receiving a signal from the main control board 8 to achieve a warning function. In some embodiments, the light board 71 is a circuit board integrated with light-emitting diode (LED) beads.

[0057] The light-transmitting sheet 72 is a semi-transparent cover plate covering an exterior of the base 1 and corresponding to position of the internal light board 71, which is used for uniformly guiding and diffusing light emitted by the light board 71 while protecting internal components. Merely by way of example, the light-transmitting sheet 72 is made of acrylic or semi-transparent plastic. In some embodiments, the light-transmitting sheet 72 is disposed on an outer side surface of a base shell 12 facing away from the target part. More contents regarding the base shell 12 may be found in the related descriptions of FIGS. 2-4 hereafter.

[0058] In some embodiments, a surface of the light board 71 may be fitted with a surface of the light-transmitting sheet 72. A size of the light board 71 may match a size of the light-transmitting sheet 72.

[0059] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, by guiding light from the light board 71 through the light-transmitting sheet 72, the early warning assembly 7 provides an intuitive optical warning when an abnormality such as a fall occurs, and automatically sends a help request to the emergency contact, which significantly enhances a sports safety protection.

[0060] The main control board 8 is a core computing and processing unit of the knee brace. For example, the main control board 8 comprises a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), etc., or any combination thereof.

[0061] Embodiments of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, the following beneficial effects. (1) The knee brace integrates multiple functions such as an intelligent adjustment, an automatic warning, and a human-computer interaction into one device. The knee brace has good functionality, can effectively apply pressure to the patellar tendon to prevent or reduce knee joint injuries and fatigue, and automatically adjusts the tightness of the knee brace to prevent the knee brace from loosening and slipping or being too tight and thus affecting human motion, and provides a good wearing experience. (2) The structure of the knee brace is compact and lightweight, with a good portability, integration, and comfort. (3) The intelligent sports knee brace is an electronic knee brace with a high wearing recognition, and it can be installed in cooperation with an auxiliary frame.

[0062] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2-4, the base 1 comprises a seat body 11, the base shell 12, and a support plate 13. The seat body 11 is connected to the strap 2. The base shell 12 is connected to the seat body 11. The cavity 4 is provided inside the base shell 12. The support plate 13 is embedded on an inner end surface of the base shell 12. The airbag 3 is attached to an inner side surface of the support plate 13.

[0063] The seat body is a main support structure in the base 1. In some embodiments, the seat body 11 is connected to the strap 2.

[0064] In some embodiments, the seat body 11 is integrally formed, and an overall weight of the knee brace is light, with a total weight of less than 120 g, making it convenient to carry.

[0065] The base shell 12 is a shell in the base 1 for encapsulating and protecting internal functional components (e.g., the inflation mechanism 5, the early warning assembly 7, etc.).

[0066] The support plate 13 is a structure on an inner side of the base 1 for bearing and fixing the airbag 3. The inner side surface of the support plate 13 refers to a wall surface of the support plate 13 facing the airbag 3.

[0067] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, by providing the seat body 11, the base shell 12, and the support plate 13 on the base, various components are stably installed inside the base, thereby enhancing a structural stability and a functional integration of the intelligent sports knee brace.

[0068] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, the seat body 11 comprises a frame body 14 provided with a through hole 15. An outer peripheral side of the base shell 12 is provided with an annular groove 121 adapted to the frame body 14. The frame body 14 is embedded in the annular groove 121. The inner end surface of the base shell 12 is provided with an opening. The support plate 13 closes the opening of the base shell 12.

[0069] The frame body 14 is a structure in a middle portion of the seat body 11 provided with the through hole 15.

[0070] The annular groove 121 is a component arranged on the outer peripheral side of the base shell 12 for embedding and fixing the frame body. A size of the annular groove 121 matches a size of the frame body 14.

[0071] The opening refers to an unclosed region on the inner end surface of the base shell 12. In some embodiments, the support plate 13 is adhered or welded to the inner end surface of the base shell 12 to form seal. The inner end surface of the base shell 12 may be an end surface of the base shell 12 close to the airbag 3, as shown in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, a through hole 131 is provided on the support plate. The inflation mechanism 5 communicates with the airbag 3 through the through hole 131, or an air tube of the inflation mechanism 5 passes through the through hole 131 to communicate with the airbag 3.

[0072] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, through an embedded cooperation of the frame body 14 and the annular groove 121 and closing of the opening by the support plate 13, a miniaturization, a high integration, and a structural stability of the base 1 are achieved, making the overall knee brace lightweight and small in volume, thereby improving the portability and the wearing experience.

[0073] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, both sides of the seat body 11 connected to the strap 2 are provided with arc-shaped mounting parts 111. The arc-shaped mounting parts 111 fit the target part. The seat body 11 is connected to the strap 2 through the arc-shaped mounting parts 111.

[0074] The arc-shaped mounting parts 111 is components integrally formed with the middle portion frame body 14 on both sides of the seat body 11. The arc-shaped mounting parts 111 fits the knee. The arc-shaped mounting part 111 may be made of a flexible material, e.g., silicone, thermoplastic elastomer, etc. In some embodiments, an end of each arc-shaped mounting part 111 is connected to the seat body 11, and the other end of each arc-shaped mounting part 111 is connected to the strap 2.

[0075] In some embodiments, an end of each arc-shaped mounting part 111 facing the strap is provided with a mounting hole 16 for connecting the strap 2.

[0076] The mounting hole 16 is a through hole provided at a lower end of the arc-shaped mounting part 111.

[0077] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, by providing the mounting hole 16, detachment of the strap is facilitated, thereby making it convenient to wear the knee brace.

[0078] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the knee brace achieves a close fit between the base 1 and a knee through the arc-shaped mounting parts 111, making the knee brace fixed stably and not easy to slide, while cooperating with the strap 2 to ensure convenient wearing, thereby improving the stability and the comfort experience during exercise.

[0079] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the inflation mechanism 5 comprises a micro air pump 51, an electromagnetic valve 52, and an air circuit connector 53. The micro air pump 51, the electromagnetic valve 52, and the airbag 3 are connected through the air circuit connector 53. The micro air pump 51 is configured to inflate the airbag 3. The electromagnetic valve 52 is configured to control the deflation of the airbag 3.

[0080] The micro air pump 51 is configured to provide a power source for the inflation mechanism 5 and inflate the airbag 3. For example, the micro air pump 51 is a miniaturized air compression device.

[0081] The electromagnetic valve 52 is configured to control gas release.

[0082] In some embodiments, when the inflation mechanism 5 inflates, the electromagnetic valve 52 is closed and the micro air pump 51 is turned on. When the inflation mechanism 5 deflates, the micro air pump 51 is turned off and the electromagnetic valve 52 is opened.

[0083] The air circuit connector 53 is configured to connect to the micro air pump 51, the electromagnetic valve 52, and the airbag 3. In some embodiments, the air circuit connector 53 ensures that gas is efficiently delivered from the air pump to the airbag 3 or discharged from the airbag 3 through the electromagnetic valve 52.

[0084] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, by inflating and deflating the airbag 3, a gap between the airbag 3 and the knee is changed, thereby adjusting the pressure applied by the knee brace to the patellar tendon position of the knee.

[0085] In some embodiments, the airbag 3 comprises a plurality of airbag chambers. The plurality of airbag chambers correspond to different target parts of the target object, respectively. More descriptions regarding the target object and the target part may be found in FIGS. 1-5 and the related descriptions.

[0086] The airbag chamber refers to an independent air chamber in the airbag 3.

[0087] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection between a micro air pump and an airbag according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0088] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, airbag chambers comprise a first chamber 31, a second chamber 32, and a third chamber 33 sequentially arranged along a length direction of the airbag (as shown in FIG. 1).

[0089] The first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber respectively correspond to different target parts of the target object. For example, when the knee brace is in use, the first chamber 31 covers a patellar tendon area of the target object, the second chamber 32 covers a medial collateral ligament area of a knee of the target object, and the third chamber 33 covers a lateral collateral ligament area of the knee of the target object.

[0090] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the plurality of airbag chambers implement precise pressure adjustments on different target parts, thereby achieving efficient support and protection while improving comfort and an exercise efficiency.

[0091] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, the air circuit connector 53 comprises a micro valve matrix 54. The micro valve matrix 54 is configured to connect the micro air pump 51 to the plurality of airbag chambers (e.g., the first chamber 31, the second chamber 32, and the third chamber 33), respectively.

[0092] The micro valve matrix 54 comprises a plurality of independently controlled micro valves and connecting pipelines. One micro valve is disposed between one airbag chamber and one micro air pump 51. In some embodiments, the micro air pump 51 communicates with the plurality of airbag chambers through a plurality of connecting pipelines. One micro valve is provided on each connecting pipeline.

[0093] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, by precisely adjusting an opening degree of each micro valve, inflation and deflation control of the different airbag chambers is achieved, thereby achieving differentiated and precise pressure adjustment for various key aeras of a knee joint.

[0094] In some embodiments, the airbag 3 comprises a thermoplastic elastic layer arranged on an outer side and a silicone insert arranged on an inner side. The silicone insert is disposed inside the airbag 3. A side of the thermoplastic elastic layer facing the target part is further provided with a skin-friendly material layer that fits the target part.

[0095] The outer side of the airbag 3 refers to a side of the airbag 3 facing and fitting the target part. The inner side of the airbag 3 refers to a side of the airbag 3 facing away from the target part.

[0096] The thermoplastic elastic layer is a material constituting a main body of the airbag 3. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic elastic layer is made of thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) and has a good sealing performance.

[0097] The silicone insert is a functional silicone component disposed inside the airbag 3. In some embodiments, the silicone insert is fixed inside the airbag 3 by a high-frequency welding process. The high-frequency welding process refers to a processing manner that uses a high-frequency electromagnetic field to generate heat through friction between material molecules and fuse them together under pressure. In some embodiments, the silicone insert is also fixed inside the airbag 3 by other suitable means.

[0098] The skin-friendly material layer is a surface material layer directly contacting the target part (e.g., a human knee skin). In some embodiments, the skin-friendly material layer is made of a material including 60% spandex and 40% polyester.

[0099] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the skin-friendly material layer on the surface of the thermoplastic elastic layer has superior properties of thinness, softness, and breathability, which is able to apply pressure to the patellar tendon without causing injury. The silicone insert has a strong plasticity, not only allowing it to fit knees of different people according to their sizes, but also reducing a gas filling amount inside the airbag 3 and lowering an air flow rate of the air pump, thereby enabling a selection of a smaller air pump, and reducing a volume of the base 1.

[0100] In some embodiments, the airbag 3 comprises a first end and a second end. Both the first end and the second end of the airbag 3 are recessed inward. An inward recess distance of the first end is greater than an inward recess distance of the second end. As shown in FIG. 1, the airbag 3 has an overall bow-tie shape.

[0101] The first end and the second end refer to two ends of the airbag 3 along a direction perpendicular to a length direction. After the knee brace is installed on the target part, the first end is located at a lower end of the airbag 3 (facing a direction of a shank), and the second end is located at an upper end of the airbag 3 (facing a direction of a thigh).

[0102] The inward recess distance of the first end refers to a distance that the middle portion of the first end is recessed toward the second end. The inward recess distance of the second end refers to a distance that a middle portion of the second end is recessed toward the first end.

[0103] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the inward recess distance of the first end is greater than the inward recess distance of the second end, which enables the airbag 3 to fit more closely with the target part of the target object (e.g., a patellar tendon position of a knee) when the knee brace is worn. The airbag 3 applies pressure to the target part without injuring the target part, thereby improving a wearing experience.

[0104] Embodiments of the present disclosure further provide an intelligent control system applied to an intelligent sports knee brace (hereinafter referred to as an intelligent control system). FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an intelligent control system of an intelligent sports knee brace according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 7, the intelligent control system comprises a control module, a data acquisition module, a pressure adjustment module, an early warning module, a power module, a communication module, and a switch module. The data acquisition module, the pressure adjustment module, the early warning module, the power module, the communication module, and the switch module are electrically connected to the control module.

[0105] The data acquisition module is a sensing unit of the intelligent control system. The data acquisition module is configured to collect data related to the intelligent control system.

[0106] In some embodiments, the data acquisition module comprises a pressure sensor and an acceleration sensor. The pressure sensor is configured to collect air pressure data of the airbag 3. The acceleration sensor is configured to collect motion status data of the target object. More contents regarding the pressure sensor, the acceleration sensor, the airbag 3, the air pressure data, and the motion status data may be found in FIGS. 1-6 and the related descriptions.

[0107] The pressure adjustment module is an execution unit of the system. The pressure adjustment module is responsible for precisely adjusting pressure applied to a target part.

[0108] In some embodiments, the pressure adjustment module is configured to adjust a pressure of the airbag 3 on the target part according to a motion posture. The airbag 3 prevents or reduces damage and fatigue of a knee joint by applying pressure to a patellar tendon. The airbag 3 automatically adjusts a tightness of the knee brace to prevent the knee brace from loosening and slipping or being too tight to affect human motion. The airbag 3 adjusts pressures on the patellar tendons for different populations, requirements, and motion modes. The system has a high degree of automation and improves the wearing experience.

[0109] In some embodiments, the pressure adjustment module adjusts the pressure of the airbag by controlling an inflation mechanism (e.g., a micro air pump, an electromagnetic valve, etc.), thereby adjusting the pressure applied by the knee brace to the target part.

[0110] The early warning module is a safety alarm unit of the system. The early warning module is responsible for issuing a warning when an abnormal situation is detected. In some embodiments, the early warning module comprises the early warning assembly 7. More contents regarding the early warning assembly 7 may be found in the related descriptions. In some embodiments, the early warning module is configured to issue a warning and send emergency rescue information to an emergency contact when the detection mechanism 10 detects that the target object is in an abnormal state. The emergency rescue information refers to a help request sent to a preset emergency contact. The emergency rescue information may be preset by the system. The emergency contact may be preset by a user.

[0111] The power module is an energy supply unit of the system. The power module is responsible for providing a stable electrical energy to components inside the knee brace.

[0112] In some embodiments, the power module is electrically connected to the control module, the data acquisition module, the pressure adjustment module, the early warning module, the communication module, and the switch module for providing the electrical energy. In some embodiments, the power module comprises a battery assembly. More contents regarding the battery assembly may be found in the related descriptions.

[0113] The communication module is a device that wirelessly transmits signals processed by the control module to a user terminal. The user terminal is a device or software that implements real-time information interaction. For example, the user terminal is a mobile phone app, a wireless phone, a video monitor, a multimedia computer, etc.

[0114] In some embodiments, the communication module is configured to wirelessly transmit the signals processed by the control module to the user terminal. The communication module implements the human-computer interaction, provides display and basic analysis and evaluation functions for motion process data, and performs function adjustments on a product, such as a light color adjustment, a light flashing mode adjustment, etc. The communication module further performs initialization settings and related basic parameter settings on the product.

[0115] In some embodiments, the intelligent control system further comprises a communication transmission network and a routing device. The communication transmission network implements functions of perceptual information sensing communications and control information sensing communications. The routing device is a hardware device that implements the information sensing communications.

[0116] The switch module is a power management interface of the system. The switch module is responsible for controlling startup and shutdown of at least one module in the system.

[0117] In some embodiments, the switch module comprises the switch button 9 and a human body sensing sensor. The switch button 9 may be a manual switch. Alternatively, the system may automatically turn on and turn off through the human body sensing sensor disposed on the base 1.

[0118] The human body sensing sensor is an automatic detection component in the switch module. The human body sensing sensor is configured to determine whether the knee brace is worn by sensing a specific signal of a human body (e.g., an infrared spectrum), thereby achieving automatic turn-on and turn-off of the device.

[0119] In some embodiments, after the knee brace is worn on the target part (e.g., the patellar tendon position of the knee), the human body sensing sensor collects an infrared spectrum emitted by the human body. When a value of the infrared spectrum collected by the sensor reaches a threshold for triggering a logic signal output, the knee brace is driven to automatically turn on. Conversely, when the human body sensing sensor does not detect the human body, the knee brace automatically turns off or remains in a turned-off status.

[0120] The control module is a core computing and decision-making center of the entire system. For example, the control module comprises a CPU, a GPU, a DSP, etc., or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the control module comprises the main control board 8. More contents regarding the main control board 8 may be found in the related descriptions.

[0121] In some embodiments, the control module stores a database. The database includes motion status data corresponding to a plurality of motion postures and pressure adjustment ranges corresponding to the plurality of motion postures. The control module is configured to search the database to determine a motion posture of the target object based on the air pressure data and the motion status data collected by the data acquisition module and control the pressure adjustment module and the early warning module to operate based on the motion posture.

[0122] The database is a storage unit inside the control module. The database may be a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), etc., or any combination thereof.

[0123] The pressure adjustment range refers to an optimal pressure range of adjusted pressure applied to maintain optimal support and cushioning of the airbag 3 for a specific motion posture.

[0124] More descriptions regarding the motion posture may be found in FIGS. 1-6 and the related descriptions.

[0125] In some embodiments, the control module determines a matching motion posture by searching the database based on the motion status data collected by the data acquisition module.

[0126] In some embodiments, the control module searches for the pressure adjustment range in a vector database based on the motion posture, controls the pressure adjustment module to adjust the air pressure data of the airbag to be within the pressure adjustment range. In response to the motion posture being an abnormal posture, the control module controls the early warning module to issue a warning (e.g., lighting up a light). The abnormal posture reflects a posture of a user during an abnormal motion, including falling, lying down, etc.

[0127] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the intelligent control system integrates a plurality of functions such as an intelligent adjustment, an automatic warning, and a human-computer interaction into one device. The intelligent control system has good functionality, can effectively apply pressure to the patellar tendon to prevent or reduce knee joint injuries and fatigue, and automatically adjusts the tightness of the knee brace to prevent the knee brace from loosening and slipping or being too tight to affect human motion, and provides a good wearing experience.

[0128] In some embodiments, the control module is configured to: every first cycle, determine a pressure adjustment range corresponding to a reference motion posture through an evaluation model according to reference pressure data, reference impact data, and the reference motion posture; and update the database according to the pressure adjustment range.

[0129] The first cycle is a cycle for obtaining data and updating the database.

[0130] In some embodiments, the first cycle is preset based on experience. For example, the first cycle is set to 5 min, 10 min, etc.

[0131] The reference pressure data refers to data reflecting pressure situation of the airbag 3 (e.g., an airbag chamber) within one first cycle.

[0132] In some embodiments, the reference pressure data may be sequence data formed by pressure values of the airbag chamber at a plurality of moments obtained in a previous first cycle.

[0133] In some embodiments, the reference pressure data is obtained by the detection mechanism 10.

[0134] The reference impact data refers to data for quantifying the impact experienced by the user within one first cycle.

[0135] In some embodiments, the reference impact data includes a peak vertical acceleration and an impact loading rate at a plurality of moments within the previous first cycle. The vertical acceleration refers to an acceleration experienced by the user in the direction perpendicular to a ground during an impact period. The peak vertical acceleration refers to a maximum vertical acceleration experienced by the user during the impact period.

[0136] The impact loading rate refers to a change rate of the vertical acceleration from zero to the peak vertical acceleration.

[0137] In some embodiments, the reference impact data is obtained by the detection mechanism 10.

[0138] The reference motion posture refers to data reflecting a change situation of the motion posture of the user within one first cycle. More information on the motion posture may be found in the related descriptions.

[0139] In some embodiments, the reference motion posture includes the motion postures of the user at a plurality of moments corresponding to the reference pressure data and the reference impact data within the previous first cycle.

[0140] In some embodiments, the motion posture is obtained by the detection mechanism 10.

[0141] In some embodiments, the pressure adjustment range includes a center value and a fluctuation range of the pressure of the airbag 3 after adjustment. The center value reflects an optimal pressure value of the airbag 3. The pressure adjustment range includes the center value and the fluctuation range of the pressure of the airbag 3 after adjustment corresponding to the motion postures of the user at a plurality of moments within the first cycle.

[0142] The evaluation model refers to a model for determining a pressure adjustment range under the reference motion posture.

[0143] In some embodiments, the evaluation model includes a machine learning model, e.g., a neural network (NN) model, a convolutional neural network (CNN), etc.

[0144] In some embodiments, an input of the evaluation model includes the reference pressure data, the reference impact data, and the corresponding reference motion posture. An output of the evaluation model includes the pressure adjustment range under the reference motion posture.

[0145] In some embodiments, the evaluation model is obtained by training with a large number of first training samples with first labels. The first training sample includes sample reference pressure data, sample reference impact data, and a sample reference motion posture. The first label includes a sample pressure adjustment range. In some embodiments, the first training sample is obtained by construction based on historical data. The first label corresponding to the first training sample is obtained by manual annotation based on the historical data. For example, the control module selects a historical pressure adjustment range with the best adjustment effect from a plurality of historical pressure adjustment ranges corresponding to an evaluation sample as the first label based on a preset evaluation criterion. Within a period of time after applying the historical pressure adjustment range, actual impact data is collected, and a similarity between the actual impact data of the user and a standard impact curve corresponding to the current historical motion posture is calculated. A higher similarity indicates a better adjustment effect. The standard impact curve refers to a reference curve pre-fitted through a large amount of experimental data, which is capable of reflecting periodic changes of ideal impact data under the motion posture.

[0146] In some embodiments, the control module obtains the evaluation model by training based on the first training samples and the first labels. A training method includes, but is not limited to, a gradient descent method. Merely by way of example, the control module inputs a plurality of first training samples into an initial evaluation model. A loss function is constructed through the first labels and output results of the initial evaluation model. Parameters of the initial evaluation model are iteratively updated based on the loss function. When a preset condition is satisfied, the model training is completed, and a trained evaluation model is obtained. The preset condition includes that the loss function converges, a number of iterations reaches a preset number threshold, etc.

[0147] In some embodiments, the control module updates the pressure adjustment range corresponding to the motion posture identical to the reference motion posture in the database to the pressure adjustment range corresponding to the reference motion posture output by the evaluation model.

[0148] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the control module periodically learns user data and updates the database, thereby enabling the pressure adjustment range to dynamically adapt to a real-time status of the user, thereby improving precision and a personalization level of the adjustment.

[0149] In some embodiments, the database further comprises a plurality of reference pressures for a plurality of motion stages corresponding to each of a plurality of reference motion postures, and an output of the evaluation model further comprises the plurality of reference pressures for the plurality of motion stages corresponding to each of the plurality of reference motion postures.

[0150] The motion stage refers to a plurality of specific load periods divided within a complete gait period of the target object (e.g., the user using the intelligent sports knee brace) during cyclical motion such as walking or running.

[0151] For example, the motion stage includes a pre-activation stage, an impact absorption stage, a load-bearing stabilization stage, a push-off force generation stage, and a swing recovery stage, etc.

[0152] The reference pressure refers to an ideal target pressure value that is capable of effectively buffering impact and providing support in a specific motion stage under a specific motion posture.

[0153] In some embodiments, the first label further comprises sample reference pressures of the plurality of motion stages of the plurality of reference motion postures corresponding to the first training sample.

[0154] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, by respectively determining the reference pressures for different motion stages (e.g., support, swing) under a same posture, a data foundation is provided for subsequent implementation of more refined staged pressure control.

[0155] In some embodiments, every second cycle, the control module determines the motion stage of the target object according to historical motion data and historical air pressure data; controls the micro air pump 51 to inflate the airbag 3 according to the motion stage; or controls an electromagnetic valve 52 to open to deflate the airbag 3 according to the motion stage.

[0156] The second cycle refers to a cycle for obtaining data and controlling the inflation or deflation of the airbag 3.

[0157] In some embodiments, the second cycle is preset based on experience. A cycle length of the second cycle is less than a cycle length of the first cycle. For example, the second cycle is set to 0.5 s, 1 s, etc.

[0158] The historical motion data refers to the motion data of the target object at a plurality of moments collected within the previous second cycle. The motion data includes the vertical acceleration, the forward acceleration, and the gyroscope angular velocity. The forward acceleration refers to an acceleration of the user in the forward axis direction. The vertical acceleration refers to an acceleration of the user in the vertical axis direction. More information on the forward axis and the vertical axis may be found in the related descriptions.

[0159] The historical air pressure data refers to the pressure data of the airbag 3 at a plurality of moments collected within the previous second cycle. More information on the pressure data may be found in FIGS. 1-6 and the related descriptions.

[0160] In some embodiments, the control module calculates a load index at each moment based on the historical motion data and historical air pressure data at each moment; obtains a real-time load curve based on the load indices at a plurality of moments by fitting; obtains a reference load curve based on reference motion data and reference air pressure data of different reference motion stages in reference data at different second cycles of by fitting; and determines the reference motion stage of which curves matches as the current motion stage of the target object by comparing the real-time load curve and the reference load curve. More descriptions about the motion stage may be found in FIG. 7 and the related descriptions. The reference data may include all the historical data measured.

[0161] The load index is a quantitative indicator that comprehensively reflects an instantaneous force level of the knee joint. In some embodiments, the load index is positively correlated with a value of the motion data.

[0162] In some embodiments, the control module determines the load index F according to the following formula (1):F=k⁢1*a⁢1+k⁢2*a⁢2+k⁢3*α+k⁢4*P,(1)where F denotes the load index, a1 denotes the vertical acceleration at a certain moment in the second cycle, a2 denotes the forward acceleration at the moment, α denotes the gyroscope angular velocity at the moment, and P denotes the air pressure data at the moment. k1, k2, k3, and k4 are coefficients, which are set based on experience. The reference load index may be calculated through formula (1) based on the reference motion data.An independent variable of the real-time load curve is time, and a dependent variable is the load index. An independent variable of the reference load index is the moment and the historical motion stage, and a dependent variable of the reference load index is the historical load index.

[0164] In some embodiments, the control module determines the motion stage according to the load index and controls the micro air pump 51 to inflate the airbag 3 or controls the electromagnetic valve 52 to open to deflate the airbag 3 based on the motion stage.

[0165] In some embodiments, in response to the load index being less than a first preset threshold, the control module determines that the motion stage is a low-load stage, and controls the electromagnetic valve 52 to open to deflate the airbag 3. In some embodiments, in response to the load index being greater than a second preset threshold, the control module determines that the motion stage is a high-load stage, and controls the micro air pump 51 to inflate the airbag 3. The first preset threshold and the second preset threshold may be set based on experience. The low-load stage refers to a motion stage in which the target object bears a relatively low motion load, e.g., a pre-activation stage, a swing recovery stage. The high-load stage refers to a motion stage in which the target object bears a relatively high motion load, e.g., an impact absorption stage, a push-off force generation stage.

[0166] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, by determining the motion stage of the user in real time and accordingly adjusting the air pressure, the control module achieves a dynamic and differentiated air pressure support within a complete motion cycle (e.g., one step of walking).

[0167] In some embodiments, according to the motion posture, the control module determines a plurality of reference pressures of the plurality of motion stages corresponding to the motion posture through the database. For each motion stage of the plurality of motion stages, the control module generates a pressure adjustment instruction according to the motion stage, the reference pressure corresponding to the motion stage, and the air pressure data. The pressure adjustment instruction controls the micro air pump 51 to inflate the airbag 3; or the pressure adjustment instruction controls the electromagnetic valve 52 to open to a reference opening degree to deflate the airbag 3.

[0168] In some embodiments, the control module determines the plurality of pressure adjustment ranges of the plurality of motion stages corresponding to the motion posture by directly retrieving the database according to the motion posture; and takes a statistical value (e.g., a median) of the pressure adjustment ranges as the reference pressure.

[0169] The pressure adjustment instruction is an instruction for controlling the airbag 3 to perform pressure adjustment.

[0170] In some embodiments, the pressure adjustment instruction includes an optimal power of the micro air pump 51 or the reference opening degree of the electromagnetic valve 52.

[0171] In some embodiments, according to the reference pressure of a current motion stage and the air pressure data, the control module queries a first preset table to determine the pressure adjustment instruction. The first preset table includes a correspondence between the reference pressure, the air pressure data, the optimal power, and the pressure adjustment instruction. The first preset table may be set based on experience.

[0172] In some embodiments, the control module controls the micro air pump 51 to inflate the airbag 3 at the optimal power. In some embodiments, the control module controls the electromagnetic valve 52 to open to the reference opening degree to deflate the airbag 3.

[0173] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the control module performs fine control on the micro air pump 51 with the optimal power or the reference opening degree, enabling the air pressure to reach a target value more quickly and accurately, thereby improving a response speed and energy efficiency of the adjustment.

[0174] In some embodiments, in response to detecting a high-risk action of the target object, the control module sends an inflation instruction to the inflation mechanism 5. The inflation instruction controls the micro air pump 51 to inflate the airbag 3 at a rated power.

[0175] The high-risk action refers to an abnormal motion posture that causes a user to be in danger (e.g., falling or joint injury), such as excessive inversion or eversion of an ankle, an emergency stop, a tangential direction change, etc.

[0176] In some embodiments, the control module extracts a high-risk feature based on the motion data of the previous second cycle and determines whether the high-risk action exists according to the high-risk feature and a safety threshold.

[0177] The high-risk feature refers to a feature for evaluating a motion safety risk.

[0178] In some embodiments, the high-risk feature includes a knee valgus angle, a knee flexion angle, a tibial internal rotation angular velocity, and a ground reaction force.

[0179] In some embodiments, the control module determines a moment at which a maximum value of the vertical acceleration occurs within the previous second cycle, obtains the lateral acceleration and the vertical acceleration at the moment, and uses an arctangent value of the lateral acceleration and the vertical acceleration as the knee valgus angle.

[0180] In some embodiments, the control module obtains lateral angular velocities at a plurality of moments within the previous second cycle, performs time integration on the plurality of lateral angular velocities to obtain a pitch angle change value of a shank relative to its initial position, and uses the pitch angle change value as the knee flexion angle.

[0181] In some embodiments, the control module obtains the vertical angular velocities at the plurality of moments within the previous second cycle, and uses a statistical value (e.g., a mean value) of the plurality of vertical angular velocities as the tibial internal rotation angular velocity.

[0182] In some embodiments, the control module obtains the vertical accelerations at the plurality of moments within the previous second cycle, and determines the ground reaction force according to the following formula (2):Fground=(a⁢1-g)*Gweight,(2)where Fground denotes the ground reaction force, a1 denotes the average value of the vertical accelerations at the plurality of moments within the previous second cycle, g denotes the gravitational acceleration, and Gweight denotes a user weight.Manners for determining the lateral acceleration, the vertical acceleration, the lateral angular velocity, and the vertical angular velocity may be found in FIGS. 1-6 and the related descriptions.

[0184] The safety threshold is a parameter for determining whether the high-risk action exists.

[0185] In some embodiments, the safety threshold includes a first safety threshold corresponding to the knee valgus angle, a second safety threshold corresponding to the knee flexion angle, a third safety threshold corresponding to the tibial internal rotation angular velocity, and a fourth safety threshold corresponding to the ground reaction force.

[0186] In some embodiments, the safety threshold is preset based on experience.

[0187] In some embodiments, the control module constructs a motion capability and the user weight into a first vector to be matched, retrieves a first reference vector with a highest vector similarity with the first vector to be matched from a first vector database, and uses a reference safety threshold corresponding to the first reference vector as the safety threshold. The first vector database includes a plurality of first reference vectors and corresponding reference safety thresholds. The first reference vector is formed by the motion capability and the user weight.

[0188] In some embodiments, in the historical data, there are a plurality of groups of historical safety thresholds for one group of motion capability and user weight. The control module selects a group of historical safety thresholds with the highest response rate as the reference safety thresholds corresponding to the first reference vector. The response rate is a ratio of a number of times the inflation instruction is issued under a certain group of safety thresholds to a number of times the target object actually performs the high-risk action.

[0189] The motion capability is a parameter for quantifying a physical function of the user.

[0190] In some embodiments, the control module first normalizes a motion load baseline, a joint stability baseline, and a fatigue index, then performs weighting, and uses a weighted result as the motion capability. Weights for the weighting may be preset based on experience.

[0191] The motion load baseline refers to a ratio of a speed to the ground reaction force at different speeds. The joint stability baseline refers to an average standard deviation of the knee valgus angle, the knee flexion angle, and the tibial internal rotation angular velocity during motion. The fatigue index refers to a change range of the motion load baseline and the joint stability baseline of the user. The motion load baseline, the joint stability baseline, and the fatigue index may be obtained through measurement and statistics of historical data.

[0192] In some embodiments, the control module is configured to, in response to any one of the high-risk features exceeding the corresponding safety threshold, determine that the user has the high-risk action; and send the inflation instruction to the inflation mechanism. The inflation instruction controls the micro air pump 51 to inflate the airbag 3 at the rated power.

[0193] The control module is configured to obtain the rated power of the micro air pump 51 uploaded by the user through the user terminal.

[0194] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the control module provides an emergency and strong support for the user by quickly inflating the airbag at a maximum power upon detecting the high-risk action, thereby effectively preventing sports injuries.

[0195] In some embodiments, in response to detecting the high-risk action, the control module is configured to determine a pressure regulation value for each of the plurality of airbag chambers based on the high-risk feature; generate a plurality of microvalve adjustment instructions including sub-opening degrees based on the pressure regulation value and the air pressure data; and control corresponding micro valves in the micro valve matrix to inflate the airbag chamber at the corresponding sub-openings based on the microvalve adjustment instructions.

[0196] The pressure regulation value refers to a target pressure value for adjusting the airbag chamber.

[0197] In some embodiments, the control module is configured to construct the high-risk feature into a second vector to be matched; retrieve a second reference vector with a highest vector similarity to the second vector to be matched from a second vector database; use the pressure regulation value corresponding to the second reference vector as the pressure regulation value for each of the plurality of airbag chambers. The second vector database includes a plurality of second reference vectors and the corresponding pressure regulation values. The second reference vector is formed of historical high-risk features.

[0198] In some embodiments, in the historical data, the historical high-risk feature corresponds to a plurality of historical pressure regulation values. The control module is configured to select the historical pressure regulation value with the best adjustment effect as the pressure regulation value corresponding to the second reference vector. More information on how to determine the adjustment effect may be found in FIG. 6 and the related descriptions.

[0199] The microvalve adjustment instruction refers to an instruction for controlling an opening status of the micro valve matrix.

[0200] The sub-opening degree refers to an opening size of a single micro valve in the micro valve matrix.

[0201] In some embodiments, the control module is configured to determine the microvalve adjustment instruction by querying a second preset table based on the pressure regulation value and the air pressure data. The second preset table includes a correspondence between the pressure regulation value, the air pressure data, and the microvalve adjustment instruction. The second preset table may be preset based on experience.

[0202] In some embodiments, the control module is configured to control a plurality of micro valves in the micro valve matrix to inflate the airbag chamber at the corresponding sub-opening degrees based on the plurality of sub-opening degrees of the microvalve adjustment instruction.

[0203] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, upon detecting the high-risk action, the control module is capable of differentially setting target pressures for the plurality of airbag chambers based on specific risk features, and independently controlling each micro valve by generating instructions with precise sub-opening degrees, thereby achieving a rapid and precise support for the knee joint and significantly improving emergency protection effects.

[0204] For those skilled in the art, it is apparent that the present disclosure is not limited to the details of the above exemplary embodiments. The present disclosure may be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the present disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments should be regarded as exemplary and non-limiting from any perspective. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than the above description. It is intended to cover all changes that fall within the meaning and range of equivalents of the claims in the present disclosure. Any drawing labels in the claims should not be construed as limiting the related claims.

[0205] In addition, it should be understood that although the present disclosure is described according to the embodiments, not each embodiment includes only one independent technical solution. This narrative manner of the present disclosure is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the present disclosure as a whole. The technical solutions in the embodiments may also be appropriately combined to form other implementations that are understood by those skilled in the art.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0017]The drawings required for describing the embodiments are briefly introduced below. The drawings do not represent all embodiments.

[0018]In the embodiments of the present disclosure, when describing the operations performed step by step, unless otherwise specified, an order of the steps is adjustable, steps may be omitted, and other steps may be included during the operation.

[0019]The embodiments of the present disclosure are merely for illustration and description, and do not limit an applicable scope of the present disclosure. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and changes that can be made under the guidance of the present disclosure still fall within the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, certain features, structures, or characteristics in one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may be appropriately combined.

[0020]It should be noted that the “inner side” and “outer side” mentioned later are relative concepts. For example, the “inner side”...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part application of International Application No. PCT / CN2025 / 107693, filed on Jul. 9, 2025, which claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411284993.X, filed on Sep. 13, 2024, the contents of each of which are entirely incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to the technical field of knee braces, and in particular to an intelligent sports knee brace and an intelligent control system.BACKGROUND

[0003] Knee braces are one of the most common sports injury protection products. The knee braces are mainly used as auxiliary devices worn by sports enthusiasts or athletes during exercise to protect a knee joint from sports injuries. Reasonable use of the knee brace can significantly reduce an occurrence of sports injuries.

[0004] Most sports knee braces adopt a sleeve type that wraps an entire knee joint. When worn for a long time, a knee movement becomes difficult, the knee joint is not easy to bend, and it is easy to cause stuffiness, affecting a normal exercise. In addition, tightness of traditional knee braces is mainly adjusted by a wearer adjusting a length of the strap. The adjustment is troublesome. Moreover, after being worn for a long time, a strap adjustment part is repeatedly pulled, resulting in adjustment failure and loosening. This causes inconvenience in exercise and failure of a knee protection function.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an intelligent sports knee brace and an intelligent control system.SUMMARY

[0006] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide an intelligent sports knee brace. The intelligent sports knee brace includes a base and a strap. The base is connected to the strap. The strap connects the knee brace to a target part of a target object through a connection structure. An inner surface of the base facing the target part is provided with an airbag that contacts the target part. A cavity is provided inside the base. A detection mechanism, a battery assembly, an early warning assembly, and a main control board are arranged in the cavity. The detection mechanism is configured to detect air pressure data of the airbag and motion status data of the target object. The inflation mechanism is configured to inflate or deflate the airbag. The early warning assembly is configured to provide motion warning and an emergency rescue reminder. The main control board is electrically connected to the inflation mechanism, the detection mechanism, the battery assembly, and the early warning assembly.

[0007] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide an intelligent control system applied to an intelligent sports knee brace. The intelligent control system includes a control module, a data acquisition module, a pressure adjustment module, an early warning module, a power module, a communication module, and a switch module. The control module is electrically connected to the data acquisition module, the pressure adjustment module, the early warning module, the power module, the communication module, and the switch module. The data acquisition module includes a pressure sensor and an acceleration sensor. The pressure sensor is configured to collect air pressure data of an airbag. The acceleration sensor is configured to collect motion status data of a target object. A database is stored in the control module. The database includes motion status data corresponding to a plurality of motion postures and pressure adjustment ranges corresponding to the plurality of motion postures. The control module is configured to search the database to determine a motion posture of the target object based on the air pressure data and the motion status data collected by the data acquisition module and control the pressure adjustment module and the early warning module to operate based on the motion posture. The pressure adjustment module is configured to adjust a pressure of the airbag on a target part according to the motion posture. The early warning module is configured to issue an early warning and send emergency rescue information to an emergency contact when a detection mechanism detects that the target object is in an abnormal state. The power module is electrically connected to the control module, the data acquisition module, the pressure adjustment module, the early warning module, the communication module, and the switch module. The communication module is configured to wirelessly transmit signals processed by the control module to a user terminal. The switch module includes a switch button and a human body sensing sensor. The switch module is configured to control the intelligent sports knee brace to turn on or turn off through the human body sensing sensor disposed on a base.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The present disclosure is further illustrated by way of exemplary embodiments, which is described in detail by means of the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are not limiting, and in these embodiments, the same numbering denotes the same structure, wherein:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a first schematic diagram illustrating a structure of an intelligent sports knee brace according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a second schematic diagram illustrating a structure of an intelligent sports knee brace according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an intelligent sports knee brace according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an internal structure of an intelligent sports knee brace according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 5 is an electric control schematic diagram of an intelligent sports knee brace according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection between a micro air pump and an airbag according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0015] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an intelligent control system of an intelligent sports knee brace according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] In the drawings: 1, a base; 11, a seat body; 111, an arc-shaped mounting part; 12, a base shell; 121, an annular groove; 13, a support plate; 131, a through hole; 14, a frame body; 15, a through hole; 16, a mounting hole; 2, a strap; 3, an airbag; 31, a first chamber; 32, a second chamber; 33, a third chamber; 4, a cavity; 5, an inflation mechanism; 51, a micro air pump; 52, an electromagnetic valve; 53, an air circuit connector; 54, a micro valve matrix; 6, a battery assembly; 61, a battery; 62, a magnetic charging dock; 7, an early warning assembly; 71, a light board; 72, a light-transmitting sheet; 8, a main control board; 9, a switch button; 10, a detection mechanism.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The drawings required for describing the embodiments are briefly introduced below. The drawings do not represent all embodiments.

[0018] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, when describing the operations performed step by step, unless otherwise specified, an order of the steps is adjustable, steps may be omitted, and other steps may be included during the operation.

[0019] The embodiments of the present disclosure are merely for illustration and description, and do not limit an applicable scope of the present disclosure. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and changes that can be made under the guidance of the present disclosure still fall within the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, certain features, structures, or characteristics in one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may be appropriately combined.

[0020] It should be noted that the “inner side” and “outer side” mentioned later are relative concepts. For example, the “inner side” is a side relatively facing a target part (e.g., a patellar tendon), and the “outer side” is a side relatively facing away from the target part (e.g., the patellar tendon).

[0021] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an intelligent sports knee brace.

[0022] FIG. 1 a first schematic diagram illustrating a structure of an intelligent sports knee brace according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a second schematic diagram illustrating a structure of an intelligent sports knee brace according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an intelligent sports knee brace according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an internal structure of an intelligent sports knee brace according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is an electric control schematic diagram of an intelligent sports knee brace according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1-5, the intelligent sports knee brace (also referred to as a smart sports knee brace or a knee brace) comprises a base 1 and a strap 2. The strap 2 is connected to a target part of a target object through a connection structure. An inner surface of the base 1 facing the target part is provided with an airbag 3 that contacts the target part. A cavity 4 is provided inside the base 1. The cavity 4 is provided with an inflation mechanism 5, a detection mechanism 10, a battery assembly 6, an early warning assembly 7, and a main control board 8. The detection mechanism 10 is configured to detect pressure data of the airbag 3 and motion status data of the target object. The inflation mechanism 5 is configured to inflate or deflate the airbag 3. The early warning assembly 7 is configured to provide a motion warning and an emergency rescue reminder. The main control board 8 is electrically connected to the inflation mechanism 5, the detection mechanism 10, the battery assembly 6, and the early warning assembly 7.

[0024] In some embodiments, the intelligent sports knee brace is overall designed as an annular narrow-band structure (i.e., a narrow-band type knee brace). The intelligent sports knee brace is worn at a patellar tendon position of the knee, which has a compact structure and is convenient to wear, without affecting human motion, thus improving a wearing experience.

[0025] The base 1 refers to a main load-bearing structure of the intelligent sports knee brace, which is used for integrally mounting various functional components. In some embodiments, the base is made of a flexible material. For example, the base is made of rubber.

[0026] In some embodiments, a switch button 9 is further provided on an outer side of the base 1. The switch button 9 is configured to control the knee brace to turn on (power on) or turn off (power off). The outer side of the base 1 refers to a side of the base 1 facing away from the target object.

[0027] The inner surface of the base 1 refers to a surface of the base facing the target object.

[0028] The strap 2 refers to a component used for connecting the knee brace to the target part of the target object through the connection structure. For example, the strap 2 is a hook-and-loop strap.

[0029] In some embodiments, the base 1 and the strap 2 are fixedly connected. The base and the strap may be fixedly connected by bonding, adhesion, etc., or may be integrally formed.

[0030] The connection structure is used for fixing the strap 2 to the target part. For example, the connection structure is a hook-and-loop fastener or a buckle structure.

[0031] The target object refers to a user who uses the knee brace. The target part refers to a knee joint part of the target object that the knee brace needs to fit, such as the patellar tendon.

[0032] In some embodiments, the inner surface of the base 1 facing the target part is provided with the airbag 3 that contacts the target part.

[0033] The airbag 3 refers to an inflatable and deflatable component that adjusts a pressure on the knee by changing the air pressure.

[0034] The cavity 4 refers to a sealed space inside the base 1 for accommodating functional components. In some embodiments, the cavity 4 is provided with the inflation mechanism 5, the detection mechanism 10, the battery assembly 6, the early warning assembly 7, and the main control board 8. A size of the cavity 4 may be set according to requirements. For example, the size of the cavity 4 is 60*40 mm. Its compact size allows for integrated installation of various functional components, resulting in a small overall volume, a simple and compact structure, and a high level of integration.

[0035] The inflation mechanism 5 is an execution component that controls inflation and deflation of the airbag 3. In some embodiments, the inflation mechanism 5 adjusts the pressure of the airbag according to different motion statuses, thereby affecting a pressure applied to the target part (e.g., the patellar tendon) of the target object. By applying pressure to the target part (e.g., the patellar tendon), damage and fatigue of the knee joint are prevented or reduced. A tightness of the knee brace is automatically adjusted, which prevents the knee brace from loosening and slipping or being too tight to affect human motion. The inflation mechanism 5 adjusts a gap between the airbag 3 and the knee by inflating or deflating the airbag 3, thereby adjusting the pressure applied by the knee brace to the patellar tendon position of the knee.

[0036] The detection mechanism 10 is a mechanism used for detecting the pressure data of the airbag 3 and the motion status data of the target object.

[0037] The pressure data is a parameter for describing an internal pressure of the airbag 3.

[0038] The motion status data refers to a parameter for describing a human body motion posture. For example, the motion status data includes human body triaxial acceleration information. The three axes refer to a forward axis, a vertical axis, and a lateral axis. The forward axis is along a direction the user is facing. The vertical axis is along a direction of gravitational acceleration. The lateral axis is perpendicular to the forward axis. The motion status data may include a forward acceleration, a lateral acceleration, a vertical acceleration, a lateral angular velocity, a vertical angular velocity, a gyroscope angular velocity, etc.

[0039] The motion posture refers to a posture or action mode of a user's body during motion. For example, the motion posture includes standing, sitting still, turning around, shaking legs, low-speed walking, high-speed walking, walking with stops, walking in circles, walking sideways, jogging, fast running, cycling, going up and down stairs, etc. Different pressures on the airbag 3 may be preset for different motion postures. Specific manners may be referred to in FIG. 6 and related descriptions.

[0040] In some embodiments, the detection mechanism 10 includes a pressure sensor and an acceleration sensor.

[0041] The pressure sensor is configured to detect the air pressure data of the airbag 3. The acceleration sensor is configured to detect the motion status data of the target object (e.g., the forward acceleration, the lateral acceleration, the vertical acceleration, etc.).

[0042] In some embodiments, the acceleration sensor is a six-axis acceleration sensor. Merely by way of example, the acceleration sensor is a six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU).

[0043] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the acceleration sensor identifies current motion status data of the user, and the pressure sensor monitors air pressure data. In this way, a direct and reliable data basis is provided for automatically adjusting the pressure of the airbag 3 by the knee brace, thereby avoiding a protection failure caused by loosening of the knee brace during motion, and also avoiding discomfort caused by excessive pressure when stay still.

[0044] In some embodiments, the detection mechanism 10 further includes a gyroscope. The gyroscope is configured to measure the lateral angular velocity, the vertical angular velocity, and a gyroscope angular velocity, etc.

[0045] The battery assembly 6 refers to a component that provides electrical energy for the knee brace.

[0046] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the battery assembly 6 comprises a battery 61 and a charger. The charger comprises a magnetic charging dock 62 disposed on the base 1, which enables a rapid charging connection. The main control board 8 controls the battery assembly 6 via a charge management chip and a power management chip.

[0047] In some embodiments, the battery 61 provides the electrical energy to other components of the knee brace (e.g., the detection mechanism 10, the inflation mechanism 5, the early warning assembly 7, etc.) via the charger (e.g., the magnetic charging dock 62 on the base 1).

[0048] The magnetic charging dock 62 is rapidly connected to the battery 61 via magnetic attraction.

[0049] The charge management chip is a chip that manages a charging process of the battery 61. In some embodiments, the charge management chip is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0050] The power management chip refers to a component that distributes and converts a voltage of the battery 61 into stable operating voltages required by various components within a system and implements an overall power consumption management strategy.

[0051] In some embodiments, after a power level of the battery 61 falls below a set threshold, the main control board 8 adjusts a control logic of the power management chip to enter a standby (low power) mode after ensuring the pressure of the airbag 3.

[0052] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the knee brace achieves fast and convenient charging via the magnetic charging dock 62. The main control board 8 intelligently manages the battery 61 via the charge management chip and the power management chip. When the power level is low, the knee brace prioritizes ensuring the basic pressure of the airbag 3 before entering the standby mode, thereby optimizing the user experience, and extending a device battery life.

[0053] The early warning assembly 7 refers to a module in the knee brace for issuing warning signals. For example, the early warning assembly 7 includes a warning light, a warning bell, etc.

[0054] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, during the fall of the target object, an abnormal rate of acceleration change in an abnormal direction typically occurs, followed by a stationary state with an abnormal posture. By calculating a change, a change direction, and a change rate of a total acceleration from acceleration data detected by the acceleration sensor, the detected abnormality is fed back to the main control board 8. The main control board 8 determines whether an abnormality such as a fall occurs by comparing these data with a set threshold in a database, thereby controlling the early warning assembly 7 to issue a warning and send emergency rescue information to an emergency contact. More contents regarding the acceleration sensor may be found in the related descriptions.

[0055] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the early warning assembly 7 comprises a light board 71 disposed within the cavity 4. The outer side of the base 1 facing away from the target part is provided with a light-transmitting sheet 72 corresponding to the light board 71.

[0056] The light board 71 is a component in the early warning assembly 7 that is installed within the cavity 4 of the base 1 as a light source and emits light upon receiving a signal from the main control board 8 to achieve a warning function. In some embodiments, the light board 71 is a circuit board integrated with light-emitting diode (LED) beads.

[0057] The light-transmitting sheet 72 is a semi-transparent cover plate covering an exterior of the base 1 and corresponding to position of the internal light board 71, which is used for uniformly guiding and diffusing light emitted by the light board 71 while protecting internal components. Merely by way of example, the light-transmitting sheet 72 is made of acrylic or semi-transparent plastic. In some embodiments, the light-transmitting sheet 72 is disposed on an outer side surface of a base shell 12 facing away from the target part. More contents regarding the base shell 12 may be found in the related descriptions of FIGS. 2-4 hereafter.

[0058] In some embodiments, a surface of the light board 71 may be fitted with a surface of the light-transmitting sheet 72. A size of the light board 71 may match a size of the light-transmitting sheet 72.

[0059] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, by guiding light from the light board 71 through the light-transmitting sheet 72, the early warning assembly 7 provides an intuitive optical warning when an abnormality such as a fall occurs, and automatically sends a help request to the emergency contact, which significantly enhances a sports safety protection.

[0060] The main control board 8 is a core computing and processing unit of the knee brace. For example, the main control board 8 comprises a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), etc., or any combination thereof.

[0061] Embodiments of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, the following beneficial effects. (1) The knee brace integrates multiple functions such as an intelligent adjustment, an automatic warning, and a human-computer interaction into one device. The knee brace has good functionality, can effectively apply pressure to the patellar tendon to prevent or reduce knee joint injuries and fatigue, and automatically adjusts the tightness of the knee brace to prevent the knee brace from loosening and slipping or being too tight and thus affecting human motion, and provides a good wearing experience. (2) The structure of the knee brace is compact and lightweight, with a good portability, integration, and comfort. (3) The intelligent sports knee brace is an electronic knee brace with a high wearing recognition, and it can be installed in cooperation with an auxiliary frame.

[0062] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2-4, the base 1 comprises a seat body 11, the base shell 12, and a support plate 13. The seat body 11 is connected to the strap 2. The base shell 12 is connected to the seat body 11. The cavity 4 is provided inside the base shell 12. The support plate 13 is embedded on an inner end surface of the base shell 12. The airbag 3 is attached to an inner side surface of the support plate 13.

[0063] The seat body is a main support structure in the base 1. In some embodiments, the seat body 11 is connected to the strap 2.

[0064] In some embodiments, the seat body 11 is integrally formed, and an overall weight of the knee brace is light, with a total weight of less than 120 g, making it convenient to carry.

[0065] The base shell 12 is a shell in the base 1 for encapsulating and protecting internal functional components (e.g., the inflation mechanism 5, the early warning assembly 7, etc.).

[0066] The support plate 13 is a structure on an inner side of the base 1 for bearing and fixing the airbag 3. The inner side surface of the support plate 13 refers to a wall surface of the support plate 13 facing the airbag 3.

[0067] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, by providing the seat body 11, the base shell 12, and the support plate 13 on the base, various components are stably installed inside the base, thereby enhancing a structural stability and a functional integration of the intelligent sports knee brace.

[0068] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, the seat body 11 comprises a frame body 14 provided with a through hole 15. An outer peripheral side of the base shell 12 is provided with an annular groove 121 adapted to the frame body 14. The frame body 14 is embedded in the annular groove 121. The inner end surface of the base shell 12 is provided with an opening. The support plate 13 closes the opening of the base shell 12.

[0069] The frame body 14 is a structure in a middle portion of the seat body 11 provided with the through hole 15.

[0070] The annular groove 121 is a component arranged on the outer peripheral side of the base shell 12 for embedding and fixing the frame body. A size of the annular groove 121 matches a size of the frame body 14.

[0071] The opening refers to an unclosed region on the inner end surface of the base shell 12. In some embodiments, the support plate 13 is adhered or welded to the inner end surface of the base shell 12 to form seal. The inner end surface of the base shell 12 may be an end surface of the base shell 12 close to the airbag 3, as shown in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, a through hole 131 is provided on the support plate. The inflation mechanism 5 communicates with the airbag 3 through the through hole 131, or an air tube of the inflation mechanism 5 passes through the through hole 131 to communicate with the airbag 3.

[0072] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, through an embedded cooperation of the frame body 14 and the annular groove 121 and closing of the opening by the support plate 13, a miniaturization, a high integration, and a structural stability of the base 1 are achieved, making the overall knee brace lightweight and small in volume, thereby improving the portability and the wearing experience.

[0073] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, both sides of the seat body 11 connected to the strap 2 are provided with arc-shaped mounting parts 111. The arc-shaped mounting parts 111 fit the target part. The seat body 11 is connected to the strap 2 through the arc-shaped mounting parts 111.

[0074] The arc-shaped mounting parts 111 is components integrally formed with the middle portion frame body 14 on both sides of the seat body 11. The arc-shaped mounting parts 111 fits the knee. The arc-shaped mounting part 111 may be made of a flexible material, e.g., silicone, thermoplastic elastomer, etc. In some embodiments, an end of each arc-shaped mounting part 111 is connected to the seat body 11, and the other end of each arc-shaped mounting part 111 is connected to the strap 2.

[0075] In some embodiments, an end of each arc-shaped mounting part 111 facing the strap is provided with a mounting hole 16 for connecting the strap 2.

[0076] The mounting hole 16 is a through hole provided at a lower end of the arc-shaped mounting part 111.

[0077] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, by providing the mounting hole 16, detachment of the strap is facilitated, thereby making it convenient to wear the knee brace.

[0078] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the knee brace achieves a close fit between the base 1 and a knee through the arc-shaped mounting parts 111, making the knee brace fixed stably and not easy to slide, while cooperating with the strap 2 to ensure convenient wearing, thereby improving the stability and the comfort experience during exercise.

[0079] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the inflation mechanism 5 comprises a micro air pump 51, an electromagnetic valve 52, and an air circuit connector 53. The micro air pump 51, the electromagnetic valve 52, and the airbag 3 are connected through the air circuit connector 53. The micro air pump 51 is configured to inflate the airbag 3. The electromagnetic valve 52 is configured to control the deflation of the airbag 3.

[0080] The micro air pump 51 is configured to provide a power source for the inflation mechanism 5 and inflate the airbag 3. For example, the micro air pump 51 is a miniaturized air compression device.

[0081] The electromagnetic valve 52 is configured to control gas release.

[0082] In some embodiments, when the inflation mechanism 5 inflates, the electromagnetic valve 52 is closed and the micro air pump 51 is turned on. When the inflation mechanism 5 deflates, the micro air pump 51 is turned off and the electromagnetic valve 52 is opened.

[0083] The air circuit connector 53 is configured to connect to the micro air pump 51, the electromagnetic valve 52, and the airbag 3. In some embodiments, the air circuit connector 53 ensures that gas is efficiently delivered from the air pump to the airbag 3 or discharged from the airbag 3 through the electromagnetic valve 52.

[0084] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, by inflating and deflating the airbag 3, a gap between the airbag 3 and the knee is changed, thereby adjusting the pressure applied by the knee brace to the patellar tendon position of the knee.

[0085] In some embodiments, the airbag 3 comprises a plurality of airbag chambers. The plurality of airbag chambers correspond to different target parts of the target object, respectively. More descriptions regarding the target object and the target part may be found in FIGS. 1-5 and the related descriptions.

[0086] The airbag chamber refers to an independent air chamber in the airbag 3.

[0087] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection between a micro air pump and an airbag according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0088] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, airbag chambers comprise a first chamber 31, a second chamber 32, and a third chamber 33 sequentially arranged along a length direction of the airbag (as shown in FIG. 1).

[0089] The first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber respectively correspond to different target parts of the target object. For example, when the knee brace is in use, the first chamber 31 covers a patellar tendon area of the target object, the second chamber 32 covers a medial collateral ligament area of a knee of the target object, and the third chamber 33 covers a lateral collateral ligament area of the knee of the target object.

[0090] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the plurality of airbag chambers implement precise pressure adjustments on different target parts, thereby achieving efficient support and protection while improving comfort and an exercise efficiency.

[0091] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, the air circuit connector 53 comprises a micro valve matrix 54. The micro valve matrix 54 is configured to connect the micro air pump 51 to the plurality of airbag chambers (e.g., the first chamber 31, the second chamber 32, and the third chamber 33), respectively.

[0092] The micro valve matrix 54 comprises a plurality of independently controlled micro valves and connecting pipelines. One micro valve is disposed between one airbag chamber and one micro air pump 51. In some embodiments, the micro air pump 51 communicates with the plurality of airbag chambers through a plurality of connecting pipelines. One micro valve is provided on each connecting pipeline.

[0093] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, by precisely adjusting an opening degree of each micro valve, inflation and deflation control of the different airbag chambers is achieved, thereby achieving differentiated and precise pressure adjustment for various key aeras of a knee joint.

[0094] In some embodiments, the airbag 3 comprises a thermoplastic elastic layer arranged on an outer side and a silicone insert arranged on an inner side. The silicone insert is disposed inside the airbag 3. A side of the thermoplastic elastic layer facing the target part is further provided with a skin-friendly material layer that fits the target part.

[0095] The outer side of the airbag 3 refers to a side of the airbag 3 facing and fitting the target part. The inner side of the airbag 3 refers to a side of the airbag 3 facing away from the target part.

[0096] The thermoplastic elastic layer is a material constituting a main body of the airbag 3. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic elastic layer is made of thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) and has a good sealing performance.

[0097] The silicone insert is a functional silicone component disposed inside the airbag 3. In some embodiments, the silicone insert is fixed inside the airbag 3 by a high-frequency welding process. The high-frequency welding process refers to a processing manner that uses a high-frequency electromagnetic field to generate heat through friction between material molecules and fuse them together under pressure. In some embodiments, the silicone insert is also fixed inside the airbag 3 by other suitable means.

[0098] The skin-friendly material layer is a surface material layer directly contacting the target part (e.g., a human knee skin). In some embodiments, the skin-friendly material layer is made of a material including 60% spandex and 40% polyester.

[0099] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the skin-friendly material layer on the surface of the thermoplastic elastic layer has superior properties of thinness, softness, and breathability, which is able to apply pressure to the patellar tendon without causing injury. The silicone insert has a strong plasticity, not only allowing it to fit knees of different people according to their sizes, but also reducing a gas filling amount inside the airbag 3 and lowering an air flow rate of the air pump, thereby enabling a selection of a smaller air pump, and reducing a volume of the base 1.

[0100] In some embodiments, the airbag 3 comprises a first end and a second end. Both the first end and the second end of the airbag 3 are recessed inward. An inward recess distance of the first end is greater than an inward recess distance of the second end. As shown in FIG. 1, the airbag 3 has an overall bow-tie shape.

[0101] The first end and the second end refer to two ends of the airbag 3 along a direction perpendicular to a length direction. After the knee brace is installed on the target part, the first end is located at a lower end of the airbag 3 (facing a direction of a shank), and the second end is located at an upper end of the airbag 3 (facing a direction of a thigh).

[0102] The inward recess distance of the first end refers to a distance that the middle portion of the first end is recessed toward the second end. The inward recess distance of the second end refers to a distance that a middle portion of the second end is recessed toward the first end.

[0103] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the inward recess distance of the first end is greater than the inward recess distance of the second end, which enables the airbag 3 to fit more closely with the target part of the target object (e.g., a patellar tendon position of a knee) when the knee brace is worn. The airbag 3 applies pressure to the target part without injuring the target part, thereby improving a wearing experience.

[0104] Embodiments of the present disclosure further provide an intelligent control system applied to an intelligent sports knee brace (hereinafter referred to as an intelligent control system). FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an intelligent control system of an intelligent sports knee brace according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 7, the intelligent control system comprises a control module, a data acquisition module, a pressure adjustment module, an early warning module, a power module, a communication module, and a switch module. The data acquisition module, the pressure adjustment module, the early warning module, the power module, the communication module, and the switch module are electrically connected to the control module.

[0105] The data acquisition module is a sensing unit of the intelligent control system. The data acquisition module is configured to collect data related to the intelligent control system.

[0106] In some embodiments, the data acquisition module comprises a pressure sensor and an acceleration sensor. The pressure sensor is configured to collect air pressure data of the airbag 3. The acceleration sensor is configured to collect motion status data of the target object. More contents regarding the pressure sensor, the acceleration sensor, the airbag 3, the air pressure data, and the motion status data may be found in FIGS. 1-6 and the related descriptions.

[0107] The pressure adjustment module is an execution unit of the system. The pressure adjustment module is responsible for precisely adjusting pressure applied to a target part.

[0108] In some embodiments, the pressure adjustment module is configured to adjust a pressure of the airbag 3 on the target part according to a motion posture. The airbag 3 prevents or reduces damage and fatigue of a knee joint by applying pressure to a patellar tendon. The airbag 3 automatically adjusts a tightness of the knee brace to prevent the knee brace from loosening and slipping or being too tight to affect human motion. The airbag 3 adjusts pressures on the patellar tendons for different populations, requirements, and motion modes. The system has a high degree of automation and improves the wearing experience.

[0109] In some embodiments, the pressure adjustment module adjusts the pressure of the airbag by controlling an inflation mechanism (e.g., a micro air pump, an electromagnetic valve, etc.), thereby adjusting the pressure applied by the knee brace to the target part.

[0110] The early warning module is a safety alarm unit of the system. The early warning module is responsible for issuing a warning when an abnormal situation is detected. In some embodiments, the early warning module comprises the early warning assembly 7. More contents regarding the early warning assembly 7 may be found in the related descriptions. In some embodiments, the early warning module is configured to issue a warning and send emergency rescue information to an emergency contact when the detection mechanism 10 detects that the target object is in an abnormal state. The emergency rescue information refers to a help request sent to a preset emergency contact. The emergency rescue information may be preset by the system. The emergency contact may be preset by a user.

[0111] The power module is an energy supply unit of the system. The power module is responsible for providing a stable electrical energy to components inside the knee brace.

[0112] In some embodiments, the power module is electrically connected to the control module, the data acquisition module, the pressure adjustment module, the early warning module, the communication module, and the switch module for providing the electrical energy. In some embodiments, the power module comprises a battery assembly. More contents regarding the battery assembly may be found in the related descriptions.

[0113] The communication module is a device that wirelessly transmits signals processed by the control module to a user terminal. The user terminal is a device or software that implements real-time information interaction. For example, the user terminal is a mobile phone app, a wireless phone, a video monitor, a multimedia computer, etc.

[0114] In some embodiments, the communication module is configured to wirelessly transmit the signals processed by the control module to the user terminal. The communication module implements the human-computer interaction, provides display and basic analysis and evaluation functions for motion process data, and performs function adjustments on a product, such as a light color adjustment, a light flashing mode adjustment, etc. The communication module further performs initialization settings and related basic parameter settings on the product.

[0115] In some embodiments, the intelligent control system further comprises a communication transmission network and a routing device. The communication transmission network implements functions of perceptual information sensing communications and control information sensing communications. The routing device is a hardware device that implements the information sensing communications.

[0116] The switch module is a power management interface of the system. The switch module is responsible for controlling startup and shutdown of at least one module in the system.

[0117] In some embodiments, the switch module comprises the switch button 9 and a human body sensing sensor. The switch button 9 may be a manual switch. Alternatively, the system may automatically turn on and turn off through the human body sensing sensor disposed on the base 1.

[0118] The human body sensing sensor is an automatic detection component in the switch module. The human body sensing sensor is configured to determine whether the knee brace is worn by sensing a specific signal of a human body (e.g., an infrared spectrum), thereby achieving automatic turn-on and turn-off of the device.

[0119] In some embodiments, after the knee brace is worn on the target part (e.g., the patellar tendon position of the knee), the human body sensing sensor collects an infrared spectrum emitted by the human body. When a value of the infrared spectrum collected by the sensor reaches a threshold for triggering a logic signal output, the knee brace is driven to automatically turn on. Conversely, when the human body sensing sensor does not detect the human body, the knee brace automatically turns off or remains in a turned-off status.

[0120] The control module is a core computing and decision-making center of the entire system. For example, the control module comprises a CPU, a GPU, a DSP, etc., or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the control module comprises the main control board 8. More contents regarding the main control board 8 may be found in the related descriptions.

[0121] In some embodiments, the control module stores a database. The database includes motion status data corresponding to a plurality of motion postures and pressure adjustment ranges corresponding to the plurality of motion postures. The control module is configured to search the database to determine a motion posture of the target object based on the air pressure data and the motion status data collected by the data acquisition module and control the pressure adjustment module and the early warning module to operate based on the motion posture.

[0122] The database is a storage unit inside the control module. The database may be a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), etc., or any combination thereof.

[0123] The pressure adjustment range refers to an optimal pressure range of adjusted pressure applied to maintain optimal support and cushioning of the airbag 3 for a specific motion posture.

[0124] More descriptions regarding the motion posture may be found in FIGS. 1-6 and the related descriptions.

[0125] In some embodiments, the control module determines a matching motion posture by searching the database based on the motion status data collected by the data acquisition module.

[0126] In some embodiments, the control module searches for the pressure adjustment range in a vector database based on the motion posture, controls the pressure adjustment module to adjust the air pressure data of the airbag to be within the pressure adjustment range. In response to the motion posture being an abnormal posture, the control module controls the early warning module to issue a warning (e.g., lighting up a light). The abnormal posture reflects a posture of a user during an abnormal motion, including falling, lying down, etc.

[0127] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the intelligent control system integrates a plurality of functions such as an intelligent adjustment, an automatic warning, and a human-computer interaction into one device. The intelligent control system has good functionality, can effectively apply pressure to the patellar tendon to prevent or reduce knee joint injuries and fatigue, and automatically adjusts the tightness of the knee brace to prevent the knee brace from loosening and slipping or being too tight to affect human motion, and provides a good wearing experience.

[0128] In some embodiments, the control module is configured to: every first cycle, determine a pressure adjustment range corresponding to a reference motion posture through an evaluation model according to reference pressure data, reference impact data, and the reference motion posture; and update the database according to the pressure adjustment range.

[0129] The first cycle is a cycle for obtaining data and updating the database.

[0130] In some embodiments, the first cycle is preset based on experience. For example, the first cycle is set to 5 min, 10 min, etc.

[0131] The reference pressure data refers to data reflecting pressure situation of the airbag 3 (e.g., an airbag chamber) within one first cycle.

[0132] In some embodiments, the reference pressure data may be sequence data formed by pressure values of the airbag chamber at a plurality of moments obtained in a previous first cycle.

[0133] In some embodiments, the reference pressure data is obtained by the detection mechanism 10.

[0134] The reference impact data refers to data for quantifying the impact experienced by the user within one first cycle.

[0135] In some embodiments, the reference impact data includes a peak vertical acceleration and an impact loading rate at a plurality of moments within the previous first cycle. The vertical acceleration refers to an acceleration experienced by the user in the direction perpendicular to a ground during an impact period. The peak vertical acceleration refers to a maximum vertical acceleration experienced by the user during the impact period.

[0136] The impact loading rate refers to a change rate of the vertical acceleration from zero to the peak vertical acceleration.

[0137] In some embodiments, the reference impact data is obtained by the detection mechanism 10.

[0138] The reference motion posture refers to data reflecting a change situation of the motion posture of the user within one first cycle. More information on the motion posture may be found in the related descriptions.

[0139] In some embodiments, the reference motion posture includes the motion postures of the user at a plurality of moments corresponding to the reference pressure data and the reference impact data within the previous first cycle.

[0140] In some embodiments, the motion posture is obtained by the detection mechanism 10.

[0141] In some embodiments, the pressure adjustment range includes a center value and a fluctuation range of the pressure of the airbag 3 after adjustment. The center value reflects an optimal pressure value of the airbag 3. The pressure adjustment range includes the center value and the fluctuation range of the pressure of the airbag 3 after adjustment corresponding to the motion postures of the user at a plurality of moments within the first cycle.

[0142] The evaluation model refers to a model for determining a pressure adjustment range under the reference motion posture.

[0143] In some embodiments, the evaluation model includes a machine learning model, e.g., a neural network (NN) model, a convolutional neural network (CNN), etc.

[0144] In some embodiments, an input of the evaluation model includes the reference pressure data, the reference impact data, and the corresponding reference motion posture. An output of the evaluation model includes the pressure adjustment range under the reference motion posture.

[0145] In some embodiments, the evaluation model is obtained by training with a large number of first training samples with first labels. The first training sample includes sample reference pressure data, sample reference impact data, and a sample reference motion posture. The first label includes a sample pressure adjustment range. In some embodiments, the first training sample is obtained by construction based on historical data. The first label corresponding to the first training sample is obtained by manual annotation based on the historical data. For example, the control module selects a historical pressure adjustment range with the best adjustment effect from a plurality of historical pressure adjustment ranges corresponding to an evaluation sample as the first label based on a preset evaluation criterion. Within a period of time after applying the historical pressure adjustment range, actual impact data is collected, and a similarity between the actual impact data of the user and a standard impact curve corresponding to the current historical motion posture is calculated. A higher similarity indicates a better adjustment effect. The standard impact curve refers to a reference curve pre-fitted through a large amount of experimental data, which is capable of reflecting periodic changes of ideal impact data under the motion posture.

[0146] In some embodiments, the control module obtains the evaluation model by training based on the first training samples and the first labels. A training method includes, but is not limited to, a gradient descent method. Merely by way of example, the control module inputs a plurality of first training samples into an initial evaluation model. A loss function is constructed through the first labels and output results of the initial evaluation model. Parameters of the initial evaluation model are iteratively updated based on the loss function. When a preset condition is satisfied, the model training is completed, and a trained evaluation model is obtained. The preset condition includes that the loss function converges, a number of iterations reaches a preset number threshold, etc.

[0147] In some embodiments, the control module updates the pressure adjustment range corresponding to the motion posture identical to the reference motion posture in the database to the pressure adjustment range corresponding to the reference motion posture output by the evaluation model.

[0148] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the control module periodically learns user data and updates the database, thereby enabling the pressure adjustment range to dynamically adapt to a real-time status of the user, thereby improving precision and a personalization level of the adjustment.

[0149] In some embodiments, the database further comprises a plurality of reference pressures for a plurality of motion stages corresponding to each of a plurality of reference motion postures, and an output of the evaluation model further comprises the plurality of reference pressures for the plurality of motion stages corresponding to each of the plurality of reference motion postures.

[0150] The motion stage refers to a plurality of specific load periods divided within a complete gait period of the target object (e.g., the user using the intelligent sports knee brace) during cyclical motion such as walking or running.

[0151] For example, the motion stage includes a pre-activation stage, an impact absorption stage, a load-bearing stabilization stage, a push-off force generation stage, and a swing recovery stage, etc.

[0152] The reference pressure refers to an ideal target pressure value that is capable of effectively buffering impact and providing support in a specific motion stage under a specific motion posture.

[0153] In some embodiments, the first label further comprises sample reference pressures of the plurality of motion stages of the plurality of reference motion postures corresponding to the first training sample.

[0154] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, by respectively determining the reference pressures for different motion stages (e.g., support, swing) under a same posture, a data foundation is provided for subsequent implementation of more refined staged pressure control.

[0155] In some embodiments, every second cycle, the control module determines the motion stage of the target object according to historical motion data and historical air pressure data; controls the micro air pump 51 to inflate the airbag 3 according to the motion stage; or controls an electromagnetic valve 52 to open to deflate the airbag 3 according to the motion stage.

[0156] The second cycle refers to a cycle for obtaining data and controlling the inflation or deflation of the airbag 3.

[0157] In some embodiments, the second cycle is preset based on experience. A cycle length of the second cycle is less than a cycle length of the first cycle. For example, the second cycle is set to 0.5 s, 1 s, etc.

[0158] The historical motion data refers to the motion data of the target object at a plurality of moments collected within the previous second cycle. The motion data includes the vertical acceleration, the forward acceleration, and the gyroscope angular velocity. The forward acceleration refers to an acceleration of the user in the forward axis direction. The vertical acceleration refers to an acceleration of the user in the vertical axis direction. More information on the forward axis and the vertical axis may be found in the related descriptions.

[0159] The historical air pressure data refers to the pressure data of the airbag 3 at a plurality of moments collected within the previous second cycle. More information on the pressure data may be found in FIGS. 1-6 and the related descriptions.

[0160] In some embodiments, the control module calculates a load index at each moment based on the historical motion data and historical air pressure data at each moment; obtains a real-time load curve based on the load indices at a plurality of moments by fitting; obtains a reference load curve based on reference motion data and reference air pressure data of different reference motion stages in reference data at different second cycles of by fitting; and determines the reference motion stage of which curves matches as the current motion stage of the target object by comparing the real-time load curve and the reference load curve. More descriptions about the motion stage may be found in FIG. 7 and the related descriptions. The reference data may include all the historical data measured.

[0161] The load index is a quantitative indicator that comprehensively reflects an instantaneous force level of the knee joint. In some embodiments, the load index is positively correlated with a value of the motion data.

[0162] In some embodiments, the control module determines the load index F according to the following formula (1):F=k⁢1*a⁢1+k⁢2*a⁢2+k⁢3*α+k⁢4*P,(1)where F denotes the load index, a1 denotes the vertical acceleration at a certain moment in the second cycle, a2 denotes the forward acceleration at the moment, α denotes the gyroscope angular velocity at the moment, and P denotes the air pressure data at the moment. k1, k2, k3, and k4 are coefficients, which are set based on experience. The reference load index may be calculated through formula (1) based on the reference motion data.An independent variable of the real-time load curve is time, and a dependent variable is the load index. An independent variable of the reference load index is the moment and the historical motion stage, and a dependent variable of the reference load index is the historical load index.

[0164] In some embodiments, the control module determines the motion stage according to the load index and controls the micro air pump 51 to inflate the airbag 3 or controls the electromagnetic valve 52 to open to deflate the airbag 3 based on the motion stage.

[0165] In some embodiments, in response to the load index being less than a first preset threshold, the control module determines that the motion stage is a low-load stage, and controls the electromagnetic valve 52 to open to deflate the airbag 3. In some embodiments, in response to the load index being greater than a second preset threshold, the control module determines that the motion stage is a high-load stage, and controls the micro air pump 51 to inflate the airbag 3. The first preset threshold and the second preset threshold may be set based on experience. The low-load stage refers to a motion stage in which the target object bears a relatively low motion load, e.g., a pre-activation stage, a swing recovery stage. The high-load stage refers to a motion stage in which the target object bears a relatively high motion load, e.g., an impact absorption stage, a push-off force generation stage.

[0166] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, by determining the motion stage of the user in real time and accordingly adjusting the air pressure, the control module achieves a dynamic and differentiated air pressure support within a complete motion cycle (e.g., one step of walking).

[0167] In some embodiments, according to the motion posture, the control module determines a plurality of reference pressures of the plurality of motion stages corresponding to the motion posture through the database. For each motion stage of the plurality of motion stages, the control module generates a pressure adjustment instruction according to the motion stage, the reference pressure corresponding to the motion stage, and the air pressure data. The pressure adjustment instruction controls the micro air pump 51 to inflate the airbag 3; or the pressure adjustment instruction controls the electromagnetic valve 52 to open to a reference opening degree to deflate the airbag 3.

[0168] In some embodiments, the control module determines the plurality of pressure adjustment ranges of the plurality of motion stages corresponding to the motion posture by directly retrieving the database according to the motion posture; and takes a statistical value (e.g., a median) of the pressure adjustment ranges as the reference pressure.

[0169] The pressure adjustment instruction is an instruction for controlling the airbag 3 to perform pressure adjustment.

[0170] In some embodiments, the pressure adjustment instruction includes an optimal power of the micro air pump 51 or the reference opening degree of the electromagnetic valve 52.

[0171] In some embodiments, according to the reference pressure of a current motion stage and the air pressure data, the control module queries a first preset table to determine the pressure adjustment instruction. The first preset table includes a correspondence between the reference pressure, the air pressure data, the optimal power, and the pressure adjustment instruction. The first preset table may be set based on experience.

[0172] In some embodiments, the control module controls the micro air pump 51 to inflate the airbag 3 at the optimal power. In some embodiments, the control module controls the electromagnetic valve 52 to open to the reference opening degree to deflate the airbag 3.

[0173] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the control module performs fine control on the micro air pump 51 with the optimal power or the reference opening degree, enabling the air pressure to reach a target value more quickly and accurately, thereby improving a response speed and energy efficiency of the adjustment.

[0174] In some embodiments, in response to detecting a high-risk action of the target object, the control module sends an inflation instruction to the inflation mechanism 5. The inflation instruction controls the micro air pump 51 to inflate the airbag 3 at a rated power.

[0175] The high-risk action refers to an abnormal motion posture that causes a user to be in danger (e.g., falling or joint injury), such as excessive inversion or eversion of an ankle, an emergency stop, a tangential direction change, etc.

[0176] In some embodiments, the control module extracts a high-risk feature based on the motion data of the previous second cycle and determines whether the high-risk action exists according to the high-risk feature and a safety threshold.

[0177] The high-risk feature refers to a feature for evaluating a motion safety risk.

[0178] In some embodiments, the high-risk feature includes a knee valgus angle, a knee flexion angle, a tibial internal rotation angular velocity, and a ground reaction force.

[0179] In some embodiments, the control module determines a moment at which a maximum value of the vertical acceleration occurs within the previous second cycle, obtains the lateral acceleration and the vertical acceleration at the moment, and uses an arctangent value of the lateral acceleration and the vertical acceleration as the knee valgus angle.

[0180] In some embodiments, the control module obtains lateral angular velocities at a plurality of moments within the previous second cycle, performs time integration on the plurality of lateral angular velocities to obtain a pitch angle change value of a shank relative to its initial position, and uses the pitch angle change value as the knee flexion angle.

[0181] In some embodiments, the control module obtains the vertical angular velocities at the plurality of moments within the previous second cycle, and uses a statistical value (e.g., a mean value) of the plurality of vertical angular velocities as the tibial internal rotation angular velocity.

[0182] In some embodiments, the control module obtains the vertical accelerations at the plurality of moments within the previous second cycle, and determines the ground reaction force according to the following formula (2):Fground=(a⁢1-g)*Gweight,(2)where Fground denotes the ground reaction force, a1 denotes the average value of the vertical accelerations at the plurality of moments within the previous second cycle, g denotes the gravitational acceleration, and Gweight denotes a user weight.Manners for determining the lateral acceleration, the vertical acceleration, the lateral angular velocity, and the vertical angular velocity may be found in FIGS. 1-6 and the related descriptions.

[0184] The safety threshold is a parameter for determining whether the high-risk action exists.

[0185] In some embodiments, the safety threshold includes a first safety threshold corresponding to the knee valgus angle, a second safety threshold corresponding to the knee flexion angle, a third safety threshold corresponding to the tibial internal rotation angular velocity, and a fourth safety threshold corresponding to the ground reaction force.

[0186] In some embodiments, the safety threshold is preset based on experience.

[0187] In some embodiments, the control module constructs a motion capability and the user weight into a first vector to be matched, retrieves a first reference vector with a highest vector similarity with the first vector to be matched from a first vector database, and uses a reference safety threshold corresponding to the first reference vector as the safety threshold. The first vector database includes a plurality of first reference vectors and corresponding reference safety thresholds. The first reference vector is formed by the motion capability and the user weight.

[0188] In some embodiments, in the historical data, there are a plurality of groups of historical safety thresholds for one group of motion capability and user weight. The control module selects a group of historical safety thresholds with the highest response rate as the reference safety thresholds corresponding to the first reference vector. The response rate is a ratio of a number of times the inflation instruction is issued under a certain group of safety thresholds to a number of times the target object actually performs the high-risk action.

[0189] The motion capability is a parameter for quantifying a physical function of the user.

[0190] In some embodiments, the control module first normalizes a motion load baseline, a joint stability baseline, and a fatigue index, then performs weighting, and uses a weighted result as the motion capability. Weights for the weighting may be preset based on experience.

[0191] The motion load baseline refers to a ratio of a speed to the ground reaction force at different speeds. The joint stability baseline refers to an average standard deviation of the knee valgus angle, the knee flexion angle, and the tibial internal rotation angular velocity during motion. The fatigue index refers to a change range of the motion load baseline and the joint stability baseline of the user. The motion load baseline, the joint stability baseline, and the fatigue index may be obtained through measurement and statistics of historical data.

[0192] In some embodiments, the control module is configured to, in response to any one of the high-risk features exceeding the corresponding safety threshold, determine that the user has the high-risk action; and send the inflation instruction to the inflation mechanism. The inflation instruction controls the micro air pump 51 to inflate the airbag 3 at the rated power.

[0193] The control module is configured to obtain the rated power of the micro air pump 51 uploaded by the user through the user terminal.

[0194] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the control module provides an emergency and strong support for the user by quickly inflating the airbag at a maximum power upon detecting the high-risk action, thereby effectively preventing sports injuries.

[0195] In some embodiments, in response to detecting the high-risk action, the control module is configured to determine a pressure regulation value for each of the plurality of airbag chambers based on the high-risk feature; generate a plurality of microvalve adjustment instructions including sub-opening degrees based on the pressure regulation value and the air pressure data; and control corresponding micro valves in the micro valve matrix to inflate the airbag chamber at the corresponding sub-openings based on the microvalve adjustment instructions.

[0196] The pressure regulation value refers to a target pressure value for adjusting the airbag chamber.

[0197] In some embodiments, the control module is configured to construct the high-risk feature into a second vector to be matched; retrieve a second reference vector with a highest vector similarity to the second vector to be matched from a second vector database; use the pressure regulation value corresponding to the second reference vector as the pressure regulation value for each of the plurality of airbag chambers. The second vector database includes a plurality of second reference vectors and the corresponding pressure regulation values. The second reference vector is formed of historical high-risk features.

[0198] In some embodiments, in the historical data, the historical high-risk feature corresponds to a plurality of historical pressure regulation values. The control module is configured to select the historical pressure regulation value with the best adjustment effect as the pressure regulation value corresponding to the second reference vector. More information on how to determine the adjustment effect may be found in FIG. 6 and the related descriptions.

[0199] The microvalve adjustment instruction refers to an instruction for controlling an opening status of the micro valve matrix.

[0200] The sub-opening degree refers to an opening size of a single micro valve in the micro valve matrix.

[0201] In some embodiments, the control module is configured to determine the microvalve adjustment instruction by querying a second preset table based on the pressure regulation value and the air pressure data. The second preset table includes a correspondence between the pressure regulation value, the air pressure data, and the microvalve adjustment instruction. The second preset table may be preset based on experience.

[0202] In some embodiments, the control module is configured to control a plurality of micro valves in the micro valve matrix to inflate the airbag chamber at the corresponding sub-opening degrees based on the plurality of sub-opening degrees of the microvalve adjustment instruction.

[0203] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, upon detecting the high-risk action, the control module is capable of differentially setting target pressures for the plurality of airbag chambers based on specific risk features, and independently controlling each micro valve by generating instructions with precise sub-opening degrees, thereby achieving a rapid and precise support for the knee joint and significantly improving emergency protection effects.

[0204] For those skilled in the art, it is apparent that the present disclosure is not limited to the details of the above exemplary embodiments. The present disclosure may be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the present disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments should be regarded as exemplary and non-limiting from any perspective. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than the above description. It is intended to cover all changes that fall within the meaning and range of equivalents of the claims in the present disclosure. Any drawing labels in the claims should not be construed as limiting the related claims.

[0205] In addition, it should be understood that although the present disclosure is described according to the embodiments, not each embodiment includes only one independent technical solution. This narrative manner of the present disclosure is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the present disclosure as a whole. The technical solutions in the embodiments may also be appropriately combined to form other implementations that are understood by those skilled in the art.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0017]The drawings required for describing the embodiments are briefly introduced below. The drawings do not represent all embodiments.

[0018]In the embodiments of the present disclosure, when describing the operations performed step by step, unless otherwise specified, an order of the steps is adjustable, steps may be omitted, and other steps may be included during the operation.

[0019]The embodiments of the present disclosure are merely for illustration and description, and do not limit an applicable scope of the present disclosure. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and changes that can be made under the guidance of the present disclosure still fall within the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, certain features, structures, or characteristics in one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may be appropriately combined.

[0020]It should be noted that the “inner side” and “outer side” mentioned later are relative concepts. For example, the “inner side”...

Claims

1. An intelligent sports knee brace, comprising:a base and a strap, wherein the base is connected to the strap, the strap connects a knee brace to a target part of a target object through a connection structure, and an inner surface of the base facing the target part is provided with an airbag that contacts the target part, whereina cavity is provided inside the base, and an inflation mechanism, a detection mechanism, a battery assembly, an early warning assembly, and a main control board are arranged in the cavity, wherein the detection mechanism is configured to detect air pressure data of the airbag and motion status data of the target object, the inflation mechanism is configured to inflate or deflate the airbag, the early warning assembly is configured to provide a motion warning and an emergency rescue reminder, and the main control board is electrically connected to the inflation mechanism, the detection mechanism, the battery assembly, and the early warning assembly.

2. The intelligent sports knee brace according to claim 1, whereinthe base comprises a seat body, a base shell, and a support plate, wherein the seat body is connected to the strap, the base shell is connected to the seat body, the cavity is provided inside the base shell, the support plate is embedded in an inner end surface of the base shell, and the airbag is attached to a wall surface of the support plate facing the airbag.

3. The intelligent sports knee brace according to claim 2, whereinthe seat body comprises a frame body provided with a through hole, an outer peripheral side of the base shell is provided with an annular groove adapted to the frame body, the frame body is embedded in the annular groove, the inner end surface of the base shell is provided with an opening, and the support plate closes the opening of the base shell.

4. The intelligent sports knee brace according to claim 3, whereinboth sides of the seat body connected to the strap are provided with arc-shaped mounting parts, the arc-shaped mounting parts fit the target part, and the seat body is connected to the strap through the arc-shaped mounting parts.

5. The intelligent sports knee brace according to claim 4, whereinan end of each of the arc-shaped mounting parts facing the strap is provided with a mounting hole for connecting to the strap.

6. The intelligent sports knee brace according to claim 1, whereinthe detection mechanism comprises a pressure sensor and an acceleration sensor, wherein the pressure sensor is configured to detect the air pressure data of the airbag, and the acceleration sensor is configured to detect the motion status data of the target object.

7. The intelligent sports knee brace according to claim 1, whereinthe inflation mechanism comprises a micro air pump, an electromagnetic valve, and an air circuit connector, wherein the micro air pump, the electromagnetic valve, and the airbag are connected through the air circuit connector, the micro air pump is configured to inflate the airbag, and the electromagnetic valve is configured to control deflation of the airbag.

8. The intelligent sports knee brace according to claim 7, wherein the airbag comprises a plurality of airbag chambers, and the plurality of airbag chambers correspond to different target parts of the target object, respectively.

9. The intelligent sports knee brace according to claim 8, wherein the air circuit connector comprises a micro valve matrix, and the micro valve matrix is configured to connect the micro air pump to the plurality of airbag chambers, respectively.

10. The intelligent sports knee brace according to claim 1, wherein the airbag comprises a thermoplastic elastic layer arranged on an outer side and a silicone insert arranegd on an inner side, the silicone insert is arranged inside the airbag, and a side of the thermoplastic elastic layer facing the target part is further provided with a skin-friendly material layer that fits the target part.

11. The intelligent sports knee brace according to claim 10, wherein the airbag comprises a first end and a second end, both the first end and the second end of the airbag are recessed inward, and an inward recess distance of the first end is greater than an inward recess distance of the second end.

12. The intelligent sports knee brace according to claim 1, wherein the battery assembly comprises a battery and a charger, the charger comprises a magnetic charging dock for rapid charging connection arranged on the base, and the main control board controls the battery assembly through a charging management chip and a power management chip.

13. The intelligent sports knee brace according to claim 1, wherein the early warning assembly comprises a light board arranged in the cavity, and an outer side of the base away from the target part is provided with a light-transmitting sheet corresponding to the light board.

14. An intelligent control system applied to a intelligent sports knee brace, comprising:a control module, a data acquisition module, a pressure adjustment module, an early warning module, a power module, a communication module, and a switch module, wherein the control module is electrically connected to the data acquisition module, the pressure adjustment module, the early warning module, the power module, the communication module, and the switch module, whereinthe data acquisition module comprises a pressure sensor and an acceleration sensor, the pressure sensor is configured to collect air pressure data of an airbag, and the acceleration sensor is configured to collect motion data of a target object;a database is stored in the control module, the database comprises motion status data corresponding to a plurality of motion postures and pressure adjustment ranges corresponding to the plurality of motion postures, and the control module is configured to: search the database to determine a motion posture of the target object based on the air pressure data and the motion status data collected by the data acquisition module, and control the pressure adjustment module and the early warning module to operate based on the motion posture;the pressure adjustment module is configured to adjust a pressure of the airbag on a target part according to the motion posture;the early warning module is configured to issue an early and send emergency rescue information to an emergency contact when a detection mechanism detects that the target object is in an abnormal state;the power module is electrically connected to the control module, the data acquisition module, the pressure adjustment module, the early warning module, the communication module, and the switch module;the communication module is configured to wirelessly transmit signals processed by the control module to a user terminal; andthe switch module comprises a switch button and a human body sensing sensor, and the switch module is configured to control the intelligent sports knee brace to turn on or off through the human body sensing sensor arranged on a base.

15. The intelligent control system according to claim 14, wherein the control module is further configured to:every first cycle,determine a pressure adjustment range corresponding to a reference motion posture through an evaluation model according to reference pressure data, reference impact data, and the reference motion posture; andupdate the database according to the pressure adjustment range.

16. The intelligent control system according to claim 15, wherein the database further comprises a plurality of reference pressures for a plurality of motion stages corresponding to each of a plurality of reference motion postures, and an output of the evaluation model further comprises the plurality of reference pressures for the plurality of motion stages corresponding to each of the plurality of reference motion postures.

17. The intelligent control system according to claim 14, wherein the control module is further configured to:every second cycle, determine a motion stage of the target object according to historical motion data and historical air pressure data;control a micro air pump to inflate the airbag according to the motion stage; orcontrol an electromagnetic valve to open to deflate the airbag according to the motion stage.

18. The intelligent control system according to claim 17, wherein the control module is further configured to:determine a plurality of reference pressures for a plurality of motion stages corresponding to the motion posture through the database according to the motion posture; andfor each motion stage of the plurality of motion stages, generate a pressure adjustment instruction according to the motion stage, a reference pressure corresponding to the motion stage, and the air pressure data, wherein the pressure adjustment instruction controls the micro air pump to inflate the airbag; or the pressure adjustment instruction controls the electromagnetic valve to open to a reference opening degree to deflate the airbag.

19. The intelligent control system according to claim 17, wherein the control module is further configured to:in response to detecting a high-risk action of the target object, send an inflation instruction to an inflation mechanism, wherein the inflation instruction controls the micro air pump to inflate the airbag at a rated power.

20. The intelligent control system according to claim 19, wherein the control module is further configured to:in response to detecting the high-risk action, determine pressure adjustment values for airbag chambers according to a high-risk feature; andgenerate a plurality of micro valve adjustment instructions including sub-opening degrees according to the pressure adjustment values and the air pressure data, and control corresponding micro valves in a micro valve matrix to inflate the airbag chambers at corresponding sub-opening degrees based on the micro valve adjustment instructions.

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