Shoulder rehabilitation device with rotational movement

Abstract

The present invention describes a shoulder rehabilitation device with rotational movement, which can be placed on the right or left shoulder of any person, regardless of the size of their arm and shoulder. The device is composed of three main parts: a structure, a forearm structure and a movement mechanism. The two structures are placed on the shoulder and forearm of the shoulder to be rehabilitated, and the movement mechanism connects the two structures, allowing both the arm and the shoulder of the user to move. The movement mechanism is mounted on a cubic prismatic base and is formed by bands that allow movement along the X, Y and Z axes. The structure comprises projections for connecting to adjustment straps that help position the device on either shoulder in order to subsequently begin a type of therapy or movement, which is programmed using a smart device that is linked to the device of the present invention by means of a wireless communication module located in a control module.

Description

[0001] DEVICE FOR SHOULDER REHABILITATION WITH ROTATIONAL MOVEMENT

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to the technical field of mechanics, electronics, biomechanics, assistive technologies, rehabilitation engineering, medical devices, and more specifically to the technology of physiotherapy and rehabilitation devices since it provides a device for shoulder rehabilitation with rotary movement, which is configured to be placed on both shoulders (left and right).

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] There are many ways a shoulder can be injured: after a sudden movement, after prolonged physical activity, or simply from a bruise. These types of injuries require rehabilitation with exercises and treatments to prevent them from becoming chronic and hindering a return to a normal routine.

[0006] Shoulder injuries are very common in our society, as it is a joint that can be easily injured if one is not careful. Shoulder pain is one of the most frequent ailments, especially in athletes or the elderly. It is the most mobile joint because it connects bones, muscles, tendons, cartilage, and nerves; and it contains a synovial bursa, which, if damaged or ruptured, can cause severe pain and difficulty moving.

[0007] Shoulder rehabilitation is a key process for improving function and reducing pain. Ideally, it should be performed by a physical therapist who develops an individualized treatment plan to address the specific needs of the affected shoulder. The goal of shoulder rehabilitation is to improve mobility, strength, and stability in the affected shoulder.

[0008] Traditionally, physiotherapy used simple tools like pulleys and elastic bands for shoulder rehabilitation. These methods are not quantifiable, detectable, or reproducible, and are far from biomechanically optimal. Shoulder equipment is usually designed primarily for significant upper body strengthening, since the cause of shoulder pain always originates in the muscles of this part of the body.

[0009] A search of the state of the art of a device for shoulder rehabilitation with rotary motion was carried out, where it was found that there are different tools and machines to help in shoulder rehabilitation, such as the one disclosed in the Chinese patent document number CN 103356361 (B) published on November 18, 2015 with the title "PARALLEL MACHINE FOR HEALING AND TRAINING THE SHOULDER JOINT", the document describes a training machine for the rehabilitation of the shoulder joint of parallel type which comprises a seat for the shoulder, a seat for the upper arm, a crank, a first connecting rod, a second connecting rod and the upper arm of the human body.The shoulder seat is firmly attached to the shoulder of the human body using a bandage. After securing the upper arm seat and the upper arm of the human body with a bandage, the two ends of the crank are connected to one end of the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod on the shoulder seat. The other end of the first connecting rod is connected to the upper arm seat via three pairs of balls. The two ends of the second connecting rod are connected to the shoulder seat and the upper arm seat, respectively, via the first pair of balls and the second pair of balls. The rotational pairs on the shoulder seat and the first pair of balls do not overlap, and the ball pairs on the upper arm seat and the third pair of balls also do not overlap.When the crank is turned continuously, the upper arm of the human body can perform a three-dimensional rotation around the shoulder joint, achieving the rehabilitation training objective. This machine has a simple structure, is easy to manufacture and install, and is easy to use, making it suitable for shoulder joint rehabilitation and training.

[0010] Another device found is the German utility model document number DE 202023002407 (Ul) published on February 15, 2024, entitled "DYNAMIC SHOULDER ORTHOSIS TO RELIEVE THE LOAD OF THE WEIGHT OF THE ARM ON THE SHOULDER JOINT," which is a dynamic shoulder orthosis device, which serves to relieve the weight of the shoulder joint, which is comprised of a hip cushion held on the patient's body by means of a hip belt; a clavicle cushion held on the patient's body by means of an axillary strap; a fork-shaped support with an open upper end, a base, a first support arm, and a second support arm with curved ends.The fork-shaped support is mounted with its base on a swivel bearing supported by the hip cushion, allowing it to rotate around a horizontal axis in the sagittal plane; a forearm / elbow brace surrounds the elbow joint and is connected by adjustable-length sagittal elastic straps, arranged in the sagittal plane of the humeral head and fixed to the curved end of the fork-shaped support. The sagittal elastic straps have similar force-deformation characteristics, with the first sagittal elastic strap fixed at a fifth attachment point and the second sagittal elastic strap at a sixth attachment point.Both sagittal elastic straps have the same stretch lengths and tensile forces, which together correspond to the weight of the upper arm, forearm, and forearm / elbow brace; two length-adjustable support straps are fixed on one side to a third and fourth attachment point on the support arms and on the other side to a first and second attachment point on the clavicle cushion. By adjusting the length of the support straps, it is possible to regulate the angle of inclination of the fork-shaped support with respect to the sagittal plane.

[0011] However, the devices in the documents cited above function as support or only to move the joint within a very limited range, which is why there is a need to develop a rotary movement rehabilitation device that can be adapted to both shoulders and has an automatic movement mechanism to perform various rehabilitation routines.

[0012] The cited documents present the problem that they do not allow for easy placement, since their components are neither detachable nor adaptable, preventing them from being used on any person regardless of the size of their arm and shoulder; they also do not demonstrate that they are portable so that the user can move them wherever needed and that they can be linked to a mobile device to select the type of rehabilitation or therapy that the patient needs.

[0013] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention aims to provide a device for shoulder rehabilitation with rotary movement, which solves the aforementioned problems.

[0015] The present invention aims to provide a device for shoulder rehabilitation with rotary movement, in which the type of therapy to be performed can be configured. The invention comprises a device that helps rehabilitate the shoulder of a person who, for various reasons, cannot move it independently, for example, in the case of an injury requiring movement rehabilitation.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a shoulder rehabilitation device with rotary movement which helps the user to move their shoulder and arm according to the therapy prescribed by their therapist. The device is easy to put on because its components are detachable and adaptable, allowing it to be used on any person regardless of the size of their arm and shoulder. It is portable so that the user can take it wherever needed and can be linked to a smart device to select the type of rehabilitation or therapy the patient needs. Furthermore, thanks to its configuration, it can be used on either of the two shoulder joints.

[0017] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0018] The characteristic details of this novel device for shoulder rehabilitation with rotary movement are clearly shown in the following description and accompanying figures, as well as an illustration thereof, using the same reference symbols to indicate the parts shown. However, these figures are shown by way of example and should not be considered limiting to the present invention.

[0019] Figure 1 shows a front perspective view of the rotating shoulder rehabilitation device placed on the user.

[0020] Figure 2 shows a rear perspective view of the rotating shoulder rehabilitation device worn by the user. Figure 3 shows a side perspective view of the rotating shoulder rehabilitation device worn by the user.

[0021] Figure 4 shows a detailed perspective view of the device for shoulder rehabilitation with rotary motion.

[0022] Figure 5 shows a detailed top perspective view of the cube-shaped base of the rotating shoulder rehabilitation device. Figure 6 shows a detailed exploded view of the parts of the rotating shoulder rehabilitation device.

[0023] Figure 7 shows a detailed exploded view of the parts of the device for shoulder rehabilitation with rotary motion.

[0024] Figure 8 shows a detailed bottom perspective view of the device for shoulder rehabilitation with rotary motion.

[0025] Figure 9 shows a detailed perspective view of the transparency of the base of the device for shoulder rehabilitation with rotary movement, showing the movement mechanism.

[0026] Figure 10 shows a detailed perspective view of the transparency of the base of the shoulder rehabilitation device with rotary motion, showing the sphere in the cavity with the base with the linear actuator on said sphere.

[0027] Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the forearm structure sections of the rotating shoulder rehabilitation device.

[0028] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] For a better understanding of the present invention, the parts that make up the device for shoulder rehabilitation with rotary movement of the present invention are listed below:

[0030] 1. Structure

[0031] 2. Structure for the forearm

[0032] 3. Movement mechanism

[0033] 4. Base

[0034] 5. Bands

[0035] 6. Sphere

[0036] 7. Cylindrical shaft

[0037] 8. Second cylindrical axis

[0038] 9. Engine

[0039] 10. Drilling

[0040] 11. Projections

[0041] 12. Adjustment strap

[0042] 13. Second adjustment strap

[0043] 14. Base

[0044] ló . Linear actuator

[0045] 16. Stem

[0046] 17. Flat square projection

[0047] 18. Rectangular plate

[0048] 19. Rigid section

[0049] 20. Flexible section

[0050] 21. Projections

[0051] 22. Cavity

[0052] 23. Drilling

[0053] With reference to the figures, the shoulder rehabilitation device with rotary movement of the present invention is made up of three main parts, a structure ( 1 ), a structure for the forearm (2 ) and a movement mechanism (3 ).

[0054] The structure (1) has an irregular shape, designed to be placed on any shoulder of a person requiring rehabilitation. The forearm structure (2) is designed to be placed on the forearm of the shoulder to be rehabilitated; and the movement mechanism (3) connects both structures, allowing the user's arm and shoulder to move.

[0055] As can be seen in figures 6 to 8, the structure ( 1 ) is shaped like a shoulder pad, has rounded edges for greater user comfort and protrusions ( 11 ) on its front and back side that allow attachment to the shoulder, attached to each of these protrusions ( 11 ) is an adjustment strap ( 12 ) which should be placed around the chest until it reaches the armpit of the opposite arm where the rehabilitation device is placed as shown in figures 1 and 2.A second adjustment strap (13) is attached to the adjustment strap (11) at its ends, which are positioned opposite each other, achieving a precise and stable alignment. This ensures that it can be placed on the shoulder opposite the one where the rehabilitation device is located, so that it does not move during therapy. This design allows the device to be adapted to both shoulders, right and left, and because it is detachable, it allows for easier installation and is adaptable to different arm sizes.

[0056] With reference to figures 9 and 10, a prismatic base (4), preferably cube-shaped, protrudes from the upper central part of the structure (1). This base has a spherical cavity (22) located at its center, starting from its upper face, as shown in figures 5 and 6. All edges of the upper face of the base (4) are chamfered. Inside the spherical cavity (22) is the three-dimensional movement mechanism (3), consisting of three bands (5) located on the X, Y, and Z axes. These bands allow a sphere (6), inserted into the spherical cavity (22) of the base (4), to rotate about these three axes. This sphere (6) is rough.Each of the belts (5) is attached at one end to a cylindrical shaft (7) that serves as a support for its rotation, and at the other end to a second cylindrical shaft (8) that is attached to a motor (9), which transmits its rotary motion to the second cylindrical shaft (8) so that it allows the belt (5) to move. The cylindrical shaft (7) not only provides additional support to the belt (5), but also ensures that the belt (5) maintains its correct position and tension during movement. This shaft (7) acts as a guide roller, ensuring that the belt (5) remains aligned and moves consistently along the desired path.Similarly, the other two bands (5) have the same configuration for their movement by means of a motor attached to a cylindrical shaft of each of them, all the motors are connected to a control module (not illustrated) which is located inside the base (4) and performs the movement of the bands (5) together depending on the type of therapy selected.

[0057] The control module (not shown) consists of a microcontroller, a power supply battery that provides electrical power to the device's various electronic components, and a wireless communication module such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), or UWB (Ultra-Wideband). The control module is connected to the device's various electronic components and the motors (9), enabling their operation. Additionally, it allows communication with a smart device for controlling and managing the device via a Bluetooth connection. The smart device can be a smartphone or tablet.

[0058] The roughness of the sphere (6) helps it to move over the bands (5) without slipping or sliding to the wrong side.

[0059] With reference to Figure 4, it can be seen that attached to the top of the sphere (6) is an inclined rectangular base (14), which in turn is joined to the base of a linear actuator (15); this base (14) has free rotational movement on the sphere (6) without restriction from the base (4) thanks to the chamfers on its upper edges. At the end of the rod (16) of the linear actuator (15) there is a flat square projection (17), the rod (16) passes through a rectangular plate (18) through a circular hole (23) in its center, where said hole (23) is the same diameter as the rod (16) of the linear actuator (15). The rectangular plate (18) is fixed onto the forearm structure (2) as shown in Figure 3. The purpose of this rectangular plate (18) is to limit the movement of the stem (16) when it hits the flat square projection (17).

[0060] With reference to Figure 11, the forearm structure (2) is divided into a rigid section (19) and a flexible section (20) that is adaptable. This forearm structure (2) is shaped like a hollow rectangular prism without the top and bottom faces. Also, as shown in Figure 8, the forearm structure (2) has a diagonal cut on the inner face of both the flexible section (20) and the rigid section (19). This cut extends from the top to the midpoint of the forearm structure (2). This cut facilitates arm mobility during shoulder rehabilitation. Each inner and outer edge of this structure is rounded for the user's comfort. The rectangular plate (18) is fixed onto the rigid part (19) of the forearm structure (2).

[0061] The interior of the forearm structure (2) is lined with an ergonomic material that is comfortable, flexible, and skin-safe, such as medical-grade silicone, viscoelastic foam, or a combination thereof. The flexible section (20), which is adaptable, allows the forearm structure (2) to be fitted to arms of various sizes and dimensions, so that the same device can be used by different people. On the inner edge of the flexible section (20) facing the rigid part (19), there are multiple protrusions (21) aligned with perforations (10) on the inner edge of the rigid section (19). The protrusions (21) and the perforations (10) have the same shape. This configuration allows the protrusions (21) to fit into the rectangular perforations (10) to join the two sections of the forearm structure (2).The protrusions (21) and the perforations (10) have magnets or magnetic material incorporated; this allows that when the protrusions (21) are aligned with the corresponding perforations (10), the magnetic attraction between the magnets facilitates a quick and secure joining between the two parts; this magnetic connection allows the flexible section (20) and the rigid part (19) to be easily joined without the need for additional force or tools, ensuring that the parts are firmly joined while maintaining the ability to separate them when necessary.

[0062] The shoulder rehabilitation device can connect to a smart device to input and program movement therapies. The device connects via a Bluetooth wireless communication module located in the control module. This control module is powered by a rechargeable battery and configured to perform movement therapies using the wirelessly connected smart device.

[0063] The shoulder rehabilitation device with rotary movement that is the subject of the present invention helps rehabilitate the shoulder of a person who, for various reasons, cannot move it on their own, for example, an injury, and who requires movement rehabilitation. This device helps the user to move their shoulder and arm according to the therapy prescribed by their therapist. The advantages of this device are its ease of placement, thanks to its detachable and adaptable components, allowing it to be used on any person regardless of the size of their arm and shoulder.

[0064] The shoulder rehabilitation device with rotary movement that is the subject of the present invention is portable so that the user can take it wherever needed and can be linked to the mobile device to select the type of rehabilitation or therapy that the patient needs to do; in addition, thanks to its configuration, it can be used on either of the two shoulder joints, left or right.

[0065] In view of the foregoing, it is reiterated that the scope of the present invention shall not be limited by the specific embodiments described, and it shall be understood that variations in several respects may be made. Such variations shall not be considered a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications may be obvious to a person skilled in the art and shall be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A device for shoulder rehabilitation with rotary movement, wirelessly controlled by means of an intelligent device, characterized in that it comprises: a shoulder-shaped structure (1) having rounded edges and protrusions (11) on its front and back sides that allow attachment to the shoulder by means of an adjustment strap (12) that is attached to each of the protrusions (11) and is placed around the thorax until it reaches the armpit of the opposite arm, and a second adjustment strap (13) is attached to the adjustment strap (11) at its ends which are positioned opposite each other, achieving a precise and stable alignment which allows it to be placed on the opposite shoulder; a prismatic base (4) protruding from the central upper part of the structure (1); A spherical cavity (22) is located in the center of the upper face of the base (4);A movement mechanism (3) is placed inside the cavity (22); a sphere (6) is inserted into the spherical cavity (22) of the base (4); a control module is located inside the base (4); a base (14) is attached to the top of the sphere (6), the base (14) in turn is attached to the base of a linear actuator (15); and, at the end of the rod (16) of the linear actuator (15) there is a flat square projection (17), the rod (16) passes through a rectangular plate (18) by means of a circular perforation (23) in its center, said rectangular plate (18) is fixed on a structure for the forearm (2) which has the shape of a hollow rectangular prism without the upper and lower faces, divided into a rigid section (19) and a flexible section (20), the structure for the forearm (2) has a diagonal cut on the inner face of the flexible section (20) and rigid section (19).; 2. The device according to claim 1, further characterized in that: the structure (1) has an irregular composition.

3. The device according to claim 1, further characterized in that: the structure (1) is placed over the user's shoulder and the structure for the forearm (2) is placed on the forearm of the shoulder to be rehabilitated.

4. The device according to claim 1, further characterized in that: the configuration of the device allows it to be adapted to both shoulders, right and left.

5. The device according to claim 1, further characterized in that: the prismatic shape of the base (4) is a cube.

6. The device according to claim 1, further characterized in that: the sphere (6) is rough.

7. The device according to claim 1, further characterized in that: all edges of the upper face of the base (4) have a chamfer allowing the base (14) to move freely rotating on the sphere (6).

8. The device according to claim 1, further characterized in that: the movement mechanism (3) is formed by three bands (5) located on the X, Y, Z axes, which allow the sphere (6) inserted in the cavity (22) of the base (4) to rotate.

9. The device according to claim 1, further characterized in that: each of the belts (5) is attached at one end to a cylindrical shaft (7) that serves as a support for its rotation and at the other end to a second cylindrical shaft (8) that is attached to a motor (9), which transmits its rotary motion to the second cylindrical shaft (8) so that it allows the belt (5) to move, and the cylindrical shaft (7) not only provides additional support to the belt (5), but also ensures that the band (5) maintains its correct position and tension during movement.

10. The device according to claim 9 further characterized in that: all motors (9) are connected to the control module to perform the movement of the bands (5) together depending on the type of therapy selected.

11. The device according to claim 1, further characterized in that: the control module comprises a microcontroller, a power supply battery that provides electrical energy to the various electronic elements of the device, and a wireless communication module.

12. The device according to claim 10, further characterized in that: the wireless communication module of type Bluetooth, WiFi or UWB.

13. The device according to claims 6 and 9, further characterized in that: the roughness of the sphere (6) moves the bands (5) without slipping or sliding to the opposite side.

14. The device according to claim 1, further characterized in that: the base (14) is inclined rectangular.

15. The device according to claim 1, further characterized in that: the perforation (23) of the plate (18) is of the same diameter as the stem (16) of the linear actuator (15).

16. The device according to claim 1, further characterized in that: the flat square projection (17) abuts the rectangular plate (18) limiting the movement of the stem (16).

17. The device according to claim 1, further characterized in that: the flexible section (20) is adaptable, allowing the forearm structure (2) to be placed on arms of various sizes and dimensions.

18. The device according to claim 1, further characterized in that: the diagonal cut on the inner face of the flexible section (20) and rigid section (19) runs from the top to the middle of the length of the structure for the forearm (2).

19. The device according to claim 1, further characterized in that: the rectangular plate (18) is fixed onto the rigid part (19) of the forearm structure (2).

20. The device according to claim 1, further characterized in that: the interior of the forearm structure (2) is lined with an ergonomic material that is comfortable, flexible and safe for the skin.

21. The device according to claim 20, further characterized in that: the ergonomic material is medical silicone, viscoelastic foam or a combination of the above.

22. The device according to claim 1, further characterized in that: on the edge of the inner face of the flexible section (20) facing the rigid part (19), there is a plurality of projections (21), these are aligned with perforations (10) on the edge of the inner face of the rigid section (19).

23. The device according to claim 22, further characterized in that: the projections (21) and the perforations (10) have the same shape, allowing the projections (21) to enter the rectangular perforations (10) to join the two sections of the forearm structure (2).

24. The device according to claims 22 and 23, further characterized in that: the projections (21) and the perforations (10) have magnets or incorporated magnetic material, allowing that when the projections (21) are aligned with the corresponding perforations (10), the magnetic attraction between the magnets facilitates a quick and secure joining between the two parts; this magnetic connection allows the flexible section (20) and the rigid part (19) to be easily joined without the need for additional force or tools 25. The device according to claim 1, further characterized in that: the control module is configured to carry out selectable movement therapies by means of the intelligent device.

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