RU2658760C1 - Mechanotherapy device for developing ankle mobility - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: medicine.SUBSTANCE: invention relates to medicine. Mechanotherapy device for development of mobility of the ankle joints contains a fixed base with electronic control unit placed on it, first reversible electric drive electrically connected to the electronic control unit, the lodgement and the staircase provided with the fastening elements, the second reversible electric drive, also electrically connected to the electronic control unit, first and second angle sensors whose electrical outputs are connected to the inputs of the electronic control unit provided with the control panel, multi-link mechanism in which the first and second links are interconnected through the first hinge, the third and fourth links are arranged parallel to the first two links and are connected to each other via a second hinge, first and third links are rigidly connected to each other through the first and second brackets, and the lodgment is installed between them, the second and fourth links are interconnected through the third bracket, ends of which are provided with position locks, one ends of the parallel fifth and sixth links through the third and fourth joints are connected to the second bracket, and their other ends through the fifth and sixth joints are connected to the fixed base. First reversible electric drive is located on the first link of the multi-link mechanism, and its output shaft is rigidly connected to the second link of the multi-link mechanism and the rotor of the first angle sensor. Second reversible electric drive is located on the third bracket, while its output shaft is rigidly connected to the rotor of the second angle sensor and the rotary support on which the foot is placed. Third, fourth, fifth and sixth hinges are provided with position locks.EFFECT: invention provides extension of therapeutic possibilities of the device by developing an ankle joint in two mutually perpendicular planes, increasing the automation of the procedure for treating the ankle joint and thereby facilitating the work of the health worker.7 cl, 7 dwg

Description

The invention relates to medical equipment, and more particularly to the field of mechanotherapy, and can be used to develop joints of the lower extremities during their rehabilitation after injuries and in eliminating the consequences of surgical intervention.

Establishment of a prior art medical equipment.

Known mechanotherapeutic device for restoring mobility of the ankle joints [1], containing:

- a base on which the shin fixation unit is rigidly fixed in the form of a pair of parallel-mounted arcs with corresponding guides;

- a spring-loaded foot holder mounted on the shaft and equipped with a handle;

- the crossbar, made with the possibility of movement along the specified guides and equipped with straps for attaching the lower leg;

- fastening elements of the foot and ankle joint and

- degree scale designed to control the angle of inclination of its shaft.

Note. A joint is a movable joint of two or more bones of a skeleton.

In this device, the mechanotherapy procedure is possible only in one plane (the inclination of the foot support back and forth using the handle), which reduces the healing properties of the device. In addition, the presence of a manual (non-automated) drive complicates the work of the attending health worker.

Also known is a mechanotherapeutic device for restoring mobility of the ankle joints [2], containing:

- base;

- a platform for placing the limb, equipped with fastening elements and connected to the base with elastic elements;

- means for interacting with a loader associated with the platform and made in the form of a rack with a U-shaped end rigidly connected to the platform in a plane passing through the transverse axis of the platform;

- at the same time, two degree scales with arrows indicating the longitudinal and transverse tilt of the rack are placed on the rack.

In such a device, the patient's foot is placed on the site and is fixed by fastening elements. Next, the reciprocating movement of the rack for the handle is the development of the ankle joint in the longitudinal and transverse planes. In this case, if necessary, registration (control) of the tilt angles of the foot is carried out on degree scales.

This device provides the development of the ankle joint in two mutually perpendicular planes. However, the presence of a manual (non-automated) drive also complicates the work of the health worker.

A device for restoring mobility of the ankle joint with mechanotherapy [3], containing:

- base;

- footstands equipped with fasteners;

- manual drives in the form of removable handles connected to the supports;

- an articulated mechanism connecting the supports to the base and made in the form of a two-parallelogram multi-link, having transverse and longitudinal axes with fixed supports installed in U-shaped brackets that can be rotated on the transverse axis. As a result, each footplate has the ability to rotate around three mutually perpendicular axes (one vertical and two horizontal).

To visually assess the angle of rotation of the foot and limit their size relative to any of the three axes, the device is equipped with scales and stops. Before carrying out mechanotherapy of the ankle joint, the legs are fixed with straps on the shin fixers, and the feet are fixed with clamps on the respective foot supports. Restrictions are set on the scales with the help of limiters for the angle of rotation of the foot-bearings around each of the three axes.

The disadvantage of this device is the complexity of the design.

A device for restoring mobility of the ankle joint with mechanotherapy [4], containing:

- a base made in the form of two parallel rods;

- a support post associated with one of the base rods using a hinge assembly with three degrees of freedom;

- limb latches, made in the form of footstands, equipped with removable arms, and having the ability to rotate around three axes.

The disadvantage of the device is the difficulty of its configuration.

There is also known a device for restoring mobility of the ankle joint with mechanotherapy [5], containing:

- base;

- foot support with a stand and fastening elements;

- loading mechanism;

- drumstick holder mounted on a rack;

- while the foot support is made in the form of a rotary and inclined platforms connected by a hinge, and the loading mechanism is in the form of guides mounted on an inclined platform with a slider, and the rack is fixed on the rotary platform.

This device is characterized by the complexity of the design and low automation of the work of the attending medical worker.

There is also known a device for restoring mobility of the ankle joint with mechanotherapy [6], containing:

- the base on which the thrust bearing is fixed under the trunnion, as well as a segment with a through groove, and the rod is located in the groove with the possibility of shifting and fixing with the help of a figured washer and nut;

- a drive with a reversible electric motor and gearbox;

- crank mechanism;

- bracket with guides for influencing the limb and the carriage;

- gear sector;

- rail with pin and

- a template made with the possibility of rotation and equipped with a pin and a threaded rod, as well as having telescopic traction with a pedal and goniometers.

This device can operate in three modes:

- in the mode of limb flexion;

- in the mode of abduction and reduction of the limb;

- when combining these modes, i.e. while performing flexion, extension, abduction and adduction of the limb.

The main disadvantage of this device is the complexity of the design.

Characterization and criticism of the prototype.

The closest invention to the proposed according to the greatest number of similar features, technical nature, circuit design and achieved by using the result is a mechanotherapeutic device for developing mobility of the ankle joint [7], containing (in the development of the ankle joint):

- a fixed base with an electronic control unit placed on it;

- a frame pivotally connected to the base;

- a reversible electric drive located on the frame and connected to the electronic control unit;

- two limit switches, which are located on the brackets and are also electrically connected to the electronic control unit;

- the first (fixed) and second (movable) lodgements equipped with fasteners, the first lodgement being installed on the base;

- a footplate also provided with fastening elements;

- a transmission made in the form of a screw pair, consisting of a lead screw, which is connected to the output shaft of the reversible electric drive, and a nut, to which the rocker arms are pivotally connected, rigidly connected to the shift arms of the rocker mechanism, the sliders of which are mounted on the second (movable) lodgement;

- while the interchangeable levers are made in the form of a cranked link, on one of the knees of which an emphasis is fixed, which interacts with limit switches.

The first segment of the limb is attached to the base with the help of the first (fixed) tool tray and is designed to fix the segment of the limb (body) that forms the joint, which is motionless during development.

The second segment of the limb is fixed on the second (movable) lodgement, which in the process of joint development performs (in the sagittal plane) “flat” movement relative to removable levers using sliders. In this case, the movement of the interchangeable levers is transmitted from the output shaft of the electric drive (through the cardan mechanism) to a screw pair.

Limit switches are designed to control (limit) the range of angles of inclination of the moving tool tray.

Thus, using the prototype, it is possible to develop an ankle joint in only one plane, which narrows its therapeutic capabilities. In addition, the prototype is characterized by low automation of the treatment procedure, which complicates the work of the attending physician.

The technical result and its achievement.

The invention is aimed at achieving such medical and technical results as:

- expanding the therapeutic capabilities of the device by developing an ankle joint in two mutually perpendicular planes;

- increasing the automation of the procedure for treating the ankle joint and thereby facilitating the work of the health worker.

Achieving such results is ensured by the fact that the known mechanotherapeutic device for developing ankle joint mobility, comprising:

- a fixed base with an electronic control unit placed on it;

- the first reversible electric drive electrically connected to the electronic control unit;

- lodgement and footrest equipped with fasteners,

also contains:

- a second reversible electric drive electrically connected to the electronic control unit;

- the first and second angle sensors, the electrical outputs of which are connected to the inputs of an electronic control unit equipped with a control panel;

- multi-link mechanism in which:

- the first and second links are interconnected through the first hinge;

- the third and fourth links are installed parallel to the first two links and are interconnected through a second hinge;

- the first and third links are rigidly connected to each other through the first and second brackets, and the lodgement is installed between them;

- the second and fourth links are interconnected through a third bracket, the ends of which are equipped with position locks;

- one ends of the fifth and sixth links located parallel through the third and fourth hinges are connected to the second bracket, and their other ends through the fifth and sixth hinges - with a fixed base;

- the first reversible electric drive is located on the first link of the multi-link mechanism, and its output shaft is rigidly connected to the second link of the multi-link mechanism and the rotor of the first tilt angle sensor;

- the second reversible electric drive is placed on the third bracket, while its output shaft is rigidly connected with the rotor of the second inclination angle sensor and the pivot bearing on which the footrest is placed;

- while the third, fourth, fifth and sixth hinges are equipped with position fixers.

Besides,

- the first and second reversible electric drives are each made in the form of a gear motor;

- an electric vibrator is placed on the rotary support, made in the form of a DC motor connected to the electronic control unit, on whose shaft an eccentric is mounted;

- the footplate is equipped with a means of heating it, connected to the electronic control unit and made in the form of a removable cuff placed on the lower leg of the patient and with thermal elements integrated in the cuff;

- the first and second angle sensors are each made in the form of potentiometric (variable) resistors;

- the electronic control unit has a connector for a Flash card and is equipped with an audible warning device;

- and the socket for placing the control panel is fixed on the third link of the multi-link mechanism.

The applicant has not found a device in which the specified medical-technical result is achieved by a similar set of essential features. Moreover, the analysis of the prior art by the applicant, including a search by patent and other scientific, technical and medical-technical sources of information and identification of sources containing information about analogues of the invention, made it possible to establish that there are no analogues characterized by features identical to all the essential features of the invention, and the selection from the list of analogs of the prototype [7] provided the identification of a combination of significant in relation to the technical result of the distinguishing features of the claimed invention.

In other words, according to the information available to the applicant, there are no analogues that are characterized by sets of features identical to all the features of the claimed device.

These signs are significant and interrelated with the formation of a stable set of essential features sufficient to obtain the desired medical and technical result.

The applicant has also verified the compliance of the specified set of essential features of the device with three conditions (criteria) of patentability.

The compliance of the claimed device to the patentability condition of "novelty."

To assess the novelty of the technical solution, the above set of essential features of the claimed device is analyzed. For this, those features are identified that coincide with the features of the prototype, namely, the device contains:

- a fixed base with an electronic control unit placed on it;

- the first reversible electric drive electrically connected to the electronic control unit;

- lodgement and footrest equipped with fasteners.

If we now select those signs that distinguish the claimed device from the closest analogue - the prototype [7], it contains:

- a second reversible electric drive, also electrically connected to the electronic control unit;

- the first and second angle sensors, the electrical outputs of which are connected to the inputs of an electronic control unit equipped with a control panel;

- multi-link mechanism in which:

- the first and second links are interconnected through the first hinge;

- the third and fourth links are installed parallel to the first two links and are interconnected through a second hinge;

- the first and third links are rigidly connected to each other through the first and second brackets, and the lodgement is installed between them;

- the second and fourth links are interconnected through a third bracket, the ends of which are equipped with position locks;

- one ends of the fifth and sixth links located parallel through the third and fourth hinges are connected to the second bracket, and their other ends through the fifth and sixth hinges - with a fixed base;

- the first reversible electric drive is located on the first link of the multi-link mechanism, and its output shaft is rigidly connected to the second link of the multi-link mechanism and the rotor of the first tilt angle sensor;

- the second reversible electric drive is placed on the third bracket, while its output shaft is rigidly connected with the rotor of the second inclination angle sensor and the pivot bearing on which the footrest is placed;

- while the third, fourth, fifth and sixth hinges are equipped with position fixers.

Besides,

- the first and second reversible electric drives are each made in the form of a gear motor;

- an electric vibrator is placed on the rotary support, made in the form of a DC motor connected to the electronic control unit, on whose shaft an eccentric is mounted;

- the footplate is equipped with a means of heating it, connected to the electronic control unit and made in the form of a removable cuff placed on the lower leg of the patient and with thermal elements integrated in the cuff;

- the first and second angle sensors are each made in the form of potentiometric (variable) resistors;

- the electronic control unit has a connector for a Flash card and is equipped with an audible warning device;

- and the socket for placing the control panel is fixed on the third link of the multi-link mechanism.

The presence of these features ensures compliance with the totality of essential features of the patentability condition of "novelty." However, no devices were found in which the medical and technical result was achieved by a similar set of essential features.

According to the information available to the applicant, the set of essential features characterizing the essence of the claimed invention is unknown, which allows us to conclude that its patentability “novelty” condition is in accordance with the current legislation.

The compliance of the claimed device with the condition of patentability "inventive step".

To verify compliance with the requirements of inventive step, the applicant conducted an additional search and analysis of solutions in order to identify signs that match the distinctive features of the selected prototype, the results of which showed that the claimed object does not explicitly follow from the prior art defined by the applicant.

In other words, a comparison of the claimed device not only with the prototype, but also with other technical solutions in this and related fields of medical technology showed that the latter do not contain features similar to those distinguishing the claimed device from the prototype.

Therefore, the claimed object meets the condition of patentability "inventive step" under applicable law.

It should also be noted that between the set of essential features (distinguishing features) of the present invention and the achieved medical and technical result, there is a causal relationship, since the distinctive features were not identified in any of the analogues, and the achieved result is obtained only when all without exception, known and distinctive features.

Thus, these signs are significant and interrelated with the formation of a stable set of essential features sufficient to obtain the desired medical and technical result.

The present invention is illustrated by a specific example of execution, the essence of which is illustrated by drawings, where:

- in FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a device showing its main mechanical and electrical connections;

- in FIG. 2 shows a structural diagram of a device;

- in FIG. 3 shows its appearance;

- in FIG. 4 shows a movable assembly of a device including a second gear motor with an output shaft, a rotary support and a foot;

- in FIG. 5 shows the relative positions of the XYZ coordinate axes;

- in FIG. Figure 6 shows the projections of the first and second links on the vertical plane X0Z;

- in FIG. Figure 7 shows the projections of the pivot bearing together with the footrest on the horizontal plane X0Y.

Description of the design of the device (in statics).

The mechanotherapeutic device for developing ankle joint mobility contains:

- a fixed base 1 with an electronic control unit 2 placed thereon;

- the first and second reversible electric drives, made in the form of gear motors 3 and 4 and electrically connected to the electronic control unit 2;

- the first 5 and second 6 angle sensors, the electrical outputs of which are connected to the inputs of the electronic control unit 2;

- remote control 7, also electrically connected to the electronic control unit 2;

- a lodgement 8 and a footstand 9 provided with fastening elements (not shown for simplicity);

- multi-link mechanism in which:

- the first 10 and second 11 links are interconnected through the first hinge 12;

- the third 13 and fourth 14 links are installed parallel to the first two links 10 and 11 and are interconnected via the second hinge 15;

- the first 10 and third 13 links are rigidly interconnected through the first 16 and second 17 staples, and the lodgement 8 is placed between them;

- the second 11 and fourth 14 links are interconnected through a third (movable) bracket 18 (Fig. 3, 4), the ends of which are provided with two position locks 19;

- one ends of the parallel fifth fifth and sixth 21 links through the third 22 and fourth 23 hinges connected to the second bracket 17, and their other ends through the fifth 24 and sixth 25 hinges - with the base 1;

- the gear motor 3 is located on the first link 10 of the multi-link mechanism, and its output shaft 26 is rigidly connected to the second link 11 of this mechanism and the rotor of the angle sensor 5;

- the gear motor 4 is placed on the third bracket 18, while its output shaft 27 is rigidly connected to the rotor of the sensor 6 of the angle of inclination and the pivot bearing 28 (Fig. 4), on which the footrest 9 is fixed;

- in this case, the third 22, fourth 23, fifth 24 and sixth 25 hinges are equipped with clamps (wing) 29-32 position.

The first 5 and second 6 angle sensors are made in the form of potentiometric (variable) resistors.

An electric vibrator is placed on the rotary support 28 (Fig. 4), made on the basis of a DC motor 33 connected to the electronic control unit 2 (Fig. 2), on the shaft of which an eccentric 34 is mounted.

On the patient’s lower leg, next to the footstep 9, is placed (if necessary) a means 35 for heating the ankle joint. It is connected to the electronic unit 2 and is made in the form of a removable cuff in which thermal elements (not shown) are built-in.

The electronic unit 2 has a connector 36 for the Flash card 37 (Fig. 1, 2) and is equipped with an audible alarm 38.

The socket 39 for placing the remote control 7 is fixed on the third link 13 (Fig. 2) of the multi-link mechanism.

The purpose and functions of structural elements and components of the device.

The base 1 is the main supporting and connecting structural element of the device and is designed to ensure its rigidity and stability.

The electronic unit 2 is intended for receiving and issuing control and information signals.

Reversible gear motors 3 and 4 provide the formation of torques on their output shafts 26 and 27.

The angle sensor 5 converts the mutual angular displacements of the first 10 and second 11 links into corresponding electrical signals. The angle sensor 6 converts the angular displacements of the pivot bearing 28 into corresponding electrical signals.

Information about the current value of the angle from the sensors 5 and 6 is fed to the corresponding input of block 2.

As sensors 5 and 6 of the angle of inclination, for example, precision potentiometric (variable) resistors can be used, the resistance value of which is proportional to the corresponding angle of inclination of the ankle joint.

The signals from the sensors 5 and 6 are used when adjusting the range of tilt angles of the foot rail 9 (angles α and β in Figs. 6 and 7). In other words, they are used to limit the tilt angles of the output shafts 26 and 27.

Remote control 7 is designed to form and store the program of the device (its buttons are not shown).

Fixed lodgement 8 is designed to accommodate and fix the patient's thigh during treatment procedures.

The footstep 9 along with the fastening elements is intended for placement and fixation of the patient's foot during the implementation of medical procedures.

Links 10, 11, 13, 14 together with hinges 12 and 15 are designed to transmit mechanical forces.

Staples 16-18 provide rigidity to the design of the device.

The latches 29-32 are used before performing medical procedures to "fit" the design of the device to the geometric parameters of the patient.

In addition, the clamps 19 are used to align the axis of the hinge 12 with the conditional axis of the ankle joint, for example, by changing the distance L (Fig. 2, 4). This is necessary so that the axis of rotation of the hinge 12 is as close as possible to the biomechanical axis of the real joint, which will speed up the time and quality of its recovery. To reduce pain, at the request of the patient, the distance L may vary.

The latches 29 and 30 are used to adjust the angles of inclination of the links 10 and 13 of the device with respect to the plane of its base 1.

The latches 31 and 32 are designed to further adjust the "height" of the device.

The electric motor 33 together with the eccentric 34 form (if necessary) vibrational vibrations of the footplate 9.

The tool 35 is intended for heating (if necessary) the corresponding section of the ankle joint.

Removable Flash-card 37 provides storage of additional information necessary for the development of the joint.

The sound signaling device 38 is intended for sound informing the patient and the attending medical worker about the operation of the described device. In particular, it generates sound signals when:

- start the device;

- the occurrence of an emergency;

- completion of the mechanotherapy program,

- as well as for generating other warning signals.

Description of the device (in dynamics).

a) preparing the device for procedures.

Before performing the procedures, the device must be installed on a flat horizontal surface. In this case, special attention should be paid to ensure that fragments of the patient’s body and foreign objects (blankets, pillows, cables, etc.) cannot get into his mobile units.

b) preparing the patient for the procedures.

It is advisable that before performing the procedures the patient should be dressed in a lightweight tracksuit. It is also recommended that joint development begin after a preliminary physiotherapy (warm-up) in order to reduce pain in the patient.

Before the procedure, the patient’s hip is placed on the tool tray 8, and the foot of the foot is placed on the foot 9. They are fixed using the appropriate fastening elements.

In addition, with the help of latches 29-32, the device is adjusted to the specific "geometric" parameters of the patient.

Preparation of the patient for the procedures ends with familiarizing him with the purpose of the buttons on the remote control 7. The latter must be in a place accessible to the patient so that if necessary he can quickly interrupt the procedure.

c) the implementation of the main medical procedure.

The treatment procedure is based on performing ankle-joint flexion-extensor movements under the action of the described device.

Before starting the procedure, depending on the disease and the condition of the patient, the attending physician determines the method and regime of the treatment-mechanical effect. In accordance with this, the corresponding treatment programs are entered into the control panel 7 taking into account which procedure will be carried out:

- mode in which only the first gear motor 3 is turned on;

- mode in which only the second gear motor 4 is turned on;

- a mode in which both gear motors 3 and 4 are simultaneously switched on.

These modes can be carried out both in the presence of vibration and heating (electric vibrator 33 and heating means 35 are turned on), and when they are turned off.

Next, using the remote control 7, the appropriate parameters of the treatment procedure are entered, in particular:

- sequence of inclusion of motor gearboxes 3 and 4 (sequence of starting operation modes);

- the boundary values of α _min and α _{max the} angle of inclination of the foot rail 9 in the plane X0Z (Fig. 6);

- the boundary values of β _min and β _{max the} angle of inclination of the foot rail 9 in the plane X0Y (Fig. 7);

- the vibration frequency of the footstep 9 (rotational speeds of the shafts 26 and 27);

- the temperature of the ankle joint;

- time (duration) of the procedure;

- and etc.

In the device, each press of the buttons on the remote control 7 is "confirmed" by the sound signal of the signaling device 38, which is necessary for the health worker and patient to pay attention to the accidental pressing of the buttons.

d) the mode of operation of the device, in which only the first gear motor 3 is turned on (the second gear motor 4 is turned off).

At the same time (if necessary), the agent 35 is placed on the lower leg of the patient and its thermal elements are turned on. An electric vibrator 33 may also be included.

By pressing the "Start" button (not shown), the signal from the remote control 7 enters block 2, which, in turn, starts the gear motor 3. The rotation of its shaft 26 starts to rotate the rotor of the sensor 5, which also provides the simultaneous angular movement of the link 11 the vertical plane X0Z and the corresponding inclination of the third bracket 18 (Fig. 6). Together with the latter, the geared motor 4 and the rotary support 28, as well as the footstep 9 along with the electric vibrator 33 and the foot of the patient’s foot, make angular displacements.

At the same time, information about the current value of the angle of inclination α (Fig. 6) from the sensor 5 is fed to the corresponding input of block 2, in which it is compared with the given (boundary) values α _min and α _max . If the current value coincides with one of them, the gearmotor 3 is reversed and its rotor starts to rotate in the opposite direction until the current value α coincides with the next boundary value and the rotor again changes its direction of movement (to the opposite), etc.

As a result, the foot of the patient 9 begins to make reciprocating movements, in which each of its points moves along the same trajectory in the X0Z plane.

After the procedure expires, the device stops, which is accompanied by the corresponding sound signal of the signaling device 38.

Therefore, the development of the joint in the vertical plane X0Z is provided in this way.

d) the mode of operation of the device in which only the second gear motor 4 is turned on (the first gear motor 3 is turned off).

At the same time (if necessary), the agent 35 is placed on the lower leg of the patient and its thermal elements are turned on. An electric vibrator 33 may also be included.

By pressing the “Start” button (not shown), the signal from the remote control 7 enters block 2, which, in turn, starts the gear motor 4. The rotation of its shaft 27 starts to rotate the rotor of the sensor 6, which also provides simultaneous angular movement of the rotary support 28 together with an electrovibrator 33, a foot rail 9 and a patient’s foot placed on it in the X0Y plane.

At the same time, information about the current value of the angle β (Fig. 7) from the sensor 6 is fed to the corresponding input of block 2, in which it is compared with the given (boundary) values of β _min and β _max . If the current value coincides with one of them, the gear motor 4 is reversed and its rotor 27 starts to rotate in the opposite direction until the current value β coincides with the next boundary value and the rotor changes its direction of movement (to the opposite), etc.

As a result, the patient’s foot begins to make reciprocating movements along the same trajectory (in the X0Y plane).

After the procedure expires, the device stops, which is accompanied by the corresponding sound signal of the signaling device 38.

Therefore, the development of the joint in the X0Y plane is provided in this way.

e) the mode of operation of the device, in which both gear motors 3 and 4 are turned on.

At the same time (if necessary), the agent 35 is placed on the lower legs of the patient and its thermal elements are turned on. An electric vibrator 33 may also be included.

By pressing the “Start” button (not shown), the signal from the remote control 7 enters block 2, which, in turn, starts both motor reducers 3 and 4.

The operation of the device in this mode is similar to the modes described above. The only difference is that the joint is developed simultaneously in two planes X0Z and X0Y. Moreover, the operation of both gear motors 3 and 4 leads to the fact that the footstep 9 together with the patient’s foot make movements along a complex (total, volumetric) path. The shape of such a trajectory is determined by the ratio of the speeds of rotation of the shafts 26 and 27.

Depending on the patient’s response, the healthcare provider may change this ratio.

The inclusion of the electric vibrator 33 makes additional changes to the specified path of the foot along with the foot 4.

Given the patient’s response to possible pain, the provider may or may not include heating means 35. It is possible to include the latter only before the procedure.

Thus, by changing the parameters of the procedure, it is possible to change the total (therapeutic) effect on the patient's ankle joints and thereby choose the most optimal treatment parameters.

After-treatment activities.

Post-treatment measures are carried out under the guidance of a health care provider and may include water and air procedures, herbal medicine, etc., which end with post-treatment rest.

Findings. The inventive device is a mechanotherapeutic tool intended for continuous passive development of the ankle joint. This method involves the implementation of passive movements by a sick joint, which are accomplished thanks to the device described here, in which the periarticular muscles are spared from active contractions.

The main advantage of the described method, for example, over active physical therapy is the lower number of contraindications, since the diseased joint and the corresponding muscular system experience significantly less stress than physical therapy and each treatment session in the device is accompanied by less pronounced painful sensations.

In the device, due to the fact that the control unit 2 is equipped with a connector 36, it becomes possible to record the results of the procedure on the Flash card 37, as well as to read additional treatment programs from it to restore the mobility of the ankle joint.

Thus, the claimed device provides for the development of ankle joints in two mutually perpendicular planes by simultaneously affecting the ankle joint area with vibration and thermal field, which can be used, ultimately, to achieve the following therapeutic goals:

- improving metabolism in the joint;

- prevention of joint stiffness;

- support for the restoration and healing of cartilage zones in damaged ligaments;

- improvement of blood and lymph circulation;

- prevention of thrombosis and embolism;

- treatment of sprains and bruises of the joints, restoration of their performance;

- prevention of complications associated with prolonged immobility.

The compliance of the claimed device with the condition of patentability "industrial applicability".

According to the applicant, the information provided in the description is sufficient for its implementation. Such a device for restoring mobility of the ankle joints with mechanotherapy does not cause difficulties in its manufacture, and the possibility of industrial production of the claimed technical solution is confirmed, for example, by the successful manufacture by the authors of several options for its implementation.

The above information testifies to the claimed invention, as it is described in the formula, about the possibility of its implementation using known means, which allows us to conclude that the invention meets the patentability condition “industrial applicability” under applicable law.

Thus, the claimed device meets the required conditions of patentability and has significant advantages compared with known analogues.

Sources of information taken into account in the preparation of this application

1. RF patent No. 4075 for utility model “Device for restoring foot function” according to cl. A61H 1/00. Publ. 05/16/1997

2. RF patent No. 94152 for utility model “Device for the rehabilitation of the ankle joint” according to cl. A61H 1/02. Publ. 05/20/2010 r.

3. USSR author's certificate No. 725666 for the invention of "Apparatus for mechanotherapy of the lower limb" according to class. A61H 1/02. Publ. 04/05/1980

4. USSR author's certificate No. 1380748 for the invention "Device for mechanotherapy of a limb" according to cl. A61H 1/02. Publ. 03/15/1988

5. USSR author's certificate No. 1595511 for the invention "Device for restoring the function of the lower limb" according to class. A61H 1/02. Publ. 09/30/90

6. USSR author's certificate No. 848027 for the invention of "Electromechanical device" according to class. A61H 1/02. Publ. 07/23/1981

7. USSR author's certificate No. 1653770 for the invention "A device for developing mobility of joints of limbs" according to class. A61H 1/02. Publ. 06/07/1991 g. (Prototype).

Claims (22)

1. Mechanotherapeutic device for developing mobility of the ankle joints, containing: - a fixed base with an electronic control unit placed on it, - the first reversible electric drive electrically connected to the electronic control unit, - lodgement and footrest equipped with fasteners, characterized in that it contains: - a second reversible electric drive, also electrically connected to the electronic control unit, - the first and second angle sensors, the electrical outputs of which are connected to the inputs of an electronic control unit equipped with a control panel, - multi-link mechanism in which: - the first and second links are interconnected through the first hinge, - the third and fourth links are installed parallel to the first two links and are interconnected through a second hinge, - the first and third links are rigidly connected to each other through the first and second brackets, and the lodgement is installed between them, - the second and fourth links are interconnected through a third bracket, the ends of which are equipped with position locks, - one ends of the parallel fifth and sixth links through the third and fourth hinges are connected to the second bracket, and their other ends through the fifth and sixth hinges - with a fixed base, - the first reversible electric drive is located on the first link of the multi-link mechanism, and its output shaft is rigidly connected to the second link of the multi-link mechanism and the rotor of the first tilt angle sensor, - the second reversible electric drive is placed on the third bracket, while its output shaft is rigidly connected with the rotor of the second inclination angle sensor and the pivot bearing on which the footrest is placed, - while the third, fourth, fifth and sixth hinges are equipped with position fixers. 2. The device according to p. 1, characterized in that the first and second reversible electric drives are each made in the form of a gear motor. 3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the electric vibrator is placed on the rotary support, made in the form of a DC motor connected to the electronic control unit, on whose shaft an eccentric is mounted. 4. The device according to p. 1, characterized in that the footrest is equipped with a heating means connected to the electronic control unit and made in the form of a removable cuff placed on the lower leg of the patient, and with thermal elements integrated in the cuff. 5. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second angle sensors are each made in the form of potentiometric (variable) resistors. 6. The device according to p. 1, characterized in that the electronic control unit has a connector for a Flash card and is equipped with an audible warning device. 7. The device according to p. 1, characterized in that the socket for placing the control panel is mounted on the third link of the multi-link mechanism.

Images