Search

KR-20260065829-A - Upper limb rehabilitation device

KR20260065829AKR 20260065829 AKR20260065829 AKR 20260065829AKR-20260065829-A

Abstract

The present invention relates to an upper limb rehabilitation device (1) for a patient comprising a computer processor and a screen (4) connected to the computer processor, wherein the device comprises a platform (2) on which the patient can place their upper limb—the platform comprises an opening and at least one sphere (3) which penetrates the platform (2) and is rotatable about the platform (2) around an axis penetrating the center of the sphere (3), and has a diameter of 8 cm to 25 cm or 15 cm to 45 cm, and wherein the device comprises at least one motion sensor (5) of the sphere (3) connected to the computer processor so that movement of the sphere (3) by the patient's hand generates movement of an object on the screen (4).

Inventors

  • 푸르니에, 니콜라
  • 뤼노, 다비

Assignees

  • 디싱테

Dates

Publication Date
20260511
Application Date
20240905
Priority Date
20230906

Claims (12)

  1. An upper limb rehabilitation device (1) for a patient comprising a computer processor and a screen (4) connected to the computer processor, The above device comprises a platform (2) on which the patient can place their upper limb—the platform comprises an opening and at least one sphere (3) which penetrates the platform (2) and is rotatable about the platform (2) around an arbitrary axis penetrating the center of the sphere (3), and has a diameter of 8 cm to 25 cm or 15 cm to 45 cm—and the device comprises at least one motion sensor (5) of the at least one sphere (3) connected to the computer processor so that movement of the at least one sphere (3) by the patient's hand generates movement of an object on the screen (4).
  2. In claim 1, An upper limb rehabilitation device (1) further comprising at least one actuator (6) configured to generate tactile feedback on the surface of at least one sphere (3).
  3. In claim 1 or claim 2, The upper limb rehabilitation device (1) is characterized by comprising two optical sensors (5) disposed at two points on the surface of at least one sphere (3), and the angular distance between the two points being 80° to 100°.
  4. In any one of claims 1 to 3, An upper limb rehabilitation device (1) characterized by including a braking means for braking the movement of at least one sphere (3) above.
  5. In claim 4, The upper limb rehabilitation device (1) is characterized in that the braking means comprises at least two brakes disposed at two points on the surface of at least one sphere (3), and the angular distance between the two points is 80° to 100°.
  6. In claim 4 or claim 5 combined with claim 2, The upper limb rehabilitation device (1) is characterized in that the braking means comprises at least one of the at least one actuator (6).
  7. In claim 2, Upper limb rehabilitation device (1) characterized in that at least one actuator (6) is an electrodynamic actuator.
  8. In any one of claims 1 to 7, An upper limb rehabilitation device (1) characterized in that 30% to 50% or 50% to 75% of the diameter of at least one sphere (3) is positioned over the upper surface of the platform (2).
  9. In any one of claims 1 to 8, An upper limb rehabilitation device (1) characterized in that the upper surface of the platform (2) is inclined at an angle of 8° to 15° relative to the horizontal.
  10. In any one of claims 1 to 9, An upper limb rehabilitation device (1) characterized by including at least one button (8) operable by a hand and/or at least one sensor for detecting the presence of a hand or forearm at the level of the upper surface of the platform (2).
  11. In any one of claims 1 to 10, An upper limb rehabilitation device (1) characterized in that at least one sphere (3) is translucent, and the device includes at least one light-emitting means configured to illuminate the sphere (3) so that the patient can see it.
  12. In any one of claims 1 to 11, Upper limb rehabilitation device (1) characterized by including means for detecting pressure applied to a sphere.

Description

Upper limb rehabilitation device The present invention relates to the technical field of a neuromotor rehabilitation device. Following a specific traumatic event, a patient may become partially or completely unable to use one or more of their upper limbs. To restore specific functional abilities in these limbs, rehabilitation programs may be provided to some patients. During these programs, targeted stimulation aimed at specific muscles or joints of the upper limbs may be prescribed. It is known that upper limb rehabilitation devices of the prior art include a manipulation sphere. These devices include a base on which the sphere is placed, and the sphere can rotate freely and is controlled by the movement of the upper limb. Literature CN108785007 proposes such a sphere connected to a computer connected to a screen and a loudspeaker. Software installed on the computer simulates a real physical environment. Depending on the different conditions of this physical environment, images, sounds, and the resistance of pressing the sphere change, thereby creating an immersive effect. However, because patients with motor disabilities have difficulty easily rotating the sphere, this sphere does not allow for optimal rehabilitation. Additionally, this sphere is not usable by patients in wheelchairs. Therefore, one of the objectives of the present invention is to overcome the problems of the prior art by providing a rehabilitation device that allows for more effective rehabilitation of the upper limbs while enabling the patient to use the device in both a standing position and, for example, a seated position in a wheelchair. Another objective of the present invention is to propose a playful upper limb rehabilitation device. To this end, the present invention proposes an upper limb rehabilitation device comprising a computer processor and a screen connected to the computer processor. According to the present invention, the device comprises a platform on which a patient can place their upper limb, particularly their elbow, hand, and/or forearm. The platform comprises an opening and at least one sphere having a diameter of 8 cm to 25 cm or 15 cm to 45 cm, which penetrates the platform and is rotatable about the platform about any axis penetrating the center of the sphere. The device comprises at least one motion sensor of the sphere connected to a computer processor so that movement of the sphere by the patient's hand can generate movement of an object on a screen. Due to these arrangements, upper limb rehabilitation is more effective and can be used by both standing and wheelchair users. Additionally, the presence of this platform makes the device more ergonomic for the patient and facilitates the movement of the sphere by providing a support point for the impaired upper limb. According to a specific embodiment, the device may include a plurality of spheres having a diameter of 8 cm to 25 cm. Of course, the diameter is determined by the number of spheres and the surface area of the platform, as well as therapeutic interest. For example, in the case of a device including a single sphere, the sphere may have a diameter of 15 cm to 45 cm, for example, 38 cm. The device may include two spheres. The diameters of the spheres may be different or the same, for example. According to a preferred embodiment, the device includes two spheres having a diameter of 22 cm. The device may include, for example, up to six spheres of the same or different diameters. According to a preferred embodiment, the device includes six spheres, wherein four spheres have a diameter of 8 cm and two spheres have a diameter of 10 cm. Choosing a small diameter sphere allows the patient to perform movements that require less shoulder lifting. Preferably, the device according to the present invention further comprises at least one actuator configured to generate tactile feedback on the surface of at least one sphere, which enables the enhancement of the rehabilitation effect by stimulating the sensory nervous system of the upper extremity. Additionally, this makes it possible to encourage the use of the device by patients by making the rehabilitation scenario more playful. The device may include two optical sensors placed at two points on the surface of at least one sphere, and the angular distance between the two points is 80° to 100°, which is a robust and effective means for detecting rotational movement of the sphere in all directions. The device may include at least four support means, each in contact with at least one point on the surface of at least one sphere, particularly to prevent removal of the sphere. Preferably, at least one of these support means has a functional clearance or applies an elastic force to the surface of the sphere, which enables small amplitude movements to generate tactile feedback. This device may include a braking device for moving at least one sphere, which enables adjusting the resistance to the movement of the sphere to suit