Adjustable Knee Brace with Angle and Resistance Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current knee braces lack the ability to provide adjustable resistance and range of motion necessary for effective muscle strength training during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction rehabilitation.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable brace with an integrated angle adjustment mechanism and resistance mechanism, allowing for customizable pivotable range and resistance levels, enabling targeted muscle training and rehabilitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a knee brace is used to restrict the movable range of the knee joint, then joint stability is improved, but muscle strength training capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the brace adjustable through an angle adjustment mechanism that allows the movable range restriction to be changed according to different rehabilitation stages. The brace transitions from a fixed restriction device to a dynamically adjustable one, enabling it to adapt from providing joint stability to facilitating muscle strength training as rehabilitation progresses
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of movable range restriction through the angle adjustment mechanism, which modifies the geometric parameters of the brace structure. By adjusting the angle between the first and second wearable parts, the brace can provide different degrees of restriction, enabling both joint stability and muscle strength training capabilities
2Reliability
If a knee brace restricts movable range of the knee joint, then rehabilitation protection is improved, but resistance for muscle training deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate functions into one device: the angle adjustment mechanism for rehabilitation protection and the resistance mechanism for muscle training. By combining these functions, the brace simultaneously provides joint protection and resistance training capability, resolving the contradiction between reliability and force
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a knee brace provides fixed movable range restriction, then joint protection is improved, but adaptability for different rehabilitation phases deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed movable range restriction into a dynamic, adjustable one through the angle adjustment mechanism. This allows the brace to adapt to different rehabilitation phases by changing the restriction angle, maintaining joint protection while providing versatility for progressive rehabilitation
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed embodiments provide an adjustable brace including a first wearable part, a second wearable part, an angle adjustment mechanism and a resistance mechanism. The first wearable part and the second wearable part are pivotably connected to each other via the angle adjustment mechanism and the resistance mechanism.