Ankle Brace Rear-Entry Structure for Achilles Tendon Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ankle braces often cause direct and painful pressure on the Achilles tendon, which can hinder healing and are difficult to apply, especially for individuals with sensitive or injured tendons.
Innovation Solution
An ankle brace with adjustable tendon buttresses that compress the Achilles tendon from the medial and lateral sides, using a lace closure system and a rear entry design to minimize posterior pressure, and a detachable back panel for easy application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional ankle braces apply direct compression to the Achilles tendon, then support effectiveness is improved, but patient comfort and healing are worsened due to painful pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The compression force is segmented into two separate lateral compression elements positioned on either side of the Achilles tendon, rather than applying single direct posterior compression. This divides the support function while avoiding direct painful pressure on the tendon itself.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of compressing the Achilles tendon directly from the posterior direction, the invention applies compression from the lateral sides by inverting the approach - using lateral compression elements that squeeze the tendon indirectly from the sides, reversing the traditional direct posterior compression method.
2Stability of the object's composition
If ankle braces use traditional closure systems, then structural stability is improved, but ease of application is worsened due to difficulty in donning the brace
Solution Approach 1:
The back panel is segmented into two separate wings that can be independently positioned and attached to the gauntlet, allowing the user to don the brace by inserting the foot first and then closing the back panel around it, significantly improving ease of application.
Solution Approach 2:
The back panel transitions from a fixed closed structure to a dynamic open-closed design where the two wings can be separated for easy entry and then joined together to provide structural stability during wear, adapting the structure to the application sequence.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the back panel is fixed and enclosed, then structural support is improved, but ease of application is worsened due to inability to easily insert the foot
Solution Approach 1:
The back panel is divided into two separate wings that can be independently manipulated, allowing the user to open the back of the brace by separating the wings, insert the foot easily, and then close the wings to restore structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The back panel is preliminarily configured in an open state with separated wings before foot insertion, allowing easy entry. After the foot is inserted, the wings are joined to close the back panel, transforming the structure from open to closed to provide structural support during wear.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The brace provides comfortable and effective support for the Achilles tendon, allowing for normal movement and healing by minimizing direct pressure, promoting anatomical functioning and improving compliance through ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic center section, wherein each wing includes hook-and-loop fasteners that attach to the gauntlet side panels
Implementation Method 2
at least two non-inflatable, compressible and deformable tendon buttresses arranged generally vertically and parallel to each other separated by a gap therebetween
Implementation Method 3
squeezing or pinching the Achilles tendon between the tendon buttresses
Implementation Method 4
Hook-and-loop fasteners are disposed on the preferably outside surface of the side panels
Implementation Method 5
The lace closure system includes a wire strand or lace passing through loop eyelets in the front panel and side panels to cinch everything together
Data Source
AI summary
An orthopedic ankle brace allowing rear entry through an open back, enclosed by a back panel with tendon buttresses that pinch the Achilles tendon between the buttresses. The brace includes a gauntlet having a front panel with a forefoot opening underneath, a bottom integrated to opposed side panels, an open top, and an open back. A lace closure system cinches the front panel and side panels together. The back panel has an elastic center section separating two wings that attach to the gauntlet. Two tendon buttresses separated by a gap are disposed inside the back panel, and when the back panel is attached to the gauntlet, the gap receives the Achilles tendon. A tendon strap, overlying the tendon buttresses, when tightened squeezes the tendon buttresses together against the Achilles tendon held therebetween.