Ankle Brace with Adjustable Width and Hinged Struts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ankle braces often lack anatomical fit, stability, and ease of application, particularly for swollen ankles, and do not adequately address medial and lateral instability or provide sufficient support for varying ankle conditions.

Innovation Solution

An ankle brace design featuring an anatomical footplate with longitudinal arch support, hinged at the ankle for unrestricted motion, adjustable width, modular strapping configurations, anti-slip texture, and easy application without requiring plantar flexion, along with additional features like width extender accessories and ventilation for breathability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional ankle braces are designed with fixed width, then manufacturing is simplified, but they cannot accommodate varying calf sizes and require multiple inventory sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of varying calf sizesVSAvoidbrace structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The calf body incorporates an expansion coupling that enables dynamic adjustment of the brace width to match different calf circumferences. This adjustable mechanism allows a single brace design to fit multiple size ranges, eliminating the need for manufacturers to produce and stock multiple fixed-size variants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The expansion coupling system provides multi-functionality by enabling the same calf body to accommodate various calf sizes through adjustable width. This universal design approach allows one brace model to serve multiple customer needs across different size ranges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If ankle braces require threading straps through D-rings for securement, then strap attachment is firm, but application becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrap attachment firmnessVSAvoidapplication simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the complex D-ring threading mechanism from the strap attachment system. Instead, it uses simplified strap configurations that achieve secure attachment without requiring users to thread straps through multiple rings, significantly reducing application complexity while maintaining firm attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Rather than requiring users to actively thread straps through D-rings in a complex sequence, the design inverts the approach by providing pre-configured strap arrangements that automatically secure in the correct position, reversing the complexity from user-action to design-default.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Manufacturing precision

If ankle braces require plantar flexion for proper application, then anatomical alignment is achieved, but application becomes painful for swollen ankles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanatomical alignment precisionVSAvoidapplication comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The brace design incorporates pre-configured anatomical alignment features in its structure and strap positioning that automatically achieve proper anatomical alignment during application without requiring the user to perform plantar flexion. The alignment is built into the design, allowing application in a neutral, pain-free position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Stability of the object's composition

If ankle braces use rigid structures for stability, then medial and lateral control is improved, but comfort and breathability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemedial and lateral stabilityVSAvoiddiscomfort and heat buildup

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The brace employs local quality by providing rigid structural support only where medially and laterally needed for stability, while using more flexible, breathable materials in contact areas and vented regions. This localized differentiation maintains stability where required while improving comfort and breathability where the rigid structure would cause harm.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention incorporates porous and vented materials in the brace construction, particularly in areas where rigid structures would cause discomfort. These porous elements provide breathability and reduce heat buildup while the overall structural design maintains the necessary medial and lateral stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Data Source

PatentUS9907687B2Ankle brace

Publication Date: 2018.03.06 OSSUR HF

AI summary

The ankle brace includes a calf body defining lateral and medial frontal sides spaced by a frontal opening, and first and second straps depending from the first and second frontal sides of the calf body, respectively. The first and second straps are arranged to extend juxtaposed across the opening and secure to the second and first frontal sides, respectively. The brace also includes opposed lateral and medial ankle struts pivotally attached to the calf body, and a footplate connected to the ankle struts. The medial ankle strut has greater rigidity than the lateral ankle strut. The calf body medial section has greater rigidity than the calf body lateral section.