Elastomeric Ankle Brace Hinge for Controlled Joint Motion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing athletic and orthopedic braces lack the ability to provide directed and anatomically configured support that allows controlled motion while inhibiting potentially harmful movements, and they do not effectively mimic the function of natural ligaments.
Innovation Solution
A hinge system in the brace is designed with elastomeric support members that allow preferential movement directions, featuring a network of interlinking bands and fenestrations to direct motion, while incorporating adjustable straps and closure mechanisms for customizable tensioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid brace structure is used to provide strong support, then support strength is improved, but freedom of movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an elastomeric material that forms a flexible yet supportive shell structure. The elastomeric brace material provides support strength while inherently allowing controlled movement through its elastic properties, eliminating the need for rigid mechanical hinges while still achieving the dual goal of support and motion freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the elastomeric material's ability to change its mechanical parameters dynamically. The material's durometer, elasticity, and viscosity can be engineered to provide appropriate support at different stages of movement, allowing the brace to adapt its stiffness characteristics throughout the range of motion to balance support and freedom of movement.
2Ease of operation
If an adjustable network of elastomeric support bands is used to allow controlled motion, then freedom of movement is improved, but support strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the elastomeric material into a network of interconnected support bands and zones. This segmentation creates a framework that can flex and move in controlled ways while maintaining overall structural support. The fenestrations (openings) in the material further segment the structure, allowing localized movement while preserving global support integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an elastomeric material with composite characteristics, combining properties of flexibility and strength. The material may incorporate different durometer regions, reinforcement layers, or varying cross-section geometries to create a composite structure that simultaneously provides controlled motion capability and adequate support strength.
3Ease of operation
If fenestrations are added to the elastomeric sleeve to direct motion, then movement control is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces fenestrations (openings or reduced-material zones) at specific locations within the elastomeric sleeve to guide and control movement in desired directions. These localized modifications to the material structure create preferential deformation paths without significantly compromising the overall structural integrity of the sleeve, as the fenestrations are strategically positioned to maintain support where needed.
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 enhanced support by allowing safe freedom of movement while inhibiting harmful motions, mimicking ligament function, and offering proprioceptive feedback, thus reducing the risk of injury.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric hinge that supports the joint at its axis of movement... engineered to deform so as to allow and direct a preferential direction of movement through the support member
Implementation Method 2
The first and second brace members comprise a network of elastomeric supports, (preferably band members that are longer than they are wide and wider than they are thick so as to comfortably distribute the tension that they apply to the user)
Data Source
AI summary
A method of donning a rear-entry ankle brace includes positioning the brace on a mid-foot and a lower leg portion to span an ankle joint, with a distal end portion extending over a top and medial and lateral sides of the mid-foot, and with a proximal end extending over a front and medial and lateral sides of the lower leg portion; attaching leg straps in tension on a front of the brace; and extending a foot strap from a first end under the brace so as to define a plantar surface of the brace and further extending the foot strap over a front of an intermediate portion to the medial side of the brace for attaching a second end of the foot strap on the medial side of the brace, with the first and second ends of the foot strap being both located on the medial side.