Flexible-Joint Ankle Brace for Progressive Motion Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semi-rigid ankle braces lack resistance variation during pivotal movement between the foot bed member and the ankle cuff, and do not allow for inversion and eversion movements, limiting their functionality.
Innovation Solution
The hinged ankle brace incorporates flexible joint members made of polyurethane, which increase resistance to hinged movement as the members move further apart, allowing for both plantarflexion and dorsiflexion, as well as limited inversion and eversion movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional pivot pins or bolts are used as joints between the foot bed member and the ankle cuff, then the brace structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the resistance to pivotal movement remains constant throughout the entire range of motion and does not increase as the movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using a flexible material (such as polyurethane) for the joint members instead of rigid pins or bolts. This flexible material changes its mechanical properties dynamically - as the hinge moves through its range of motion, the material deforms and increases resistance to movement. The key parameter change is from rigid to flexible, allowing the joint to provide increasing resistance as the angle between foot bed member and ankle cuff increases, without requiring complex mechanical structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining the flexible polyurethane material with the rigid structural components (foot bed member and ankle cuff). The flexible joint member acts as a damping element that complements the rigid structure, creating a composite joint system that provides both structural integrity and progressive resistance to movement throughout the range of motion
2Adaptability or versatility
If the joint members are made rigid to provide stable support, then the brace provides strong stabilization, but the brace does not permit inversion and eversion movements, limiting functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible material changes its stiffness parameter dynamically based on the direction and magnitude of movement. For plantarflexion and dorsiflexion movements, the material provides progressive resistance maintaining stability. For inversion and eversion movements, the material's flexibility allows greater range of motion while still providing some stabilizing force, thus adapting to different movement requirements
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 flexible joint members provide enhanced resistance to hinged movement, enabling more natural ankle motion and improved support, while permitting additional movement modes, enhancing the brace's functionality and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
the flexible joint members create greater resistance to hinged movement of the foot bed member and the ankle cuff thereof as the two members hingedly move to a greater degree with respect to one another
Data Source
AI summary
A hinged ankle brace including a foot bed member and an ankle cuff which are hinged together by flexible joint members. The flexible joint members yieldably resist hinged movement between the foot bed member and the ankle cuff in a plantarflexion and dorsiflexion direction. The design of the upper ends of the medial and lateral wings of the foot bed member and the ankle cuff permit a limited amount of inversion and eversion movement between the foot bed member and the ankle cuff.