Ankle Brace Strap Segments for Adjustable Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ankle support methods, such as medical tape and fabric wraps, fail to provide reliable support, user comfort, and mobility while being costly and requiring complex application processes.
Innovation Solution
An ankle brace design featuring strap segments with hook-and-loop fastening, allowing for secure wrapping and support of the ankle joint without direct connection to the body, enabling adjustable tension and ease of application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If medical adhesive tape is used to tightly wrap the ankles, then reliable support and immobilization are achieved, but movement restriction increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ankle support system divides the support function into multiple independent strap segments (first strap segment, second strap segment, third strap segment) that can be adjusted and positioned independently. Each strap can be tensioned to provide support while allowing controlled movement, avoiding the complete immobilization effect of traditional taping.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap segments incorporate adjustable fastening mechanisms (such as hook-and-loop fasteners or buckles) that allow the support system to adapt dynamically to different movement requirements. The tension can be modified during use to balance support and mobility needs.
2Reliability
If medical adhesive tape is used to tightly wrap the ankles, then reliable support is achieved, but cost increases due to single-use nature
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive disposable medical tape with a reusable ankle support device. The device uses durable materials for the body and straps that can be washed and reused multiple times, eliminating the need for continuous purchase of disposable tape while maintaining support effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the support material after single use, the reusable straps and body can be cleaned and reused. The system recovers the value of the support structure by maintaining it for repeated use rather than replacing it with new disposable tape for each application.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If fabric wraps are used as alternative to taping, then reusability is improved, but support effectiveness decreases due to lack of adhesiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the reusability of fabric wraps with the secure fastening capability of adhesive systems by integrating hook-and-loop fasteners or buckles into the fabric structure. This merging allows the fabric straps to be reused while maintaining reliable support through mechanical fastening rather than relying solely on friction or adhesiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening mechanism (hook-and-loop material or buckles) acts as an intermediary between the fabric straps and the ankle, providing secure attachment without requiring the fabric itself to be adhesive. This intermediary component enables reusable fabric wraps to achieve support effectiveness comparable to or exceeding traditional taping.
4Reliability
If rigid support structures are used, then support reliability is improved, but user comfort and mobility decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The ankle support uses flexible fabric materials for the body and straps instead of rigid structures. These flexible materials conform to the contours of the ankle and leg, providing comfort and allowing natural movement while still delivering reliable support through proper tensioning and fastening of the strap segments.
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 ankle brace provides effective support and stability while allowing for natural movement, improving user comfort and simplifying the application process, reducing costs associated with disposable materials.
Implementation Method 1
A first strap segment has a first region positioned proximate the bottom portion of the body, a second region extending up the first side of the body and across the front portion and a third region secured to the body. A second strap segment has a first region positioned proximate the bottom portion of the body, a second region extending up the second side of the body and across the front portion, crossing the second region of the first strap segment, and a third region extending around the back of the body.
Data Source
AI summary
An ankle brace utilizes first and second strap segments. The strap segments are positioned proximate the bottom portion of the brace and extends up and across the front portion of the brace before being secured about the brace.