Ankle Brace Torsion Strap and Tightening Mechanism for High Ankle Sprain Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
High ankle sprains, caused by external rotation, eversion, dorsiflexion, or plantarflexion of the foot, often result in ligament sprains between the tibia and fibula, with existing ankle braces failing to effectively prevent or treat these injuries due to inadequate support and stabilization.
Innovation Solution
Ankle braces with a tightening mechanism, torsion strap, lateral and medial straps, and support plates are designed to limit external rotation, eversion, inversion, and plantarflexion/dorsiflexion, providing comprehensive support by connecting the fifth metatarsal to the medial malleolus and using elastomeric materials for flexibility and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing ankle braces are used, then basic ankle support is provided, but they fail to effectively prevent or treat high ankle sprains due to inadequate support and stabilization
Solution Approach 1:
The ankle brace is divided into multiple functional components: a body portion, a tightening mechanism, a torsion strap, lateral and medial straps, and support plates. Each component addresses specific movement restrictions needed for high ankle sprain prevention, allowing the brace to provide comprehensive support through segmented functional elements rather than a single monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple support mechanisms into a single integrated ankle brace system. The tightening mechanism, torsion strap, lateral/medial straps, and support plates work together synergistically to restrict multiple degrees of foot movement simultaneously, creating a unified device that provides comprehensive stabilization for high ankle sprain prevention.
2Reliability
If the ankle brace includes multiple straps and tightening mechanisms, then comprehensive foot movement control is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ankle brace body serves multiple functions: it provides the structural framework for attaching all components, offers basic ankle support, and acts as the foundation for the tightening mechanism, torsion strap, and support plates. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate structural elements, thereby managing complexity while maintaining comprehensive movement control.
Solution Approach 2:
The tightening mechanism allows dynamic adjustment of brace tightness to accommodate different stages of rehabilitation and varying levels of support needed. The elastomeric materials in the straps provide dynamic flexibility while maintaining restraint, allowing the device to adapt to changing physiological conditions during wear.
3Reliability
If the torsion strap connects the fifth metatarsal to the medial malleolus, then external rotation is limited, but the strap must be made from flexible elastomeric material which may reduce structural rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The torsion strap is made from elastomeric material that changes its mechanical properties based on the applied load and temperature. The material provides sufficient rigidity when tensioned to limit external rotation, while remaining flexible enough to accommodate normal ankle movement and provide comfort during wear. This parameter-based approach allows the strap to exhibit different stiffness characteristics under different conditions.
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 braces effectively prevent or reduce the likelihood of high ankle sprains by limiting harmful foot movements, aiding in rehabilitation, reducing pain, and providing stability post-injury, while also being usable pre-injury to prevent further injuries.
Implementation Method 1
the torsion strap comprises an elastomeric material
Data Source
AI summary
An ankle brace for treating or preventing a high ankle sprain is disclosed. The ankle brace includes a body configured to be worn over an ankle. A tightening mechanism is attached to the body and configured to tighten the body around a wearer's lower leg to prevent distal ends of the tibia and fibula from separating. A torsion strap is attached to the body and configured to wrap from a fifth metatarsal to a medial malleolus to limit external rotation of the foot. The ankle brace can include lateral and medial straps for limiting eversion and inversion of the foot. The ankle brace can include heat moldable lateral and medial support plates.