Ankle Orthosis Dual Offset Axis Impact Damping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ankle orthoses either immobilize the ankle joint, leading to discomfort and potential aggravation of trauma, or have difficulty aligning articulation axes to effectively dampen impact and accommodate ankle movements, resulting in suboptimal comfort and increased risk of trauma recurrence.
Innovation Solution
An ankle orthosis with two offset axes of articulation, one near the ankle and the other forward, allowing for effective damping of heel impact and improved ankle movement alignment, combined with a semi-rigid support and elastomeric heel piece for enhanced comfort and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single axis of articulation is used in the orthosis, then the structure is simple, but the impact of the foot on the ground is transmitted to the leg without damping and the ankle movements are not properly accompanied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-axis articulation to a dual-axis articulation system. The first axis is offset forward relative to the second axis, creating a spatial arrangement that enables independent rotation in two different directions. This dimensional change allows the orthosis to simultaneously accommodate ankle flexion-extension and inversion-eversion movements while providing impact damping through the offset configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation system is segmented into two distinct rotational axes rather than a single unified axis. The first axis handles primary ankle movement while the second axis, offset forward, handles secondary movements and impact absorption. This segmentation allows each axis to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall performance without excessive complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the axis of articulation is aligned with the ankle joint axis, then ankle movements are well accompanied, but it is very difficult to achieve in practice if not impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary connecting piece that links the shell and support without requiring direct alignment between the articulation axes and the ankle joint axis. This intermediary element accommodates misalignment through its dual-axis rotation capability, serving as a mediator that transfers movements between the orthosis structure and the ankle joint even when perfect alignment is not achieved.
3Reliability
If a monolithic shell is used, then the orthosis provides immobilization, but it does not enable the user to walk comfortably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static monolithic shell into a dynamic structure with dual-axis articulation. The shell and support can rotate relative to each other around two offset axes, allowing the orthosis to adapt to natural ankle movements during walking. This dynamic capability maintains reliability for preventing unwanted movements while enabling comfortable ambulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The monolithic shell is segmented into two rotatable components: the shell and the support connected by dual-axis articulation. This segmentation allows independent movement of each component while maintaining overall structural integrity, providing both immobilization when needed and freedom of movement during normal walking.
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 orthosis significantly enhances wearing comfort and allows users to resume physical activities while preventing trauma recurrence by effectively damping heel impact and aligning with ankle movements, providing improved stability and support.
Implementation Method 1
The presence on the orthosis of two offset axes of articulation makes it possible on the one hand to generate an effect of damping the impact of the heel on the ground during walking
Implementation Method 2
the material constituting the support member is semi-rigid
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The splint comprises, on the one hand, a shell (2) intended to be positioned against the external face of the leg and, on the other hand, an L-shaped support (3) comprising an upright (14) intended to be positioned against the external face of the foot and a tongue intended to be positioned under the foot. Furthermore, the splint comprises a connecting piece (6) connecting the shell and the support, mounted so that it can pivot with respect to the shell (2) about a first transverse axis of articulation (47) and mounted such that it can pivot with respect to the support (3) about a second transverse axis of articulation (48), the first and second axes of articulation (47, 48) being offset from one another vertically and in the anterioposterior direction, in the neutral position of use.