Anatomical Brace with Diagonal Cable for Patella Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anatomical braces for dynamically stabilizing the patella during knee articulation are limited in their ability to apply distal-to-proximal forces, are heavy and intrusive, prone to migration, and do not adequately relax forces during knee flexion, leading to incomplete stabilization of patella tracking errors.
Innovation Solution
A novel anatomical brace design that applies distal-to-proximal and lateral-to-medial forces using a cable system routed through a hinge mechanism, eliminating double hinge construction and providing robust securement to prevent migration and relax forces during flexion, ensuring the brace is lightweight and non-intrusive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a double hinge construction with substantial fabric on the posterior side of the knee is used, then the anatomical brace can provide dynamic stabilization of the patella, but it becomes relatively heavy and intrusive, impeding full flexion of the knee
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the double hinge construction and substantial posterior fabric from the anatomical brace design. Instead, it uses a simplified single hinge mechanism located on the medial side only, allowing the brace to be lightweight and non-intrusive while still providing effective patella stabilization through the cable system that applies distal-to-proximal and lateral-to-medial forces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thin, flexible material for the brace body that does not impede knee flexion. The brace uses a minimal fabric structure without substantial posterior padding or bulk, allowing full range of motion while maintaining patella stabilization functionality
2Device complexity
If only a single strap is used to secure the anatomical brace to the calf and thigh, then the brace structure is simplified, but it becomes prone to migration during use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple securing functions into an integrated strap system that wraps around both the calf and thigh with multiple attachment points. The straps are configured to work together as a unified securing mechanism, distributing holding forces across multiple anatomical landmarks to prevent migration while maintaining simple operation
3Device complexity
If the anatomical brace uses only lateral-to-medial forces on the patella, then the brace structure is simplified, but it is unable to apply distal-to-proximal forces, resulting in only partial stabilization of patella tracking errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a new dimension to force application by incorporating a cable system that runs diagonally from the distal calf region to the proximal thigh region through the hinge mechanism. This diagonal cable configuration enables the brace to apply both lateral-to-medial forces and distal-to-proximal forces simultaneously, correcting patella tracking errors in multiple directions rather than only laterally
Data Source
AI summary
An anatomical brace for dynamically stabilizing the patella during knee articulation so as to address patella tracking error, the anatomical brace being configured such that, when the anatomical brace is mounted to the knee of a patient, and when the knee thereafter moves to full extension, the anatomical brace applies a proximal/medial force to the patella of the patient, and when the knee thereafter moves to full flexion, the proximal/medial force is released.