Orthopedic Brace Joint with Adjustable Wedge Stops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional joints for orthopedic braces with adjustable angular range are cumbersome due to thick components, have unstable inserts, and require specific tools for adjusting the Range of Motion (R.O.M.), making them difficult to use and replace.
Innovation Solution
A joint with a system of two plates connected by rivets and a spring that maintains wedge stops in position, allowing for adjustable angular range without the need for specific tools, featuring ergonomic wedge insertion and extraction, and a compact design for improved comfort and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional joints with thick components are used, then structural strength is ensured, but the joint becomes cumbersome and less comfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The joint is divided into multiple functional components: an outer housing, an inner platform, wedge-shaped inserts, and retaining elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the outer housing provides structural strength while the inner components enable precise angular adjustment without adding overall bulk to the joint assembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional adjustable joints are used, then angular range adjustment is possible, but specific tools are required for adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge-shaped inserts are designed to be manually inserted and positioned by the user without requiring external tools. The retaining elements engage with the wedges in a way that allows tool-free adjustment - the user can directly manipulate the wedges to achieve the desired angular range between uprights.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional insert systems are used, then R.O.M. adjustment is achievable, but insert stability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The joint provides dynamic adjustability through wedge-shaped inserts that can be positioned at different angular configurations. The retaining elements create a dynamic locking mechanism that maintains insert stability once positioned, while still allowing easy repositioning when adjustment is needed.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional joints with multiple components are used, then angular range control is possible, but the overall dimensions become large
Solution Approach 1:
The inner platform is nested within the outer housing, and the wedge-shaped inserts are positioned within the space between the uprights and the platform. This nesting arrangement allows multiple functional components to be compactly integrated without significantly increasing the overall dimensions of the joint.
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 solution provides a more precise, user-friendly, and compact joint that allows for easy adjustment of the angular range without tools, enhancing comfort and usability compared to traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (21) which has the double function of maintaining the stops (19, 20) in position and preventing them from slipping out
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~7
AI summary
A joint with adjustable angular range for a knee brace or other orthopedic braces with two uprights or rods (11, 12) which can be fitted as auxiliary supports for the joints of the human body such as the knee, the ankle, the elbow or similar, in which the pivot of these two rods (11, 12) consists of two plates (13, 14) connected to each other with rivets (15, 16, 17 and 18), which represent the four joint points of the articulated four-sided figure between the lower upright (11) and the upper upright (12), and in which between the plates (13, 14) and the uprights (11, 12) it is possible to insert wedges (19, 20) which have different shapes according to the angular range to be obtained.