Dynamic Joint Support With Spring-Loaded Clutch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional knee orthoses that fix the pivot joint to counteract stretching or bending deficits in joints, such as after ligament surgery or accidents, restrict mobility and cause discomfort, as they require screws or pins for fixation, leading to limited effectiveness and short-term use due to pain.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic joint support with a pivoted pawl and a manually operable pawl actuation device integrated into the swivel joint housing, allowing for simple and safe actuation of a force-blocking mechanism that decouples the spring force from the joint, enabling free pivoting without direct finger action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the pivot joint is fixed using screws or pins to counteract extension or flexion deficit, then the joint position is stabilized, but the patient's mobility is restricted and pain occurs after short-term use
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the static fixed position with a dynamic mechanism that allows the joint to be held in the desired position while still permitting controlled movement. The spring-loaded clutch mechanism enables the joint to maintain pre-tensioned position for deficit compensation while allowing the patient to walk and move the joint within acceptable ranges, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and mobility.
2Stability of the object's composition
If screws or pins are used to fix the pivot joint, then the joint can be held in position, but the device becomes cumbersome to operate and remove
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the screw or pin fixation mechanism with a spring-loaded clutch mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for threaded fasteners and manual insertion/removal operations, replacing them with a simple lever-based release system that operates through mechanical advantage, significantly reducing operational complexity while maintaining fixation stability.
3Reliability
If the pivot joint is fixed in flexion position, then extension or flexion deficit is compensated, but the patient experiences pain and can only maintain the position for brief periods
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic spring-loaded mechanism allows the joint to maintain the therapeutic pre-tensioned position continuously without the pain and discomfort associated with rigid fixation. The mechanism accommodates physiological movements and adjustments, enabling prolonged wear and extended duration of deficit compensation while maintaining effectiveness.
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
Enhances mobility and comfort by allowing the joint to pivot freely without continuous spring force, reducing pain and improving the duration of effective deficit compensation.
Implementation Method 1
a force-generating device comprising a spring (32), a rotatably mounted clutch disc (31) by means of which the spring's preload force can be transmitted to the first rail (1)
Implementation Method 2
can optimally adapt to the surface contour of the pawl. Furthermore, this makes it possible to initially apply only a compressive preload in the release direction by moving the handling element, whereby the pawl then pivots into the release position only after a time delay, when the first rail moves slightly relative to the second rail, thereby eliminating the frictional force between the pawl and the clutch disc
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~9
AI summary
The invention relates to a dynamic joint support comprising a first rail (1) and a second rail (2), in which a force-blocking mechanism is provided which has a pivotally-mounted pawl (40) arranged inside a housing (48), in the form of a rocker, and a manually actuatable pawl actuation device (73, 74) with which an end region (71) of said rocker can be brought into and out of a locking engagement with a coupling disc (31). When the coupling disc (31) is locked, rotation of the coupling disc (31) is blocked such that the force of a spring is uncoupled from the first rail (1).