Elastic Cross Strap Knee Brace Preventing Hyperextension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing knee braces that prevent hyperextension often use rigid materials, which are not suitable for sports that prohibit metal or hard structures, and taping techniques do not provide sufficient support against hyperextension injuries.
Innovation Solution
An elastic cross strap brace assembly that provides progressive resistance by attaching to mounting facilities around a joint, limiting extension with an elastic cross strap that stretches and increases resistance as it is extended, allowing for adjustable tension and compliance with sports regulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid braces with metal hinges are used to prevent hyperextension, then joint stability is improved, but compliance with sports regulations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid metal to elastic fabric, transforming the brace from a rigid structure to a flexible elastic structure that provides support while complying with sports regulations that prohibit metal and hard structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses elastic fabric straps instead of rigid metal components, employing flexible materials to provide joint support while meeting sports equipment regulations that ban rigid structures
2Ease of operation
If elastic cross strap is used to provide progressive resistance, then comfort and compliance are improved, but structural simplicity increases while support effectiveness must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic elastic straps that automatically adjust resistance based on joint movement, providing progressive resistance that increases with extension while maintaining comfort and simplicity without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms
3Adaptability or versatility
If taping techniques are used to reinforce joint strength, then flexibility is improved, but support against hyperextension deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses elastic fabric straps that wrap around the joint like taping but provide structured resistance through elastic properties, maintaining flexibility while delivering sufficient hyperextension support that taping cannot provide
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the elastic property (which allows stretching) into a beneficial resistance mechanism where the strap's elasticity provides progressive force against hyperextension, transforming what could be seen as a weakness into a functional advantage
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 elastic cross strap brace effectively prevents hyperextension without the need for metal or rigid components, providing comfortable and adjustable support that enhances joint stability and neuromuscular control, while adhering to sports regulations.
Implementation Method 1
An elastic cross strap brace assembly that provides progressive resistance by attaching to mounting facilities around a joint, limiting extension with an elastic cross strap that stretches and increases resistance as it is extended
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments of the brace assembly utilize an elastic cross strap attached to mounting facilities about a joint to provide progressive resistance to the extension, flexion or other movement of body parts about the joint. In some embodiments for a knee joint, the brace assembly provides a progressive resisting force to resist hyperextension of the knee. Some embodiments of the assembly may be able to accommodate different joints, different size wearer's of the assembly and different tension settings such as for athletes during competition. Some embodiments of the brace assembly may be used bilaterally and can be made without metal bracing to comply with the requirements of some sports.