Elastic Framework Garment for Joint Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Joint fatigue, pain, and instability, particularly in hinge joints like the knee and elbow, are common issues due to degenerative wear and damage, for which existing external supports often fail to provide adequate relief and motion assistance.
Innovation Solution
The development of elastically stretchable frameworks with permanent openings and adjustable tensioning mechanisms integrated into clothing or garments, which provide secure fitting, comfort, and kinetic energy storage and release to assist natural joint movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing external supports are used for joint fatigue and instability, then some support is provided, but they fail to provide adequate relief and motion assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The framework is designed to be expandable and recoverable, dynamically adapting to joint movement. The framework expands when the joint moves and recovers its original shape when the joint returns to neutral position, providing continuous motion assistance throughout the range of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The framework's physical state changes between expanded and recovered configurations based on joint position. This parameter change allows the support to transition from a relaxed state to an engaged state, providing support only when needed during joint movement.
2Reliability
If a secure fitting support is used for joint stability, then joint support is improved, but comfort and ventilation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The framework includes permanent openings that allow air circulation and ventilation between the support and the body. These openings maintain structural integrity while providing breathability and comfort during wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The framework dynamically expands and recovers with joint movement, creating space for air circulation and reducing pressure points on the body, thereby maintaining comfort while providing stable support.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If an elastically stretchable framework with permanent openings is used, then ventilation and comfort are improved, but the complexity of the support structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The framework is constructed from flexible, elastically stretchable material that forms a thin-walled structure. This allows the framework to be complex in function (expandable and recoverable) while remaining simple in material composition and manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The framework is divided into multiple segments or struts that are interconnected to form permanent openings. This segmentation provides structural complexity for ventilation while using simple, repeatable structural units that are easy to manufacture.
4Reliability
If adjustable tensioning mechanisms are integrated into the support, then support effectiveness is improved, but the ease of donning and adjusting the support is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning mechanism is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing the user to modify the tension level based on their needs. The mechanism can be easily adjusted during wear to optimize support effectiveness for different activities or comfort levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning mechanism is designed for user-adjustment without requiring specialized tools or assistance. The user can independently modify the tension to achieve the desired fit and support level, making the system self-sufficient.
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 effectively addresses joint fatigue and instability by enhancing joint motion and providing comfort through secure fitting and kinetic energy assistance, while allowing for ventilation and adjustable tensioning for improved support and performance.
Implementation Method 1
kinetic energy is stored and returned for use to assist the body in its natural knee movement
Implementation Method 2
an elastically stretchable framework for abutment with the area of the body
Data Source
AI summary
A method of donning a support includes: positioning a garment proximate an area of a body; positioning a framework in abutment with the area of the body, the framework defining a plurality of permanent openings therein regardless of whether the support is donned; applying tension at points of the framework such that the framework is expanded and the framework is tensioned in its abutment with the area of the body, said step of applying tension being performed by pulling on one or more fastening components that are attached at one or more points to said framework; and affixing each of the fastening components to the garment while applying tension to the framework to secure the expanded framework in its forced abutment with the area of the body.