Elastomeric Knee Brace Spider Member Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing knee braces often compromise normal motion range and ease while protecting against abnormal knee motions, and they can be heavy, difficult to apply, costly, and cause skin irritation.
Innovation Solution
A knee brace design featuring a base member and spider member made from elastomeric material, with the spider member attached to the interior surface of the base and tensioning straps extending through apertures, providing support and stabilization without external bulk, using hook-type fastening tabs for secure attachment, and optional features like a kneecap opening and recesses for comfort and ventilation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional knee braces are used to protect against abnormal motions, then knee stabilization is improved, but range and ease of normal motion is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an elastomeric base member that functions as a flexible shell conforming to the knee's contours. This flexible structure provides stabilization through material properties rather than rigid mechanical constraints, allowing normal motion while preventing abnormal motions. The elastomeric material's inherent flexibility and memory enable it to adapt to knee movement while maintaining support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the elastomeric material's viscoelastic properties and temperature-dependent behavior to achieve stabilization. By changing the material parameters (elasticity, damping characteristics) through material selection and formulation, the brace provides support during abnormal motion while remaining compliant during normal movement cycles.
2Reliability
If rigid components are added to protect against abnormal motions, then protection capability is improved, but weight and potential for self-injury increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid protective components with a flexible elastomeric shell that provides protection through material properties. The elastomeric base member and spider member create a lightweight structure that absorbs and dissipates impact forces through deformation rather than rigid resistance, eliminating the need for heavy metal or hard plastic components.
3Reliability
If complex fastening systems are used to secure the brace, then stabilization is improved, but ease of application and removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fastening system into separate, modular components: base mounting straps for securing the base member, and spider straps for attaching the spider member. Each strap can be independently adjusted and fastened, simplifying the application process while maintaining stabilization. The segmented design allows progressive securing rather than requiring complex simultaneous adjustments.
4Reliability
If multiple straps and components are added for support, then stabilization is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the base member and spider member into a unified elastomeric construction where the spider member is permanently attached to the interior surface of the base. This merging eliminates the need for separate rigid frames, multiple independent straps, and complex mechanical connections. The combined elastomeric structure achieves stabilization through the integrated geometry and material properties of the unified design.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A knee brace for use by athletes or others requiring protection and support of the knee. The knee brace includes a base and a spider member. The base is comprised of elastic material and configured to closely fit around portions of the knee and adjacent leg portions. A spider member having upper and lower pairs of tensioning straps is fastened to the interior surface of the base, with the tensioning straps extending through upper and lower apertures in the base for detachable attachment to the exterior surface of the base.