Dynamic Elbow Brace Cable Routing for UCL Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional elbow braces fail to provide dynamic support to the ulnar collateral ligament during all phases of elbow motion, leaving athletes at risk of injuries such as UCL tears and other elbow issues, and they can disrupt the mechanics of throwing motions.
Innovation Solution
A novel anatomical brace with a hinge mechanism and cable system that applies adjustable force to the ulnar collateral ligament, tightening during elbow extension and relaxing during flexion, maintaining comfort and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional elbow braces are used to limit elbow extension, then extension limitation is achieved, but dynamic support to the ulnar collateral ligament during all phases of motion is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The brace incorporates a cable system that dynamically adjusts tension based on elbow position. The cable is routed through pulleys and guides to create variable tension as the elbow moves through flexion and extension, providing adaptive support to the ulnar collateral ligament throughout the entire range of motion rather than static limitation at one position.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable system is divided into multiple segments with separate routing paths including a first cable guide, second cable guide, and third cable guide. Each guide segment controls the cable tension independently at different locations, allowing differential support forces to be applied to different structures (ulnar collateral ligament, olecranon, etc.) throughout the motion arc.
2Reliability
If the elbow brace provides extensive support structures, then stability is improved, but disruption of elbow mechanics during throwing motion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The brace utilizes flexible cable elements and thin film-like structures rather than rigid braces. The cables can bend and conform to the natural contours of the elbow joint, allowing full range of motion and natural throwing mechanics while providing the necessary stabilizing forces through the cable tension system.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable system acts as an intermediary between the user's muscular forces and the elbow joint structures. Rather than directly constraining the joint with rigid elements, the cables transmit forces indirectly through pulleys and guides, allowing natural motion while providing stabilizing support where needed.
Data Source
AI summary
An anatomical brace for dynamically stabilizing the elbow during elbow articulation, the anatomical brace comprising: a brace body comprising a distal portion for fitting over the forearm of a user and a proximal portion for fitting over the upper arm of a user; a hinge mechanism comprising a distal segment, a proximal segment and a pivot for pivotally connecting the distal segment and the proximal segment, the distal segment of the hinge mechanism being mounted to the distal portion of the brace body and the proximal segment of the hinge mechanism being mounted to the proximal portion of the brace body; a pivot cable guide mounted to the anterior portion of the pivot; an upper arm cable guide mounted to at least one of the proximal segment of the hinge mechanism and the proximal portion of the brace body, the upper arm cable guide being configured to change the direction of a cable extending through the upper arm cable guide; an ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) cable guide mounted to the brace body and configured to direct a cable extending through the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) cable guide over the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and toward the distal portion of the brace body; and a cable having a first end and a second end; the first end of the cable being mounted to the distal segment of the hinge mechanism, the second end of the cable being mounted to the distal portion of the brace body, and the cable being routed proximally along the distal segment of the hinge mechanism, through the pivot cable guide, proximally along the proximal segment of the hinge mechanism, through the upper arm cable guide, and through the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) cable guide; wherein, when the anatomical brace is mounted to the arm of a user so that the distal portion of the brace body is secured to the forearm of the user, and the proximal portion of the brace body is secured to the upper arm of the user, and when the elbow thereafter moves to full extension, the cable is tensioned, whereby to apply a force to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the user, and when the elbow thereafter moves to full flexion, the cable is relaxed, so that the force applied to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is released.