Expandable Support Framework for Joint Motion Assistance
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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 an elastically stretchable support framework with permanent openings and a fastening mechanism that applies tension to secure the framework to the body, allowing for kinetic energy storage and release to assist natural joint movement, while also providing comfort and protection through expandable and recoverable materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an elastically stretchable framework with permanent openings is used, then joint motion assistance and comfort are improved through kinetic energy storage and release, but device complexity increases due to the fastening mechanism requiring tension application
Solution Approach 1:
The framework transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one by incorporating elastic members that can stretch and recoil. This allows the framework to store and release kinetic energy, assisting natural joint movement while maintaining adaptability to different body positions and motion ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic members change their physical parameters (length, tension) in response to joint movement. By varying the degree of stretch and recoil, the framework dynamically adjusts the force applied to the joint, providing motion assistance only when needed during specific phases of movement.
2Reliability
If the framework is expanded and tensioned to provide better support, then joint stability and support are improved, but the difficulty of donning and adjusting the support increases
Solution Approach 1:
The framework is designed to be donned in a relaxed, untensioned state before being expanded and secured. This preliminary action allows easy placement on the body, after which the fastening mechanism can apply tension to achieve the desired supportive effect without making the initial donning process difficult.
Solution Approach 2:
The framework transitions from a relaxed state during donning to a tensioned state during use. This dynamic transformation allows the support to be easily applied and removed while providing stable support during wear, resolving the contradiction between ease of donning and support stability.
3Ease of operation
If the framework defines permanent openings regardless of whether it is secured, then breathability and comfort are improved, but the structural integrity and support capability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The framework incorporates permanent openings that create a porous structure, allowing air circulation and improving breathability. Despite these openings, the elastic members are configured to maintain sufficient structural integrity to provide joint support when tensioned, balancing comfort and support capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The framework combines elastic members with strategic opening placements to create a composite structure that provides both breathability and support. The elastic material itself provides the necessary strength while the openings enhance comfort, creating a synergistic effect that resolves the contradiction between structural integrity and breathability.
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 support framework effectively addresses joint fatigue and instability by storing and releasing kinetic energy, enhancing joint motion and comfort, and providing adjustable tension for improved support and protection during daily and athletic activities.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically stretchable framework for abutment with the area of the body... kinetic energy is stored and returned for use to assist the body in its natural knee movement
Implementation Method 2
the fastening mechanism is connected to and applies tension at points proximate a perimeter of the framework such that the framework is expanded and tensioned in its abutment with the area of the body
Data Source
AI summary
A method of donning a potentiating support for a body's hinge joint includes: positioning a garment proximate an area of a body; positioning an expandable and recoverable framework in abutment with the area of the body such that the framework spans a hinge joint of the body, the framework defining a plurality of permanent openings extending there through 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.