Hinged Ankle Brace with Asymmetric Hinge Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ankle braces lack effective support for high ankle sprains, inversion and eversion control, and incremental adjustability while compromising on comfort and stability due to their design limitations.
Innovation Solution
The ankle brace features a semi-rigid shell with a calf-supporting portion, a contoured foot bed, and adjustable straps with a ratchet mechanism, along with a unique hinge system that simulates natural ankle motion, providing enhanced support and adjustability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid structure is used to provide support, then stability and support are improved, but comfort and natural motion are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The ankle brace incorporates a dynamic hinge mechanism that allows the rigid shell to move relative to the foot bed, enabling natural ankle motion while maintaining structural support. The hinge permits controlled rotation and adjustment, transforming the static rigid structure into a dynamic system that adapts to ankle movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The brace allows adjustment of structural parameters through the hinge mechanism, enabling the angle and position of the uprights relative to the foot bed to be modified. This permits the rigid structure to be customized for different ankle positions and motion requirements, balancing support and natural motion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable mechanisms are added to improve fit, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable mechanism is divided into separate modular components: the hinge assembly, the uprights, and the foot bed. Each component can be independently adjusted and positioned, allowing complex adaptability to be achieved through simple modular adjustments rather than a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism is designed to be easily adjusted by the user without requiring external tools or complex procedures. The structure allows self-adjustment of the ankle brace fit through simple manual manipulation of the hinge and upright positions.
Data Source
AI summary
A hinged ankle brace having a semi-rigid ankle cuff and a semi-rigid foot bed rotatably connected by a medial hinge and a lateral hinge provides enhanced stability and support to a wearer's ankle. The medial hinge of the ankle brace may be higher than the lateral hinge to accurately replicate the bending motion of an ankle. The ankle brace also includes ratchetably interconnected semi-rigid straps. These semi-rigid straps provide a semi-rigid structure encircling the ankle of a wearer for enhanced support. The ratchet mechanism may include a curved window that enables angular adjustment of the ratcheting straps. The ankle brace may also include a soft inner liner and a soft outer sleeve. The outer sleeve is configured to provide compression to the semi-rigid shell, which in turn provides additional compression to the ankle. The semi-rigid foot bed may include posterior extensions that cup and support the wearer's heel, and a posterior cut-out portion that receives the wearer's heel.