Hingeless Knee Brace with Force Straps for Joint Unloading
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional knee braces for treating compartmental osteoarthritis are bulky, difficult to configure, and uncomfortable due to their hinge mechanism, which limits unloading effectiveness and generates undesirable rotational forces.
Innovation Solution
A knee brace design featuring multiple force straps intersecting posterior to the knee's axis, with breathable spacer elements and a hingeless structure to distribute pressure evenly and minimize rotational forces, allowing for greater unloading without increasing pressure on the knee.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a hinge mechanism is used to apply valgus moment, then the knee can be unloaded, but the brace becomes bulky and generates undesirable rotational forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the hinge mechanism entirely from the brace design. Instead of using a hinge to apply the valgus moment, the invention uses a force strap system that applies force directly to the knee joint, eliminating the bulky hinge component while maintaining the unloading function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical hinge system with a different mechanical approach using force straps and a three-point bending system. This substitution eliminates the rotational forces generated by the hinge while maintaining the ability to apply the necessary valgus moment for knee unloading.
2Force
If force strap tension is increased to improve unloading, then more valgus moment is applied, but the hinge is pressed against the knee reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the hinge mechanism, the patent eliminates the problem where increased force strap tension causes the hinge to press against the knee. The force strap system without a hinge allows tension to be applied directly without the counteracting force from the hinge-knee contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of hinge-knee contact into a beneficial design by eliminating the hinge entirely. The force strap system is designed to apply force in a way that naturally avoids counteracting forces, turning the potential harm of mechanical contact into a clean, effective force application system.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a bulky hinge is used to provide stability, then the knee is supported, but the brace becomes uncomfortable and difficult to configure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the bulky hinge mechanism that caused configuration difficulties. The stability function is maintained through a different mechanism using force straps and a three-point bending system that provides stability without requiring complex hinge assembly or adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the stability function into separate components: the force straps provide the valgus moment, while the three-point bending system provides the stability. This segmentation allows each component to be simpler and easier to configure than an integrated hinge system.
Data Source
AI summary
A brace includes a frame having first and second sections defined by a clearance, a rotary ratcheting mechanism connected to the frame, and an elongate tensioning element having a first end secured to the ratcheting mechanism and a second end connected to the frame. The ratcheting mechanism is configured for unidirectional incremental adjustment in distance in a first direction of the second end of the tensioning element relative to the ratcheting mechanism, and includes a release device configured to release the tensioning element relative to the ratcheting mechanism in a second direction relative to the ratcheting mechanism.