Inflatable Air Bladder Knee Brace for True 0° Flexion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing knee braces struggle to maintain a true 0° flexion or full extension state due to the compliance of soft tissues and anatomical variations, often only achieving a minimum flexion of about 5°.
Innovation Solution
A knee brace with an inflatable air bladder integrated into a rigid shell, which, when inflated, urges the knee joint into a posterior direction, effectively reducing flexion to a true 0° state, and can be used with or without cuffs, accommodating variations in anatomy and increasing force gradually.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional rigid braces with straps are used to limit knee flexion, then the knee can be constrained to a minimum of about 5° flexion, but the compliance of soft tissues prevents achieving a true 0° flexion state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an inflatable air bladder integrated into the rigid shell that can be selectively inflated to apply controlled posterior force on the knee. This pneumatic mechanism allows precise adjustment of the force applied to the knee, enabling the brace to overcome soft tissue compliance and achieve true 0° flexion state reliably.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the air bladder from deflated to inflated, transforming the brace from a passive constraint device to an active force-application device. This parameter change enables the brace to dynamically adjust the force applied to the knee, allowing it to maintain true 0° flexion despite variations in soft tissue compliance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable straps and stops are used to regulate knee flexion, then the range of motion can be limited, but the variability in anatomical structure and soft tissue compliance makes consistent 0° flexion achievement difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable air bladder provides a standardized force application mechanism that compensates for anatomical variations. By controlling the inflation level, the brace can apply consistent posterior force regardless of individual anatomical differences or soft tissue compliance, achieving consistent 0° flexion across different patients.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical adjustment system (straps and stops) with a pneumatic system. This substitution allows for more precise and consistent force application, as the air pressure can be controlled to provide uniform posterior force that overcomes variations in soft tissue compliance and anatomical structure.
3Measurement precision
If high force is applied to overcome soft tissue compliance and achieve true 0° flexion, then the knee can be placed in full extension, but the force must be gradually increased to accommodate anatomical variations
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable air bladder enables dynamic adjustment of the force applied to the knee. The clinician can gradually inflate the bladder to increase the posterior force incrementally, accommodating anatomical variations and soft tissue compliance. This dynamic approach allows the brace to adapt to individual patient characteristics while achieving true 0° flexion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes in the air pressure within the bladder to control the force applied to the knee. By gradually increasing the inflation level, the brace can progressively overcome soft tissue compliance and achieve true 0° flexion. This parameter-based control provides a smooth, gradual force application that is easier to operate than traditional mechanical adjustment systems.
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 inflatable air bladder allows for precise adjustment to achieve and maintain a true 0° flexion/full extension state, accommodating anatomical differences and providing a range of motion while being compatible with both post-surgical and rehabilitative braces.
Implementation Method 1
An inflatable air bladder is positioned between the rigid shell and the knee. When the air bladder is inflated, the knee is again urged in the posterior direction.
Data Source
AI summary
A knee brace with an inflatable air bladder. In a post-surgical embodiment the brace includes a rigid shell that fits behind the knee. The rigid shell includes an inflatable air bladder on its posterior surface. A wrap is placed around the knee and the air bladder. When the air bladder is inflated, the knee is urged in the posterior direction—thereby decreasing flexion. In a rehabilitative embodiment, a rigid shell is placed over the anterior portion of the knee. An air bladder is positioned between the rigid shell and the knee. The rigid shell is held in place using the securing straps of the rehabilitative brace. When the air bladder is inflated the knee is again urged in the posterior direction.