Joint Brace ROM Stop with Sliding Latch and Magnets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joint braces for anatomical joints, such as the fetlock of a horse, face challenges in adjusting the range of motion (ROM) without tools and risk of components becoming detached, leading to potential overextension and injury.
Innovation Solution
A joint brace with a sliding latch locking structure and magnets to secure the ROM stop mechanism in place, allowing adjustment without tools and preventing accidental detachment, along with a directly-readable scale for convenient setting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a screw is used to secure the ROM stop member, then the ROM stop can be adjusted, but the screw may become detached during exercise leading to overextension and injury
Solution Approach 1:
A T-nut is introduced as an intermediary component between the screw and the gear wheel. The T-nut engages with threaded holes in the gear wheel and provides a secure mounting surface for the ROM stop member, preventing detachment while maintaining adjustability
Solution Approach 2:
The ROM stop member incorporates a T-nut that automatically engages with threaded holes in the gear wheel when the ROM stop member is positioned and secured, creating a self-securing mechanism that prevents detachment without requiring additional fastening steps
2Reliability
If a screw and T-nut assembly is used to secure the ROM stop member, then detachment is prevented, but the adjustment process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The T-nut is integrated directly into the ROM stop member assembly, merging the fastening function into the existing structure. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the assembly process while maintaining security
3Adaptability or versatility
If the ROM stop member is made adjustable to optimize recovery, then rehabilitation effectiveness improves, but the risk of component detachment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The T-nut serves as a reliable intermediary that secures the adjustable ROM stop member to the gear wheel, ensuring that the adjustability feature does not compromise the security of the assembly during exercise
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated T-nut creates a self-securing mechanism that automatically prevents detachment when the ROM stop member is positioned, maintaining reliability while preserving adjustability for optimized recovery
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
Enables secure and tool-free adjustment of the ROM, reducing the risk of injury and simplifying the adjustment process, ensuring consistent and safe use during recovery from injury or surgery.
Implementation Method 1
sliding latch locking structure
Implementation Method 2
sliding latch locking structure
Implementation Method 3
magnets to secure the ROM stop mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
An improved joint support for limiting the range of motion of an anatomical joint comprises intermeshing gears for allowing adjustment of the range of motion of the joint, and comprises plural mechanisms for securing the gears in engagement with one another, whereby adjustment can be made without tools and without disassembly of any components.