Stepless Joint Fixation Knob Mechanism for One-Hand Angle Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional joint fixators are difficult to adjust and require tools, making it inconvenient to maintain proper joint angles as the body recovers.
Innovation Solution
A joint fixation device with a stepless angle adjustment mechanism using a pivot shaft and a knob assembly, allowing easy one-handed adjustment of the angle between two bodies by rotating the first body relative to the second body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional joint fixator is used, then the joint angle can be maintained, but the adjustment process requires tools and is difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism employs a nested structure where the inner cylinder is positioned within the outer cylinder. The inner cylinder rotates within the outer cylinder to adjust the joint angle, while the outer cylinder provides structural support and contains the adjustment mechanism. This nested design allows for tool-free adjustment while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
A friction element is introduced as an intermediary between the inner and outer cylinders to control the adjustment process. The friction element can be pressed against the inner cylinder surface to provide sufficient friction for positioning the joint angle, or released to allow free rotation for adjustment. This intermediary element enables easy tool-free operation while maintaining joint stability.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional joint fixator is used, then the joint can be fixed, but the adjustment requires additional tools which reduces convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism merges multiple functions into a single integrated assembly. The inner cylinder, outer cylinder, friction element, and limiting mechanism are combined into one compact unit that can be adjusted without external tools. This merging reduces the number of separate components and eliminates the need for additional adjustment tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint fixator is designed to be self-adjusting through the friction element mechanism. The user can directly manipulate the inner cylinder to adjust the joint angle by hand, and the friction element automatically provides the necessary grip to hold the position. The limiting mechanism automatically prevents over-rotation, making the system self-regulating without requiring external tools or complex control 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
Enables easy and stepless adjustment of joint angles, facilitating user convenience and adaptability to changing body conditions without the need for additional tools.
Implementation Method 1
The pivot shaft has a first end fixed to the first body and a second end extending into the second body. The first body is rotatable relative to the second body around the pivot shaft.
Implementation Method 2
The knob assembly is disposed at the second end of the pivot shaft and is capable of driving the first body to rotate relative to the second body around the pivot shaft.
Data Source
AI summary
A joint fixation has a stepless angle adjustment device having a first body, a second body, a pivot shaft, and a knob assembly. The first body has a first fixing portion. The second body has a second fixing portion. The pivot shaft has a first end fixed to the first body and a second end opposite to the first end and extending into the second body. The first body is rotatable relative to the second body around the pivot shaft. The knob assembly is disposed at the second end of the pivot shaft. When the knob assembly is pulled, the knob assembly is capable of driving the first body to rotate relative to the second body around the pivot shaft. Angle adjustment between the first body and the second body is easy and may be done by one hand.