Knee Brace Compression-Suspension Strap Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing knee braces fail to simultaneously distribute corrective forces for comfort and prevent brace migration during leg flexion and extension, as they either concentrate pressure on bony areas or lack effective suspension mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A compression-suspension strap assembly with semi-pliable inserts positioned above the knee, featuring anterior and posterior straps that tighten through slots, providing dynamic compression and pressure diffusion from the knee to the thigh, thereby enhancing comfort and preventing brace migration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If straps are connected directly to the rigid outer shell of the brace, then the brace structure is simple and strong, but the corrective forces are concentrated on bony areas causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces semi-pliable inserts as intermediary elements between the rigid brace shell and the user's leg. These inserts are positioned above the knee and connected to straps that can be tightened independently. The semi-pliable inserts act as mediators that distribute the corrective forces over a larger area of softer tissue rather than concentrating pressure on bony areas, thereby improving comfort while maintaining structural integrity of the brace.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If corrective forces are distributed over a larger area for comfort, then comfort is improved, but the suspension effect to prevent brace migration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the suspension function from the force distribution function by using separate components: the semi-pliable inserts with adjustable straps handle force distribution and comfort, while the rigid brace shell with its hinge mechanism maintains the suspension effect. The inserts are positioned above the knee where they can distribute forces comfortably without compromising the brace's ability to prevent migration during knee articulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties to different parts of the brace system. The semi-pliable inserts above the knee provide soft tissue contact for force distribution, while the rigid outer shell provides structural support and suspension. This local differentiation of material qualities allows each component to optimize its specific function without interfering with the other.
3Reliability
If a rigid structure is used to prevent brace migration, then suspension effect is improved, but pressure concentration on bony areas increases causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The semi-pliable inserts serve as intermediary elements that decouple the rigid brace structure from direct contact with bony areas. These inserts are positioned between the rigid shell and the user's leg, allowing the rigid structure to maintain suspension effect while the compliant inserts distribute pressure over softer tissue areas, eliminating the discomfort caused by direct pressure on bones.
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 solution effectively counters gravitational forces causing brace migration and redistributes pressure from bony areas to softer regions, improving comfort and the delivery of corrective forces, making the brace more tolerable and secure during use.
Implementation Method 1
When the anterior and posterior straps are tightened, the attachment through the slots draws the inserts inward to provide dynamic compression against the sides of the leg above the knee
Implementation Method 2
The first relates to brace suspension, which involves the use of compression to counter gravitational forces that may cause the brace to move in a downward direction on the leg (brace migration)
Data Source
AI summary
A knee brace is provided with semi-pliable inserts affixed to inner sides of femoral links of the brace at two points with a bottom portion of the insert left free to move inward toward a facing side of the leg. Anterior and posterior straps that are tightenable by the wearer are attached to the semi pliable inserts in a manner enabling pulling on the straps to cause the inserts to dynamically move inward and compress against the thigh so as improve comfort by diffusing and transferring pressure away from a relatively boney side of the knee of the wearer to a softer thigh area of the wearer. The inserts are also adapted to move inward and press into femoral hollows just proximal to the knee joint of the wearer so as to provide support against movement of the brace along the length of the leg of the wearer.