Symmetrical Lateral Adjustment Knee Brace Ratchet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing post-operative knee braces face challenges in adjusting to individual leg sizes and providing secure attachment without causing pain or slippage, especially in the lateral direction, during rehabilitation.
Innovation Solution
A post-operative knee brace with a symmetrical lateral adjustment assembly that includes an anterior arcuate support plate and a lateral adjustment ratchet, allowing for simultaneous expansion or retraction of straps for secure fitting, combined with a tensioning assembly using ratchets for securing straps to ensure proper support and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional knee braces use separate adjustment mechanisms for lateral straps, then individual strap adjustment is possible, but the adjustment process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple lateral adjustment straps into a single integrated adjustment system. The lateral adjustment assembly includes a first lateral adjustment strap and a second lateral adjustment strap that are connected through a common ratchet mechanism, allowing both straps to be adjusted simultaneously by a single operation rather than requiring separate adjustment mechanisms for each strap
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet mechanism serves multiple functions: it adjusts both the first and second lateral adjustment straps, provides secure locking of the straps in position, and enables bidirectional adjustment (tightening and loosening). This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall adjustment system
2Adaptability or versatility
If knee braces are designed to accommodate various leg sizes, then adaptability to different patients is improved, but the adjustment mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The knee brace incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through ratchet mechanisms that allow the brace to be easily adjusted to different leg sizes. The ratchet straps can be quickly tightened or loosened to accommodate various circumferential measurements, and the lateral adjustment assembly enables simultaneous adjustment of multiple straps to maintain proper fit across different patient anatomies
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment system is divided into segmented components including multiple ratchet mechanisms and adjustable straps that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows each part to be adjusted to the specific dimensions of the patient's leg while maintaining overall system simplicity through modular design
3Reliability
If lateral adjustment straps are secured tightly to prevent slippage, then attachment security is improved, but patient comfort decreases due to pain from excessive manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The knee brace is designed to be applied in a pre-adjusted state with the lateral adjustment assembly already configured for the patient's leg dimensions before surgery. The ratchet mechanisms are pre-positioned to provide appropriate tension, and the brace can be quickly secured without requiring extensive post-application manipulation of the knee joint, thereby reducing patient discomfort while ensuring secure attachment
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 brace provides customizable support and secure attachment to the leg, allowing for optimal rehabilitation by accommodating various leg sizes and minimizing pain during adjustment, while ensuring stability against pivotal motion and hyper-flexion.
Implementation Method 1
The tensioning ratchet is attached to a second arcuate support plate oppositely positioned from the first arcuate support plate for orthotic support. The tensioning ratchet receives the ratchet strap for tensioning the securing strap.
Data Source
AI summary
A knee brace incorporates an upper attachment assembly received anteriorly on a thigh of and a lower attachment assembly to be received on a lower leg of a patent. Medial and lateral longitudinal supports are interconnected at medial and lateral hinges. An outer lateral arcuate support plate is attached to a first end of the lateral longitudinal support and an outer medial arcuate support plate is attached to a first end of the medial longitudinal support. Symmetrical lateral adjustment is accomplished with an anterior arcuate support plate and a lateral adjustment ratchet mounted to the anterior support plate. A lateral adjustment strap extends from the lateral arcuate support plate through the lateral adjustment ratchet. A lateral adjustment strap extends from the medial arcuate support plate through the lateral adjustment ratchet and rotation of the lateral adjustment ratchet symmetrically expands or retracts the lateral adjustment straps.