Knee Brace Patella Buttress and Breathable Fabric Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing knee braces often suffer from poor thermal conductivity, inability to absorb perspiration, bunching at the popliteal region, and inadequate patella support, leading to discomfort and reduced wearability.
Innovation Solution
A knee brace with a breathable, three-dimensionally shaped posterior fabric that reduces bunching, combined with malleable rigid uprights and a reversible strapping system, along with a patella buttress for enhanced support and stability, allowing for customizable fit and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If closed cell elastomer materials are used for knee brace construction, then durability and compression are improved, but thermal conductivity and perspiration absorption deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The knee brace combines closed cell elastomer materials with breathable fabric materials to create a composite structure. The elastomer panels provide compression and durability, while the breathable fabric panels allow perspiration absorption and thermal regulation, resolving the contradiction between compression strength and thermal conductivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The knee brace is divided into multiple panels with different material properties - closed cell elastomer panels for compression and breathable fabric panels for thermal management. This segmentation allows each material to perform its optimal function without compromising the other.
2Device complexity
If uniform circumferential compression is applied about the knee, then structural simplicity is improved, but comfort deteriorates due to pressure on sensitive areas
Solution Approach 1:
The knee brace applies different levels and types of compression to different regions of the knee. The closed cell elastomer panels provide targeted compression to specific areas requiring support, while breathable fabric panels are positioned in areas sensitive to pressure, allowing air circulation and reducing discomfort. This local differentiation of compression quality resolves the contradiction between structural simplicity and comfort.
3Force
If the knee brace is stretched to provide compression, then compression force is improved, but the brace bunches up over the popliteal region when the leg is flexed
Solution Approach 1:
The knee brace incorporates panels with different elastic properties that dynamically adjust during leg movement. The breathable fabric panels have different stretch characteristics than the closed cell elastomer panels, allowing the brace to adapt its shape during flexion and extension. This dynamic behavior prevents bunching in the popliteal region while maintaining compression force.
Solution Approach 2:
The knee brace uses multi-directional stretch panels that can expand and contract in multiple dimensions during leg movement. This dimensional flexibility allows the brace to maintain compression force while accommodating changes in leg shape during flexion, preventing bunching and maintaining proper configuration.
4Ease of manufacture
If seams are placed over the popliteal region for brace construction, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but wearer comfort deteriorates due to irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The knee brace positions seams strategically away from the popliteal region and other sensitive areas. The panel construction allows seams to be located at less sensitive positions while maintaining structural integrity and compression effectiveness. This local optimization of seam placement resolves the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and wearer comfort.
Data Source
AI summary
An orthopedic device has an elongate, tubular body defining a patella opening located generally at a center portion of the tubular body. A patella buttress including a buttress pocket is located on the tubular body and about the patella opening. The buttress pocket has various stretchability characteristics relative to the tubular body. A buttress element is associated with the buttress pocket.