Knee Brace Wraparound Strap Layout to Reduce Rotation Pressure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing orthopedic devices for treating osteoarthritis of the knee are often bulky, difficult to put on, uncomfortable, and cause rotation or excessive pressure in the popliteal region, failing to provide adequate support, adjustability, and compatibility with clothing.

Innovation Solution

A knee brace with a wraparound sleeve and adjustable dynamic force straps that resist rotation and distribute pressure evenly, featuring a Y strap configuration and hinge assembly for customizable fit and comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional surgical methods (arthroscopy, osteotomy, joint replacement) are used to treat end-stage osteoarthritis, then joint function can be restored, but the procedures are costly, time-consuming, and require lengthy rehabilitation periods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejoint function restorationVSAvoidrehabilitation period
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical surgical interventions with a non-invasive acoustic field-based treatment system. Low-intensity pulsed sonic waves are used to stimulate bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells, eliminating the need for physical surgery and associated rehabilitation periods while achieving therapeutic effects for osteoarthritis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells as an intermediary biological agent. These stem cells are activated by sonic waves to differentiate into cartilage-forming cells, serving as a biological mediator that repairs damaged joint tissue without requiring direct surgical intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional surgical methods are used, then joint function can be restored, but the procedures are costly and require extensive rehabilitation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejoint function restorationVSAvoidtreatment procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical surgical systems with a simpler acoustic field delivery system. The treatment device uses low-intensity pulsed sonic waves to activate stem cells, eliminating the need for complex surgical equipment, implants, and multi-step surgical procedures while achieving comparable or superior therapeutic outcomes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If bone marrow aspiration and injection procedures are used to activate stem cells, then cartilage formation is promoted, but the procedures are invasive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecartilage formationVSAvoidprocedure invasiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces invasive mechanical procedures (needle aspiration and injection) with a non-invasive acoustic field application. Low-intensity pulsed sonic waves are delivered directly to the affected bone area through the skin, activating stem cells in situ without requiring needle punctures, tissue extraction, or injection procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the body's own stem cells to self-activate and self-differentiate in response to sonic wave stimulation. The treatment harnesses the body's intrinsic regenerative capacity by providing acoustic energy that triggers stem cells to naturally differentiate into cartilage-forming cells, eliminating the need for external cellular manipulation procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3746009B1Apparatus for treating osteoarthritis of the knee
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 OTTO BOCK HEALTHCARE LP
  • EP3746009B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3746009B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3746009B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

Methods and apparatus for an orthopedic device. In one embodiment, the orthopedic device includes a first panel defining opposed first and second sides; a second panel having a first end secured to the first side of the first panel along a seam, and a second end securable to the second side of the first panel at a location site; and a first strap having a first end secured to the first side of the first panel along the seam and laying under the second panel, and a second end securable to the second side of the first panel at the location site. The orthopedic device may include a dynamic force strap that includes three ends, that collectively helically extend between upper and lower portions of the orthopedic device and connect to the first panel.