Knee Brace with Segmented Sizing and Locking Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional joint braces require frequent adjustment and sizing, which is time-consuming and inconvenient, as they often need to be disconnected from the limb to make adjustments, limiting their effectiveness and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A knee brace design featuring pivotally connected frame and cuff members with integrated adjusters and connectors that allow for initial sizing and securement without subsequent disconnection, enabling quick and easy adjustments through toothed bands and locking mechanisms, and tension-controlled connectors for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional braces include an adjustment mechanism that is adjusted prior to being placed on the limb, then the brace can accommodate various sized limbs, but the adjustment process becomes very time-consuming and frustrating
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is divided into two independent systems: adjusters for sizing the brace and connectors for attaching the brace to the limb. This segmentation allows the sizing adjustment to be performed once on the brace itself, while the connectors enable quick attachment and detachment without requiring re-adjustment of the sizing mechanism.
2Device complexity
If the brace is configured such that adjustment can only take place when the brace is disconnected from the limb, then the adjustment mechanism is simple, but it becomes necessary to completely disconnect the brace to make any adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the adjustment function (via adjusters on the cuff members) from the attachment function (via connectors). This allows the brace to be adjusted for size while disconnected, but then attached securely to the limb using the connectors, eliminating the need to disconnect for subsequent adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The brace is sized and adjusted in advance while disconnected from the limb using the adjusters. Once the proper size is established, the connectors are used to attach the brace to the limb. This preliminary adjustment action eliminates the need for future disconnections to make adjustments.
3Reliability
If the brace requires frequent adjustment and sizing, then the brace can maintain proper fit, but the process becomes inconvenient and limits effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the sizing adjustment mechanism from the attachment mechanism, the brace can be properly sized once and then securely attached using the connector system. This ensures reliable fit while eliminating the need for frequent adjustments, thereby improving convenience without sacrificing effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a brace including upper and lower frame members and upper and lower cuff members. An upper adjuster is coupled to the upper frame member and upper cuff member and is configured to enable selective adjustment of the distance between the upper frame member and the upper cuff member. An upper connector is coupled to the upper frame member and the upper cuff member and is configured to enable selective engagement between the upper frame member and the upper cuff member. A lower adjuster is coupled to the lower frame member and the lower cuff member and is configured to enable selective adjustment of the distance between the lower frame member and the lower cuff member. A lower connector is coupled to the lower frame member and the lower cuff member and is configured to enable selective engagement between the lower frame member and the lower cuff member.