Knee Brace Sleeve Design for Lightweight Osteoarthritis Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthopedic devices, such as knee braces, are often bulky, heavy, and costly, making them difficult to use and uncomfortable for individuals with knee osteoarthritis, as they require complex configurations and multiple manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, streamlined knee brace design featuring a sleeve-like configuration with concealed mechanics, a soft inner sleeve, and a zipper for easy donning and adjustment, along with a tensioning mechanism for incremental force adjustment, allowing for customizable fit and pain relief without the need for additional padding or complex adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional orthopedic devices are used to provide stability and support for knee osteoarthritis, then the therapeutic function is improved, but the device becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin, flexible shell structure that conforms to the knee joint anatomy, providing necessary support and stability without the bulk of traditional braces. The shell design allows the device to maintain therapeutic function while significantly reducing weight and improving comfort for extended wear.
2Reliability
If conventional orthopedic devices are used to provide stability and support, then the therapeutic function is improved, but the device becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The orthopedic device is divided into segmented components that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation simplifies the overall device complexity, reduces manufacturing costs, and allows for easier adjustment and customization while maintaining the therapeutic support function.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates universal design elements that perform multiple functions within a single structure, reducing the need for additional components. The streamlined design provides support, compression, and positioning capabilities simultaneously, thereby reducing complexity and cost.
3Reliability
If conventional orthopedic devices are used to provide stability, then the therapeutic function is improved, but the device becomes difficult to don and adjust
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow users to easily modify the fit and stability settings. The adjustable components enable the device to adapt to different knee sizes and support requirements, making it easy to don and adjust while maintaining therapeutic stability.
Data Source
AI summary
An orthopedic device has various frame elements concealed by a sleeve defining pockets into which such frame elements are located. The orthopedic device includes a strap tightening assembly adapted to secure a plurality of straps simultaneously. The frame may include flexible edge features located along a periphery thereof.