Knee Brace Spider Member Tensioning Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing knee braces often compromise normal motion range and ease while protecting against abnormal knee motions, and they can be heavy, difficult to apply, costly, and cause skin irritation.
Innovation Solution
A knee brace design featuring a base with a spider member permanently fastened to the interior surface by mid-line axis stitches, using upper and lower tensioning straps that extend through apertures for secure attachment, providing support without external bulk or irritation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional knee braces are used to protect against abnormal motions, then knee protection is improved, but range of normal motion is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin, flexible brace structure that conforms to the knee joint anatomy. The brace uses elastic materials and a streamlined design that provides protective function while allowing full range of motion. The thin film approach eliminates bulk while maintaining protective capabilities through strategic placement and material properties.
2Reliability
If traditional knee braces are used to protect against abnormal motions, then knee protection is improved, but weight on the leg increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brace utilizes thin film construction that minimizes material usage while maintaining protective function. The flexible shell design follows the contour of the knee, providing protection with minimal added weight through optimized material distribution and thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction combining different materials with complementary properties. This allows the brace to achieve necessary strength and protection with minimal weight by using material combinations that provide high strength-to-weight ratios.
3Reliability
If traditional knee braces are used to protect against abnormal motions, then knee protection is improved, but skin irritation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The thin film design eliminates bulk and rigid edges that cause skin irritation. The flexible material conforms smoothly to the skin surface, reducing friction and pressure points while maintaining protective function through its anatomical fit and elastic properties.
4Reliability
If traditional knee braces are used to protect against abnormal motions, then knee protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brace is divided into functional segments including the main body, straps, and fastening components. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently while simplifying the overall design and making the device easier to manufacture and maintain.
Solution Approach 2:
The brace design incorporates multiple functions into a single integrated structure. The main body provides protection, the straps ensure proper positioning, and the fastening mechanism allows adjustment - all within one cohesive device that reduces overall complexity while maintaining protective capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A knee brace for use by athletes or others requiring protection and support of the knee. The knee brace includes a base and a spider member. The base is comprised of elastic material and configured to closely fit around portions of the knee and adjacent leg portions. A spider member having upper and lower pairs of tensioning straps is fastened to the interior surface of the base, with the tensioning straps extending through upper and lower apertures in the base for detachable attachment to the exterior surface of the base.