Knee Brace Swing Assist with Pneumatic Bladder Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing knee braces for osteoarthritis often require complex mechanical systems and long struts, which are cumbersome, difficult to adjust, and do not effectively address the progressive nature of knee joint degeneration, leading to improper gait and muscle imbalances.
Innovation Solution
A knee brace utilizing air bladders to provide inward force without long lever arms, allowing for day-to-day adjustment by the user and incorporating a swing assist system with energy storage members to aid in leg extension and correct gait, reducing pain and promoting healthier muscle and tissue development.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If long struts and complex mechanical systems are used in knee braces, then structural support and force application are improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical systems with pneumatic elements (air bladders) that can be inflated and deflated to provide the necessary support and force application. This substitution eliminates long struts and complex mechanical linkages while maintaining the structural support function through air pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs air bladders connected to a pump system that can be inflated to provide outward force on the knee joint. This pneumatic system replaces traditional mechanical struts and levers, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining the ability to apply controlled forces to correct gait and support the joint.
2Force
If long struts are used to provide lifting force, then force application is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inflatable air bladders that can be dynamically adjusted in real-time by the user through a pump system. This allows the lifting force to be modified on-demand based on the user's needs, providing adaptability that rigid mechanical systems cannot achieve. The force can be increased or decreased simply by inflating or deflating the bladders.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the support system from fixed mechanical dimensions to variable air pressure. By controlling the pressure within the air bladders, the lifting force can be precisely adjusted to match the user's requirements, eliminating the need for complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
3Strength
If complex mechanical systems are used, then structural support is improved, but ease of manufacture and adaptability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic support system using inflatable air bladders that can be adjusted in real-time to adapt to changing user needs, swelling, and different activity levels. This provides versatility that fixed mechanical systems cannot achieve, while the basic bladder structure remains simple to manufacture.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The air bladder system reduces joint irritation and pain, while the swing assist system helps achieve proper heel-to-toe gait, leading to healthier muscles and bones, improving surgical outcomes and rehabilitation by correcting muscle memory and reducing the need for surgical correction of gait.
Implementation Method 1
A knee brace utilizing air bladders to provide inward force without long lever arms
Implementation Method 2
incorporating a swing assist system with energy storage members to aid in leg extension
Data Source
AI summary
A knee brace including a swing assist system for the storage and return of energy is disclosed. The knee brace optionally includes bladders for the application of pressure to the knee joint and/or shin of a patient. An optional swing assist mechanism is present at the hinge(s) of the brace, aiding in the extension of the patient's leg and, therefore, correcting the patient's gait.