Knee Brace Tension Strap Offset Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional knee braces constrict the joint and increase pressure on the back of the knee, interfering with bending and causing discomfort, while failing to provide optimal pressure on the patellar tendon effectively.
Innovation Solution
A knee brace design featuring two separate tension straps, one on the front side and one on the rear, with the rear strap offset to create a counter-pull, allowing for adjustable pressure on the patellar tendon without constraining the knee joint, and an additional pressure pad positioned above the patella to prevent upward displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a single tension strap extends around the back of the knee to apply pressure on the patellar tendon, then adequate pressure can be exerted on the patellar tendon, but the joint is constricted and bending is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The single tension strap is divided into two separate straps: a first tension strap on the front side that extends only over certain sections and passes over the pressure pad, and a second tension strap on the rear side that is offset in the height direction. This segmentation allows the pressure application function to be separated from the joint constriction function, enabling adequate patellar tendon pressure without interfering with knee bending.
Solution Approach 2:
The second tension strap is offset in the height direction from the first tension strap, moving it from the same plane to a different vertical position. This dimensional change allows the rear strap to apply counter-pull without constricting the knee joint hollow, thus maintaining knee bending capability while still providing effective pressure through the elastic knitting reaction.
2Stress or pressure
If a tension strap extends around the back of the knee to provide pressure, then pressure can be maintained on the patellar tendon, but pressure on the back of the knee increases causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the tension strap into two separate straps positioned at different heights, the pressure application is localized to the patellar tendon area through the first strap, while the second strap positioned lower on the rear side avoids direct pressure on the sensitive knee hollow area, eliminating the harmful pressure effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic knitted body acts as an intermediary that transmits the counter-pull force from the second tension strap to create effective pressure on the first tension strap without requiring direct pressure on the back of the knee. The elastic material converts the rearward pull into forward pressure on the patellar tendon area.
3Reliability
If a tension strap is used to apply pressure on the patellar tendon, then pain relief can be achieved, but the device complexity increases with additional straps
Solution Approach 1:
The tension strap system is segmented into two functional components that work together to achieve reliable pain relief. The first strap provides direct pressure application while the second strap provides counter-pull, and their coordinated action creates optimal pressure distribution that enhances therapeutic effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The two tension straps are merged into a coordinated system where the first and second straps work together through the elastic knitted body. The counter-pull mechanism of the second strap complements the pressure application of the first strap, creating a unified pressure system that achieves reliable pain relief through synergistic interaction.
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 design allows for optimal pressure distribution on the patellar tendon while maintaining the ability to bend the knee without discomfort, providing effective pain relief and stability to the patella.
Implementation Method 1
when the first tension strap is tightened, the elastic knitting reacts by stretching, so that it can follow the force resulting from the tightening of the strap on the front side
Implementation Method 2
The second tension strap is now is offset downward from that, preferably extending over the upper area of the calf. When this second tension strap is also tightened, a counter-pull acting against the first tension strap is created. The elastic knitting, which has followed the tightening of the first tension strap, is pulled back again by the second tension strap.
Data Source
AI summary
A knee brace having a tubular elastic knitted body with at least one pressure pad arranged thereon, which, when the brace is being worn, extends across the patellar tendon. On the front side of the knitted body, a first tension strap is provided, which extends around only a certain part of the knitted body and passes over the pressure pad. On the rear side of the knitted body, a second tension strap is provided, which is offset in the height direction from the first tension strap, and which extends around only a certain part of the knitted body.