Knee Brace Tension Structure for Lightweight Joint Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing knee braces with link structures, such as hinges, increase the weight and size due to their constant weight and size, which can be cumbersome for users.
Innovation Solution
A brace design utilizing tension members that connect attaching members and a pressing member without a link structure, allowing for adjustable tension and sliding support mechanisms to maintain joint pressure without increasing weight or size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a link structure (hinge, side support, inner support) is used to connect attaching members, then the joint portion can be supported, but the weight and size of the brace increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the link structure (hinge, side support, inner support) from the brace system and replaces it with tension members that directly connect the first and second attaching members. This extraction of the heavy link structure while maintaining the essential joint support function through alternative means (tension members) resolves the contradiction between reliability and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical link structure with a tension-based system using elastic bands or springs. This mechanical substitution replaces rigid connections with flexible tension members that provide the necessary support through tensile forces rather than rigid structural connections, thereby reducing weight while maintaining joint support reliability.
2Reliability
If a link structure (hinge, side support, inner support) is used to connect attaching members, then the joint portion can be supported, but the size of the brace increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the bulky link structure components (hinge, side support, inner support) and replaces them with compact tension members. This removal of the extensive mechanical linkage system while retaining joint support functionality through direct tension member connections resolves the contradiction between reliability and size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible tension members (elastic bands, springs) that can conform to the body contours and provide support without requiring rigid structural frameworks. These flexible elements maintain joint support reliability while occupying minimal space, thus resolving the size contradiction.
3Weight of moving object
If tension members are used to connect attaching members without link structure, then weight and size are reduced, but the relative position of pressing member needs adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable mechanisms that allow the pressing member's position to be dynamically modified according to individual user needs. This dynamic adjustability compensates for the lack of fixed link structures, enabling the lightweight tension member system to adapt to different users while maintaining the weight reduction benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter changes in the positioning of the pressing member through adjustable mechanisms. By allowing users to modify positional parameters of the pressing member, the system maintains adaptability despite using lightweight tension members instead of fixed link structures, thus resolving the contradiction between weight reduction and versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
The first attaching member is configured to be fixed to a portion on the center side of the body of the joint portion to which the brace is attached. The second attaching member is configured to be fixed to a portion of the joint portion opposite to the center side of the body. The pressing member is configured to press a portion of the joint portion that extends when the joint portion bends. The plurality of tension members is configured to pull and connect the first attaching member, the second attaching member, and the pressing member. Each of the plurality of tension members is arranged such that the amount of change in the length of the tension member when the joint portion is bent and extended is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value.