Variable Radius Knee Brace Spring for Constant Muscle Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing knee braces primarily focus on lateral support for the joint rather than providing adequate muscle support and assistance, often using bulky and expensive fluid spring systems.
Innovation Solution
A variable radius spring assembly comprising upper and lower hinge pieces, a spring bracket, and an elongated spring element, which provides non-linear support to leg muscles by maintaining a constant force throughout the range of motion, enhancing muscle support without compromising the normal range of motion or comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a conventional knee brace with lateral support is used, then lateral stability of the knee joint is improved, but muscle support and assistance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element provides dynamic support that adapts to the user's movement and muscle needs, transitioning from static lateral support to dynamic muscle assistance throughout the range of motion
Solution Approach 2:
The variable radius mechanism changes the mechanical parameters (force application point and moment arm) throughout the range of motion to optimize both lateral stability and muscle support at different knee angles
2Ease of operation
If a fluid spring system is used for muscle support, then muscle assistance is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential function of spring-based muscle support from complex fluid systems and implements it using a simpler mechanical spring element with variable radius geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex fluid mechanical systems with a simpler solid mechanical spring element that achieves the same muscle assistance function through elastic deformation and variable moment arm geometry
3Device complexity
If a linear spring is used, then simplicity is improved, but force consistency throughout range of motion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The variable radius mechanism dynamically adjusts the moment arm length throughout the range of motion, transforming the spring's linear force output into a consistent torque output that maintains force consistency across different knee angles
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameter (radius) of the spring's attachment path to compensate for the spring's inherent non-linear force characteristics, achieving consistent support force throughout the range of motion
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 assembly offers ergonomic and robust support to leg muscles, providing lateral protection to the knee joint, suitable for daily activities and athletic endeavors, while maintaining a consistent force requirement for energy storage and release.
Implementation Method 1
the spring element is secured to the spring bracket... the spring element extends downward from the spring bracket... the catch forces the spring element rearward and slides downward along the spring element
Data Source
AI summary
In combination with a knee brace, the variable radius spring assembly of the present invention provides a full range knee orthotic with support to the leg muscles without compromising the range of motion and the patient's normal walk/gate. The assembly comprises upper and lower hinge pieces attached to upper and lower sections of the brace, a spring bracket, and an elongated spring element that extends downward from the upper hinge piece past a catch on the lower hinge piece. Two such assemblies are attached to a knee brace, one on the inner side and one on the outer side. As the lower leg, and the lower hinge piece, move rearward, the catch forces the spring element rearward and slides downward along the spring element. Consequently, the spring element has a non-linear response requiring approximately the same about of force to deflect the spring element throughout its range of rearward travel.