Knee Extender Device Angled Support Legs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing knee extender devices for physical therapy are complex, difficult to operate, and cause pain to patients, leading to reduced compliance and limited range of motion recovery post-surgery or injury.
Innovation Solution
A knee extender device with a central connecting portion and angled support legs, featuring slots for adjustable attachment and a comfortable concave shape with pads, allowing for controlled knee extension using a cord or belt system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex mechanical devices are used for knee extension, then knee extension function is achieved, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional components: a pelvic belt for stabilization, a knee unit with hinge mechanism for extension, and a calf restraint for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall system while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex motors and actuators to force knee extension, the device inverts the approach by using the patient's own body weight and gravity as the driving force. The pelvic belt anchors to the patient's pelvis, allowing gravity to naturally pull the leg into extension position, eliminating the need for complex power transmission mechanisms.
2Reliability
If traditional knee extender devices are used, then knee extension is achieved, but patient comfort decreases due to pain
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates padded contact surfaces at all patient interface points: the pelvic belt has cushioning to distribute pressure across the pelvis, the calf restraint has padding to prevent pressure sores, and the knee unit has soft surfaces to protect the knee joint. This beforehand cushioning prevents pain and discomfort before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows adjustment of the knee unit angle and positioning parameters to match the patient's specific anatomical requirements and therapy stage. The hinge mechanism can be positioned at different angles, and the restraint straps can be adjusted in tension, changing the physical parameters to optimize comfort while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable attachment mechanisms are implemented, then adaptability to different patients is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses universal adjustment mechanisms that can accommodate a wide range of patient sizes and anatomical variations. The pelvic belt, knee unit, and calf restraint all feature adjustable straps and positioning elements that work with different body types without requiring patient-specific customization, achieving versatility through standardized adjustable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanisms are designed to be dynamically adjustable during the therapy process. Straps can be loosened or tightened, and the knee unit angle can be modified as the patient's range of motion improves, allowing the device to adapt to the patient's progress without requiring a different device.
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 device facilitates controlled and comfortable knee extension, enhancing patient compliance and range of motion recovery by reducing pain and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
as the individual subsequently pulls on the two ends of the cord or belt, the knee extender device is pushed downward due to the tension being applied to the cord or belt and the force applied to the convex curvature of the curved upper surface
Implementation Method 2
The curved lower surfaces of the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion each have a generally concave shape that allows the lower surfaces to be comfortably positioned on the individual's leg
Data Source
AI summary
A knee extender device includes a central connecting portion, and a first support leg and a second support leg that each extend downwardly from the central connecting portion and that are positioned at an angle relative to each other. A terminal portion is attached to each support leg, with each terminal portion configured to be positioned against an upper leg or a lower leg of an individual. In use, as part of a method of rehabilitating a knee joint of an individual, the device is applied to a leg of the individual adjacent to and over the knee joint, and a cord or belt is extended over at least part of the central connecting portion and around a foot of the individual. Upon applying tension to the cord or belt, the knee extender device is then pushed downward to thereby extend the knee of the individual.