Therapeutic Knee Extension Device with Inflatable Bladder

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing therapeutic devices for joint treatment, particularly after surgery, lack effective mechanisms to enhance joint extension and maintain stability simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A therapeutic device comprising a proximal and distal framework portion attached to the upper and lower leg, respectively, with pivoting connections and inflatable bladders. The device uses a connector to discourage flexion and encourages extension by inflating the bladders, which push against the leg, facilitating controlled joint movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the device uses rigid framework portions to maintain stability, then stability is improved, but the device cannot accommodate joint movement and extension

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoidjoint movement accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The framework is divided into multiple segments (proximal and distal framework portions) connected by pivoting connections, allowing each segment to move independently while maintaining overall structural stability. This segmentation enables the device to accommodate joint movement through controlled pivoting between segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates pivoting connections that allow dynamic movement between framework portions, transforming the rigid structure into a dynamic system that can adapt to joint flexion and extension while maintaining stability through controlled motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the device allows free joint flexion through pivoting connections, then ease of movement is improved, but the device cannot provide controlled extension or maintain stability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint flexionVSAvoidcontrolled extension

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The connector acts as an intermediary element between the proximal and distal framework portions, mediating the interaction between them. It allows controlled extension by connecting the framework portions while permitting their relative movement, thus providing both ease of flexion and controlled extension.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The device changes the mechanical parameters of the framework connection by using a connector that allows movement within specific parameter ranges. This enables controlled extension by defining the limits and characteristics of movement between framework portions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the device uses a connector to discourage flexion, then extension control is improved, but the device cannot accommodate natural joint movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextension controlVSAvoidjoint movement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connector creates a dynamic system where the framework portions can move relative to each other in response to joint movement, while still providing extension control. The pivoting connections allow the system to adapt to natural joint motion while maintaining reliability through controlled extension mechanics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If the device uses inflatable bladders to urge extension, then therapeutic effect is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic effectVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses inflatable bladders filled with fluid or gas to provide therapeutic extension force. The bladders are positioned to contact the leg and, when inflated, urge the joint into extension. This pneumatic/hydraulic mechanism provides reliable therapeutic effect while adding minimal structural complexity compared to mechanical actuation systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 effectively increases joint extension and maintains stability by using inflatable bladders to push the leg into extension, while the connector and framework portions provide support and control, aiding in therapeutic stretching and post-operative recovery.

Implementation Method 1

at least one selectively inflatable bladder between the proximal side of the leg and one of the proximal and distal framework portions... inflation of the bladder while the connector is connected causes the leg to be urged into extension due to the pushing of the bladder against the proximal side of the leg

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInflation: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS20250120869A1Device with therapeutic features

Publication Date: 2025.04.17 ERMI

AI summary

Disclosed is a therapeutic stretching apparatus, which in particular provides a user with a system for providing an assist to increase knee extension as well as for maintaining stability of the knee after surgery. This device can not only act as a therapeutic stretching apparatus but also can act as a primary post-op knee brace with locks/limits on hinge to prevent user from further injuring the joint.