Knee Extension Frame With Adjustable Brace Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing knee braces do not adequately facilitate controlled knee extension during recovery, risking further injury if not aligned properly.

Innovation Solution

A knee extension apparatus with adjustable attachment members and a frame that engages with the knee brace, allowing for controlled knee extension while maintaining proper alignment and adjustable angles to fit various brace designs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If full knee extension is performed to achieve parallel alignment of lower and upper legs, then mobility and healing of ligaments/muscles is improved, but risk of further injury or recovery setbacks increases if alignment is incorrect or extension is excessive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveknee extension mobilityVSAvoidinjury risk during recovery

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus allows dynamic adjustment of the frame angle relative to the knee brace, enabling progressive modification of extension parameters. The angle between the frame and brace can be changed from initial conservative positions to progressively greater extension angles as healing progresses, optimizing both safety and therapeutic benefit at each recovery stage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus provides mechanical feedback through the frame structure that resists excessive extension beyond the safe range. The frame's geometric constraints and attachment geometry create natural stopping points that prevent over-extension, while still allowing full safe extension to be achieved.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If a fixed-angle knee brace is used to maintain specific angular orientation, then alignment control is improved, but adaptability to different brace designs and sizes is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular alignment precisionVSAvoidcompatibility with different brace designs

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus transforms a static alignment problem into a dynamic adjustable system. The frame can be positioned at multiple angles relative to the knee brace, and the attachment members can be repositioned along the frame members to accommodate different brace geometries. This dynamic adaptability maintains precise angular control while working with various brace designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The frame structure serves multiple functions: it provides the extension lever arm, defines the angular relationship between upper and lower legs, accommodates different knee brace geometries through adjustable attachment members, and maintains proper alignment throughout the extension range. This multi-functionality enables compatibility with various brace designs while preserving alignment precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the frame is attached directly to the knee brace at fixed points, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to various brace sizes and configurations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe-brace connection stabilityVSAvoidcompatibility with different brace dimensions

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is divided into separate components: attachment members that connect to the knee brace and frame members that form the extension structure. The attachment members can be independently positioned and secured at different locations along the frame members, allowing the stable connection to be maintained while adapting to various brace sizes and configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment members act as intermediary elements between the knee brace and the frame structure. These intermediaries provide stable mechanical connection while allowing geometric flexibility to accommodate different brace dimensions. The attachment members can be repositioned to optimize the connection geometry for each specific brace configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12357491B2Apparatus for knee extension for use with knee brace

Publication Date: 2025.07.15 SHARPE JEFFREY LAWRENCE

AI summary

An apparatus for knee extension for use with a knee brace. The apparatus includes a frame having first and second frame sides, a foot support end and a handle end. The apparatus includes a heel support and a thigh support each spanning across the frame sides. The apparatus includes an upper exterior attachment member attached to the first frame side and further attachable to an upper exterior bar element of the knee brace with the knee brace being worn by the user. The apparatus includes a lower exterior attachment member attached to the first frame side and further attachable to a lower exterior bar element of the knee brace with the knee brace being worn by the user.