Knee Stabilizing Garment With Tensioned Ligament Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing knee braces either provide inadequate compression to key anatomical areas or are bulky and aesthetically unappealing, failing to effectively stabilize the knee joint, particularly for individuals with damaged ligaments.
Innovation Solution
A wearable garment with tension members disposed along predetermined three-dimensional paths, incorporating conduits and tensioners to apply targeted compressive forces on the knee, specifically designed to stabilize the lateral and medial collateral ligaments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical encapsulation is used to stabilize the knee joint, then joint stability is improved, but device complexity and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible garment made of soft, breathable material that conforms to the knee joint's anatomy. This thin-film approach replaces bulky mechanical enclosures while maintaining stabilization through distributed compression and proper fit, eliminating the need for complex rigid structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment is divided into multiple functional zones with different levels of compression and support. Each segment targets specific ligaments and anatomical areas, allowing customized stabilization without requiring a single complex mechanical structure. The segmented design enables targeted support while maintaining overall simplicity.
2Device complexity
If compressive garments are used to stabilize the knee, then device simplicity is improved, but compression effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The garment applies different compression levels to different anatomical regions. High-compression zones are positioned over specific ligaments and joint areas, while other regions provide lighter support. This localized compression strategy ensures effectiveness without requiring the entire garment to be complex or overly rigid.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional flat compression to three-dimensional conformal compression by molding the garment to the knee's anatomical contours. This dimensional change allows the simple garment structure to achieve effective compression through precise fit and anatomical alignment rather than relying on complex mechanical compression mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If general compression is applied to the knee area, then ease of manufacture is improved, but compression precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The garment design incorporates anatomically precise compression zones that target specific ligaments and joint areas. By planning these localized high-compression regions during the design phase, the patent achieves precise compression targeting without requiring complex manufacturing processes, as the precision is built into the pattern and structure rather than added through complex assembly.
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 garment provides targeted compression to stabilize the knee joint, minimizing further damage while allowing articulation, and is both functional and aesthetically appealing.
Implementation Method 1
A wearable garment with tension members following predetermined three-dimensional paths to apply targeted compressive forces
Implementation Method 2
using conduits with low friction materials
Data Source
AI summary
A garment of the present invention comprises a closed tensionable loop for stabilizing a human knee. The loop is arranged to freely move along a conduit within the garment and is provided with a tensioner. The conduit crosses over itself between the lateral and a medial side on the anterior of the leg at least one of above and below the knee to provide compression on the ligaments of the knee when the loop is tensioned. The conduit circles the lower leg at a distal region of the triceps surae, thereby providing an anchor to the lower leg. An anchor is provided at or above the thigh. A method for stabilizing the knee using the tensionable loop involves positioning the garment so as to ensure that the conduit follows a predetermined path on the leg that places the loop over at least one of the two collateral ligaments of the knee and the tensioner is operated to adjust the compression on the ligaments.