Knee Orthosis Connection Structure for Natural Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing knee joint assistive devices restrict internal and external rotation, causing discomfort and poor fit due to fixed rotation angles and excessive pressure on the tibia, limiting their effectiveness in supporting natural knee movement.
Innovation Solution
A knee joint protecting device with a connection structure allowing two degrees of freedom, featuring adjustable rotation axes and hinges that accommodate the natural range of motion, including internal and external rotation, and a flexible design to distribute pressure more evenly across the shank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional knee joint assistive devices with fixed rotation planes are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the device restricts natural internal and external rotation of the knee joint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing fixed rotation planes with a dynamic connection structure that allows the rotation plane to change adaptively. The connection structure between thigh frame and shank frame enables the device to dynamically adjust to the natural movement patterns of the knee joint, including internal and external rotation, rather than constraining movement to a fixed plane.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a constant internal rotation angle is designed, then the device structure is simplified, but the device does not fit different users and causes poor appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the connection structure into adjustable modular components. The connection structure between thigh frame and shank frame can be adjusted to different configurations, allowing customization for individual user anatomy and movement patterns while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
3Reliability
If force is applied from the front direction on the shank to fix the shank, then the shank is securely fixed, but excessive pressure is applied to the tibia causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by distributing the fixation force across multiple contact points and areas rather than concentrating it on a single point. The connection structure between thigh frame and shank frame is designed to apply force locally at optimal positions, securing the shank while avoiding excessive pressure on sensitive areas like the tibia.
Data Source
AI summary
A knee joint protecting device includes a thigh frame connected to a shank frame by a connection structure, which includes an adjustment mechanism and a connection hinge. The thigh frame is rotatable around a first axis using the adjustment mechanism to perform a first rotation about the shank frame within a first position and a second position. When the thigh frame is in the first position, the knee joint protecting device is fit for the lower limb of a standing posture. The thigh frame performs a second rotation about the shank frame using the connection hinge, the included angle of the first axis and the rotation plane of the second rotation is within the range of 0˜15°. By the adjustment mechanism and the connection hinge, the knee protecting device can provide the internal and external rotations between the thigh and the shank, and is more suitable for human engineering and kinesiology.