Knee Orthosis Dynamic Traction for Ligament Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing knee orthoses fail to provide optimal stability by applying inconsistent pressure on the upper region of the lower leg, leading to potential overstretching of cruciate ligaments, especially in varying knee positions.
Innovation Solution
A knee orthosis featuring a longitudinally stable, flexible traction element with adjustable holding devices and a four-joint system that adapts pressure based on knee bending, using a diversion element and spring elements to ensure optimal stability and comfort, and adjustable length to fit individual patients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adjustable spring pressure is applied to press the lower half shell toward the upper region of the lower leg, then knee stability in bent position is improved, but pressure in stretched position becomes too great
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static spring pressure system with a dynamic cable-based adjustment mechanism that adapts to different knee positions. The cable system allows the orthosis to maintain optimal pressure in bent positions while reducing pressure in stretched positions, resolving the contradiction between stability and excessive pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the pressure application parameter from fixed spring force to adjustable cable tension. This allows dynamic modification of the pressure magnitude based on knee position, enabling optimal stability without excessive pressure in stretched positions.
2Reliability
If the lower half shell is pressed toward the upper region of the lower leg to prevent tibia displacement, then cruciate ligament protection is improved, but wearing comfort deteriorates due to inconsistent pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The cable-based adjustment mechanism enables dynamic adaptation of pressure to match natural knee movement patterns. This provides consistent cruciate ligament protection while maintaining comfortable pressure levels that vary with knee position, improving overall wearing comfort.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed pressure system is used to support the knee joint, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different knee positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic cable adjustment system that allows the orthosis to adapt to different knee positions and patient requirements. This maintains manufacturing simplicity while significantly improving adaptability to varying knee positions and individual patient needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is divided into discrete cable segments and adjustment points, allowing for simple manufacturing while enabling flexible adaptation to different knee positions and patient requirements.
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 orthosis provides continuous optimal stability in both bent and stretched positions, maintaining anatomically correct cruciate ligament positioning and preventing overstretching, while allowing for easy adjustment and comfort through adaptive pressure distribution.
Implementation Method 1
the adjustment means are formed by at least one longitudinally stable, flexible traction element, whose one end region is held on a member of the articulation means pivotable with respect to the splint elements by means of a first holding device
Implementation Method 2
which longitudinally stable, flexible traction element is diverted between the first holding device and the second holding device about a diversion element mounted on the splint element
Implementation Method 3
the articulation means are designed in each case as four joint system, and comprise a first member and a second member, which are each linked to the hinge plate and to the corresponding splint element. With this four joint system the rolling sliding movement of the knee joint can be reproduced
Data Source
AI summary
A knee orthosis (1) for support of a knee joint in the case of instability comprises a thigh portion (4), which is attachable on the thigh, and a lower leg portion (5), which is attachable on the lower leg, which lower leg portion (5) is provided with splint elements (12), which are connected in an articulated way, via articulation means (13), to hinge plates (14) attached on the thigh portion (4). The lower leg portion (5) has a lower half shell (9), which in the region remote from the knee is borne in the splint elements (12) in a way pivotable about a pivot axis (15). Via a longitudinally stable, flexible traction (17) the lower half shell (9) is pushed ventrally against the lower leg, the pressure increasing with bending of the knee. An optimal support of the knee joint is thereby achieved, especially when the cruciate ligaments are injured.