Knee Joint Orthotic Device Merging Flexion and Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthotic devices for knee joint rehabilitation require separate devices for flexion and extension processes, leading to increased storage space, setup time, and expense, as well as reduced ease of use due to distinct configurations and power sources.
Innovation Solution
A single orthotic device incorporating a support frame with integrated flexion and extension systems, utilizing a fluid power system to actuate both systems, allowing for progressive knee joint manipulation through a foot support assembly and extension pad assembly, with adjustable components for versatility and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate orthotic devices are used for flexion and extension processes, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall system requires increased storage space, additional setup time, and higher expense
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate flexion and extension orthotic devices into a single integrated device. The support frame structure houses both a foot support assembly for flexion exercises and an extension pad assembly for extension exercises, allowing both functions to be performed with one device rather than requiring separate devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The single orthotic device is designed to perform multiple functions - both knee flexion and knee extension exercises - through its dual assembly configuration. The support frame serves as a common structure that accommodates both the foot support assembly and extension pad assembly, making the device universal for different rehabilitation needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate orthotic devices are used for flexion and extension processes, then each device can be independently configured, but the user experiences reduced ease of use due to distinct configurations and power sources
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a single power source that controls both the foot support assembly and extension pad assembly through a unified control system. This eliminates the need for users to manage multiple power sources and distinct configurations, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining the ability to perform both flexion and extension exercises.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate orthotic devices are used for flexion and extension processes, then each device can be specialized for its process, but the overall cost increases due to procuring distinct devices
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the functionality of separate flexion and extension devices into one integrated unit, the patent eliminates the need for users to procure multiple distinct devices. The single device includes all necessary components - support frame, foot support assembly, extension pad assembly - to perform both specialized functions, reducing overall cost.
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate orthotic devices are used for flexion and extension processes, then each device can be optimized for its specific exercise, but storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates what would have been two separate orthotic devices into one integrated device, thereby halving the storage space requirement. The support frame structure efficiently packs both the foot support assembly and extension pad assembly into a single unit that occupies less space than two separate devices would require.
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 simplifies knee joint rehabilitation by consolidating flexion and extension processes into a single unit, reducing space and cost, while enhancing ease of use and effectiveness through incremental force application and adjustable features.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid power system configured to selectively actuate each of the flexion linear actuator and the extension linear actuator
Data Source
AI summary
A device performs a flexion process or an extension process with respect to a knee joint. The device includes a support frame extending in a longitudinal direction. A flexion system includes a foot support assembly configured to translate relative to the support frame in the longitudinal direction thereof and a flexion linear actuator configured to cause the translation of the foot support assembly. The extension system an extension pad assembly including a first expansion pad configured to engage an upper surface of the leg at a position above the knee joint and a second expansion pad configured to engage the upper surface of the leg at a position below the knee joint. An extension linear actuator is configured to translate the extension pad assembly with respect to the transverse direction. A power system is configured to selectively actuate each of the flexion linear actuator and the extension linear actuator.