Knee Support Damper With External Resistance Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing knee movement support devices lack the ability for easy external adjustment of resistance by a user or caregiver.
Innovation Solution
A knee movement support device equipped with a damper and an adjuster that allows external adjustment of resistance through an operation unit, located above the damper, with a case having openings for easy access and a mechanism to change the damper's fluid flow path area, thereby adjusting resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a motor unit is used to generate resistance, then resistance can be generated, but resistance cannot be easily adjusted by a person from the outside
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the motor unit-based resistance generation system with a damper-based mechanical system. The damper uses fluid resistance (oil passing through holes in a piston) to generate resistance, eliminating the need for complex electrical motors and control systems while enabling simple manual adjustment through the adjuster mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjuster mechanism allows a person to directly adjust the resistance by operating the adjuster (rotating it to change the position of the piston or the area of holes), making the system self-adjustable without requiring external power supply or complex control systems. The user can easily modify resistance levels during use.
2Ease of operation
If the adjuster is located inside the case, then the damper is protected, but the adjuster cannot be operated from outside
Solution Approach 1:
The case is divided into multiple portions with strategic openings. The adjuster is positioned such that it can be operated through an opening in the case, while the damper remains protected inside. This segmentation allows simultaneous access for adjustment and protection for the internal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The case structure acts as an intermediary that provides both protection and access. The opening in the case serves as a mediator that allows the adjuster to be operated from outside while keeping the damper protected inside the enclosed space.
3Weight of moving object
If the case is made solid without holes, then the damper is well protected, but the device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The case incorporates lightening holes (small perforations) that reduce the weight of the case while maintaining sufficient structural strength and protection for the internal components. The porous structure of the case with multiple small holes provides both weight reduction and adequate protection.
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
Enables easy and user-friendly adjustment of resistance without requiring power supply, enhancing safety and usability by allowing external operation and reducing weight through lightening holes.
Implementation Method 1
a damper (17) that provides resistance against a direction in which a knee joint of the leg bends
Data Source
AI summary
A knee movement support device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a knee movement support device that is worn on a leg of a user. The knee movement support device includes: a damper that provides resistance against a direction in which a knee joint of the leg bends; and an adjuster that is operated by a person to adjust the resistance from the damper.