Knee Traction Apparatus with Inverted Rotation Axis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current knee joint treatments, such as knee braces, often fail to effectively reduce the load on knee cartilages, leading to persistent pain and deformity due to degenerative arthritis, and lack cost-effective manufacturing methods.
Innovation Solution
A knee traction apparatus with a rotation axis located in front of the knee joint, featuring a stopper to limit bending angles, and a connection member adjacent to the joint for reduced manufacturing costs, comprising an upper and lower frame with saw-toothed traction members that rotate in mesh, guided by a curved or linear groove system to support natural knee movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional knee braces are used, then knee joint support is provided, but load on knee cartilages is not effectively reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional knee brace design by positioning the traction members and rotation axis in front of the knee joint rather than behind it. This inversion allows the apparatus to apply traction forces that directly reduce load on the cartilages while maintaining knee joint support, thereby resolving the contradiction between support effectiveness and load reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces traction members with saw-toothed surfaces that engage with each other in front of the knee joint as intermediary elements. These intermediaries transmit and distribute forces to reduce cartilage load while providing joint support, enabling simultaneous achievement of both support effectiveness and load reduction.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex manufacturing methods are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple connection members with basic geometric features (protrusions and recesses) that can be manufactured using low-cost processes. Rather than using complex precision-machined components, the design accepts simpler manufacturing methods that are more cost-effective while still achieving functional positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions connection members at specific locations (adjacent to the knee joint) and uses standardized geometric parameters for protrusions and recesses. This standardization allows for simplified manufacturing processes while maintaining adequate positioning precision for the application requirements.
3Reliability
If stopper is added to limit bending angle, then knee joint protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the knee's bending angle without requiring external control systems. The mechanical stopper self-regulates the bending limitation, providing joint protection while adding minimal structural complexity to the apparatus.
Data Source
AI summary
A knee traction apparatus may include an upper frame provided to be worn on a thigh region and including an upper fraction member disposed in an end of the upper frame, and a lower frame provided to be worn on a lower leg region and including a lower traction member that is disposed in an end of the lower frame and is to rotate in mesh with the upper traction member. The upper traction member and the lower traction member may be in contact with each other in front of a knee joint.