Mechanized Knee Traction Device with Wireless Controller
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-surgical mechanical traction devices for treating knee abnormalities are limited in effectiveness and reproducibility, particularly for conditions like osteoarthritis, meniscus tears, and soft tissue injuries, as they fail to provide consistent and controlled tension forces to the knee joint.
Innovation Solution
A mechanized therapeutic device that secures the leg above and below the knee, applying a variable tension force to stretch the knee joint axially, with a controller system allowing wireless operation via a mobile application and web-based portal to manage force, duration, and intervals, enhancing blood flow and tissue growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual or non-mechanized traction devices are used for knee treatment, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability and consistency of tension force application deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses the patient's own body weight as the counterforce for traction, eliminating the need for complex external weighting systems. The weight support mechanism automatically provides consistent resistance based on patient positioning, ensuring reliable and reproducible tension forces without requiring complex force application mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates adjustable parameters including traction force magnitude, application duration, and treatment intervals. These parameters can be modified to match specific clinical protocols and patient needs, allowing the same mechanized device to provide reliable and consistent forces across different treatment scenarios and patient conditions.
2Measurement precision
If precise control of tension force, duration, and intervals is implemented, then the manufacturing precision and control accuracy improve, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller system monitors and tracks the application of tension force, duration, and intervals to ensure precise delivery of prescribed treatment parameters. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain accurate control over treatment delivery while providing verification that the intended therapeutic protocol is being followed.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller system is designed to accommodate multiple treatment protocols and parameter configurations within a single device platform. By integrating versatile control capabilities that can be programmed for different clinical scenarios, the system achieves high measurement and control precision without requiring separate specialized devices for each treatment type.
3Reliability
If the device provides effective mechanical traction for knee abnormalities, then the therapeutic effectiveness improves, but the ease of operation may deteriorate due to setup requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into functional modules including a weight support mechanism, a knee positioning system, and a controller. This segmentation allows each component to be independently adjusted and optimized, making the overall setup process more manageable while maintaining effective mechanical traction delivery for therapeutic purposes.
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 effectively alleviates knee abnormalities by increasing blood flow, stimulating tissue growth, and lubricating the knee joint, providing significant pain relief and improved mobility for conditions such as osteoarthritis and meniscus tears.
Implementation Method 1
A variable tension force can be applied to the lower leg securing mechanism to thereby stretching the knee joint in an axial direction
Data Source
AI summary
A method of treating knee abnormalities includes securing the portion of the leg above the knee to a stationary object and securing the portion of the leg below the knee to a movable support. A force is applied to the movable support to stretch the knee joint. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed. The apparatus may be fitted with a controller system which allows the apparatus to be operated wirelessly from a mobile device running a mobile application, which may communicate with a web-based portal and/or database.