Leg Brace Handle for Standing Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leg brace technologies do not effectively reduce the physical burden on users when standing up from a sitting position, which can be particularly challenging for individuals with knee osteoarthritis.
Innovation Solution
A leg brace with a thigh link and lower-leg link connected near the knee joint, featuring a handle that projects forward when sitting, allowing users to apply upper body weight to assist standing, thereby reducing physical burden. The handle is detachable, adjustable, and can switch between postures to facilitate use and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional leg brace without a handle is used, then the structure remains simple, but the user experiences high physical burden when standing up from a sitting position
Solution Approach 1:
A handle is introduced as an intermediary component between the user's hand and the leg brace mechanism. The handle serves as a mediator that transmits the user's pulling force to the thigh link, enabling the user to leverage their upper body weight to assist the standing-up motion without directly manipulating complex mechanical components
2Ease of operation
If the handle is positioned far from the knee joint, then the user can apply more leverage, but the load counteracts the assisting moment
Solution Approach 1:
The position parameter of the handle attachment point on the thigh link is optimized to achieve the right balance. By positioning the handle at a specific distance from the knee joint, the design maximizes the user's leverage capability while ensuring that the load application does not create a counteracting moment that would reduce the effectiveness of the standing-up assistance
3Ease of operation
If the handle projects forward when sitting, then it assists standing motion, but it occupies space and may interfere with garment wear
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed with rotational capability, allowing it to dynamically change its orientation and position. When the user needs to stand up, the handle projects forward to provide assistance. When not in use, the handle can be rotated to align with the thigh link or adopt a compact configuration, reducing interference with garment wear and improving adaptability to different wearing conditions
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 leg brace significantly reduces the physical burden on users when standing up by generating a moment that assists the standing motion, improving mobility and alleviating knee joint pain associated with osteoarthritis.
Implementation Method 1
the user grasps the handle and applies the load (i.e., the weight) of his/her upper body to the handle, so that a moment which assists the user's standing-up motion is generated in the thigh link
Data Source
AI summary
A leg brace configured to be attached to a leg of a user, includes a rear thigh link extending along a thigh of the user, and a lower-leg link rotatably connected to the rear thigh link and extending along a lower leg of the user. A handle is provided in the thigh link, the handle being configured to project forward when the user is in the sitting position. The rear thigh link and the lower-leg link are connected to each other near the knee joint of the user. Specifically, the rear thigh link and the lower-leg link are connected to each other at a rear connection part disposed near the knee joint. Further, the rear thigh link and the handle are also connected to each other near the knee joint.