Adjustable Leg Brace Using Pneumatic Bladder for Knee Straightening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional leg straightening methods, such as long-term physical therapy and gravity-assisted methods, are costly, painful, and inefficient, as they require patients to spend extensive time in a limited position, and adjusting weights is cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable leg brace system with a selectively expandable and contractible bladder and attachment mechanisms that allow for wearable, adjustable pressure to assist in straightening the leg, enabling users to manage their recovery independently and comfortably.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If long term physical therapy is used to straighten the leg, then the leg can be moved towards a straight position, but the treatment is costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a bladder mechanism that can be inflated with air or fluid to apply controlled pressure to the knee joint. This pneumatic/hydraulic system enables the leg to be straightened through pressure application rather than requiring prolonged manual manipulation or gravitational assistance, thereby significantly reducing treatment time and increasing productivity while maintaining effective straightening action.
2Ease of operation
If gravity-assisted methods with weights are used to straighten the leg, then the leg can be straightened, but the user must lie face down for lengthy periods and adjusting weights is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The bladder mechanism provides dynamic adjustability where the pressure level can be easily modified by controlling the inflation/deflation rate and pressure. This replaces the static weight system with a dynamically controllable pressure system, making adjustment simple and responsive to user needs without complex mechanical weight adjustment mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional gravity methods are used to straighten the leg, then straightening can be achieved, but the user must maintain a fixed position for extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic bladder system allows the patient to remain in a comfortable position (such as lying on their back or side) while the inflatable bladder applies the necessary pressure to straighten the leg. This eliminates the requirement to lie face down and maintains position flexibility, thereby improving user convenience without compromising the straightening effect.
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 system reduces recovery time and costs by allowing frequent use, easy adjustment, and improved mobility during the straightening process, making it more effective and user-friendly compared to conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
an anterior brace configured to be braced against an anterior portion of the leg proximal to the knee joint, the anterior brace having a bladder that is selectively expandable and selectively contractible
Data Source
AI summary
Leg braces configured to assist in straightening of a user's leg are shown and described. Each of the leg braces includes an anterior brace configured to be braced against an anterior portion of the leg proximal to the knee joint, having a selectively expandable and contractible bladder and an anterior brace attachment mechanism for attaching the anterior brace to a posterior brace. In some examples, each of the leg braces further includes the posterior brace configured to be braced against a posterior portion of the leg, the posterior brace having a rigid elongate base, an upper posterior brace attachment mechanism, and a lower posterior brace attachment mechanism for attaching the posterior brace to the leg below the knee joint.