Leg Support with Resilient Strut for Knee Unloading

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing leg supports for knee joint force distribution and unloading are often cumbersome, uncomfortable, and obstructive to physical activities due to their complex mechanics and unaesthetic appearance.

Innovation Solution

A leg support featuring a bendable and resilient design with an elongate strut and a resilient device that allows for force distribution from the knee joint to the thigh, calf, and footwear, enabling comfortable and unobtrusive use during activities like skiing, with adjustable resistance and a streamlined profile.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If elaborate braces and supports with springs and shock absorbers are used to distribute forces and unload the knee joint, then force distribution and knee unloading are improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce distribution and knee unloadingVSAvoidcomplex mechanics and corresponding elements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The leg support is divided into distinct segments: an upper cuff for the thigh, a lower cuff for the lower leg, and a resilient element positioned between them. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining effective force distribution and knee joint unloading capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and isolates the essential force-distributing function from complex mechanical systems by using a single resilient element (such as a spring or elastomeric material) positioned between the upper and lower cuffs. This eliminates the need for elaborate braces, multiple springs, and shock absorbers, achieving force distribution and knee unloading through a simplified, lightweight construction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If elaborate braces and supports are used to distribute forces and unload the knee joint, then force distribution and knee unloading are improved, but ease of operation and comfort deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce distribution and knee unloadingVSAvoidcomfort and convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The leg support is divided into distinct segments: an upper cuff for the thigh, a lower cuff for the lower leg, and a resilient element positioned between them. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining effective force distribution and knee unloading capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and isolates the essential force-distributing function from complex mechanical systems by using a single resilient element (such as a spring or elastomeric material) positioned between the upper and lower cuffs. This eliminates the need for elaborate braces, multiple springs, and shock absorbers, achieving force distribution and knee unloading through a simplified, lightweight construction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If resilient inserts are made removable or disengageable from the strut, then ease of operation and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustable resistance and modification capabilityVSAvoidmeans for disengaging resilient device

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient element is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to be engaged or disengaged from the strut based on user needs. This can be achieved through removable inserts, disengageable connections, or adjustable mechanisms that allow the user to modify the resistance level or remove the resilient element entirely when not in use, providing adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 support effectively distributes forces, unloads the knee joint, and allows for easy use and modification, providing comfort and convenience during physical activities without hindering movement or appearance.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient device releasably secured to the strut. The resilient device corresponds to the flexible strut segment and bending of the support at the knee occurs at the flexible strut segment with the resilient device permitting bending of the leg but resiliently returning the leg to an upright configuration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8821426B2Leg support

Publication Date: 2014.09.02 OSSUR HF

AI summary

A leg support is adapted to be secured to a leg. The leg support includes an elongate and continuous strut having first and second rigid or semi-rigid segments, and a flexible middle segment located therebetween. The strut is arranged for securing to a posterior side of a leg and is centrally located along a medial-lateral plane of a leg. A resilient device is secured to the strut against a first surface thereof and extends across a length of the middle strut segment whereby the resilient device is configured to assist and resist certain movements of a leg. A coupling arrangement is arranged to be secured to footwear.