Modular knee brace assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional knee brace devices do not adequately support the knee in various sleeping positions, particularly after orthopedic surgery, leading to discomfort and potential complications during recovery.
Innovation Solution
A modular knee brace assembly with a removable wedge, inner knee support, and outer knee support, utilizing hook and loop fasteners for adjustable fitting, to provide comprehensive support when lying on the back, side, or stomach, enhancing comfort and healing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional knee brace is used, then the knee is supported in basic positions, but the knee lacks adequate support in various sleeping positions leading to discomfort and potential complications
Solution Approach 1:
The knee brace is divided into multiple functional components: a base brace structure, a removable wedge support, an inner knee support, and an outer knee support. Each component serves a specific function for different sleeping positions, allowing the system to provide comprehensive support without requiring a completely different brace for each position.
Solution Approach 2:
The brace incorporates adjustable and removable components that can be configured dynamically based on sleeping position needs. The wedge, inner support, and outer support can be added or removed to adapt the brace configuration for supine, side, or stomach sleeping positions, making the device versatile without permanently increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a modular design with multiple supports is implemented, then comprehensive support for multiple sleeping positions is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple components (wedge, inner support, outer support) are designed to work together with the base brace to provide universal support for various sleeping positions. Each component can be used independently or in combination with others, allowing one modular system to replace multiple specialized braces.
Solution Approach 2:
The base brace serves as an intermediary structure that accommodates multiple removable supports. This central hub approach allows different support components to be attached and detached as needed, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular knee brace assembly includes a brace that is worn around a knee after orthopedic surgery has been performed on the knee. A wedge is removably coupled to the brace when the brace is worn around the knee. The wedge is positioned on a back side of the knee to support the knee in a bent position when the user is lying on the user's back. An inner knee support is removably coupled to the brace when the brace is worn around the knee. The inner knee support extends between each of the user's knees when the user lies on their side. An outer knee support is removably coupled to the brace when the brace is worn around the knee. In this way the outer knee support supports the knee when the user lies on the user's side.