Modular Orthopedic Knee Support with Detachable Hinges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopedic devices lack flexibility to adapt to different rehabilitation phases and provide inadequate support for the regeneration of knee cartilage after surgical repair procedures, particularly for conditions like osteoarthritis and cartilage lesions, where fibrocartilage is less durable than hyaline cartilage.
Innovation Solution
An orthopedic device with detachable components, including a frame with adjustable hinges and straps, a liner sleeve for comfort, and modular flexion control, designed to provide progressive support and protection throughout various rehabilitation stages, from non-weightbearing to high-impact activities, ensuring stability and range of motion while accommodating leg volume changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single fixed orthopedic device is used for the entire rehabilitation process, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different rehabilitation phases and treatment stages
Solution Approach 1:
The orthopedic device is divided into multiple detachable components including a removable hinge assembly, adjustable straps, and modular support elements. These segments can be configured or removed based on the specific rehabilitation phase, allowing the device to adapt from early postoperative protection to later rehabilitation stages without requiring multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through movable hinges, adjustable straps, and reconfigurable support elements that can be modified during use. This allows the device to transition between different support levels and ranges of motion as the patient progresses through rehabilitation, providing adaptability while maintaining a single device structure.
2Reliability
If the orthopedic device provides maximum support and stability, then cartilage regeneration is protected, but range of motion and muscle activation are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device features dynamic support adjustment through movable hinges and adjustable straps that can be modified based on the rehabilitation phase. In early stages, the device provides maximum stability and protection for the blood clot. As healing progresses, the support level can be reduced to allow greater range of motion and muscle activation, maintaining reliability while adapting to operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable hinge assembly and modular support elements allow selective application of support based on the specific rehabilitation requirement. The device can be configured to provide maximum protection when needed and reduced support to facilitate range of motion exercises, balancing protection with operational flexibility throughout the rehabilitation process.
3Reliability
If the orthopedic device is designed for early postoperative protection, then the blood clot is protected, but it becomes too bulky and uncomfortable for later rehabilitation phases
Solution Approach 1:
The orthopedic device incorporates a detachable hinge assembly and removable support elements that can be taken off or adjusted as the blood clot heals and the patient progresses through rehabilitation phases. This segmentation allows the device to transition from a bulky, protective configuration in early stages to a more streamlined, comfortable design for later stages, maintaining reliability when needed while improving comfort over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to allow removal or reduction of certain components (such as the hinge assembly and additional support elements) once they are no longer needed for protection. This enables the device to be discarded of its bulky protective features after serving their purpose, allowing the patient to proceed to later rehabilitation phases with greater comfort and ease of operation.
4Reliability
If the orthopedic device restricts knee motion to protect the cartilage, then healing is promoted, but functional recovery and return to activity are delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates dynamic range of motion control through adjustable hinges and movable support elements that can be modified based on the rehabilitation phase. In early stages, the device restricts knee motion to protect the cartilage and promote healing. As healing progresses, the range of motion can be progressively increased to facilitate functional recovery and return to activity, maintaining reliability while improving productivity over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable hinge assembly and modular support elements allow the device to provide different degrees of motion restriction based on the specific rehabilitation requirement. The device can be configured to maximize protection during initial healing and then progressively allow greater motion as the blood clot matures and the patient prepares for functional recovery, balancing healing promotion with functional recovery rate.
Data Source
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AI summary
An orthopedic device (100) has detachable components for treatment stages of an injury or surgical procedure. The orthopedic device (100) is arranged as a protective functional support for regeneration of knee cartilage after surgical repair procedures, and includes a flexion control kit (104) and a wrap-around liner sleeve (152) connected to upper and lower frame portions (102, 104) of the orthopedic device (100).