Moldable Bead Knee Support for Patella Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional knee braces lack a moldable support directly under the patella that can conform to the user's anatomy to provide focused pressure and alleviate knee pain effectively.
Innovation Solution
A knee support device featuring a stretchable band with a moldable inner support filled with beads, secured only at its ends, allowing it to conform to the knee's shape, combined with adjustable straps for customizable pressure and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional knee brace with a static sleeve and cutout is used, then the knee joint is protected from external impacts, but the patella cannot receive focused pressure to reduce pain and improve alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using a moldable material (such as thermoplastic or memory foam) for the patellar support that can change its physical state from rigid to conformable. The support is initially molded to a standard shape, then softened through heat or pressure to conform to the user's specific patella anatomy, and finally set in the customized shape. This allows the support to provide focused pressure tailored to each user's unique anatomy, resolving the contradiction between providing effective pain relief and conforming to individual user characteristics.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional knee brace with a fixed support structure is used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but it cannot adapt to different user anatomies and provide customized pressure distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-molding the patellar support to a standard anatomical shape that fits the majority of users. This preliminary molding is done during manufacturing, creating a support with predetermined contours and pressure distribution patterns. The support is then designed to be easily re-molded or adjusted by the user if needed, but the preliminary pre-molding allows most users to achieve adequate fit without complex customization procedures, thus balancing adaptability with manufacturing simplicity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a dynamic knee brace with elasticized straps is used, then some medially displacing force is applied to the patella, but the pressure is distributed too broadly to provide focused support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the patellar support with varying density and firmness in different regions. The support features a harder, more rigid central portion that directly contacts and provides focused pressure on the patella to improve tracking and alignment. Surrounding this central area is a softer, more compliant region that distributes pressure to adjacent tissues and provides comfort. This localized variation in material properties allows the support to deliver concentrated force where needed while maintaining overall comfort and adaptability.
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 device provides targeted support and pressure to reduce knee pain, improve patella alignment, and stabilize the knee joint, addressing issues like tendonitis and runner's knee, with a flexible and adjustable fit.
Implementation Method 1
A moldable inner support is secured to the inner surface of the band and is filled with beads allowing the moldable inner support to conform to the specific anatomy of the user's knee
Implementation Method 2
The knee support device comprises a stretchable band for encircling a portion of the user's leg, specifically the knee joint
Data Source
AI summary
Broadly, the present invention is a knee support device for providing focused and comfortable pressure (i.e. conforms to the size and shape of the knee and patella) to reduce knee pain. The knee support device comprises a stretchable band for encircling a portion of the user's leg. A moldable inner support is secured to the inner surface of the band and is filled with beads allowing the moldable inner support to conform to the specific anatomy of the user's knee for maximum support and relief. The moldable inner support is only affixed to the band at its ends so that it may move freely with respect to the band and also provides focused pressure to reduce knee pain and helps stabilize the patella to improve alignment and tracking.