Orthopedic Knee Brace Hinge with Anti-Migration Straps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing knee braces are often bulky, difficult to adjust, uncomfortable, and prone to migration due to poor suspension, making them challenging to don post-operatively and ineffective in maintaining proper alignment.
Innovation Solution
The orthopedic device features a hinge assembly with a pivoting mechanism, anti-migration straps, and frictional foam pads, along with adjustable struts and a semi-rigid expander for easy fitting and secure positioning, allowing for customizable fit and reduced pressure on surgical sites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional knee braces use two strut arms on both sides of the knee connected by flexible straps, then the brace can provide basic support, but the brace does not hold its shape or suspend horizontally to permit quick and easy application with one hand
Solution Approach 1:
The upright assemblies are pre-configured with rigid structural elements and hinge mechanisms that maintain a stable, horizontal configuration before application. This preliminary structuring allows the brace to be held in place during donning without requiring the clinician to continuously stabilize it, enabling quick and easy application with one hand while maintaining shape integrity
2Reliability
If traditional knee braces use tightly tensioned strap systems to prevent migration, then the brace can stay in place, but the straps do not fully touch or are adjacent to the entire leg anatomy over its circumference, causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is divided into multiple separate strap segments distributed around the leg circumference. Each strap segment independently contacts and secures to the leg anatomy, providing comprehensive coverage and stable suspension without requiring any single strap to be tightly tensioned, thereby preventing migration while minimizing discomfort
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system transitions from a single-plane strap arrangement to a multi-dimensional configuration that wraps around the leg in multiple directions and planes. This three-dimensional strap distribution ensures full circumferential contact with the leg anatomy, providing reliable anti-migration capability while distributing pressure evenly to avoid discomfort
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional knee braces use bulky padding and multiple straps to ensure comfort and stability, then the brace can provide support, but the brace becomes unduly bulky and not simple to adjust
Solution Approach 1:
The brace incorporates adjustable components with movable elements such as sliding straps, telescoping legs, and rotating adjustment mechanisms. These dynamic features allow the brace to be easily configured to different leg sizes and shapes without requiring bulky fixed padding or complex multi-step adjustment procedures, achieving comfort through adaptability rather than excess material
Solution Approach 2:
The brace design allows for easy modification of key parameters such as strap length, leg length, and hinge position through simple adjustment mechanisms. By enabling quick parameter changes without requiring complex procedures or excessive padding, the brace achieves comfort and adaptability while maintaining simplicity in adjustment
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 a comfortable, secure, and adjustable fit that minimizes migration and pressure on surgical sites, facilitating easier donning and effective alignment of the knee joint.
Implementation Method 1
a spring is within the groove and articulates between first and second positions of the lock body relative to the pivoting assembly
Implementation Method 2
sticky or frictional foam on pads intended for placement adjacent the wearer's skin
Data Source
AI summary
An orthopedic device has first and second elongate struts each having a strap coupling member, and a flexible strap securing to the first and second struts by the strap coupling members. The orthopedic device includes various embodiments of hinge assemblies including flexion and extension stops and locks for maintaining the hinge assembly in a fixed configuration. The orthopedic device has various embodiments of strap assemblies for securing components to cuff assemblies.