Orthopedic Knee Brace Anti-Migration Strap Design
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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, especially when applied post-operatively, as they fail to conform to the leg anatomy and require manual stabilization during donning.
Innovation Solution
The orthopedic device features adjustable struts, a hinge assembly with locking mechanism, anti-migration straps, and frictional foam pads to secure the brace on the leg, allowing for easy donning and adjustment while preventing migration, with a pressure relief pad to minimize pressure on surgical sites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If prior art 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 easy application with one hand
Solution Approach 1:
The upright assemblies are pre-configured with rigid structural elements and hinge connections that maintain a stable, predetermined shape before application. This preliminary structural configuration allows the brace to be held and applied with one hand, eliminating the need for manual stabilization during donning.
2Ease of operation
If prior art knee braces use flexible straps for suspension, then the brace can be attached to the leg, but the straps do not fully touch or are adjacent to the entire leg anatomy over its circumference and must be tightly tensioned to retain on the leg
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system uses flexible straps configured to wrap around and contact the entire circumference of the leg anatomy. This continuous contact distribution allows the straps to retain the brace on the leg without requiring tight tensioning, improving both comfort and suspension reliability.
3Reliability
If prior art knee braces use rigid strap systems to prevent migration, then the brace can be secured firmly, but the straps must be tightly tensioned causing discomfort to the leg
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible straps are designed to conform to the leg's anatomy and distribute suspension forces across the entire circumference of the leg. This allows the brace to be securely retained without tight tensioning, preventing migration while avoiding discomfort to the leg.
4Manufacturing precision
If prior art knee braces use complex adjustment mechanisms, then the brace can provide precise flexion and extension control, but the braces are not simple to adjust
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly incorporates a dynamic locking mechanism that allows the brace to be easily adjusted between locked and unlocked positions. The spring-loaded design enables simple one-handed operation to lock or unlock the hinge, providing precise flexion and extension control without complex adjustment procedures.
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 comfortable, secure, and adjustable support, reducing the time required for fitting and preventing brace migration, facilitating easy application and ensuring proper alignment and pain relief for a wide range of leg sizes and shapes.
Implementation Method 1
a spring located 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
Figure 1~4
Figure 2
Figure 5~7
AI summary
An orthopedic device (200) has first and second elongate struts (204, 208) each having a strap coupling member (272), and a flexible strap (218) securing to the first and second struts (204, 208) by the strap coupling members (272). A semi-rigid and resiliently bendable expander (222, 224) is connected to and spans a predetermined length between the struts (204, 208). The expander (222, 224) provides two main configurations for the orthopedic device including maintaining the first and second struts (204, 208) in a generally flat configuration relative to one another and a curved configuration upon application of a load on the first and second struts (204, 208). The expander (222, 224) reverts to a flat configuration upon removal of a load or from the first and second struts (204, 208).