Orthopedic Strap Attachment with Nested Cable Recess

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional knee braces fail to accommodate dynamic leg dimensions and provide a secure, comfortable fit due to bulky strap attachments that protrude from the frame, leading to discomfort and increased risk of damage.

Innovation Solution

A streamlined strap attachment system featuring a cable pivotally secured to the frame with a coaxially arranged tube, allowing for adjustable extension and retraction to minimize protrusion and enhance strength, accommodating varying limb anatomy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional strap attachments are used in knee braces, then the brace can provide basic support function, but the strap attachments protrude from the frame causing discomfort and increasing the risk of damage

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecomfortVSAvoidrisk of damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The strap attachment is nested within a recess in the frame structure, with the cable extending through the recess and the strap wrapping around a protrusion. This nesting arrangement allows the strap attachment to be integrated into the frame without protruding outward, eliminating discomfort and reducing damage risk while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Strength

If strap attachments are made stronger to secure the brace firmly, then the attachment strength increases, but the protrusion from the frame increases causing discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidcomfort
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The strap attachment is nested within a recess in the frame structure, with the cable extending through the recess and the strap wrapping around a protrusion. This nesting arrangement allows the strap attachment to be integrated into the frame without protruding outward, eliminating discomfort while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The strap attachment utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement by extending the cable through the recess and having the strap wrap around a protrusion in a different dimensional plane. This allows the attachment to achieve strength without increasing the external profile of the brace.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the brace is designed to fit dynamic leg dimensions, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of dynamic leg dimensionsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The strap attachment incorporates a movable cable that can extend and retract within the recess, allowing dynamic adjustment of the strap position and tension. This dynamic mechanism enables the brace to accommodate changing leg dimensions without requiring complex adjustable structures, as the cable can adapt its length and position within the recessed space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11857450B2Strap attachment and orthopedic device using the same
Publication Date: 2024.01.02 OSSUR ICELAND EHF
  • US11857450B2 patent drawing
  • US11857450B2 patent drawing
  • US11857450B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A strap attachment for attaching a strap to a frame member in an orthopedic device including a retainer; a cable connected to the retainer having at least one segment arranged to be adjustably connected to a frame of a device; a connector securable to an end portion of the at least one segment of the cable, the connector arranged to engage the frame.