Orthopedic Strap Tightener with Tension Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing knee braces lack effective means to identify and control strap tension, leading to inadequate unloading and stabilization of the knee joint, which can result in diminished effectiveness or wearer discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A strap tightener assembly with incremental tension control and an indicator system, allowing for precise adjustment of strap tension through a tightening device and cable mechanism, integrated into a flexible base and cover structure that conforms to the wearer's anatomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a strap is used to secure the knee brace, then the brace can be fastened to the limb, but the tension in the strap cannot be identified or precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an indicator system that provides visual feedback on strap tension levels, allowing the user to see the current tension state and adjust accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables precise tension control by showing when the strap reaches predetermined tension levels, resolving the contradiction between measuring tension precision and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces subjective mechanical judgment of strap tension with an objective indicator system that translates mechanical tension into visible indicators. This substitution allows precise tension measurement without requiring complex mechanical gauges, maintaining ease of operation while improving measurement precision.
2Reliability
If the strap tension is increased to improve knee unloading, then the effectiveness of the brace increases, but wearer discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator system provides real-time feedback on strap tension, allowing users to identify the optimal tension level that achieves effective knee unloading without causing discomfort. This feedback enables precise control to maintain tension within the therapeutic window, resolving the contradiction between reliability and harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables precise adjustment of strap tension parameters through the indicator system, allowing optimization of the tension level to achieve maximum therapeutic effect while minimizing discomfort. By controlling the tension parameter within specific ranges, the system resolves the contradiction between effectiveness and wearer comfort.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the strap tension is decreased to reduce wearer discomfort, then comfort improves, but the effectiveness of knee unloading diminishes
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator system provides visual feedback that allows users to maintain strap tension at the minimum level required for effective knee unloading. This prevents both excessive tension (causing discomfort) and insufficient tension (reducing effectiveness), resolving the contradiction between comfort and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables precise control of strap tension parameters to maintain the optimal therapeutic range. The indicator system helps users identify and maintain the minimum effective tension level, ensuring reliability while minimizing discomfort through precise parameter management.
Data Source
AI summary
A strap tightener assembly has a base, a tightening device mounted on the base and movable relative thereto, and a strap assembly coupled to the tightening device. The tightening device provides incremental movement of the strap assembly relative to the base at a plurality of predefined settings. A cover extends over the strap assembly and connects to the base so that the base and the cover form a channel permitting movement of the strap assembly therethrough. The cover defines an elongate slot extending along a portion of a length of the cover, and the strap assembly has an indicator identifying the relative location of the strap assembly to the cover. A strap is securable to the strap assembly.