Joint Orthosis Modular Insert Retention Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joint orthoses with modular inserts face issues of inserts falling out due to wear, compromising their effectiveness in stabilizing joints like the knee.
Innovation Solution
A joint orthosis design featuring upper and lower members with pivot segments, modular inserts with interlocking teeth, a mounting frame, and a shielding cover to prevent access and secure the inserts, ensuring they do not fall out.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modular inserts are used in the joint orthosis, then the adaptability and ease of adjustment are improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to inserts falling out from wear
Solution Approach 1:
The modular insert is nested within a retaining structure that includes side walls and a bottom wall forming a cavity. The insert fits inside this cavity like a nested doll, with the retaining structure enclosing the insert to prevent it from falling out while allowing it to be inserted and removed when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The orthosis is divided into modular components including separate inserts, retaining structures, and adjustment mechanisms. This segmentation allows the insert to be independently replaced and adjusted while maintaining the overall structural integrity through defined interfaces and retention mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If the joint orthosis allows rotation and adjustment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability deteriorates due to inserts falling out
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining structure is pre-configured with side walls and a bottom wall that form a cavity designed to receive and secure the modular insert. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that when the insert is placed in the cavity, it is automatically retained and positioned stably, preventing it from falling out during joint movement and adjustment operations.
3Reliability
If the orthosis structure is made more complex to prevent inserts from falling out, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining structure merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: the side walls and bottom wall form a unified cavity that simultaneously provides structural support, insert retention, and positioning guidance. This merging approach achieves reliable insert retention without requiring multiple separate complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the orthosis, creates a cavity to retain the modular insert, guides the insert into proper positioning, and allows for easy insertion and removal of the insert. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A joint orthosis includes upper and lower members, and a joint mechanism. The joint mechanism includes a shielding cover and at least one of modular front and rear inserts. Each of the modular front and rear inserts is disposed to limit movement of a joint of a human body in a flexion/extension direction. The shielding cover is removably attached to a mounting frame of the joint mechanism and is configured to conceal and prevent access to the at least one or the modular front and rear inserts.