Patella Biasing Knee Brace for Quadriceps Lengthening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Prior art knee braces are ineffective in providing long-term pain relief for knee conditions such as patellofemoral syndrome, tendonitis, osteoarthritis, and patellar dislocation, as they fail to address the underlying issue of muscle tightening and its impact on tendon irritation and patella positioning, leading to continued worsening of symptoms.

Innovation Solution

A knee brace apparatus with a flexible upper and lower member and a patella biasing device that applies downward tension to stretch the quadriceps muscle, positioning the patella correctly and alleviating pain by lengthening the muscle over time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If prior art knee braces apply pressure to the patella to stabilize it, then short-term pain relief may be achieved, but the underlying muscle tightening and shortening is not addressed, causing symptoms to worsen in the long term

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelong-term pain relief effectivenessVSAvoidbrace structure simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The brace incorporates adjustable tensioning members that allow dynamic adjustment of the downward force applied to the patella. This enables the device to adapt to changing muscle tension levels and treatment progress, providing sustained effectiveness rather than static pressure that loses efficacy over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the key parameter from static patellar stabilization to dynamic quadriceps muscle stretching. By applying controlled downward force through the patella, the brace induces muscle lengthening that addresses the root cause of pain, transforming the treatment mechanism from symptom management to cause resolution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If prior art braces focus on stabilizing the patella without addressing muscle length, then the patella position may be temporarily maintained, but the tightened quadriceps muscle continues to pull the patella out of place, leading to recurring pain and potential dislocation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatella position stabilityVSAvoidlong-term pain relief

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The brace applies preliminary stretching force to the quadriceps muscle through downward patellar pressure before the muscle can cause patellar displacement. By pre-positioning the patella and stretching the muscle proactively, the device prevents the cycle of tightening and dislocation rather than reacting to it after occurrence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If no downward force is applied to the patella, then the quadriceps muscle remains shortened and continues to irritate tendons, but applying insufficient force fails to stretch the muscle and address the underlying cause

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrace application simplicityVSAvoideffectiveness in stretching quadriceps

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The brace applies a controlled excessive downward force on the patella that exceeds the normal muscle tension, ensuring sufficient stretching of the quadriceps. This partial over-correction guarantees muscle lengthening even in cases of significant tightening, while the adjustable tensioning members allow customization to prevent excessive force in milder cases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 apparatus provides both short-term and long-term relief from knee pain by ensuring the patella is in its proper position, reducing muscle tension, and preventing further irritation, suitable for use after ACL surgery without interfering with incisions.

Implementation Method 1

at least one tensioning member integral with the upper member and depending downwardly therefrom

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Implementation Method 2

the at least one tensioning member is stretched creating a downward biasing of the patella biasing device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS10709593B2Knee pain treatment apparatus and method of use

Publication Date: 2020.07.14 HUR GENE

AI summary

The knee pain treatment apparatus includes an upper member constructed to encircle a leg above a knee. The upper member includes an outer surface, an inner surface, an opening for exposing a front of the knee and a tensioning member integral with the upper member and depending downwardly therefrom. A patella biasing device is secured on the inner surface of the upper member and is arranged and constructed to border the opening. The apparatus further includes a flexible lower member arranged and constructed to encircle the leg below the knee and at least one tensioning member fastening system. The tensioning member fastening system is arranged and constructed for connecting the upper member and the lower member. When the upper member and lower member are mounted on the leg and connected, the at least one tensioning member is stretched creating a downward biasing of the patella.