Patellofemoral Brace Cable Hinge Mechanism for Patella Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopedic devices fail to maintain the patella pad in a proper position, leading to inadequate support and increased risk of patellar subluxation during knee flexion and extension.
Innovation Solution
A patellofemoral device featuring a knee brace with a main substrate, a patella support system that includes a compression element and cable mechanism, which applies lateral or medial tension to the patella through a hinge system, ensuring proper tracking and stability of the patella during knee movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stationary or static buttress is used to provide support about the patella, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the device fails to maintain the patella pad in a proper position during knee flexion and extension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static buttress into a dynamic system using a cable mechanism connected to a movable hinge. As the hinge moves during knee flexion and extension, the cable dynamically adjusts tension to maintain proper patella pad positioning throughout the range of motion, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable acts as an intermediary element between the hinge and the patella pad, transmitting force dynamically as the hinge moves. This intermediary mechanism allows the system to maintain reliable patella support without requiring a complex actively controlled system, bridging the gap between simple structure and reliable performance.
2Reliability
If a cable mechanism with a movable hinge is used to maintain proper patella pad positioning during knee movement, then the reliability of patella support is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism moves automatically with the natural range of motion of the knee joint, and this movement self-generates the cable tension needed to maintain patella pad positioning. The system serves itself by utilizing the body's own movement to activate the support mechanism, reducing the need for additional complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic cable-tensioning mechanism leverages the natural kinematics of knee movement to automatically adjust support forces. As the hinge follows the knee's arc of motion, the cable length and tension change dynamically, providing accurate patella pad positioning throughout flexion and extension without requiring active control.
3Reliability
If the cable is tensioned to apply pressure about the patella, then the lateral or medial displacement of the patella is prevented, but the device may cause discomfort or pressure points
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic cable mechanism distributes pressure more evenly across the patella by adjusting tension based on the knee's position. During flexion and extension, the changing cable angle and tension automatically adapt to maintain stabilization while reducing concentrated pressure points, thereby preventing displacement without causing discomfort.
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 effectively prevents patellar subluxation and reduces pain by generating increased lateral or medial tension around the patella, maintaining proper patellar tracking and stability during knee flexion and extension.
Implementation Method 1
a cable having a first end anchored to a pivoting element connected to the hinge or a strut extending from the hinge, and a second end anchored to the compression element. The cable engages the hinge such that articulation of the hinge from an extension position to a flexion position pulls the compression element toward the hinge to exert a generally lateral force over the main substrate.
Data Source
AI summary
A patellofemoral brace or support has a main substrate, a hinge located on at least one of the lateral and medial sides, and a support system coupled to the main substrate and the hinge. The support system has a compression element removably securable over the main substrate and a cable having a first end anchored to a pivoting element connected to the hinge and a second end anchored to the compression element. The cable engages the hinge such that articulation of the hinge from an extension position to a flexion position pulls the compression element toward the hinge to exert a generally medial force over the main substrate.