Pivotable Knee Brace Frame with Flex Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current knee support devices are either too rigid, uncomfortable, or unsuitable for sports activities due to lack of flexibility and high cost, and often require extensive customization, making them inaccessible and impractical for many users.
Innovation Solution
A knee brace system featuring a frame assembly with pivotable top and bottom portions connected by articulation elements and a flexible connection, combined with a securement system using straps and a sleeve assembly for customizable fit and comfort, providing structural support while allowing for flexibility and ease of use during sports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid structures are used to provide structural support, then weight bearing capability is improved, but comfort and flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple segments (top portion, bottom portion, lateral portions) connected by articulation elements, allowing each segment to move independently while maintaining overall structural support. This segmentation enables the brace to provide weight bearing support while adapting to knee movement and user comfort requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation elements and flex members introduce dynamic properties to the frame, allowing it to flex and adapt during knee movement. The frame transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system that can accommodate range of motion while maintaining structural integrity and weight bearing capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom fitted devices are used to provide suitable support, then adaptability is improved, but cost and accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The frame design incorporates universal features that can accommodate different user anatomies and activity requirements. The articulation elements and flex members are designed to work together as a standardized system that provides adaptability without requiring custom manufacturing for each user, thereby reducing cost and improving accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the frame have specialized properties tailored to specific functional requirements (e.g., lateral portions for stability, articulation elements for movement). This localized optimization allows the overall device to be highly adaptable while using standardized components that can be manufactured efficiently.
3Ease of operation
If flexible structures are used to improve comfort, then ease of operation is improved, but weight bearing capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The frame combines rigid and flexible elements in a composite structure. The rigid portions (frame members, articulation elements) provide weight bearing capability, while the flexible elements (flex members, straps) provide comfort and adaptability. This composite approach allows both conflicting requirements to be satisfied simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The flex members act as intermediaries between the rigid frame structure and the user's body. These flexible components transfer and distribute forces, allowing the rigid frame to bear weight while the flexible intermediaries provide comfort and accommodate movement.
4Stability of the object's composition
If rigid frame structures are used to provide structural support, then stability is improved, but adaptability to movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation elements transform the static rigid frame into a dynamic structure that can adapt to knee movement. The flex members further enhance this adaptability by allowing controlled deformation during range of motion, while the overall frame maintains structural stability through its articulated design.
Solution Approach 2:
Dividing the frame into segmented portions connected by articulation elements allows each segment to maintain structural stability while the connections between segments provide adaptability to movement. This segmentation enables the frame to be stable when needed and flexible during knee range of motion.
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 knee brace system offers effective weight-bearing support, comfort, and adaptability, ensuring a suitable fit for various users and activities, while being cost-effective and accessible, addressing the limitations of existing devices.
Implementation Method 1
a first articulation element and a second articulation element pivotably coupling the top and bottom portions of the frame assembly to each other
Implementation Method 2
a flex member connecting the inner frame portion and the outer frame portion in at least one of the top and bottom portions of the frame assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A knee brace comprising a frame assembly comprising an outer frame portion and an inner frame portion. The outer frame portion has a first outer transverse member, a second outer transverse member, and an outer side member configured to extend along a length of a first side of a user's leg when worn by the user, the outer side member extending between the first outer transverse member and the second outer transverse member. The inner frame portion has a first inner transverse member, a second inner transverse member, and an inner side member opposite the outer side member and is configured to extend along a length of a second side of a user's leg when worn by the user, the second side member extending between the first inner transverse member and the second inner transverse member. The outer frame portion and inner frame portion define a top portion of the frame assembly and a bottom portion of the frame assembly, the top and bottom portions configured to be pivotable relative to each other. The frame assembly additionally comprises a flex member connecting the inner frame portion and the outer frame portion in at least one of the top and bottom portions of the frame assembly. In embodiments, a securement system may be included to form a knee brace assembly or system.