Rate-Responsive Orthotics with Buckling Elastic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthotics and compression garments for reducing musculoskeletal injuries are ineffective, uncomfortable, and often bulky, failing to provide significant injury prevention or human performance enhancement.
Innovation Solution
Development of rate-dependent, elastically-deformable devices that become stiff and resistant to stretching at high elongation rates, allowing for effective joint support and enhanced circulation while maintaining comfort and performance during normal activities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If compression garments apply tight, constant compression to support joints and enhance circulation, then joint stability and blood flow are improved, but user comfort decreases and local irritation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The compression garment incorporates elastic devices with buckling elements that dynamically adjust the compression force based on the degree of joint flexion. At rest, the device provides minimal compression for comfort, but automatically increases compression force when the joint exceeds a predetermined flexion angle, providing dynamic support only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the compression parameter (force magnitude) based on the joint angle parameter. As the joint flexes beyond the predetermined angle, the elastic device buckles and transitions from a low-compression state to a high-compression state, automatically adjusting the support level according to the mechanical state of the joint.
2Reliability
If traditional braces and orthotics provide rigid support to prevent injury, then joint stability is improved, but human performance is reduced and the devices become bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The orthotic device uses elastic elements with buckling mechanisms that remain flexible during normal athletic movements within the safe range, allowing full performance. When the joint approaches an injurious range of motion, the device dynamically stiffens through buckling to provide protective support, thus maintaining performance while preventing injury.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes its mechanical stiffness parameter based on the joint angle. During normal activity, the elastic devices remain in a flexible, unstuckled state allowing natural motion. When the joint angle approaches the predetermined limit, the devices buckle and transition to a stiff, load-bearing state that prevents further motion into the injurious range.
3Reliability
If compression garments apply high elastic resistance to enhance circulation, then blood flow enhancement is improved, but local irritation and discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The compression garment incorporates elastic devices that dynamically adjust compression force based on muscle engagement level. During relaxed states, minimal compression is applied for comfort. During active muscle engagement, the devices automatically increase compression force to enhance the muscle pump effect and improve circulation, providing high resistance only when physiologically beneficial.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the compression force parameter in response to changes in muscle volume and tension during exercise. As muscles contract and expand during physical activity, the elastic devices respond by increasing or decreasing compression accordingly, optimizing circulation enhancement while minimizing discomfort during rest periods.
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
These devices effectively limit unwanted joint motions and enhance blood circulation by providing low, comfortable compression during relaxed states and high compression during active muscle engagement, reducing injury likelihood and improving biomechanical efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The device 10 is configured to elongate or otherwise stretch by the application of an external tensile force applied at its ends. The resistance force to extension of the device 10 is designed and configured to increase as the rate of extension or rate of elongation of the device 10 increases.
Implementation Method 2
The rate-dependent, elastically-deformable device will couple the shank (or lower leg) and foot across the ankle joint. During slow, normal motion in daily and sporting activities, the rate-dependent, elastically-deformable device will not limit motion.
Implementation Method 3
an elastically-deformable confinement member 1 which houses one or more filaments 2
Data Source
AI summary
Rate-dependent, elastically-deformable devices according to various embodiments can be stretched and recovered at low elongation rates. Yet they become stiff and resistive to stretching at high elongation rates. These device can be utilized in orthotics, braces, and circulation-enhancing compression garments for the prevention of injury, promotion of personal health, and/or enhancement in human performance. The rate-responsive properties of the devices are critical performance enablers, as they allow the devices to provide a unique balance of comfort and performance that cannot be achieved with conventional, passive straps, braces, and compression garments.