Rear Entry Ankle Brace with Detachable Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ankle sprains often require frequent application and removal of braces during rehabilitation, which can be cumbersome and delay recovery due to the complexity and rigidity of existing ankle braces that restrict movement.
Innovation Solution
A flexible ankle brace design with medial-, lateral-, or rear-entry access, featuring a soft fabric holder without a rigid frame, with detachable panels and elastic straps for easy on and off, allowing quick adjustment and use without untangling laces, and an optional rigid heel support for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid frame or skeleton is used in the ankle brace, then structural support and stability are improved, but ease of operation and comfort are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The ankle brace is divided into separate functional components: a flexible holder made of soft fabric, detachable rear panels, and independent support straps. This segmentation allows the brace to provide structural support through strategically placed elements while maintaining overall flexibility and ease of application through the soft fabric construction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complex lacing system is used, then adjustability and support are improved, but time consumption and ease of operation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The lacing system is designed to be dynamic rather than static - the laces can be quickly loosened and retied, and the rear panels can be detached and reattached without manipulating the entire lacing system. This allows for rapid adjustment and application/removal while maintaining adjustability through the lacing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachment of rear panels from the holder creates segmented access points that allow the wearer to open the brace from the rear without untied the front lacing system, significantly reducing the time required for application and removal while preserving the adjustability of the lacing system.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the ankle brace is designed with fixed closure, then support stability is improved, but ease of operation and frequency of use are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The ankle brace is segmented into a holder and detachable rear panels connected by complementary attachment means. This allows the panels to be independently removed from the holder while the lacing system remains intact, enabling quick opening and closing without disrupting the support structure or requiring re-lacing.
Solution Approach 2:
The rear panels are extracted as separate detachable components from the main holder structure. This extraction allows the panels to be removed and reattached independently, providing easy access for application and removal of the brace while maintaining the stability of the core holder and lacing system.
4Reliability
If a rigid structure is used, then injury prevention is improved, but natural movement and comfort are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The ankle brace uses a holder made entirely of soft, flexible fabric without a rigid external frame. This flexible construction allows the brace to conform to the natural shape and movements of the ankle and foot, providing comfort and range of motion while still delivering injury prevention through the strategic placement of support straps, lacing tension, and optional rigid heel support.
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
Enables rapid and comfortable application and removal of the ankle brace, reducing the risk of re-injury by maintaining support while allowing for natural movement and ease of use, particularly beneficial for athletes and those with limited mobility.
Implementation Method 1
At least one retention strap, preferably including an elastic material, is connected to the holder, and extends around the holder to at least partially overlie and to removably connect to the support strap.
Data Source
AI summary
An ankle brace includes a foot and ankle holder made from a flexible fabric having a foot portion transitioning to an upper ankle portion with opposite first and second sides. The upper ankle portion has an open front and back. A rear portion is attached to partially enclose the open back. The rear portion has opposite first and second panels that removably attach to the first and second sides of the upper ankle portion, respectively. An optional tongue is located at the open front and laces overlie the tongue. A rigid heel support is disposed inside the foot portion, and the heel support may include pivoting joints. Elongated support straps extend under the foot portion and wrap around the ankle holder. Retention straps extend around the ankle holder.