Reference-Line Training Device for Knee Valgus Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Athletic activities such as jumping, landing, and cutting generate dynamic forces that can lead to knee pain and injuries due to kinematic patterns like hip internal rotation, insufficient hip flexion, and dynamic knee valgus, which are characterized by excessive knee flexion and insufficient hip flexion.
Innovation Solution
A training device with left and right guide elements that provide a reference line from the shoulders to the toes, allowing users to adjust their movements to reduce knee flexion and increase hip flexion, thereby minimizing knee valgus through feedback mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If resistance is applied during movement training, then muscle strength is improved, but movement naturalness and performance are altered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces guide elements as intermediary visual references that do not physically resist movement but provide directional guidance. These guide elements serve as mediators between the trainer's intent and the athlete's movement, allowing correction of kinematic patterns without applying force that would alter natural movement dynamics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical resistance systems with visual reference systems. Instead of using physical devices that apply force to correct movement, the invention uses guide elements that provide visual feedback, allowing the athlete to self-correct movements without external mechanical interference.
2Manufacturing precision
If visual reference systems are added to provide movement guidance, then movement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the reference system into separate guide elements positioned at key anatomical locations (shoulders and feet). Each guide element independently marks a specific reference point, allowing simple visualization of body alignment without requiring a complex integrated system. This segmentation enables precise movement guidance through multiple simple components rather than one complex device.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide elements serve multiple functions: they provide visual references for shoulder positioning, foot positioning, and overall body alignment. The same simple visual reference structure can be applied to various movements and training scenarios, reducing the need for different specialized devices for different purposes.
Data Source
AI summary
A training device and methods of using the device are described to train athletes to reduce the incidence of certain types of injuries. The device and methods promote a reduction in knee vulgus and hip internal rotation during typical athletic movements such as jumping, landing, and lateral bounding. The device provides a guide element that serves as a reference line providing feedback to a user on their movements. A user may adjust their joint positions during the movements based upon self-monitoring or feedback from a trainer who observes the user executing movements while wearing the device. The guide element may provide feedback on knee positioning in two axes of movement.