Removable Angle Limit Elements for Orthopedic Hinge Braces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopedic knee braces lack an easily adjustable system for limiting knee flexion and extension angles, which is necessary for various treatment and prophylactic purposes, as users require multiple angles of limitation and a rapid adjustment mechanism.
Innovation Solution
An angle limitation system for orthopedic braces featuring a hinge assembly with removably insertable extension and flexion angle limit elements, each with engaging surfaces that secure within the brace's ports, utilizing engagement mechanisms such as flexible struts, jaws, or catch posts to allow for quick adjustment of angle limitations without disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed angle limiting system is used in the brace, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability for different treatment angles is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The angle limiting system is segmented into multiple independent limit elements (first angle limit element, second angle limit element, etc.), each with specific limiting angles. These modular elements can be independently selected and installed in the hinge assembly, allowing customization of angle limitations without redesigning the entire hinge structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly is designed with multiple ports that can accommodate different types of angle limit elements. The same hinge structure can work with various limit elements having different limiting angles, making the brace adaptable to multiple treatment requirements while maintaining a universal base structure.
2Ease of operation
If the angle limit elements are permanently fixed in the hinge, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of adjustment for different angles is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The angle limit elements are designed with dynamic retention mechanisms (such as spring-loaded clips, snap-fit features, or threaded adjustments) that allow the elements to be easily inserted and removed from the hinge ports. The retention mechanism maintains secure engagement during use but allows quick replacement when adjustment is needed, balancing operational ease with secure fixation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple angle limit elements are provided for different treatment angles, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
A standardized set of angle limit elements is designed with uniform mounting interfaces and dimensions, allowing the same hinge assembly to accommodate multiple different limit elements. This universal design enables the brace to provide multiple treatment angles using a consistent component family, reducing the need for completely different hardware for each angle.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
An angle limitation system for an orthopedic brace employs a hinge assembly (18a, 18b) rotatably receiving an upper strut (14a, 14b) and a lower strut (16a, 16b) and having a hinge plate (24) and a hinge assembly cap (26). An extension angle limit element (60) is removably insertable in an anterior port (28) between the hinge plate and hinge assembly cap. The extension angle limit element has a body (64) with limiting surfaces (66) adapted to engage mating faces (68) indented in the anterior edges of the upper and lower strut. A flexion angle limit element (62) is removably insertable in a posterior port (30) between the hinge plate and hinge assembly cap. The flexion angle limit element has a body (78) with limiting surfaces (80) adapted to engage mating faces (92) indented in the posterior edges of the upper and lower strut. Engagement mechanisms are adapted to releasably secure the flexion angle limit element in the posterior port and the engagement angle limit element in the anterior port.