Rotation-Stop Hinge Lock for Tool-Free Knee Motion Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional knee brace hinge mechanisms fail to precisely simulate knee joint movement and adequately control the range of knee joint motion, lacking adjustability to accommodate individual user needs and rehabilitation progress, often requiring tools for adjustment which can be cumbersome and prone to improper installation.
Innovation Solution
A tool-free hinge with a built-in locking device and a kit of rotation stops that allow for selective engagement and disengagement without disassembly, enabling easy adjustment of the range of motion without the need for supplementary tools, ensuring safe, repeatable, and stable joint movement control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional hinge mechanisms are used, then joint support function is provided, but the ability to precisely simulate knee joint movement and control range of motion is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism incorporates adjustable rotation stops that can be repositioned along the strut to dynamically change the range of motion limits. This allows the hinge to adapt to different user needs and rehabilitation stages while maintaining reliable joint support and motion control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables modification of motion parameters by adjusting the position of rotation stops along the strut. By changing the location of these stops, the range of motion parameters (flexion and extension limits) can be precisely controlled to match individual user requirements and rehabilitation progress.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustment mechanisms are added to improve adaptability, then user-specific motion control is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment system is segmented into modular components: rotation stops, retaining members, and levers that can independently function. This segmentation allows for simplified individual parts that collectively provide adjustable motion control without requiring a complex integrated mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge incorporates self-servicing adjustment features where users can easily reposition rotation stops and engage/disengage retaining members without requiring external tools or complex procedures. The lever-operated retaining members enable tool-free adjustment, reducing operational complexity.
3Ease of operation
If tool-free adjustment is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but reliable locking and secure placement of rotation stops may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining member acts as an intermediary component between the rotation stop and the hinge body. It provides a reliable mechanical connection that secures the rotation stop in place, while the lever mechanism enables easy tool-free engagement and disengagement of this retaining member, thus maintaining both security and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining member features a curved or arc-shaped engagement surface that interfaces with the rotation stop. This curved geometry provides stable, repeatable positioning of the rotation stop while allowing smooth lever actuation for engagement and disengagement, ensuring both reliability and ease of use.
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge is configured for selectively retaining and removing at least one rotation stop without a supplementary tool. The hinge includes a locking device having at least one lever arranged to selectively rotate a retaining member for engagement and disengagement with the at least one rotation stop. The retaining member forms an abutment portion extending from a first portion and a second portion extending from the abutment portion. A non-abutment portion is located opposite the abutment portion along a same segment of the axis of the retaining member.