Segmented Hinge Knee Brace for Shearing Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Knee braces existing technologies fail to effectively exert an anterior-posterior shearing force on the lower leg relative to the upper leg, leading to undesirable knee joint loading and restricted physiological movement, especially in individuals without a functioning anterior cruciate ligament.
Innovation Solution
A knee brace design featuring independently pivotable upper and lower members connected by a hinge with multiple pivot pins, allowing for relative movement and adjustable stops to mimic natural knee movement while applying an anterior-posterior shearing force, utilizing a lever and leaf springs for stability and controlled movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the lower member is firmly connected to the upper member to exert shearing force, then the anterior-posterior shearing force is effectively applied, but physiological movement of the knee is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge member is divided into a first hinge part and a second hinge part that are pivotally interconnected by a third pivot pin. This segmentation allows the upper member and lower member to pivot independently with respect to the hinge member, enabling physiological knee movement while still transmitting the anterior-posterior shearing force effectively through the divided hinge structure.
2Device complexity
If the hinge member uses a simple single-pivot connection, then the structure is simple, but the anterior-posterior shearing force cannot be effectively exerted
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge member is segmented into two separate hinge parts (first hinge part and second hinge part) connected by a third pivot pin. This segmentation creates a multi-pivot system that can effectively transmit the anterior-posterior shearing force while allowing natural knee movement, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and force transmission effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The third pivot pin acts as an intermediary element connecting the first hinge part and second hinge part. This intermediary connection allows the hinge to function as a force transmission mechanism for the anterior-posterior shearing force while maintaining the flexibility needed for physiological knee movement.
3Ease of operation
If the hinge member allows free movement, then physiological movement is permitted, but the anterior-posterior shearing force is not effectively applied
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the hinge member into two pivotally connected parts, the system achieves a balance between free movement and force application. The first hinge part allows movement with the upper member while the second hinge part maintains connection with the lower member, and their pivotal connection transmits the shearing force effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge member employs dynamic characteristics through multiple pivot connections that adapt to the natural movement of the knee joint. The first and second hinge parts can pivot independently, allowing the structure to dynamically respond to physiological movement while consistently applying the anterior-posterior shearing force throughout the range of motion.
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 effective anterior-posterior shearing force application, allowing for natural knee movement while maintaining stability and preventing overloading, suitable for individuals with varying knee-axis displacements and damaged cruciate ligaments.
Implementation Method 1
the first hinge part and the second hinge part are pivotally interconnected by a third pivot pin
Implementation Method 2
the upper member is connected to a lower member positioned therebelow by means of a hinge member. The hinge member itself is attached to the upper leg and the shin portion by means of attachment
Implementation Method 3
an anterior-posterior shearing force is exerted on the lower leg relative to the upper leg upon pivoting of the leg from the flexed position to the extended position
Data Source
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AI summary
A knee brace can be detachably attached to a leg comprising an upper leg portion, a knee portion and a lower leg portion comprising a shin portion. The leg can pivot from an extended position to a flexed position and vice versa. The knee brace at least comprises at least one upper member to be attached to the upper leg portion, at least one lower member to be connected to the lower leg portion, at least one hinge member, which is pivotally connected to the upper member by a first pivot pin and which is pivotally connected to the lower member by a second pivot pin, and means for exerting an anterior-posterior shearing force on the lower leg relative to the upper leg upon pivoting of the leg from the flexed position to the extended position.