Sensorized Knee Brace With Adaptive Support for Joint Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional knee braces do not collect data on knee performance or function, provide passive support, and lack real-time adjustment capabilities, while rigid braces restrict motion without considering individual conditions.
Innovation Solution
A form-fitting knee brace integrated with sensors and a digital system that measures joint motion and physiological properties, adjusts its shape and functionality in real-time based on feedback, and delivers nutrients to enhance performance and prevent injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional rigid knee braces are used to provide support, then knee stability is improved, but range of motion is restricted and individual condition adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The knee brace transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system with adjustable properties. Sensors continuously monitor knee position, velocity, acceleration, and force, while actuators actively adjust brace stiffness and support levels in real-time based on detected movement patterns and pre-programmed protocols, enabling the brace to adapt to individual patient conditions and movement phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The brace modifies its mechanical parameters (stiffness, damping, support force) dynamically based on sensor feedback. The system changes physical parameters such as the rigidity of support elements and the magnitude of assistive forces applied to the knee joint, allowing optimization of both stability and adaptability across different movement scenarios.
2Ease of operation
If conventional flexible knee sleeves are used, then comfort and range of motion are improved, but data collection capability and active support deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flexibility and comfort of soft tissue support materials with integrated sensor arrays, wireless communication modules, and active support mechanisms. This merging creates a hybrid system that maintains the ease of motion provided by flexible materials while adding sophisticated data collection and active intervention capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The knee brace serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support and comfort like traditional sleeves, collects comprehensive biomechanical data through integrated sensors, communicates wirelessly with external systems, and delivers active therapeutic intervention through actuators. This multi-functionality eliminates the trade-off between flexibility and data collection.
3Measurement precision
If manual measurement tools such as goniometers are used, then measurement capability is provided, but continuous data collection and real-time feedback deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement tools like goniometers with electronic sensor systems including accelerometers, gyroscopes, and force sensors. These electronic systems continuously and automatically measure joint angle, velocity, acceleration, and applied force without requiring manual intervention, thereby achieving both high measurement precision and continuous data collection at high rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system operates autonomously to continuously monitor and measure knee joint parameters without external intervention. The system self-calibrates, self-measures, and continuously transmits data wirelessly, eliminating the need for manual measurement operations while maintaining precision and enabling continuous high-rate data collection.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional braces are designed to accommodate typical use patterns, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but real-time adjustment capability and individual customization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The knee brace is divided into modular segments: sensor modules, actuator modules, control electronics, and structural components. Each module can be manufactured independently using standardized processes, then assembled into the complete system. This segmentation maintains manufacturing simplicity while enabling complex real-time adjustment capabilities through the coordinated operation of modular components.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of a disclosed wearable device includes a pliable wrap with a plurality of fluid chambers stitched together to structure the wrap to conform to a shape of a joint of the user. An array of tension sensors are embedded into the wrap across one or more horizontal axes and one or more vertical axes of the wrap. Each tension sensor in the array detects forces exerted by the joint covered by the wrap and is connected with at least one adjacent tension sensor by a conductive thread. The wrap is further embedded with a controller, which receives signals representing movements detected by tension sensors of the array and generates a signal to activate the electroactive gel in one or more fluid chambers based on an analysis of the received signals.