Single-Upright Osteoarthritis Brace With Non-Crossing Straps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current osteoarthritis braces are difficult to assemble, wear correctly, and adjust, with cumbersome tensioning mechanisms, failing to effectively alleviate knee pain by redistributing load from affected compartments.
Innovation Solution
A single upright assembly brace with non-crossing straps and adjustable tensioning mechanisms, including magnetic couplers and telescopic designs, to provide customizable support and alignment for osteoarthritis treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional osteoarthritis braces use multiple crossing straps and complex tensioning mechanisms, then they can provide load redistribution and knee alignment, but they become difficult to assemble, wear correctly, and adjust
Solution Approach 1:
The brace is divided into distinct modular components: uprights, cuffs, straps, and tensioning mechanisms. Each component can be independently assembled and adjusted, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining functional effectiveness for load redistribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex traditional tensioning mechanisms are replaced with simplified magnetic couplers and snap-fit connections. This extraction of complexity from the assembly process makes the brace easier to don and adjust while preserving the essential load redistribution function through the strap system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional braces use multiple cumbersome tensioning mechanisms, then they can adjust strap tension, but they increase device complexity and difficulty of adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple tensioning functions are merged into single magnetic coupler assemblies. The magnetic couplers integrate the functions of attachment and tension adjustment in one component, reducing the total number of mechanisms while maintaining full adjustability of strap tension across all straps.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic couplers serve multiple functions: they attach straps to cuffs, provide tension adjustment, and enable easy release. This multi-functionality reduces the overall device complexity while preserving the adaptability needed for proper brace fitting and adjustment.
3Strength
If braces use crossing straps configuration, then they can provide structural support, but they create discomfort and difficulty in proper wearing
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having straps cross over each other, the invention inverts the configuration to use parallel non-crossing straps. This inverted arrangement maintains the structural support function through proper strap routing and attachment points while eliminating the discomfort and confusion associated with crossing straps.
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
The brace effectively reduces knee pain by redistributing load from affected compartments, providing comfortable and easy-to-use support through adjustable straps and magnetic couplers.
Implementation Method 1
The brace includes a tensioning mechanism configured to adjust a tension in at least one of the plurality of upper and lower straps
Data Source
AI summary
A brace is provided, including a single upright assembly. The assembly includes an upper rigid support, lower rigid support, a hinge coupling the upper rigid support to the lower rigid support, an upper cuff coupled to the upper rigid support, and a lower cuff coupled to the lower rigid support. The brace includes a plurality of upper straps configured for coupling to the upper cuff such that the plurality of upper straps do not cross when the brace is properly attached to the subject. The brace includes a plurality of lower straps configured for coupling to the lower cuff such that the plurality of lower straps do not cross when the brace is properly attached to the subject. The brace includes a tensioning mechanism configured to adjust a tension in at least one of the plurality of upper and lower straps. Other braces and related methods are also provided.