Telescoping Brace Hinge for Adjustable Knee Joint Unloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Osteoarthritis destabilizes knee joints, causing chronic pain due to unbalanced loading that leads to condyle abrasions, and existing braces fail to effectively manage this issue.
Innovation Solution
A hinge mechanism with adjustable force application assembly and adjustment assembly, allowing for lateral or medial displacement of a force application assembly to unload affected knee compartments and prevent condyle contact, featuring a dial gear system for precise control and indication of displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed brace structure is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot provide adjustable force application to unload affected knee compartments
Solution Approach 1:
The pad is made telescopic with respect to the hinge pin, allowing it to move dynamically between retracted and extended positions. This dynamic adjustment enables the pad to apply lateral or medial force to the knee joint as needed, transforming a static structure into an adaptable one that can unload affected compartments while maintaining reasonable structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly is divided into separate functional components: the hinge pin, the pad, and the telescoping mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together as a unified system, enabling adjustable force application without excessive overall complexity.
2Reliability
If no force application assembly is used, then the device complexity is low, but the knee joint cannot be stabilized and condyle abrasions cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The pad acts as an intermediary force application element between the hinge mechanism and the knee joint. When extended, it applies lateral or medial force to stabilize the joint and prevent condyle contact; when retracted, it minimizes interference. This intermediary approach provides reliable joint stabilization while keeping the overall device complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The force application capability is achieved by changing the position parameter of the pad relative to the hinge pin through telescoping motion. By adjusting this positional parameter between retracted and extended states, the system can provide or withdraw stabilization force as needed, ensuring reliable joint support without requiring a permanently complex structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pad is fixed in position, then the manufacturing precision requirements are low, but the brace cannot adjust to provide optimal force application for different osteoarthritis conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping mechanism allows the pad to dynamically adjust its position relative to the hinge pin, providing adaptability for different osteoarthritis conditions. This dynamic adjustment capability is achieved through a mechanical telescoping arrangement that, while requiring some manufacturing precision, avoids the need for complex adjustable mechanisms by using a straightforward extendable structure.
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 hinge mechanism provides adjustable force application to stabilize knee joints, reducing pain and preventing condyle abrasions by unloading affected compartments, thus effectively treating osteoarthritis.
Implementation Method 1
The adjustment assembly includes an externally threaded lead screw engaged with the internally threaded aperture of the hinge plate
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge which can be included on a brace is disclosed. The hinge can include a first arm, a second arm, and a hinge plate. The first and second arms can be connected to the hinge plate for rotation about first and second axes, respectively. The hinge plate can include an internally threaded aperture. The hinge can also include a force application assembly and an adjustment assembly. The adjustment assembly can include an externally threaded lead screw engaged with the internally threaded aperture, and having a medial end connected to the force application assembly and a keyed bore. The adjustment assembly can include a drive key having a keyed shaft slidingly engaged with the keyed bore and a knob connected to the drive key such that rotation of the knob causes displacement of the force application assembly.