Tensile Force Device for Hinged Joint Stretching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating hinged joints, such as physical therapy or chiropractic care, require a certified healthcare provider and are often expensive, inconvenient, and time-consuming, making it difficult for individuals to receive effective treatment for joint discomfort and pain at home.
Innovation Solution
A device with an adjustable, collapsible frame that applies a tensile force to hinged joints, using a bracket, biasing element, and strap to stretch and relieve pressure on connective tissue, membranes, and cartilage, allowing for self-treatment in a home environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical therapy or chiropractic care is used to treat hinged joints, then effective treatment for joint discomfort and pain is achieved, but it requires a certified healthcare provider in a medical environment which makes it expensive, inconvenient, and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-administered treatment for hinged joints, allowing users to apply tensile force to their own joints without requiring a healthcare provider. The strap system with adjustable tensioning mechanisms lets users independently perform stretching exercises that previously required professional assistance, thereby eliminating the need for medical environments and reducing time and cost constraints.
2Reliability
If physical therapy or chiropractic care is used to treat hinged joints, then effective treatment for joint discomfort and pain is achieved, but it requires a certified healthcare provider in a medical environment which makes it expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces expensive, recurring professional therapy services with a one-time purchase of an affordable mechanical device. The strap system and tensioning mechanisms are designed to be durable yet inexpensive compared to ongoing healthcare costs, allowing users to invest in a single device that provides continuous treatment capability without recurring professional fees.
3Reliability
If physical therapy or chiropractic care is used to treat hinged joints, then effective treatment for joint discomfort and pain is achieved, but it requires a certified healthcare provider in a medical environment which makes it time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The device allows users to perform treatment at any convenient time without scheduling appointments or traveling to medical facilities. Users can apply tensile force to their joints whenever needed, integrating treatment into their daily routines without the time commitment required for scheduled professional therapy sessions, thereby eliminating travel time, waiting time, and appointment scheduling overhead.
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 users to apply a tensile force to hinged joints, relieving pressure and increasing flexibility, similar to professional treatments, without the need for a healthcare provider, promoting convenience and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element extending from a first end to an opposing second end, the first end of the biasing element being mounted toward a first end of the first portion and the second end of the biasing element being arranged at an opposing second end of the first portion
Data Source
AI summary
A device for applying a tensile force to a hinged joint is disclosed. The device may include a bracket having a first portion and a second portion insertable underneath a weighted object so as to restrain the device, a biasing element having a first end mounted toward a first end of the first portion and a second end arranged at an opposing second end of the first portion; and a strap removably attached to the second end of the biasing element and arranged to receive the hinged joint, wherein the biasing element applies a tensile force to the hinged joint so as to stretch the hinged joint longitudinally in response to a force exerted by the hinged joint upon receipt in the strap, and wherein the biasing element applies the tensile force to the hinged joint so as to passively stretch and relieve pressure on the ankle.