Tiltable Articulated Joint Brace Curved Sliding Surface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joint braces have limited tilting capabilities, leading to potential torsion and a bulky design, with tilting typically restricted to only two positions, which hinders precise joint movement support and correction.
Innovation Solution
A joint brace design featuring articulated limbs with a monoaxial bearing arrangement, where one limb's head has a curved sliding surface and the other a corresponding curvature, allowing continuous tilting over a large angle range, with secure manual adjustment and fixation, enhancing mechanical stability and compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If articulated limbs are tilted with respect to one another in existing joint braces, then tilting capability is provided, but the design becomes bulky and mechanical stability deteriorates due to torsion and limited positioning options
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs curved sliding surfaces with cylindrical or dome-shaped geometry in the bearing arrangement. The first articulated limb has a curved sliding surface that is a section of a cylinder jacket or dome-shaped surface, while the second articulated limb has a corresponding cylindrical curvature or dome-shaped arch. This curvature enables continuous tilting over large angle ranges while maintaining a compact, flat design and preventing torsion through the monoaxial constraint of the curved surfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If articulated limbs are tilted in existing joint braces, then some tilting is possible, but the tilting range is limited to only two positions and continuous adjustment is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms the static, discrete tilting positions of existing braces into a dynamic, continuous adjustment mechanism. The curved sliding surfaces allow the second articulated limb to tilt continuously relative to the first articulated limb along the curved path, enabling infinite positioning within the tilt angle range rather than being restricted to two fixed positions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment mechanism is added for tilting, then adjustable tilting is enabled, but the mechanical design becomes more complex and spatially unloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The curved sliding surface bearing arrangement is designed to be self-aligning and self-constraining. The geometry of the curved surfaces automatically guides the tilting motion and maintains proper alignment without requiring additional complex mechanical components for guidance or constraint, thereby achieving adjustable tilting with minimal added complexity.
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 continuous and adjustable tilting and torsion of articulated limbs, providing precise joint movement support and correction while maintaining a flat and stable design, allowing for secure adjustment even in the applied state.
Implementation Method 1
The curved or arched section of the head of the second articulated limb lies on or in the cylindrical or dome-shaped sliding surface of the head of the first articulated limb and is mounted there without play. The head is guided there with positive fit like an axial bearing or a ball joint.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a tiltable joint brace for a joint orthesis, comprising: two articulated limbs pivotably mounted on each other in a bearing arrangement, wherein the head of the first articulated limb supports a bearing arrangement which can be connected to the head of the second articulated limb by non-positive and positive fit in order to form the pivot joint. A curved sliding surface is formed on the bearing arrangement, and the head rests on the curved sliding surface with positive fit. There, the second articulated limb can tilt freely toward the pivot axis of the joint brace against the first articulated limb.