Triple Flexion Orthotic Device for Walking Swing Phase
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthotics for addressing hip and knee drop are heavy, restrictive, and unsuitable for everyday wear, often causing skin pressure and breakdown, and fail to effectively facilitate triple flexion during the swing phase of walking.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, flexible device comprising a V-shaped waist belt, knee cuff, ankle wrap, and foot wrap with adjustable bands that utilize hook and loop fasteners for secure fitting, providing adjustable tension to promote hip, knee, and ankle flexion through elastic bands and stiffening elements to support joint movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional orthotics are used to stabilize joints, then joint stability is improved, but the device becomes heavy and restrictive
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple independent components: a lightweight belt worn around the waist, separate elastic bands for each joint (hip, knee, ankle), and individual wraps for each limb. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for minimal weight while maintaining joint stability through coordinated action of all segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thin, flexible elastic bands and wraps instead of rigid orthotic structures. These flexible elements provide necessary joint stability through elastic tension while remaining extremely lightweight and non-restrictive, allowing natural movement patterns to be maintained.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional orthotics are used to provide joint movement, then flexibility is improved, but skin pressure and breakdown occur
Solution Approach 1:
The thin, flexible elastic bands and wraps conform to the body's contours without creating rigid pressure points. The material flexibility allows it to move with the skin and underlying tissues, distributing pressure evenly and preventing the concentrated forces that cause skin breakdown.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic bands dynamically adjust their tension based on joint movement and body position. As joints flex and extend, the elastic material stretches and recoils, providing adaptive support that moves with the body rather than creating static pressure points against the skin.
3Ease of operation
If traditional orthotics are used to correct foot drop, then foot position is improved, but the device does not fit easily under clothing
Solution Approach 1:
The thin elastic wraps and bands are designed to be discreet and flexible enough to wear under regular clothing. The material transparency and flexibility allow the device to be concealed beneath everyday attire while maintaining effective foot position control through elastic tension.
4Force
If traditional orthotics are used to provide mechanical torque, then joint support is improved, but the device becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the support mechanism from rigid mechanical torque generation to elastic tension-based support. The elastic bands store and release mechanical energy through stretching and recoiling, providing necessary joint support forces without the weight of traditional mechanical torque-generating components.
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 device effectively assists in triple flexion during walking, reducing energy expenditure and preventing complications like foot slap, while being comfortable and adaptable to various user sizes, with adjustable features to correct foot inversion and supination.
Implementation Method 1
adjustable bands that utilize hook and loop fasteners for secure fitting, providing adjustable tension to promote hip, knee, and ankle flexion through elastic bands
Data Source
AI summary
A device promotes triple flexion of the hip, knee and ankle. The device includes a belt, knee cuff, ankle wrap, foot wrap and two pairs of adjustable bands. The device is configured to promote triple flexion in the hip, knee and ankle of the user during the swing phase of walking when the user has the belt wrapped around the user's waist, the knee cuff wrapped around the user's knee, the ankle wrap wrapped around the user's ankle and the foot wrap wrapped around the user's foot.