Variable Tensioning Offset Cam Knee Brace
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patellofemoral joint tracking knee braces often fail to effectively treat patellar tracking disorders as they impinge on normal knee movement and function, leading to suboptimal stabilization of the patella.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid knee brace design featuring a main body with a longitudinal support assembly, knee buttress, buttress retention flap, cam, and tensioning line that automatically adjusts variable compression forces to stabilize the patella during knee flexion and extension, minimizing interference with normal movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional patellofemoral joint tracking knee braces are used to stabilize the patella, then patellar stabilization is improved, but normal knee movement and function are impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The knee brace incorporates a cam mechanism that dynamically adjusts the compression force applied to the patella based on the knee flexion angle. As the knee flexes and extends, the cam rotates and automatically modulates the tensioning line, varying the compression force to match the physiological needs of different knee positions. This dynamic adjustment allows effective patellar stabilization during movement while minimizing interference with normal knee function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the compression force parameter dynamically based on knee flexion angle. The cam mechanism transforms rotational motion from knee flexion into variable linear tension on the tensioning line, thereby changing the compression force parameter applied to the patella. This parameter change ensures optimal stabilization at different knee angles without impeding normal movement.
2Reliability
If fixed compression force is applied to stabilize the patella, then stabilization effectiveness is improved, but adaptability to different knee positions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism converts the static compression force into a dynamic system that automatically adapts to different knee flexion angles. The eccentric geometry of the cam ensures that as the knee moves through its range of motion, the compression force varies appropriately - providing maximum stabilization when needed and reducing force during full extension, thereby achieving both effectiveness and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism provides passive feedback-based adaptation. The rotational position of the cam is directly coupled to the knee flexion angle through the tensioning line, creating an automatic feedback system where the compression force is continuously adjusted according to the actual knee position without requiring active control or user intervention.
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 hybrid knee brace provides enhanced stabilization of the patella, effectively preventing patellar subluxation and dislocation while allowing for full range of motion without impeding normal knee function.
Implementation Method 1
a cam and a tensioning line. The tensioning line operatively connects the cam to the knee buttress, thereby enabling the knee brace to automatically adjust the variable compression force applied to the compression surface in response to rotation of the upper longitudinal member and the lower longitudinal member relative to one another about the hinge.
Data Source
AI summary
A knee brace to stabilize the patella has a main body positionable over the knee, a hinged longitudinal support assembly, a buttress, a buttress retention flap overlaying the buttress, a cam positioned proximal to the support assembly and a tensioning line. The buttress is positioned against the side of the knee opposite the support assembly and applies a variable compression force to the knee. The tensioning line engages the cam and operatively connects it to the buttress via the buttress retention flap to automatically vary the compression force applied to the knee in response to rotation of the support assembly.