This project resulted from the perceived need for a more effective ankle brace. Ankle injuries can take a very long time from which to recover. In general, athletes at the collegiate and professional level have athletic trainers at their disposal, allowing them to tape injured ankles. However, taping ankles, though effective, requires skill and time. The casual athlete needs a device that is easy to use and inexpensive. The hope was that a better ankle brace could lessen the likelihood of ankle injury when used as a preventive measure, or could prevent further injury to an ankle, while allowing continued physical activity. This new brace had to be comfortable enough to be worn on a consistent basis.

In an effort to meet these requirements, several concepts were developed and evaluated. Finally, a concept was decided upon - a mixture of several concepts, which would serve the needs of the casual athlete. This entails an upper section made of canvas, attached to a lower u-shaped section made of plastic. In this way, the upper section provides compression on the ankle, while the lower section absorbs much of the shock, which would otherwise be absorbed by the ankle. The upper section contains 2 plastic braces to provide additional stability, with a lace-up system employed to secure the brace. The upper and lower sections are fastened together via a bolt-and-nut on opposite sides of the brace, forming 2 pivot points. Generous amounts of foam padding are implemented to maximize the comfort.

Initial testing showed positive results, indicating that the new brace can perform reliably. In selection of materials, it was decided that polycarbonate plastic would be optimum material for the braces in the upper section and the u-section. Polycarbonate was found to have the best tensile strength and modulus of elasticity among commonly available plastics. Generic steel bolts are used in the connection between the upper and lower braces.