3D Body Scan Support Device for Custom Fit and Hygiene

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing support and protective devices for body parts are not adaptable to complex shapes, lack hygiene, and do not allow for air circulation, making them unsuitable for long-term use and difficult to apply to various body sizes and weights.

Innovation Solution

A method using 3D image processing to create a digital model of the body part, which is then used to control machines for the automatic production of a support device with adjustable straps and deformable elements, allowing for precise adaptation to the body's contour and easy application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If plaster cast is used for fixation, then immobilization is achieved, but hardening time is long and weight is high

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveimmobilizationVSAvoidhardening time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a lightweight plastic shell that copies the essential immobilization function of traditional plaster casts without requiring hardening time. The shell is pre-formed and directly applied to the body part, eliminating the time-consuming hardening process while maintaining structural integrity and immobilization effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the material parameter from traditional plaster to lightweight plastic, which fundamentally alters the physical properties including weight reduction and elimination of hardening time. This material substitution allows the device to be immediately functional upon application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If plaster cast is used for fixation, then immobilization is achieved, but weight is high

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveimmobilizationVSAvoidweight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a functional copy of the plaster cast using lightweight plastic material that replicates the immobilization capability while reducing weight by a factor of 5-10 times compared to traditional plaster casts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material structures combining rigid plastic elements for immobilization with flexible components for comfort, achieving optimal weight-strength ratio that maintains immobilization effectiveness while minimizing weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Loss of time

If cast bandage is used, then hardening time is reduced and weight is lowered, but drying of skin becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehardening timeVSAvoidskin drying
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a thin, flexible plastic shell design that allows air circulation between the shell and the body part, preventing moisture accumulation and skin drying issues associated with traditional cast bandages while maintaining immobilization function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Ease of manufacture

If fixed design of support device is used, then manufacturing is simple, but adaptability to complex body shapes is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to body shape
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs adjustable support elements and flexible fixing mechanisms that can be dynamically configured to match various body shapes and sizes, allowing a single basic design to adapt to diverse anatomical requirements without complicating manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the support device into modular segments that can be independently adjusted and positioned to conform to complex body contours, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving high adaptability through modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

5Device complexity

If traditional support device is used, then structure is simple, but air circulation is impeded

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestructureVSAvoidair circulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a thin-shell design with intentional ventilation openings and breathable material properties that maintain structural simplicity while enabling effective air circulation to prevent skin irritation and promote healing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP2488131B1Method for producing a supporting or protective device for a body part
Publication Date: 2015.11.25 STONAWSKI RUDOLF
  • EP2488131B1 patent drawingFigure 1~6
  • EP2488131B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2488131B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In order to produce a supporting or protective device (1) for a body part, which supporting or protective device has at least one supporting or protective part (2), the shape of which is adapted to the body part and which can be fastened to the body part by means of a fastening device (4), image data of the body part are recorded and are evaluated using computing means (19) in order to determine a 3-D model (13), and control data for the shape adaptation of the supporting or protective part (2) are derived from the 3-D model.