Adaptive Orthopedic Brace with Interchangeable Ribs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopedic braces have a fixed structure, making them unsuitable for adapting to the progression of musculoskeletal disorders from acute to healing phases and failing to promote compliance, as they do not accommodate changes in pathology or prescription, particularly differing needs between daytime and nighttime wear.
Innovation Solution
An orthopedic brace with evolving posture reminder elements, featuring multiple textile sheaths and interchangeable elastic posture reminder ribs, allowing for modulated support and adaptability to the progression of the pathology, enabling adjustment of the orthosis to different wearing prescriptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed structure orthosis is used, then the structural stability is maintained, but the adaptability to pathology evolution is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The orthosis is divided into modular components including interchangeable posture reminder elements, adjustable support elements, and separable functional modules that can be independently selected and combined based on the patient's specific needs and pathology stage
Solution Approach 2:
The orthosis incorporates adjustable and interchangeable elements that allow dynamic modification of support characteristics, enabling the device to adapt from acute phase (higher support) to healing phase (lower support) while maintaining structural integrity throughout
2Ease of manufacture
If a fixed structure orthosis is used, then the manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the compliance promotion is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The orthosis uses standardized modular components that can be manufactured separately and assembled, simplifying production while allowing customization to improve patient compliance through adjusted support levels and comfort optimizations
Solution Approach 2:
The orthosis allows adjustment of key parameters such as support rigidity, posture reminder intensity, and wearing configuration to optimize patient comfort and compliance without requiring complex manufacturing processes
3Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable posture reminder elements are added, then the adaptability to pathology evolution is improved, but the device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The orthosis separates posture reminder elements from the main structural body, allowing them to be independently selected, exchanged, and adjusted without affecting the core structural integrity, thereby managing complexity through functional separation
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The orthosis has an elastic main body (2) for stabilizing a limb. The body is associated to posture adjusting elastic whalebone plates. Receiving sockets (4) for receiving the superposed whalebone plates are maintained in a separated or combined manner. The socket is provided with superposed textile bands fixed on the main body so as to define sheaths. An end of each whalebone plate includes a finger inserted in a shoulder bracket. The bracket is positioned at each end of the sheaths.