Adaptive 3D Orthosis Structure for Swelling and Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional casts and splints face challenges in accommodating swelling, applying controlled pressure, and preventing atrophy and joint stiffness during the healing process, leading to complications such as compartment syndrome, delayed union, and reduced mobility.
Innovation Solution
The invention employs computer-aided design and 3D printing to create adjustable orthoses with self-aligning structures and elastic constraints that accommodate swelling and atrophy, allowing for controlled pressure application and limited joint mobility, integrated with sensors for real-time monitoring and therapeutic interventions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a cast is made tightly to provide stable support for healing, then stability is improved, but circulation is restricted and compartment syndrome may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The cast incorporates an expandable structure with articulated segments that can dynamically adjust their configuration. The segments are connected by joints allowing the cast to expand radially when swelling occurs, transforming from a static rigid structure to a dynamic adaptive one that maintains stability while accommodating volume changes to prevent circulation restriction
Solution Approach 2:
The cast is divided into multiple articulated segments rather than being a single rigid piece. These segments can move independently relative to each other through joints, allowing localized expansion in response to swelling while maintaining overall structural integrity and stability for fracture support
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a cast is made loosely to accommodate swelling, then circulation is maintained, but the cast fails to provide stable support for healing
Solution Approach 1:
The cast transitions from a static loose-fitting structure to a dynamic one that actively responds to swelling. Sensors detect volume changes and trigger expansion of the articulated segments, allowing the cast to maintain circulation by accommodating swelling while automatically restoring stable support once the swelling is managed
Solution Approach 2:
The cast incorporates sensors that monitor the patient's anatomy volume and provide feedback to a control system. When swelling is detected, the system activates mechanisms to expand the cast segments, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains both circulation and stability by continuously adapting to the patient's condition
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a cast is applied initially large enough to accommodate swelling, then circulation is maintained, but the cast becomes loose and requires changing to a tighter cast later
Solution Approach 1:
The cast is designed with expandable articulated segments that can be adjusted in real-time. Instead of requiring replacement as swelling subsides, the same cast can be dynamically contracted to maintain a snug, stable fit throughout the healing process, eliminating the need for cast changes and reducing time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The cast's physical parameters (volume, shape) are made changeable through the articulated segment mechanism. The cast can transition between expanded and contracted states, allowing it to adapt to different stages of healing - initially accommodating swelling, then contracting to provide stable support as the patient heals, all without requiring cast replacement
4Strength
If external pressure is applied to promote bone healing, then healing is accelerated, but the cast may need to be made tighter which restricts swelling accommodation
Solution Approach 1:
The cast incorporates adjustable mechanisms that can apply controlled external pressure through the articulated segments. The pressure application is dynamic - the cast can increase pressure to promote bone healing when needed, while simultaneously maintaining the ability to expand and accommodate swelling through the same articulated structure
Solution Approach 2:
The cast applies pressure locally at specific points through strategically positioned articulated segments rather than uniformly tightening the entire cast. This allows concentrated pressure on the fracture site to promote healing while other segments remain expanded to accommodate swelling in different regions of the limb
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 solution effectively manages swelling and atrophy, promotes healing by applying controlled pressure, and enhances patient mobility, while providing real-time data for improved treatment outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
The constraints are configured to elastically constrain radial expansion of the body scaffold so that the scaffold can accommodate swelling of the body surface while maintaining a desired inward or supportive pressure against the body surface
Data Source
AI summary
A conformable body interface is fabricated using a data set representing a three-dimensional, soft tissue body surface. The conformable body interface includes a body scaffold that is divided into two or more longitudinal segments separated by axial joints. Optionally, the body scaffold is further divided into two or more circumferentially split segments separated by circumferential joints. The axial joints are circumferentially constrained by bands, tabs, or similar structures and the circumferential joints are longitudinally constrained by axial tethers or similar structures. In this way, the body interfaces can accommodate swelling and bending of the body surface.