Adjustable Back Brace for Scoliosis Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current scoliosis braces have long production times and lack adjustability, leading to ineffective treatment due to patient growth and changing spinal curvature, resulting in a low success rate and increased health risks and costs.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable back brace with segments that can be periodically adjusted to accommodate patient growth and spinal changes, featuring a rod with adjustable segments that apply corrective forces to the thoracic and lumbar regions, allowing for customizable alignment and pressure distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional custom-made braces are used to treat scoliosis, then the corrective forces are initially optimal for the patient's condition, but the braces cannot be adjusted as the patient grows or spinal curvature changes, leading to ineffective treatment over time
Solution Approach 1:
The brace incorporates adjustable components including the superior segment that can be repositioned vertically and laterally, and the inferior segment with adjustable arm portions, allowing the brace to adapt dynamically to patient growth and changing spinal curvature throughout the treatment period
Solution Approach 2:
The brace is divided into multiple independent segments (superior segment, inferior segment, rod) that can be individually adjusted. The superior segment can be repositioned relative to the rod, and the inferior segment's arm portions can be adjusted independently, enabling customized adaptation to each patient's anatomical changes
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional braces are made custom for each patient, then the initial fit and corrective alignment are precise, but the production time is extended to several weeks or months, delaying treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The brace design uses standardized components with multiple adjustment capabilities that can accommodate a range of patient sizes and curvature types. This universal design allows for quicker production while maintaining the ability to achieve precise custom fit through adjustment during fitting and treatment
Solution Approach 2:
The brace is pre-configured with multiple adjustment positions and mechanisms during manufacturing, so that once the patient receives the brace, precise customization can be achieved quickly during the fitting process rather than requiring extensive custom manufacturing time
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional non-adjustable braces are used throughout the treatment period, then the initial cost is lower, but the braces become ineffective as patients outgrow them, potentially requiring additional braces or surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable design allows a single brace to remain effective throughout the entire treatment period by adapting to patient growth, eliminating the need for multiple braces and reducing long-term costs while maintaining high treatment success rates
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable back brace configured to aid in the correction of spinal curvature during a treatment period of a patient is provided. In some aspects, the adjustable back brace comprises a rod, an inferior segment, and a superior segment. The inferior segment is configured to stabilize a pelvic region of the patient. The superior segment is configured to apply pressure to one of a first lateral side and a second lateral side of the patient, proximate a thoracic region of the patient to provide a corrective force on the spinal curvature of the patient. The superior segment is also selectively adjustable to be selectively moved and fixedly positioned in a plurality of positions along at least one of the lateral direction or the vertical direction, wherein the plurality of positions are designed for periodic adjustment of the corrective force on the spinal curvature during the treatment period.