Adjustable Brace with Contoured Shells for Fracture Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional braces for limb injuries, particularly fractures, are inflexible and can cause discomfort due to fixed compression, which may be too tight initially and loose as swelling reduces, lacking adjustability and proper contoured support.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable brace with a contoured design featuring compressible members and mechanical fasteners, including a medial and lateral shell configuration with inflatable cells and a compliance monitoring assembly to ensure proper alignment and prevent premature removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a compression cast is applied to stabilize a fractured limb, then the limb is properly supported and aligned, but the cast becomes too loose over time as swelling recedes and cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The brace incorporates an adjustable compression mechanism that allows the compression force to be modified over time. The mechanical fastener system enables the compression to be tightened as swelling recedes, maintaining proper stabilization throughout the healing process rather than becoming loose as conventional casts do.
Solution Approach 2:
The brace allows change in the compression parameter through its adjustable fastening system. The compression force can be increased or decreased by adjusting the mechanical fasteners, enabling the brace to adapt to changing limb dimensions as swelling recedes while maintaining proper fracture stabilization.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid compression cast is used to immobilize the injured limb, then proper alignment is maintained, but patient comfort is reduced due to fixed and non-adjustable compression
Solution Approach 1:
The brace provides adjustable immobilization through its mechanical fastening system, allowing compression to be optimized for both stability and comfort. The compression can be adjusted to provide firm immobilization when needed while allowing relief when comfort is required, unlike fixed rigid casts.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression parameter of the brace can be modified to balance immobilization requirements with patient comfort. The mechanical fasteners enable adjustment of compression force to appropriate levels for different stages of healing and patient tolerance.
3Shape
If a contoured brace design is implemented to provide proper support, then alignment and support are improved, but device complexity increases with multiple shells and components
Solution Approach 1:
The brace is divided into functional segments including lateral and medial shells that can be assembled together. This segmentation allows each shell to be optimized for its specific anatomical region while maintaining overall contoured support, and simplifies manufacturing and assembly compared to a single complex piece.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral and medial shells are combined to form the complete contoured brace structure. This merging of components creates the necessary anatomical support while allowing each component to be manufactured separately with optimized geometry for its specific function.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides, in various embodiments, braces that are capable of stabilizing an injured limb, particularly an injured wrist. An exemplary brace fits across the injury in contact with the user's limb and has an adjustable casing and compressible material.