Adjustable C-Shaped Cuff for Carpal Tunnel Stretching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome, such as wrist orthoses and devices with C-shaped housings, often fail to provide a precise and adjustable fit, leading to inadequate stretching of the carpal tunnel and reduced effectiveness in alleviating symptoms.
Innovation Solution
A cuff with C-shaped cross-section, composed of interconnectable parts that allow for adjustable width and cross-sectional opening, using connection elements like sliding blocks and guide elements to ensure a secure and customizable fit for individual patients, thereby effectively stretching the carpal tunnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a C-shaped housing is used to receive the hand, then the carpal tunnel can be stretched by extending transverse ligaments, but the housing must be measured and made to fit the size of the hand very precisely, otherwise there is a reduction in efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The cuff is divided into multiple adjustable parts that can be independently positioned and secured, allowing the device to adapt to different hand sizes without requiring precise pre-measurement. The segmented design enables modular adjustment of the cuff's circumference and shape to match the patient's hand anatomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The cuff incorporates adjustable elements that allow dynamic modification of its dimensions and fit. The cuff can be adjusted during use to accommodate variations in hand size and shape, eliminating the need for precise static measurement and fitting before treatment begins.
2Reliability
If the housing is too narrow, the hand to be treated is compressed and cannot be sufficiently depressed by the pressure element, This reduces the degree of effectiveness because the carpal tunnel is insufficiently stretched
Solution Approach 1:
The cuff's dimensions can be dynamically adjusted to match the patient's hand size, ensuring optimal fit and effectiveness. The adjustable design allows the cuff to be expanded or contracted as needed, preventing compression that would reduce stretching effectiveness while maintaining proper fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The cuff's physical parameters such as circumference, width, and shape can be modified to match the patient's hand anatomy. This parameter adjustment ensures the cuff is neither too narrow causing compression nor too loose reducing effectiveness, optimizing the balance between fit and therapeutic action.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If wrist orthoses are used to prevent pain-causing bending of the wrist, then pain is reduced, but they do not produce sufficient therapeutic effect and therefore do not fight the cause of the pain
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts and addresses the root cause of carpal tunnel syndrome by directly stretching the carpal tunnel and extending transverse ligaments, rather than merely supporting the wrist. This targeted approach eliminates the need for general wrist orthoses and provides direct therapeutic effect on the compressed nerve.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of supporting the wrist in a neutral position to reduce pain (conventional approach), the device actively stretches and expands the carpal tunnel structure (inverted approach). This reverse strategy directly addresses the compression cause rather than merely managing the pain symptom.
4Reliability
If special splints are used to open the carpal tunnel by stretching the latter, then pressure on the nerves is reduced, but the device must be measured and shaped such that the patient's hand can be effectively received
Solution Approach 1:
The cuff is segmented into adjustable components that can be independently positioned and secured, allowing the device to adapt to different hand sizes without requiring precise pre-measurement. The segmented design enables modular adjustment of the cuff's circumference and shape to match the patient's hand anatomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The cuff design allows patients to self-adjust and self-fit the device without requiring professional measurement and shaping. The adjustable elements enable patients to modify the cuff's dimensions to match their own hand anatomy, eliminating the need for complex professional fitting procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for treating carpal tunnel syndrome of a person's hand, which has a palmar aspect, with thenar and hypothenar regions, and a dorsal aspect opposite the palmar aspect. The cuff has a C-shaped profile in cross section, wherein two ends of the C-shaped profile of the cuff form the cuff opening. The cuff is formed from two or more cuff parts, wherein these cuff parts have a C-shaped profile in cross section and are connected to each other by means of a connection element to form the cuff. The cuff parts are preferably connected to each other, by means of the connection element, in a movable and/or pivotable and also releasable manner, such that the width of the cuff opening can be individually adapted for each patient. This results in simple, efficient and safe treatment and handling of the cuff according to the invention or of the device.