Adjustable Dorsal Night Splint With Hinge Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plantar fasciitis treatment devices are cumbersome and lack adjustability after application, leading to poor patient compliance and inadequate stretching of the plantar fascia.
Innovation Solution
A contoured, padded splint with a semi-rigid flexible frame and an inelastic adjustable strap that allows patients to tighten the splint after application, providing tailored flexion and comfort for treating plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis, featuring a pulley system for anchoring the frame and a soft housing for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stiff frontal frame is used to treat plantar fasciitis, then the plantar fascia can be stretched, but the device becomes cumbersome and difficult to adjust after application
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is designed with a hinge joint that allows it to transition from a rigid pre-bent structure to an adjustable dynamic structure. The hinge enables the frame to be bent and adjusted to different angles after application, allowing patients to customize the stretching intensity while maintaining structural support for effective plantar fascia treatment.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the splint is made rigid to maintain shape, then structural support is provided, but it cannot be adjusted after application
Solution Approach 1:
The frame incorporates a hinge joint that transforms the structure from static and rigid to dynamic and adjustable. The hinge maintains frame stability when set at a particular angle while allowing adjustment to different configurations, enabling the frame to adapt to individual patient needs after application.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism allows changes in the frame's geometric parameters, specifically the angle between frame segments. This enables the frame to be adjusted to different configurations after application, providing versatility while maintaining structural integrity through controlled parameter modification.
3Ease of operation
If the splint is removed for adjustment, then proper fit can be achieved, but patient compliance decreases due to repeated removal and reapplication
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge joint enables adjustments to be made while the splint remains on the patient's foot, eliminating the need for repeated removal and reapplication. The dynamic adjustment mechanism allows real-time modification of the frame angle and fit, significantly reducing adjustment time and improving patient compliance.
Data Source
AI summary
A dorsal night splint has dynamic adjustable features that allow the patient to adjust the splint while in use to control the stretching of the plantar fascia and Achilles. A semi-rigid flexible frame is included along with a tightening strap that is anchored to the frame and by which the patient can tension the strap and adjust the structure of the frame to fit the patient's desired therapeutic or prophylactic needs.