Adjustable Finger Splint Tension for Immobilization and Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing finger splints immobilize the finger, reducing patient productivity but are often removed, risking re-injury and loss, due to discomfort and inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable finger splint with hollow tubes, hook and loop patches, and straps that allow for adjustable tension, enabling immobilization and temporary mobility without removal, using malleable materials and cushions for comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If finger splint immobilizes the finger completely, then healing is promoted, but patient productivity decreases and patient compliance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The splint incorporates adjustable tension mechanisms that allow dynamic modification of immobilization strength. The splint can transition between high-tension (immobilization) and low-tension (mobility) states, enabling patients to adjust the balance between healing requirements and productivity needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The splint allows changing the tension parameter through adjustable mechanisms. Patients can modify the tension level to match their healing stage and productivity requirements, transforming the splint from a static immobilization device to an adaptable therapeutic tool.
2Reliability
If finger splint provides complete immobilization, then finger healing is optimized, but patient comfort decreases leading to splint removal
Solution Approach 1:
The splint enables dynamic adjustment of immobilization strength according to patient comfort needs. Patients can reduce tension to improve comfort during activities and increase tension when comfort is sufficient, creating a feedback loop between comfort and healing.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable mechanism allows patients to self-regulate the splint tension based on their comfort levels and activity requirements, eliminating the need for professional adjustments and enabling autonomous comfort management.
3Productivity
If finger splint is removed for mobility, then patient productivity improves, but re-injury risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The splint provides dynamic protection by allowing patients to adjust tension levels. During productive activities, patients can reduce tension to improve dexterity while maintaining sufficient support to prevent re-injury, creating a safety buffer between complete immobilization and complete mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The tension parameter can be adjusted to match activity intensity. During low-risk activities, patients can use lower tension for mobility; during high-risk activities, patients can increase tension for protection, creating a continuous safety margin.
4Reliability
If finger splint uses rigid structure for immobilization, then immobilization effectiveness is maximized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The splint divides the immobilization function into separate adjustable components. Each segment can be independently adjusted to provide the necessary immobilization without requiring complex integrated mechanisms, simplifying the overall device architecture.
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
Provides secure immobilization with adjustable tension, allowing patients to maintain splint use while temporarily using their finger, enhancing patient compliance and safety.
Implementation Method 1
at least one hook and loop patch disposed on the outer surface; and at least one hook and loop strap constructed and arranged to mechanically connect to the at least one hook and loop patch
Data Source
AI summary
A number of variations may include a finger splint including a plurality of tubular components arranged along a shared axis of rotation. The tubular components may be connected by at least one connective portion. The tubular components may also include, individually, a hook and loop patch disposed on an outer portion of the tubular component. A hook and loop strap may be constructed and arranged for providing tension across the tubular components such that a wearers finger may be immobilized within the finger splint.