Adjustable Orthopedic Hinge With Deformable Insert
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopedic braces lack an adjustable hinge that can provide a customizable range of movement, limiting their therapeutic effectiveness and adaptability to individual user needs.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable hinge comprising a first and second support arm connected by a deformable insert, with a locking mechanism using washers and retention members, allowing for selective positioning and repositioning of the arms to achieve various angles and maintain rigidity in one or more planes of motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fixed hinge design is used in orthopedic braces, then the structural simplicity and ease of manufacture are improved, but the adaptability to different user needs and therapeutic requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is divided into multiple functional components: a body portion, a deformable insert, and a locking mechanism. This segmentation allows the hinge to maintain simple manufacturing for each component while enabling complex adjustable functionality when assembled, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge transitions from a static fixed-angle design to a dynamic adjustable design through the deformable insert that can be bent to different angles and locked in place. This allows the same hinge structure to adapt to multiple therapeutic requirements without requiring multiple different hinge designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable hinge with multiple components is used, then the adaptability and customizable range of movement are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment and locking functions are extracted as separate, simple operations: the deformable insert is removed, bent to the desired angle, and reinserted with the locking mechanism. This extraction of functions into discrete steps reduces the perceived complexity despite the multiple components involved.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable insert serves multiple functions: it provides the adjustment mechanism through its own deformability, acts as a structural connector, and works with the locking mechanism to maintain the selected angle. This self-service approach reduces the need for additional complex adjustment mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a deformable insert with locking mechanism is used, then the ability to achieve infinite fixed angles is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing hinges with precisely predetermined fixed angles, the design changes the parameter of angle determination from a manufacturing specification to a user-adjustable parameter. The deformable insert can be bent to any angle within its elastic range, and the locking mechanism secures that user-selected angle, eliminating the need for high-precision angular manufacturing.
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
Enables users to achieve an infinite number of fixed angles within a given range, enhancing the adaptability and effectiveness of orthopedic braces by allowing for customizable movement and secure positioning without specialized equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable insert that is between the first support arm and the second support arm
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable hinge having a first support arm, a second support arm, and a deformable insert that is between the first support arm and the second support arm.