Adjustable Lumbo-Sacral Orthosis With Segmented Abdominal Panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercially available lumbo-sacral orthoses often fail to provide a proper fit and maintain immobilization of the lumbar and sacral region due to lack of adjustability, tendency to ride up when moving from standing to sitting, and discomfort caused by abdominal panels.
Innovation Solution
A lumbo-sacral orthosis design featuring adjustable belts and panels with Velcro attachments, a reel-based ratchet system, and independently movable elements to ensure secure fit and immobilization across different positions, including the use of non-stretch fabric and rigid panels for support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lumbo-sacral orthosis is made with fixed panels and belts, then initial fitting provides proper immobilization, but patient cannot adjust fit after removal and orthosis does not accommodate body movement
Solution Approach 1:
The orthosis incorporates adjustable belts with multiple attachment points and flexible panel connections that allow the structure to adapt dynamically. The belts can be repositioned and resecured at different locations, enabling the orthosis to maintain proper fit and immobilization whether the patient is standing, sitting, or has removed and re-applied the device.
2Reliability
If orthosis includes rigid abdominal panel for support, then lumbar and sacral region is stabilized, but orthosis rides up when moving from standing to sitting position
Solution Approach 1:
The abdominal panel is divided into multiple segments or sections that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the panel to flex and adapt when the patient transitions between standing and sitting positions, preventing the orthosis from riding up while maintaining lumbar support stability through the coordinated movement of the segmented structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid abdominal panel is connected to other orthosis components through dynamic joints or flexible connections rather than fixed rigid attachments. This allows the panel to maintain its supportive function while accommodating positional changes, enabling the orthosis to remain in proper contact with the body during movement between standing and sitting positions.
3Reliability
If orthosis uses non-stretch fabric and rigid panels, then immobilization and support are improved, but comfort and adaptability to body contours are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The orthosis structure is divided into multiple rigid and semi-rigid panels connected by flexible elements or joints. This segmentation allows each panel to maintain its shape-providing immobilization function while the connections between panels enable the overall structure to adapt to body contours and movement, reconciling the need for both rigidity and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the orthosis have different structural properties - rigid panels in areas requiring immobilization (lumbar, sacral regions) and more flexible sections in areas requiring adaptability. This local differentiation of material and structural properties allows the orthosis to provide firm support where needed while maintaining comfort and fit adaptability in other areas.
Data Source
AI summary
A lumbo-sacral orthosis having a main body member sized to wrap substantially around a body of a wearer at the wearer's lumbar and sacral region. An outer holds the main body member at the wearer's lumbar and sacral region. An inner belt is cinched to compresses the wearer's body at the waist groove. A lumbar panel with an independently movable flexible element may be supported by the main body member. Side panels may also be supported by the main body member along with an abdominal panel which may include an independently movable lower element.