Adjustable Splint With Ratchet Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current splint technologies fail to provide a customizable and adjustable solution for stabilizing joints affected by rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and injuries, leading to instability and abnormal movements, as they do not accommodate varying finger sizes and periodic changes due to edema.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable splint made from semi-rigid material with elongated straps and locking members, allowing for custom fit through a toothed ratchet mechanism, which can be adjusted without tools to accommodate different finger sizes and conditions, providing three points of pressure to stabilize joints and prevent hyperextension or hyperflexion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-size splints are used, then manufacturing and inventory are simplified, but they cannot accommodate varying finger sizes and periodic changes due to edema
Solution Approach 1:
The splint incorporates adjustable components including elongated straps with toothed ratchet mechanisms and movable locking members that allow the splint to dynamically adapt to different finger circumferences and sizes. The adjustable band can be repositioned along the splint body to accommodate changing conditions such as edema
Solution Approach 2:
The splint design integrates multiple functions into a single device: the adjustable straps provide circumferential adjustment, the elongated straps provide longitudinal adjustment, and the locking mechanisms maintain position. This universal design allows one splint to serve multiple finger sizes and conditions rather than requiring separate fixed-size splints
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed-size splints are manufactured to accommodate different finger sizes, then adaptability improves, but inventory requirements and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single adjustable splint design can replace multiple fixed-size splints in inventory. The adjustable features allow one splint model to fit various finger sizes by modifying strap lengths and positions, eliminating the need to stock multiple size variants
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustment capabilities allow the same splint to be reconfigured for different patients and conditions, providing versatility without requiring multiple static versions in inventory
3Reliability
If non-adjustable splints are used, then device complexity is reduced, but they cannot provide effective stabilization for joints with varying sizes and conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanisms including toothed ratchets and movable locking members enable the splint to be customized for each patient's specific finger size and condition, ensuring reliable stabilization. The adjustable band can be positioned at optimal locations to provide three points of pressure for effective joint stabilization
Solution Approach 2:
The splint applies pressure at specific localized points through the adjustable band and contact surfaces. The ability to adjust the band position allows optimization of pressure distribution across the joint, providing effective stabilization tailored to each patient's anatomy
Data Source
AI summary
Certain exemplary embodiments can comprise a splint for a body part, such as a human digit. The splint can include a unitary, semi-rigid, arcuate, and/or toroidal member; a first lock portion integral to the member; and a second lock portion integral to the member. The first lock portion can be adapted to releasably lockably engage the second lock portion so as to allow for continuously and/or incrementally adjustable contact of at least a portion of the member with a predetermined portion of the body part of a wearer of the splint.