Angular Digital Splint for Joint Deformity Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing finger joint treatment devices fail to effectively apply rotational forces at the correct joint axis, leading to inadequate correction of flexion or extension contractures, and often cause discomfort due to high skin pressure and limited wearability.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising straight tubular segments and angled transitions at the interphalangeal joints, made from stretchable material with a smooth interior surface for circumferential compression, and optional moldable elements to adjust rotational forces, along with an open transition design for severe contractures and a wrist strap for secure wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If straight or gently curved tube designs are used, then the device structure is simple, but the corrective force is not applied at the correct joint axis

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoidcorrective force application accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into multiple straight tubular segments that are joined at angled transitions. Each segment corresponds to a specific bone or joint region, allowing the corrective force to be precisely directed at the joint axis while maintaining structural simplicity through modular construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates asymmetric angled transitions rather than symmetric curved designs. These angled transitions are specifically configured to align with the anatomical joint axis, ensuring that the corrective force is applied precisely where needed while maintaining overall device simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Shape

If inverted internal seam is used to create curved contour, then the curved shape is achieved, but skin pressure concentration increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurved contourVSAvoidskin pressure concentration

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of placing the seam on the interior surface as in prior designs, the invention inverts the seam placement to the exterior surface. This reversal eliminates the concentrated pressure point on the skin while still achieving the necessary curved contour through the angled transitions between straight segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Force

If springs or straps with small discrete contact areas are used, then corrective force is applied, but skin pressure and ulceration risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrective forceVSAvoidskin pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses a flexible tubular shell that distributes corrective force along the entire circumference of the finger. This continuous circumferential contact eliminates high-pressure discrete points while maintaining effective corrective force application through the angled transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Ease of manufacture

If prefabricated fully formed tube is used, then manufacturing is simple, but application over severely contracted joints is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprefabricated tubeVSAvoiddevice application

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device is constructed from multiple straight tubular segments that can be separately applied and assembled. This segmentation allows the device to be applied in sections to severely contracted joints that cannot accommodate a single prefabricated curved tube, while each individual segment remains simple to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

5Duration of action of moving object

If device is worn overnight, then treatment continues, but device migration or removal occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment durationVSAvoiddevice retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates a wrist strap that merges the finger treatment device with wrist anchoring. This combination prevents device migration or removal during sleep by securing the distal end to the wrist, enabling continuous overnight treatment while maintaining reliable device retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The device provides targeted rotational corrective forces at the joint axis, reduces swelling through circumferential compression, enhances wearer comfort by minimizing high pressure points, and ensures secure wear during sleep, effectively addressing the limitations of prior devices.

Implementation Method 1

The device has a smooth interior surface to provide circumferential compression

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCircumferential compression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

create rotational forces in either a flexion or extension direction at the correct point along the digit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotational force: Torque

Data Source

PatentUS20250161091A1Angular digital device for joint deformity or imbalance

Publication Date: 2025.05.22 WATCHMAKER GREG

AI summary

Embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed herein are directed to an angular digital device for joint deformity or imbalance. A device formed from a soft material shaped to fit a digit with straight segments and angled transitions at the interphalangeal joint levels such that rotational force(s) are created at the joint line(s). Additionally, an ‘open transition’ design with a dorsal strap element is described, and a design with an additional moldable, semi-rigid component added. A retention strap is described to prevent the splint from migrating off during sleep.