Artificial Tendon Stitching for Low-Friction Tunnel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching artificial tendons to support devices, such as strengthening gloves, are either costly or compromise user comfort due to bulkiness and friction issues.
Innovation Solution
A method involving stitching an artificial tendon to form a low-friction tunnel within a support device using a low-friction thread, allowing the tendon to slide smoothly and maintain a flat appearance, with optional gaps between threads to prevent bulkiness during joint flexion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If artificial tendons are attached using sewn channels made of flexible material, then the tendon is securely held, but the structure becomes bulky and uncomfortable for the user
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the tendon from a bulky sewn channel structure and places it directly against the supporting material, eliminating the intermediate flexible material channel that caused bulkiness while maintaining secure attachment through stitching
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the thick flexible material channel with a thin film approach where the tendon runs directly against the supporting material surface, with stitching providing the necessary containment without bulk
2Reliability
If artificial tendons are attached using conventional stitching methods, then the tendon is securely fixed, but friction between the thread and tendon increases, making movement difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the friction parameter by specifying that the thread or artificial tendon (or both) should have a low friction surface, allowing the tendon to slide easily against the thread while maintaining secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite material properties by combining the supporting material with a low-friction thread or low-friction tendon surface, creating a system where attachment security and low friction coexist
3Shape
If threads are stitched closely together during stitching, then the tunnel structure is well-formed, but the material crinkles and becomes bulky during joint flexion
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the stitching by introducing gaps between neighboring threads, allowing the material to flex without crinkling while maintaining the tunnel structure through distributed stitching points rather than continuous stitching
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
This method provides a cost-effective and comfortable attachment of artificial tendons that enhances the ease of tendon movement, reducing friction and maintaining user comfort during flexion and extension of joints.
Implementation Method 1
Another advantage is if low friction is provided between the thread and the artificial tendon so that the artificial tendon will easily slide against the thread
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a technique for attaching an artificial tendon to a support device having a supporting material as well as a product formed by the technique. The artificial tendon is provided for flexing or extending a joint of a body, when applied at the joint of the body, by way of pulling the artificial tendon along its lengthwise direction. The artificial tendon is attached to the support device by stitching across the tendon with a thread on the supporting material of the support device, which forms a tunnel for the artificial tendon between the supporting material and the stitching. The artificial tendon is able to travel in the tunnel. The tunnel formed by this technique is positioned on the surface of the supporting material of the support device.