Orthopedic Brace Inflation Control for Independent Cell Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthopedic braces lack user control over individual inflatable cells, often requiring external pumps that are bulky, inconvenient, and prone to loss, and fail to provide customized compression across different areas.
Innovation Solution
An orthopedic brace with an on-board pump system that includes a rotatable control mechanism allowing users to selectively inflate or deflate individual inflatable cells, eliminating the need for external pumps and enabling customizable compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an external pump is connected to the brace, then the user can inflate and deflate the inflatable components, but the pump becomes a bulky extra component that impairs the wearability of the brace
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is integrated into the brace structure, merging the inflation device with the brace itself. The pump housing is formed within the brace shell, and the pump mechanism is positioned to work in conjunction with the inflatable cells, eliminating the need for separate external pump equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump is nested within the brace structure, with the pump housing formed as an integral part of the brace shell. The pump mechanism is positioned within the available space inside the brace, and the drive shaft extends through the shell to allow external operation while keeping the bulk of the pump concealed within the brace.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single pump and valve inflates all inflatable cells to equal pressure, then the system is simple to operate, but the user cannot provide customized compression in different areas
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable brace is divided into multiple independent inflatable cells, each with its own inflation control. The pump system includes multiple valves that can direct air to different cells independently, allowing each cell to be inflated to different pressure levels to provide customized compression for different anatomical regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump system includes a rotatable pump head with multiple positions, allowing dynamic selection of which inflatable cell to inflate. The system can be configured to inflate one cell at a time or multiple cells simultaneously with different pressure levels, providing adaptable compression control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves with multiple pumps or a movable single pump are provided for individual cell control, then customized compression is enabled, but the pumps are inconvenient to handle and can be easily lost if detached
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple valves are integrated into a single pump assembly that is permanently mounted within the brace. The pump head can rotate to access different valves, and the entire assembly is fixed to the brace structure, eliminating the need to detach or carry separate pump devices. The system provides individual cell control through the rotatable pump mechanism while maintaining permanent integration with the brace.
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 on-board pump system allows for streamlined inflation and deflation, providing customizable pressure distribution across different areas of the brace, enhancing user convenience and reducing the risk of pump loss, while maintaining a low profile design.
Implementation Method 1
An external pump or valve is provided to allow the user to increase or decrease the amount of fluid in the inflatable component and thereby adjust the amount of compression provided by the brace
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices are described for providing a brace having an inflation control. The control directs fluid flow from an inflation component to one or more inflatable cells of the brace. The inflatable cells are independently inflated and deflated by the inflation component through the control. The control allows a user to create a fluid path between the inflation component and one of the inflatable cells by positioning the control in an orientation corresponding to the desired inflatable cells. Each inflatable cell is independently inflated and deflated in various orientations of the control.