Orthopedic Brace Inflation Control for Independent Cell Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopedic braces with inflatable components often require external pumps for inflation and deflation, which can be bulky and inconvenient, and do not allow for independent control of pressure in different inflatable cells.
Innovation Solution
The orthopedic brace incorporates an on-board pump and a control mechanism that allows users to select and individually inflate or deflate multiple inflatable cells, providing customizable compression pressure in different areas of the brace.
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 brace pads, but the pump becomes a bulky extra component that impairs wearability
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is integrated directly into the brace structure, merging two previously separate components (pump and brace) into a single unified device. This eliminates the need for external pumps while maintaining inflation/deflation functionality, thereby improving wearability without sacrificing operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated pump serves multiple functions: it can inflate different cells independently, deflate cells, and is always available since it's built-in. This multi-functional design replaces the need for separate external pumps that would need to be carried and connected, enhancing both convenience and wearability.
2Device complexity
If a single pump and valve are used, then the structure is simplified, but the user cannot independently control the pressures in different inflatable cells
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into multiple independent valves, with each valve controlling a specific inflatable cell. This segmentation allows independent pressure control for each cell while keeping the overall structure manageable. Each valve can be operated separately to adjust compression levels in different areas of the brace.
Solution Approach 2:
Individual control valves act as intermediaries between the user and each inflatable cell. These valves provide a simple interface for users to independently adjust pressure in each cell, bridging the gap between the complex multi-cell system and the user's need for simple, independent control without requiring complex electronic systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pumps are connected to control individual cells, then independent pressure control is achieved, but the device becomes more complex and the pumps can be easily lost if detached
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pump functions are merged into a single integrated pump unit that is permanently attached to the brace. This unified pump works in conjunction with multiple valves to provide independent cell control, eliminating the need for multiple separate pumps that could be lost. The integrated design reduces complexity while maintaining the ability to independently control each cell.
4Adaptability or versatility
If hand-pump bulbs are used for each cell, then independent inflation is possible, but they are inconvenient to handle and can be easily lost when detached
Solution Approach 1:
The hand-pump functionality is merged into a single integrated pump unit that is permanently attached to the brace structure. This eliminates the need to handle and attach/detach multiple separate pump bulbs, significantly improving ease of operation. The integrated pump remains always available and cannot be lost, while still enabling individual cell inflation through the valve system.
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 solution enables users to customize compression levels in various parts of the brace, enhancing comfort and treatment effectiveness while eliminating the need for external pumps, thus improving wearability and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
Each outlet of the control is in fluid communication with a respective one of the plurality of inflatable cells, and the inflation component is in fluid communication with the inlet port of the valve
Implementation Method 2
Rotation of the control to a first orientation creates a fluid path between the inflation component and a first inflatable cell, and rotation of the control to a second orientation creates a fluid path between the inflation component and a second inflatable cell
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.