Orthopedic Brace Inflation Valve for Selective Cell Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthopedic braces with inflatable components often require external pumps, which are bulky, inconvenient to carry, and lack the ability to provide customized compression in different areas, as they typically inflate or deflate all cells to equal pressure or require multiple pumps and valves for individual control.
Innovation Solution
The development of an orthopedic brace with an on-board pump system that includes a control mechanism allowing users to selectively inflate or deflate individual inflatable cells, featuring a rotatable dial that creates distinct fluid paths between the pump and each cell, enabling customized compression levels across different areas.
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 the wearability of the brace
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is integrated within the brace structure itself, nesting the inflation mechanism inside the existing brace components. This eliminates the need for external pumps while maintaining the inflation functionality, directly resolving the contradiction between operational capability and wearability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump functionality is merged with the brace structure, combining what were previously separate components (pump and brace) into a single integrated unit. This merging eliminates the bulky external pump while preserving the inflation capability.
2Device complexity
If a single pump and valve inflates or deflates all inflatable cells, then the system is simple, but the user cannot independently control the pressures in different inflatable cells
Solution Approach 1:
The single pump system is segmented into multiple independent control pathways, with each inflatable cell having its own valve and control mechanism. This segmentation allows independent pressure control for each cell while maintaining relative system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static single-pressure configuration to a dynamic multi-pressure configuration, where each cell can be independently adjusted to different pressure levels based on user needs, enabling customized compression control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves are provided with multiple pumps or a single movable pump, then individual cells can be controlled, but the pumps are inconvenient to handle and can be easily lost if detached
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple valves are integrated within the brace structure, nesting them in fixed positions along the brace. This eliminates the need for movable external pumps while maintaining individual cell control capability, preventing loss and improving convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The valves and control mechanisms are merged with the brace structure, creating a permanent integrated system where each cell can be independently controlled without requiring separate external pump components that could be lost or mishandled.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices are described for providing a fluid control for an inflation system. The control directs fluid flow from an inlet to one or more outlets of the control. The outlets are independently connected in fluid communication with the inlet by through the control. The control allows a user to create a fluid path between the inlet and a selected outlet by positioning the control in an orientation corresponding to the desired outlet. Each outlet is independently connected in fluid communication with the inlet in various orientations of the control.