Wrist Brace with Rigid Panel and Flexible Sheet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for median neuropathy, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, often result in permanent muscle wasting and numbness if left untreated, and existing braces do not adequately address the need for both support and therapeutic options.
Innovation Solution
A brace design incorporating flexible sheets, rigid panels, and adjustable straps that restrict wrist movement while allowing finger mobility, with optional heating or cooling elements, to provide therapeutic support and facilitate healing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid brace structure is used to restrict wrist movement, then therapeutic support and movement restriction are improved, but device complexity and comfort are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible sheet as the base structure of the brace, replacing traditional rigid construction. This flexible sheet can be conformably wrapped around the user's wrist and hand, providing necessary support while maintaining comfort and reducing device complexity. The flexible nature allows the brace to adapt to the body's contours without requiring complex rigid structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines flexible sheet material with rigid panel elements to create a composite structure. The rigid panels are strategically positioned to provide support where needed while the flexible sheet provides overall structure and comfort. This composite approach achieves reliable therapeutic support without requiring the entire device to be rigid and complex.
2Reliability
If a rigid panel is added to restrict wrist movement, then movement restriction is improved, but ease of operation and comfort are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places rigid panels only at specific locations where movement restriction is therapeutically necessary, rather than making the entire brace rigid. This localized application of rigidity provides effective movement control while leaving other areas flexible and comfortable for the user, maintaining ease of operation and wearability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable straps are incorporated for customization, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable straps with buckles that allow the brace to be dynamically customized to different user sizes and preferences. These straps can be easily tightened or loosened to achieve a proper fit, providing high adaptability without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms. The simplicity of the strap-and-buckle system maintains ease of use while achieving customization goals.
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 brace effectively supports the wrist and hand, restricting harmful movements to aid in nerve and muscle healing while allowing finger mobility, thus potentially preventing permanent damage and improving symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Implementation Method 1
The inner strap may be configured to receive an insert including at least one of a heating element and a cooling element
Implementation Method 2
The inner strap may be configured to receive an insert including at least one of a heating element and a cooling element
Data Source
AI summary
A brace may include a flexible sheet, a rigid panel and an outer strap. The flexible sheet may include a first side and a second side. The first side may receive at least portions of a user's wrist and hand. The rigid panel may be attached to the flexible sheet at a location that corresponds to a dorsal side of the user's wrist and hand. The rigid panel may cooperate with the flexible sheet to restrict movement of the wrist. The outer strap may be slidably received in a sleeve of the flexible sheet. The outer strap may include a first portion and a second portion. The second portion may be adapted to adjustably engage the first portion. The first portion may be adapted to removably engage the flexible sheet.