Breathable Orthopedic Support Shell via Fiber-Reinforced Plastic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Support shell arrangements for the lower leg, particularly those with metallic fittings, are not air-permeable and require removal for X-ray examinations, compromising comfort and hygiene, and lack the necessary rigidity for articulated connections without using metallic structural parts.
Innovation Solution
A support shell arrangement with calf and foot parts connected via U-shaped bow struts and a heel strut, forming a pivot joint, allowing for articulated functionality without metallic parts, and featuring a breathable design with a supplementary shell option for stability, including a connection device for direct force introduction and optional force sensors for monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metallic fittings are used to provide rigidity for articulated connections, then the structural stability and bending resistance are improved, but the air permeability and X-ray transparency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters from metallic to plastic, specifically using fiber-reinforced plastics to achieve the necessary rigidity and strength properties without the harmful effects of metal, thereby maintaining air permeability and X-ray transparency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials, specifically fiber-reinforced plastics combining plastic matrix with reinforcing fibers (such as glass, carbon, or aramid fibers), to achieve the required mechanical strength and rigidity for articulated connections while avoiding metallic materials that block air and X-rays
2Stability of the object's composition
If metallic structural parts are used for articulated fittings, then the bending resistance and support shell stability are improved, but the wearing comfort and hygienic aspects deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters from metallic to plastic, using fiber-reinforced plastics that provide sufficient mechanical stability while offering better wearing comfort and hygienic properties due to their non-metallic, breathable characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses fiber-reinforced composite materials to achieve the necessary structural stability for support shell function while avoiding metallic materials, thereby improving wearing comfort and hygienic aspects through the use of breathable, non-metallic materials
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the support shell arrangement is made air-permeable using fiber reinforcements, then the wearing comfort and X-ray transparency are improved, but the rigidity and bending resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies fiber-reinforced composite materials where the fiber reinforcement (glass, carbon, or aramid fibers) embedded in the plastic matrix provides the necessary rigidity and bending resistance while maintaining air permeability and X-ray transparency that would be blocked by solid metallic structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the material parameters by selecting appropriate fiber types, orientations, and concentrations within the plastic matrix to achieve the desired balance between rigidity, air permeability, and X-ray transparency, avoiding the need for solid metallic structures
4Object-generated harmful factors
If fiber reinforcements are used instead of metallic parts, then the air permeability and X-ray transparency are improved, but the articulated functionality and structural stability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fiber-reinforced plastic materials that provide sufficient mechanical strength and stability to enable reliable articulated functionality between calf and foot parts, while maintaining X-ray transparency and air permeability that metallic materials would block
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts material parameters including fiber orientation, density, and distribution within the plastic matrix to optimize the balance between articulated functionality, structural stability, and X-ray transparency, ensuring reliable performance without metallic components
Data Source
AI summary
A support shell arrangement (20) is provided for arranging on a lower leg, having a foot part (23) and a calf part (21). The calf part includes two calf struts (29, 30) disposed at the side of an entry opening (32) of the calf part, extending in the longitudinal axis of the calf part, and a heel strut connected to the calf struts in a strut connection and extending toward a heel part of the foot part. A support bow arrangement (24) has two bow struts (34, 35) extending in a U-shape about a sole area, the free strut ends thereof being pivotally connected in pairs in a common pivot joint (43, 44) on a joint axis corresponding to the ankle joint and connected to a calf strut, and connected to each other in a V-shape by a common support basis (36). The support base is pivotally connected to the heel strut of the calf part at the heel side end thereof.