C-Profile Hand Cuff with Adjustable Inserts for Carpal Tunnel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for treating carpal tunnel syndrome require precise sizing and manual pressure control, leading to inefficiencies and misuse risks, with many devices being returned or not used correctly due to sizing issues and potential overuse.
Innovation Solution
A C-profile hand cuff with adjustable inserts and an optional electronic control unit for controlled pressure application, allowing patients to customize the cuff size and ensuring safe, automatic treatment protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a closed O-shaped housing is used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, then pressure can be applied to the hypothenar and thenar areas, but the device requires two active pressure sources and precise housing dimensioning, increasing device complexity and manufacturing difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the hand treatment area into two independent modules: a C-shaped housing for the dorsal side and a palm plate for the palmar side. Each module has its own pressure element, allowing independent pressure application. This segmentation eliminates the need for a complex closed O-shaped housing while maintaining treatment effectiveness through separate, controllable pressure zones.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a closed O-shaped housing that requires internal pressure sources, the invention inverts the approach by using a C-shaped housing with a separate palm plate that receives pressure from the opposite direction. The palm plate is pressed against the palm through the C-shaped housing, reversing the traditional pressure application methodology and simplifying the overall structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid material housing is used for the C-shaped housing, then structural stability is improved, but the housing must be manufactured in multiple sizes (S, M, L) to accommodate different hand widths, increasing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The palm plate is designed with flexibility to adapt to different palm sizes and shapes while maintaining effective pressure application. This dynamic design allows a single C-shaped housing structure to accommodate various hand dimensions without requiring multiple rigid housing sizes, as the flexible palm plate compensates for size variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows adjustment of pressure parameters through the electronic control system, which can compensate for variations in hand size. By dynamically adjusting pressure magnitude and application duration, the system maintains treatment effectiveness across different hand sizes without requiring multiple housing configurations.
3Device complexity
If manual pressure control is used with a hand pump, then device simplicity is improved, but patients may apply excessive pressure or incorrect treatment cycles, creating safety risks and reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor pressure application and treatment cycle duration. The system provides real-time feedback to the patient through visual or tactile signals, ensuring pressure remains within safe limits and treatment cycles are properly followed. This feedback loop prevents excessive pressure application and incorrect treatment protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables patients to independently control pressure application through an electronic interface that guides them through proper treatment cycles. The system automatically manages pressure magnitude, application duration, and rest periods, allowing patients to self-administer treatment safely without requiring manual pressure control knowledge or experience.
4Reliability
If precise hand measurement is required to select the correct housing size, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but the measurement process is prone to errors, leading to high return rates
Solution Approach 1:
The C-shaped housing is designed with universal dimensions that accommodate a wide range of hand sizes. Combined with the flexible palm plate and adjustable electronic pressure control, the system functions effectively across different hand dimensions without requiring precise size matching. This universal design eliminates the need for complex measurement and sizing selection processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control system allows dynamic adjustment of pressure parameters to compensate for variations in hand size. By modifying pressure magnitude, application time, and cycle frequency based on patient feedback and treatment response, the system maintains effectiveness across different hand dimensions without requiring precise initial sizing.
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 adjustable cuff ensures a proper fit, reducing returns and misuse risks, while the electronic control ensures consistent and safe pressure application, enhancing treatment effectiveness and user compliance.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure pad disposed along the dorsal portion for applying pressure to the dorsal side of the hand by a first force counteracting a second and third force through the thenar and hypothenar portions of the hand cuff to cause carpal tunnel enlargement
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The apparatus has hand cuff (1) that is formed in cross section as C-profile, and provided with thenar and hypothenar portion for contacting and holding respective thenar and hypothenar region of hand. An intermediate dorsal portion is connected to thenar and hypothenar portion. A pressure pad (5) is located along dorsal portion for applying pressure to dorsal surface of hand for enlarging the carpal tunnel. Insert portions (6,7) are configured to adjust or reduce size of hand cuff so as to allow hand of person to fit inside inner diameter of hand cuff. An independent claim is included for a method for treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome in hand of person.