Temperature Regulated Compression Brace for Joint Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current postoperative cold and compression therapies for injured joints lack sufficient rigidity, leading to inadequate support and increased susceptibility to re-injury due to joint hyper-extension and unnatural movements during rehabilitation.
Innovation Solution
A temperature-regulated compression bracing system with a flexible shell, expandable fluid compartment, and rigid support members that can be adjusted to provide both therapeutic compression and bracing support, allowing for controlled movement and stability during daily activities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a flexible compression system with ice bag is used, then cold and compression therapy is applied, but the system lacks sufficient rigidity to support the limb and prevent hyper-extension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines cold therapy, compression, and rigid bracing support into a single integrated device. The rigid brace structure with integrated fluid compartments allows simultaneous application of cold therapy and mechanical support, eliminating the need for separate ice bags and compression bandages.
Solution Approach 2:
The device serves multiple functions: it provides cold therapy through fluid compartments, compression through adjustable straps, and rigid support through the brace structure. This multi-functional design replaces multiple separate therapeutic devices with one unified system.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional separate compression and cold therapy devices are used, then the devices are simple and economical, but they provide minimal re-usability and short life span
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces disposable ice bags with a reusable rigid brace system. The permanent brace structure with integrated fluid compartments eliminates the need for repeated ice bag purchases, improving long-term value despite higher initial cost.
3Ease of manufacture
If ice is placed in a plastic bag for cold therapy, then the application is simple, but the cold distribution is non-uniform due to irregular ice distribution and gradual warming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible fluid compartments within the rigid brace structure that conform to the limb shape. These compartments distribute cold therapy uniformly across the treatment area, eliminating the irregular cold distribution problem of traditional ice bags.
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 system effectively stabilizes the joint, prevents hyper-extension, and allows for natural use of the limb during recovery by providing adjustable temperature and compression therapy, enhancing rehabilitation outcomes and reducing re-injury risk.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid compartment formed within the flexible shell and configured with a fluid port for receiving external cooling or warming fluid for application to the area near the joint
Data Source
AI summary
The systems and methods described herein include systems and methods for applying temperature regulated compression and support to certain injured portions of the human body. In particular, the systems and methods relate to a brace to be fitted around a joint of a human for applying therapeutic temperature regulated compression to the joint and having rigid supports disposed therein to provide support for the limb while a patient recuperates from surgery or other injury.