Dynamic Correction Splint with Variable Spring Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dynamic correction splints often require increased muscular effort to move away from the correction position due to a torsion spring design that decreases the correction moment as the joint approaches straightening, which can be uncomfortable and may not effectively support the therapeutic goal of maintaining the straightened position.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic correction splint with a spring device that increases the absolute value of the correction moment as the joint approaches the correction position, utilizing a switching mechanism to alter the coupling of the splint parts with the spring device, ensuring a larger correction moment at the correction position and reduced effort required to move away from it, thereby enhancing both comfort and therapeutic effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a torsion spring is used to create a correction moment in known dynamic correction splints, then the correction moment is sufficient to induce correction movement, but the correction moment decreases as the joint approaches the correction position, requiring increased muscular effort from the user
Solution Approach 1:
The spring device is designed to dynamically alter its coupling with the splint parts through a switching mechanism. As the joint approaches the correction position, the switching mechanism changes the coupling configuration, which increases the correction moment. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to automatically adjust the force characteristics based on the joint position, reducing the muscular effort required from the user while maintaining effective correction moment when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameters of the spring-device coupling system by introducing a switching mechanism that alters the coupling configuration. This switching changes physical parameters such as the lever arm length or spring pre-tension engagement, thereby modifying the correction moment characteristic. The parameter change ensures that the correction moment increases as the correction position is approached, directly addressing the contradiction between maintaining correction force and reducing user effort.
2Force
If the spring device is coupled to splint parts in a fixed configuration, then the construction is simple, but the correction moment cannot be increased as the joint approaches the correction position
Solution Approach 1:
The switching mechanism is designed to be actuated automatically by the pivoting motion of the splint parts themselves. As the joint moves toward the correction position, the motion of the splint parts directly triggers the switching mechanism to alter the coupling configuration. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external actuators, sensors, or control systems, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while still achieving the desired increase in correction moment.
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 design improves wearing comfort and therapeutic efficacy by requiring decreasing muscular strength as the user moves away from the correction position, ensuring a stronger correction moment at the desired angle, facilitating easier and more effective joint alignment.
Implementation Method 1
a spring device (27), the spring bases (25, 26) of which are each coupled in a motion-controlled way to one of the splint parts (5, 6) so that a pivoting of the splint parts (5, 6) leads to an altered biasing of the spring device (27)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a dynamic correction splint (1) with two splint parts (5, 6) connected to each other via a joint (2). Spring bases (25, 26) of a spring device (27) are each coupled to a splint part (5, 6) in such a way that pivoting the splint parts (5, 6) leads to an altered biasing of the spring device (27). The spring device (27) exerts a correction moment onto the splint parts (5, 6) acting in the direction of a correction position of the splint parts (5, 6). The spring device (27) is configured and coupled to the splint parts (5, 6) in such a way that the absolute value of the correction moment increases as the correction position of the splint parts (5, 6) is approached. It is possible that a switching mechanism (40) is present. The switching mechanism (40) is actuated in a motion-controlled way by the pivoting of the splint parts (5, 6) and at its actuation changes the coupling of the splint parts (5, 6) with the spring device (27).