Elastic Support Bandage with Reversible Inelastic Strap

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing support bandages lack the ability to be individually adjusted and adapted to the specific physical characteristics and changing requirements of the user, such as decreased elasticity due to warming or fatigue, which affects their support effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A support bandage with a base body made of elastic textile material and an anti-slip coating, featuring reversibly arranged support straps with a combination of elastic and inelastic sections, allowing for adjustable tension and flexibility. The inelastic section can be fixed or released to modify the elasticity, providing customizable compression and preventing excessive force on the elastic portion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the support bandage uses only elastic material, then it provides initial support and comfort, but the elasticity decreases over time due to warming and fatigue, reducing support effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to changing requirementsVSAvoidconsistent support effect
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support bandage transitions from a static elastic material to a dynamic system where the inelastic section can be reversibly attached or detached. This allows the support characteristics to change over time - initially elastic for comfort, then inelastic for consistent support when elasticity decreases due to warming or fatigue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the mechanical parameter of the support strap from purely elastic to a configurable combination of elastic and inelastic properties. By allowing the inelastic section to be attached or detached, the system can adjust its stiffness and support characteristics to match changing user needs throughout the day.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the support bandage provides firm compression, then it improves support and proprioception, but it cannot be individually adjusted to different user needs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport effectivenessVSAvoidindividual adjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support strap is segmented into two distinct sections - an elastic section and an inelastic section - that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows users to choose whether to engage the inelastic section for firm compression or rely solely on the elastic section for gentler support, enabling individualization of the support level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reversible attachment mechanism creates a dynamic configuration system where users can switch between different support modes. The inelastic section can be attached when firm compression is needed and detached when more flexibility is desired, making the same bandage adaptable to different user needs and conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the support bandage uses reversible attachment, then it allows adjustment and repositioning, but the fixing strength may be insufficient for active use

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidfixing strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is segmented into multiple interaction points along the support strap and base body. This segmentation allows the attachment force to be distributed across multiple locations, increasing the overall fixing strength while maintaining the ability to adjust and reposition the strap by releasing individual attachment points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables flexible and individualized support, maintaining tension and preventing damage to the elastic section by allowing adjustment of the support belt's elasticity, which can be tailored to the user's needs and changing conditions, ensuring consistent performance.

Implementation Method 1

an anti-slip coating arranged on the inside

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a base body (2) made of an elastic textile material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2442773B2Compression bandage
Publication Date: 2016.08.24 OTTO BOCK HEALTHCARE GMBH
  • EP2442773B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2442773B2 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2442773B2 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a support bandage (1) comprising a base body (2) that is made of an elastic textile material and that has an inner side facing the body of a bandage user and an outer side facing away from the body of the bandage user. An anti-slip coating (5) is arranged on the inner side. The support bandage (1) has at least one supporting strap (10) that is reversibly arranged on the outer side of the base (2) by way of form-fitting elements (21, 16).