Orthopedic Elbow Brace Length-Adjustable Support Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopedic braces lack adjustable features that allow for customizable fit across different user sizes, making it difficult to provide a secure and supportive fit for various arm sizes without compromising stability during use.
Innovation Solution
An orthopedic brace with a length-adjustable support assembly featuring a support bar, housing, and a length locking mechanism, which includes a lock stop and a lock peg array, allowing for easy adjustment and secure locking of the support bar's position within a travel track, enabling multiple length settings to accommodate different arm sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the orthopedic brace uses fixed-length rigid components, then the structural stability is maintained, but the adaptability to different user sizes is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid support components are designed with adjustable length capability through telescopic structures. The support bars can be extended or retracted to different lengths and locked in place, transforming from fixed to dynamically adjustable configuration. This allows the brace to adapt to various arm sizes while maintaining structural stability when locked at the desired length.
Solution Approach 2:
The support components are divided into segmented sections that can slide relative to each other within housings. The support bars are segmented to allow length adjustment, with each segment capable of moving independently within its housing while maintaining overall structural integrity through the locking mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the orthopedic brace includes adjustable-length rigid components, then the adaptability to different user sizes is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment and locking functions are merged into integrated mechanisms. The telescopic support structure combines the support function with the adjustment function, while the locking mechanism integrates multiple locking points into a single array of lock pegs that can secure the support bar at various positions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage lock pegs with simple user input. The lock stop rotates to selectively engage different lock pegs in the array, providing self-locking capability that maintains the adjusted length without requiring additional fastening operations or complex control systems.
3Ease of operation
If the orthopedic brace uses a simple locking mechanism, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of maintaining adjusted length is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple lock pegs are pre-positioned in the lock peg array at predetermined positions along the travel track. The lock stop is pre-configured to engage these pegs when rotated to specific positions, ensuring that the support bar is secured at reliable, pre-determined length settings before use.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions between locked and unlocked states dynamically. The lock stop can be easily rotated to disengage from any lock peg, allowing the support bar to move freely during adjustment, then rotated to engage a selected lock peg to securely lock the position. This dynamic operation provides both ease of adjustment and reliable locking.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable support assembly for an orthopedic brace has a support bar, a housing and a locking mechanism. The housing includes a travel track which receives the support bar. The locking mechanism includes a lock stop and a lock peg array having at least one column and a plurality of rows. The lock stop is perpendicularly positioned between two lock pegs in adjacent rows to prevent displacement of the support bar in the travel track when the length locking mechanism is in the closed position and the lock stop is parallely positioned to enable displacement of the support bar in the travel track when the length locking mechanism is in the open position.