Epicondylitis Brace With Removable Pad Insert
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing epicondylitis braces have limited adjustability and pressure distribution, failing to provide optimal support and relief for overloaded, irritated muscles and tendons in the forearm.
Innovation Solution
An epicondylitis clip with a curved shaped part and a releasable insert featuring a Velcro fastener system, allowing for additional pads to be placed in contact areas for customizable pressure distribution, enhancing support and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed pad is integrated into the molded part, then the structure is simple, but the pressure on the muscle and tendon attachment cannot be individually adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The pad system is segmented into a removable insert with pad and a molded part, connected via Velcro fasteners. This allows the pad to be separated from the main structure for adjustment or replacement, enabling individual adaptation while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The pad attachment transitions from a fixed integrated structure to a dynamic removable structure using Velcro fasteners. This allows the pad to be easily attached, detached, and repositioned to achieve optimal pressure distribution on different patients' muscle and tendon attachments.
2Strength
If the Velcro strip width is increased to improve adhesion strength, then the attachment becomes stronger, but the contact area for additional pads is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The Velcro strip is positioned specifically at the edge region of the molded part, concentrating the adhesion function in a localized area. This allows the central contact area to remain large for accommodating additional pads, while the edge region provides sufficient attachment strength through the Velcro mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system moves from requiring a large-area adhesive surface to using a linear edge-based Velcro strip. This dimensional transition from area to perimeter allows both strong adhesion and large contact area to coexist, as the Velcro strip's length along the edge provides cumulative attachment strength.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single large pad is used to cover the contact area, then the coverage is maximized, but the pressure distribution cannot be customized for different pain points
Solution Approach 1:
The pad system allows for multiple separate pads to be placed within the contact area instead of requiring a single large pad. Each pad can be positioned at specific pain points or muscle attachment areas, enabling customized pressure distribution while collectively covering the necessary areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Different pads can be positioned at different locations within the contact area, with each pad providing localized pressure to specific pain points or muscle attachments. This allows the pressure distribution to be customized for each patient's specific condition while maintaining adequate overall coverage.
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 solution enables individual adaptation and increased pressure on muscle and tendon attachments, improving healing and pain relief by allowing multiple pad sizes and configurations, ensuring a comfortable fit and secure attachment.
Implementation Method 1
The insert and the molded part are connected to one another in a simple manner via at least one Velcro fastener
Data Source
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AI summary
In an epicondylitis brace for application to a patient's forearm, comprising a shaped part curved between a first and a second end with a concave contact surface, a fastening means attached to the shaped part for applying the epicondylitis brace, and a recess arranged on the contact surface with at least one pad incorporated into the insert, it is provided that the insert is detachably attached to the shaped part, and that at least one contact area for at least one further pad is formed between the insert and the shaped part.