Finger Brace With Coupling Mechanism for Pulley Injury Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Rock climbers often suffer from 'bowstringing' injuries due to the separation of flexor tendons from annular pulley ligaments when gripping small holds, which conventional methods like adhesive tape fail to adequately prevent, as they provide insufficient and temporary support.
Innovation Solution
A finger-wearable brace comprising proximal and distal bands with a coupling mechanism that limits movement between the bands, preventing excessive separation of the flexor tendon from the phalanx and maintaining the proximal band over the annular pulley ligament, thereby preventing pulley ligament tears.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive sports tape is applied to the finger, then temporary support is provided, but the support becomes ineffective as the tape stretches or becomes damaged during climbing activities
Solution Approach 1:
The brace is divided into multiple independent bands (proximal band, middle band, distal band) that can be positioned at specific locations along the finger. Each band independently supports critical structures, and the segmented design allows the brace to maintain effectiveness even if one band becomes loose or damaged during climbing activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism incorporates movable elements that allow dynamic adjustment and movement with the finger during climbing. The coupling members can slide or pivot to accommodate finger flexion and extension while maintaining continuous support, preventing the brace from becoming ineffective as the finger moves through different positions.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional adhesive tape is used, then the device is simple to apply, but it provides insufficient support to prevent tendon separation and pulley ligament tears
Solution Approach 1:
The brace divides support functions into multiple targeted bands positioned at critical locations (proximal, middle, and distal phalanxes). This segmentation allows each band to provide focused support to specific anatomical structures, increasing overall support strength while maintaining a relatively simple single-piece construction that is easy to apply.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary that connects the multiple bands and distributes forces evenly across the finger. This intermediary structure enhances the overall support strength by coordinating the action of individual bands, preventing tendon separation more effectively than simple tape while maintaining ease of application as a complete unit.
3Reliability
If the proximal band is held firmly in position over the annular pulley ligament, then effective support is provided, but the band may shift or lose position during climbing activities
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism merges the proximal, middle, and distal bands into a coordinated system. When the finger moves or flexes during climbing, the coupling members transmit movements between bands, ensuring they move together as a unified structure. This prevents the proximal band from shifting or losing its position over the annular pulley ligament while maintaining ease of operation as a single integrated device.
Data Source
AI summary
A brace for preventing injuries to annular pulley ligaments in fingers of human hands includes a proximal band dimensioned to be worn on a proximal phalanx of a finger, a distal band dimensioned to be worn on a middle phalanx, and a coupling attached to the bands. The band may be worn in position overlying an annular pulley ligament of the fingers. The coupling may bias the bands away from each other to promote retention over the annular pulley ligaments. The coupling may limit movement of bands (and thus finger) to a predetermined range of motion for avoiding tearing of the annular pulley ligament. The coupling may provide a mechanical stop limiting movement to positions in which annular pulley injuries are less likely. The coupling may be provided as a gas-pressurized struts or compressible coil springs, which may be mounted to the bands in diametrically opposed positions.