Finger Joint Reduction Trainer With Haptic Dislocation Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current training methods for dislocation reductions in medical professionals lack a risk-free environment for trainees to practice reductions, as they typically involve performing procedures on real patients, posing risks.
Innovation Solution
A finger joint reduction simulation training device with synthetic bone structures that mimic the haptic and sonic feedback of a joint reduction, comprising a forearm portion, carpal attachment, metacarpal and phalanx portions, and biasing elements to simulate the reduction process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If trainees perform reductions on real patients for competency training, then first-person perspective training is achieved, but patient safety risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a realistic copy of a human finger joint using synthetic materials (silicone rubber for soft tissue, rigid material for bone structures) that replicates the haptic, visual, and auditory characteristics of a real joint. This allows trainees to practice reductions on a lifelike model without risking patient safety, while still experiencing authentic sensory feedback including the characteristic sound and feel of bone reduction.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a simulation device is created to replicate joint reduction, then patient safety is protected, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The simulation device is divided into distinct functional segments: the forearm portion with synthetic skin layer, the carpal attachment, the metacarpal portion, and the phalanx portions with internal bone structures. Each segment can be independently constructed and assembled, allowing for modular manufacturing and easier maintenance while achieving realistic joint mechanics through the coordinated interaction of these segmented components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a synthetic skin layer as an intermediary between the trainee's hands and the internal bone structures. This intermediate layer provides realistic tactile feedback and haptic resistance during manipulation, while also protecting the internal mechanical components from direct contact and damage, thus simplifying the overall device design by absorbing complex interaction requirements.
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
Provides a safe and realistic simulation of joint reductions, enhancing training by replicating the tactile and auditory aspects of the procedure, thereby improving trainee proficiency without risking patients.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more biasing element is configured to bias the terminal surface of the middle phalanx portion against the dislocation guide surface
Data Source
AI summary
A finger joint reduction simulation training device includes forearm, carpal, metacarpal, proximal phalanx, and middle phalanx portions, and at least one biasing element. The carpal portion is attached to a distal end of the forearm portion. The metacarpal portion is connected to the carpal attachment. The proximal phalanx portion has a proximal end that is connected to the metacarpal portion and a distal end opposite to the proximal end. The distal end includes a dislocation guide surface with a depression formed therein. The middle phalanx portion is positioned adjacent the proximal phalanx portion and includes a proximal end with a terminal surface configured to shift relative to the dislocation guide surface and includes a projection configured to extend into the depression of the dislocation guide surface. The biasing element is configured to bias the terminal surface of the middle phalanx portion against the dislocation guide surface.