Finger Splint With Rotatable Links For Active Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional finger splint devices cannot allow for active motion of the finger during fixation, which can lead to joint stiffness, a common complication after finger fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation or ligament repair.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a standard stabilizer, a hyperextension-specific stabilizer, and an active motion-specific elastic part, which are selectively coupled to a mounting part that includes multiple bodies and links to allow for controlled rotation and elastic force application, enabling simultaneous fixation and active motion of the finger.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a conventional finger splint device is used to fix the finger for an appropriate period of time, then the fractured part of the finger can be stabilized, but active motion of the finger cannot be performed leading to joint stiffness
Solution Approach 1:
The splint device transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic system with rotatable mounting bodies connected by links. The first mounting body, second mounting body, and third mounting body can rotate relative to each other through the link connections, enabling the finger to perform active motion while maintaining stabilization of the fractured part.
Solution Approach 2:
The splint device is divided into multiple independent mounting bodies (first, second, and third mounting bodies) connected by links rather than a single rigid structure. This segmentation allows different parts of the finger to move independently while maintaining overall stability, enabling both fixation and active motion simultaneously.
2Reliability
If open reduction and internal fixation or ligament repair is performed on the fractured part of the finger, then the fracture can be healed, but an extension delay occurs hardening the proximal interphalangeal joint to about 30° flexion
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic link mechanism allows the finger to move through various ranges of motion during the healing process. The rotatable mounting bodies connected by links provide controlled movement that prevents the extension delay and joint hardening that occurs with conventional fixed splints, while still maintaining sufficient stability for fracture healing.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows changes in the range of motion parameters during the healing process. The rotatable joints enable the finger to adjust its position and movement range, preventing the fixed 30° flexion hardening that occurs with conventional splints while maintaining the stability needed for fracture healing.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a conventional finger splint device fixes the finger rigidly, then displacement of the fractured part can be prevented, but joint stiffness and contracture occur due to lack of motion
Solution Approach 1:
The splint device uses dynamic rotatable connections between mounting bodies instead of rigid fixed joints. This allows the finger to move actively while the link mechanism maintains stabilization, preventing both displacement of the fractured part and the development of joint stiffness and contracture that occur with rigid fixed splints.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the splint into multiple rotatable mounting bodies connected by links, the device provides controlled movement at each joint while maintaining overall stability. This segmentation prevents the harmful effects of rigid fixation (joint stiffness) while still preventing displacement of the fractured part.
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 apparatus allows for active motion of the finger during fixation, preventing joint stiffness and contracture, while addressing the limitations of conventional splint devices by enabling dynamic exercise and controlled hyperextension.
Implementation Method 1
an active motion-specific elastic part that generates an elastic force in the first direction or a second direction being an opposite direction to the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an apparatus for assisting an active motion of a finger including a standard stabilizer, a hyperextension-specific stabilizer having a shape being bent in a first direction, in which the finger is extended, an active motion-specific elastic part that generates an elastic force in the first direction or a second direction being an opposite direction to the first direction, and a mounting part, to which one of the standard stabilizer, the hyperextension-specific stabilizer, and the active motion-specific elastic part is selectively coupled to be separable, and on which the finger is worn.