Ergonomic Finger Splint With Segmented Holes For Controlled Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing finger splints for manual therapy lack ergonomic design and functionality to control the range of motion, leading to discomfort and inadequate fixation during treatment.
Innovation Solution
A finger splint with a metal base sheet featuring a diamond-shaped base hole and elliptical first and second holes, along with a fixing band, to provide a secure yet comfortable fit, allowing controlled finger movement and reducing foreign body sensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a finger splint is designed to fix the finger securely, then the fixing force is improved, but the finger movement range is reduced and discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base sheet is divided into multiple regions with different hole patterns (first holes near proximal interphalangeal joint, second holes near distal interphalangeal joint). Each hole region provides localized fixation while allowing movement in specific directions, achieving both secure fixation and controlled range of motion through segmented functional zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The splint design allows dynamic movement within controlled ranges by strategically placing holes that permit flexion and extension at specific joints while maintaining overall fixation. The structure adapts to finger movement needs by allowing motion where holes are positioned and providing restraint where solid material remains.
2Ease of operation
If a finger splint is designed to allow finger movement, then the comfort is improved, but the fixing force is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the base sheet have different properties: hole-containing regions allow movement and comfort, while solid regions between holes provide fixation strength. The first and second holes are positioned to allow joint movement while the surrounding solid material maintains fixing force, creating local quality variations that balance comfort and reliability.
3Reliability
If a metal base sheet is used for fixation, then the fixing force is improved, but foreign body sensation increases
Solution Approach 1:
A soft protective layer is applied to the rear surface of the metal base sheet, creating a flexible interface between the rigid metal structure and the skin. This thin film layer reduces foreign body sensation and skin irritation while allowing the metal base sheet to maintain its fixing function, effectively decoupling the structural and comfort functions.
4Strength
If the base sheet is made of metal material, then the fixing strength is improved, but skin irritation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The splint combines metal base sheet material with a soft protective layer material, creating a composite structure. The metal layer provides fixing strength while the soft layer (different material properties) prevents skin irritation, demonstrating composite materials principle where two materials with complementary properties are combined to achieve both strength and comfort.
Data Source
AI summary
A finger splint for manual therapy according to the present invention comprises: a base sheet made of a metal material and of a certain length and width to surround a finger; a base hole formed through the center of the base sheet in a rhombus shape; a first hole extending through both upper left and right sides of the base hole along a portion of a periphery of the finger; and a second hole extending through both lower left and right sides of the base hole along the periphery of the finger to correspond to the position and size of the first hole. The finger splint for manual therapy according to the present invention has the effect of providing an excellent and comfortable fit on the basis of an ergonomic structure as well as sufficiently ensuring a basic fixing force.