Flexible Anatomical Support Edge Cushioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible anatomical supports, such as wrist braces, often cause skin irritation and discomfort due to friction at the web space and stitching areas, especially when the hand is tender or swollen from injuries or pathological conditions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating cushioning materials along the edges of the support, such as perforated pads or inserts made from soft, flexible materials like foam, which can be laminated with stronger fabrics for added strength, to reduce irritation and discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a liner fabric is used to cover the interior of the brace, then some comfort is provided where skin contact is made, but skin irritation and friction occur at stitching areas and web space during thumb motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different materials with different properties to different locations of the brace. Specifically, cushioning material is applied only at high-friction areas such as stitching locations and web space, while other areas maintain the original liner fabric. This localized approach provides enhanced comfort where needed without compromising the overall structure or adding unnecessary material elsewhere.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cushioning material as an intermediary layer between the skin and the brace structure, particularly at stitching areas and web space. This intermediary layer reduces direct friction and irritation between the skin and the rigid brace components, allowing smooth motion while maintaining support.
2Strength
If stitching (binding) is used to attach layers of material around the edge of the thumbhole, then structural integrity is maintained, but irritation occurs at the stitching area during hand motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies cushioning material specifically at stitching locations where irritation occurs. This localized application maintains the structural integrity provided by the stitching while adding a protective layer that reduces skin irritation during thumb and hand motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushioning material is positioned in advance at areas where friction and irritation are anticipated to occur during use, such as stitching areas and web space. This beforehand cushioning prevents irritation before it occurs, allowing full range of motion without discomfort.
3Reliability
If the hand is swollen from injuries or pathological conditions, then medical support is needed, but friction at the web space and stitching areas increases causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides enhanced cushioning at specific locations where swollen hands experience increased friction, such as web space and stitching areas. This localized quality enhancement addresses the needs of injured or pathological hands without compromising the overall support function of the brace.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushioning material changes the physical parameters of the brace interior surface, making it softer and more compliant. This parameter change allows the brace to accommodate swollen hands by providing a more compliant interface that reduces friction and pressure on tender skin.
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible support including a body configured to provide anatomical support to a user's appendage, and an insert extending along at least a portion of an edge of the flexible support to reduce irritation and fitment discomfort to the user's appendage from the edge.