Dynamic Hand Splint Finger Tensioners for Hypertonicity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with neurological injuries such as stroke or cerebral palsy often experience upper extremity impairments due to hypertonicity, which prevents them from extending their wrists or fingers to grasp objects, as existing dynamic splints may not provide sufficient resistance to counteract increased muscle tone effectively.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic hand splint design featuring a forearm support section, a hand support section, and finger tensioners made of semi-rigid resilient materials like spring steel, which provide varying degrees of resistance and are configured to urge fingers and thumbs back to an extended position when flexed, using hook-and-loop fasteners for secure attachment and adjustable resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If existing dynamic splints are used, then they provide some resistance to hold joints in certain positions, but they do not offer sufficient force to balance the effects of increased muscle tone in hypertonicity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by providing finger tensioners with varying degrees of resistance (different spring rates) to match different levels of muscle hypertonicity. The resilient struts are available in multiple configurations (e.g., lighter, medium, heavier duty) allowing the resistance force parameter to be adjusted to balance the effects of increased muscle tone effectively.
2Adaptability or versatility
If finger tensioners with varying resistance are used, then they can accommodate different muscle tone levels, but it requires interchangeable components increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the finger tensioner system into separable components: the resilient strut can be independently interchanged with different spring rate configurations. This allows the resistance characteristic to be modified without replacing the entire tensioner assembly, reducing the complexity impact while maintaining adaptability.
3Force
If semi-rigid resilient materials like spring steel are used for finger tensioners, then they provide necessary resistance force, but they require precise manufacturing to ensure consistent performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by using spring steel (a composite of carbon steel with specific alloying elements) for the resilient struts. This material provides the necessary force characteristics while its established manufacturing processes ensure consistent performance through controlled material properties and standardized production methods.
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 dynamic hand splint effectively assists in rehabilitating impaired hands by providing the necessary resistance to extend fingers and thumbs, allowing for functional grasping and release activities while accommodating varying muscle tone levels through interchangeable tensioners.
Implementation Method 1
one or more finger tensioners that are releasably attached to the hand support section and that are configured to be releasably attached to a respective finger such that, when the finger is flexed from an extended position toward a flexed position, the finger is urged by the finger tensioner toward an extended position
Data Source
AI summary
A dynamic hand splint includes as elements thereof: a forearm support section and a hand support section that are configured to be releasably attached to a forearm; and one or more finger tensioners that are releasably attached to the hand support section and that are configured to be releasably attached to a respective finger such that, when the finger is flexed from an extended position toward a flexed position, the finger is urged by the finger tensioner toward an extended position. A method includes: attaching a forearm support section and a hand support section to a forearm; attaching finger tensioners to the hand support section; and attaching each of the finger tensioners to a respective finger such that, when the finger is flexed from an extended position toward a flexed position, the finger is urged by the finger tensioner toward an extended position.