Heat-Moldable Splint With Hinge For Custom Arm Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional splints lack customization to fit individual arm shapes and movements, providing inadequate support and immobilization, especially for the forearm, wrist, and hand, and are not easily adjustable or manufacturable.
Innovation Solution
A splint design featuring a main body that wraps around the arm with removable and heat-moldable support members and a dynamic traction attachment, allowing for customized contoured configurations and adjustable support, including a hinge for varying wrist angles, to provide both immobilization and partial motion options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a prefabricated bandage member is used to enclose the limb, then the splint can be easily manufactured and applied, but it cannot be customized to fit individual arm shapes and movements
Solution Approach 1:
The splint is divided into a main body portion and separate removable support members. The main body provides the basic structure, while support members can be selectively added, removed, or replaced to customize the fit and support for different arm shapes and conditions without redesigning the entire splint.
Solution Approach 2:
The support members are made of heat-moldable material that can be softened by heating and then shaped to conform to the patient's specific arm anatomy. This allows customization of the splint's contour and fit by changing the physical state and shape of the support members after manufacturing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid splint structure is used to provide immobilization, then effective support is provided, but it does not allow for adjustable support or partial motion
Solution Approach 1:
The splint incorporates a hinge mechanism that allows the wrist portion to be positioned at various angles relative to the forearm. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the splint to provide immobilization when needed while also allowing controlled motion or positioning for comfort and rehabilitation, adapting to different treatment stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The support members are designed to be removable and replaceable, allowing the rigid support structure to be adjusted or modified based on the patient's recovery progress. Different support members can be used to provide varying degrees of support or to accommodate changes in the patient's condition.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a customized contoured splint is created to fit individual shapes, then personalized support is provided, but it increases manufacturing complexity and time
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are pre-formed with a basic contoured shape that can be easily modified. Rather than creating a completely custom splint from scratch for each patient, the pre-formed support members provide a starting configuration that requires minimal additional shaping or adjustment, significantly reducing customization time.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat-moldable property of the support members allows for rapid customization. By heating the pre-formed support members, they become pliable and can be quickly shaped to fit the patient's arm, then cooled to set the custom shape. This process transforms a time-consuming custom fabrication task into a quick adjustment procedure.
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 splint offers personalized support and immobilization, accommodating individual arm shapes and movements, while allowing for adjustable support and partial motion, enhancing recovery and rehabilitation by reducing rigid immobilization-related issues.
Implementation Method 1
The support member may be configured to be heated such that after heating, the support member is placed on the person and can then be configured such that the customized contoured configuration is provided to the person
Data Source
AI summary
A splint for facilitating the recovery of a person from injury through the immobilization or partial immobilization of an arm, wrist, and/or hand of said person. The splint may include dynamic traction elements and/or support inserts, which may be customizable to a desired configuration, to allow for individualized treatment for recovery from an injury.