Hip Brace Silicone Bands for Post-Surgery Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hip braces are bulky and cannot be worn autonomously, failing to provide adequate support and stability for patients post-hip surgery, particularly after posterior access procedures which lead to increased risks of prosthesis dislocation due to gluteus muscle damage.

Innovation Solution

A wearable, lightweight hip brace made of stretch fabric with a silicone support zone comprising vertical and inclined bands that mimic the gluteus muscle fibers, providing proprioceptive feedback and limiting harmful movements, integrated into a design that can be worn under daily clothing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional metal alloy or fabric braces with elastic bands are used, then hip support and stability are provided, but the braces become bulky and cannot be worn autonomously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehip support and stabilityVSAvoidautonomous wearing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a thin film elastic fabric body instead of bulky metal alloy structures. The elastic fabric provides the necessary hip support and stability through its tensile properties while maintaining flexibility and thin profile, enabling autonomous wearing under daily clothing without the bulkiness of conventional metal braces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the material parameters from rigid metal alloy to flexible elastic fabric, transforming the brace from a bulky structure to a thin, wearable garment. This parameter change maintains the support function while eliminating the bulkiness that prevented autonomous wearing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If posterior access surgery is performed for hip replacement, then pain relief and functional improvement are achieved, but the gluteus muscle is damaged causing increased forces on the femur and higher dislocation risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepain relief and functional improvementVSAvoidgluteus muscle damage and dislocation risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by providing pre-operative or post-operative bracing that counteracts the increased forces on the femur before dislocation can occur. The brace provides external support to compensate for the damaged gluteus muscle, preventing the harmful effect of muscle damage from leading to prosthesis dislocation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The brace acts as an intermediary element between the damaged gluteus muscle and the femur/prosthesis. It provides the missing muscular support through elastic fabric bands that distribute forces and stabilize the hip joint, mediating the harmful effects of muscle damage without requiring the muscle itself to function normally

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If the gluteus muscle volume decreases due to damage, then the muscle cannot provide adequate support, but this leads to increased forces acting on the femur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemuscle support functionVSAvoidforces acting on femur

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a functional copy of the damaged gluteus muscle using elastic fabric bands arranged in specific patterns. These fabric bands mimic the muscle's support function by providing similar force distribution and stabilization, compensating for the volume loss and damage to the actual muscle tissue

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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 brace effectively reduces the risk of post-operative injuries by stabilizing the hip joint, promoting balanced movement, and enhancing blood circulation, as evidenced by increased power output and stability in subjects wearing the brace during exercises and balance tests.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic body (10) suitable for being worn horizontally around the patient's waist

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a support zone (30) fixed to the body (10) and suitable for engaging the patient's hip... comprising a plurality of bands (36, 37, 38) made of elastomeric material, preferably of silicone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectProprioception:

Data Source

PatentEP4094732A1Hip brace

Publication Date: 2022.11.30 PLUS BIOMEDICALS SRL

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AI summary

A hip brace (1; 100) according to the present invention is wearable by a patient around the waist for hip joint prevention and rehabilitation after hip surgery. The brace comprises an elastic body (10), suitable for being worn horizontally around the waist, and a support zone (30) positioned on the body (10), suitable for engaging the hip. The brace is characterized in that the support zone (30) comprises a vertical band (38) suitable for providing hip support, and at least one inclined band (36, 37) extending from said vertical band (38). The bands are made of elastomeric material to support the hip joint, thus reducing the risks of post-operative injuries.