Hip Flexion Contracture Device with Ratchet Waistband and Lever Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-invasive treatments for hip flexion contractures, such as manual physical therapy, are inefficient due to the reliance on the physical therapist's strength and endurance, which limits the effectiveness and duration of the treatment.
Innovation Solution
A therapeutic medical device featuring an adjustable waistband with ratchet buckles, ASIS and PSIS pads, and lever arms that allows for mechanical advantage and reduced force application, enabling effective stretching of the iliopsoas muscle with less effort from the therapist.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If manual physical therapy is used to treat hip flexion contractures, then the treatment can be applied non-invasively, but the physical therapist experiences fatigue and cannot apply sufficient force for adequate stretching
Solution Approach 1:
A mechanical device acts as an intermediary between the physical therapist and the patient's hip structure. The device includes a waistband with pads that contact the patient's ASIS and PSIS points, and a lever arm system that translates therapist input into amplified stretching force on the iliopsoas muscle, eliminating the need for the therapist to directly apply high forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transforms the one-dimensional manual pushing action into a multi-dimensional mechanical system involving rotational leverage around the hip joint. By positioning pads at specific anatomical landmarks (ASIS and PSIS) and using a lever arm perpendicular to the waistband plane, the system creates rotational torque that amplifies the stretching effect.
2Duration of action of moving object
If manual physical therapy is used, then no specialized equipment is needed, but the treatment duration is limited by therapist endurance
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical device performs the work of force application and position maintenance autonomously once set up. The ratchet buckle mechanism automatically maintains constant compression force on the iliopsoas muscle throughout the treatment period, eliminating the need for continuous therapist intervention and enabling prolonged treatment durations.
Solution Approach 2:
The device applies continuous constant-force stretching throughout the entire treatment duration, rather than intermittent manual adjustments. This continuous partial action accumulates therapeutic effect over time, allowing treatments to extend beyond what a fatigued therapist could sustain manually.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the waistband circumference is increased to fit larger patients, then the device becomes more inclusive, but the structural integrity and force transmission may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The waistband incorporates a ratchet buckle mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment of circumference to fit different patient sizes. The ratchet mechanism maintains constant tension and structural integrity at any selected circumference, preventing slippage and ensuring reliable force transmission regardless of waistband size.
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 device reduces the physical therapist's fatigue and increases the duration of treatment by providing a mechanical advantage, allowing for more effective stretching of the muscles and tendons involved in hip flexion contractures with less applied force.
Implementation Method 1
first and second complementary portions of a ratchet buckle joined to the opposite ends of the waistband, enabling the waistband to be opened and closed, and to be adjusted in overall circumference
Implementation Method 2
a lever arm engaged in a socket in the socket post, the lever arm extending parallel to a plane described by the waistband
Implementation Method 3
each ASIS pad has a threaded post extending through the slot and a locking knob engaging the threaded post outside the waistband
Data Source
AI summary
A therapeutic medical device has a waistband with a ratchet buckle, a PSIS pad at a back region, two ASIS pads adjustable to impinge on a patient's ASIS points, and a socket post joined to the waistband on one side with a lever engaged in a socket of the socket post.