Tool-Free Hip Orthosis with Push-Button Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hip orthoses require tools for adjusting the fit of components, which can be cumbersome and inconvenient for patients and practitioners.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight hip orthosis design featuring a flexible waistband with adjustable segments and push buttons for tool-free adjustments, along with a removable flexible plastic spacer for vertical adjustment, and an integrated cold therapy bladder for enhanced comfort and therapy application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional hip orthosis uses traditional adjustment mechanisms, then the fit can be adjusted, but tools are required which makes the process cumbersome and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical adjustment mechanisms (requiring tools) with push-button operated mechanisms. The push buttons activate cam followers that move locking pins between engaged and disengaged positions, enabling tool-free adjustment while maintaining secure fitting.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is designed to be self-operating through push-button input. The cam follower system automatically translates the button press into pin movement, and the spring-loaded pins self-lock into position without requiring external tools or complex procedures.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the hip orthosis uses rigid structural components, then stability is maintained, but the weight increases and profile becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible materials throughout the orthosis construction, including flexible straps for attachment, flexible plastic spacers for positioning, and flexible cam followers for adjustment. These flexible components provide necessary structural stability while significantly reducing weight and creating a lower profile compared to rigid constructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The orthosis utilizes composite material construction combining flexible plastics, flexible fabrics, and spring-loaded metallic components. This composite approach allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall light weight and compact profile.
3Manufacturing precision
If the hip orthosis uses fixed positioning components, then alignment is maintained, but adjustment flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment capabilities through push-button operated cam follower mechanisms that allow real-time modification of hip shell positioning, thigh shell positioning, and vertical alignment. The spring-loaded locking pins can be easily engaged and disengaged, enabling the orthosis to adapt to different patient anatomies while maintaining precise alignment when locked.
Solution Approach 2:
The orthosis is divided into multiple independently adjustable segments including hip shells, thigh shells, and vertical positioning components. Each segment can be adjusted separately through its own push-button mechanism, allowing precise customization of alignment for different body parts while maintaining overall structural integrity.
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
Enables easy positioning and adjustment of the hip orthosis without tools, providing moderate control of abduction, adduction, flexion, and extension, while allowing for easy cleaning and integration of cold therapy for improved patient comfort and treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
one of a hook and nap material for attaching to a surface of a flexible waistband 12 having a complimentary surface to enable an adhering of the hip shell 2 to the flexible waistband
Implementation Method 2
The flexible plastic spacer 7 enables an initial adhesion between the hook and nap material through the openings in the flexible plastic spacer 7
Implementation Method 3
a tightening cord 11 which can be a force multiplying connector cord for adjusting a displacement distance between the respective ends of the first and second waist segments, thereby enabling a lateral force to be applied to the user
Data Source
AI summary
A hip orthosis for a leg of a user including a hip shell removably attached to a flexible waistband by one or more flexible straps, the hip shell being configured to flex when tightened. A first push button for hip adjustment of abduction and adduction is between the hip shell and a hip hinge assembly having a push button release of locking pins for setting flexion and extension movement of the leg. A second push button is positioned below the first push button and the hinge assembly for hip adjustment of abduction and adduction between the hip hinge assembly and a thigh support unit which is attached to a leg adjuster extended downward from the hip hinge assembly.