Hip Traction Device With Single-Body Coupling Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hip traction methods are cumbersome, require multiple individuals for setup and operation, and are not feasible for daily use outside a clinical setting, making them inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A hip traction device and system that includes a base, guide, carrier, and tensioner configured to apply force to the leg, with a single-body coupling mechanism for secure attachment, allowing for adjustable force and duration control, and enabling independent use without assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional traction arrangement with weights and frames is used, then traction force can be applied to the hip joint, but the device complexity and setup time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional modules: a base providing structural support, a guide mechanism for controlled movement, a carrier for attaching to the leg, and a tensioner for applying force. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while reducing overall complexity compared to traditional frame-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for complex overhead frames and pulley systems by directly coupling the tensioning mechanism to the base. The guide mechanism is integrated into the base structure, removing the need for separate frame assemblies and reducing the number of parts requiring assembly and adjustment.
2Force
If traditional traction arrangement with multiple weights is used, then adjustable traction force is achieved, but the loss of time for setup and weight selection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioner incorporates adjustable mechanisms that allow dynamic modification of traction force during operation. The guide mechanism enables smooth adjustment of the carrier position along the guide path, allowing real-time control of traction magnitude without requiring weight changes or system reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows continuous adjustment of traction parameters through the tensioner mechanism and guide system. Instead of discrete weight increments, the system enables fine-tuned parameter changes by adjusting the tensioner's mechanical advantage or the carrier's position along the guide, reducing setup time for achieving optimal force levels.
3Force
If manual traction application by medical provider is used, then effective hip traction is achieved, but the ease of operation and accessibility decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed for patient self-administration with intuitive controls and automatic operation. The tensioner can be operated by the patient themselves to apply and release traction force, and the guide mechanism automatically maintains proper alignment and force direction without requiring skilled manual manipulation by a provider.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical components serve as intermediaries that translate simple patient actions into controlled traction forces. The guide mechanism acts as an intermediary that ensures proper force application geometry, while the tensioner mechanisms convert user-applied force into precise traction loads on the hip joint, eliminating the need for direct provider manipulation.
4Force
If traditional traction arrangement is used, then hip joint traction is achieved, but the productivity and efficiency of treatment delivery decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates pre-configured components that eliminate setup time during treatment sessions. The guide mechanism is pre-aligned with the base, the carrier is pre-attached to the tensioner, and all mechanical linkages are pre-assembled in the correct configuration, allowing immediate initiation of traction treatment without time-consuming assembly or adjustment procedures.
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 efficient and independent hip traction application outside a clinical setting, reducing setup time and costs by allowing a user to control the force and duration of traction, thus improving accessibility and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a carrier configured to move along the guide upon receiving a force from a tensioner
Implementation Method 2
a guide coupled to the base, a carrier configured to move along the guide
Implementation Method 3
a single body coupling mechanism configured for securely attaching a portion of a user's leg to the carrier
Data Source
AI summary
A hip traction device, system, and associated methods are disclosed. Such a device may include a base having a proximal end and a distal end, a guide coupled to the base, a carrier configured to move along the guide upon receiving a force from a tensioner to move the carrier toward the distal end of the base, causing a leg to be put in tension, and a single body coupling mechanism either removably attachable or permanently attached to the carrier and configured to securely attach to a lower portion of a leg, such that the portion of the leg moves with the carrier during operation of the tensioner.