Hydrostatic Anatomical Support Devices With Adjustable Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional anatomical support devices provide static resistance and are difficult to adjust in response to changes in a user's anatomy or environment, making them inadequate for adaptive support during recovery from injuries or in varying physical demands.
Innovation Solution
The development of anatomical support devices featuring hydrostatic fluid conduits that allow adjustable resistance through controlled fluid pressure, with adaptable configurations and optional electrical actuators for dynamic adjustment based on user and environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional anatomical support devices use static resistance structures, then they provide stable support, but they cannot adapt to changes in user anatomy or environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by transforming the static resistance structure into a dynamic one using hydrostatic fluid conduits. The fluid pressure within the conduits can be adjusted to change the resistance characteristics of the support device, enabling it to adapt to varying user needs and anatomical changes throughout recovery periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements Parameter changes by modifying the physical state of the support mechanism through fluid pressure adjustment. By changing the pressure parameter within the hydrostatic conduits, the device can dynamically alter its resistance properties without changing its structural configuration, thereby achieving adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional support devices provide fixed resistance, then they are simple to operate, but they cannot provide progressive support adjustment during recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Self-service principle through the inclusion of adjustable members that allow users to independently modify the fluid pressure and resistance levels without requiring external assistance or complex control systems. This maintains ease of operation while enabling progressive support adjustment as users recover.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements Feedback mechanisms that allow users to sense and respond to their own physiological state by adjusting the support resistance accordingly. The system provides tactile feedback through the hydrostatic conduits, enabling users to self-regulate the support level based on their recovery progress and immediate needs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If anatomical support devices use adjustable fluid pressure conduits, then they provide adaptive resistance, but they increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Taking out principle by separating the adjustment mechanism from the main support structure. The adjustable members are positioned externally and connected to the hydrostatic conduits, allowing users to modify fluid pressure without interacting with the internal conduit system, thereby reducing perceived complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes flexible conduit structures that can accommodate pressure changes and deformation without requiring complex rigid mechanisms. The flexible nature of the hydrostatic conduits allows them to adapt to body movements and shape changes while maintaining fluid pressure, simplifying the overall system design.
4Strength
If support devices provide high resistance, then they prevent muscle atrophy, but they may hinder natural motion and recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by enabling real-time adjustment of resistance levels through fluid pressure modification. Users can increase resistance to prevent muscle atrophy during periods of inactivity, then decrease resistance to allow natural motion and rehabilitation exercises, providing optimal support throughout the recovery process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements Partial action by allowing selective application of resistance to specific muscle groups or body regions through independently adjustable conduits. This enables targeted muscle strengthening where needed while maintaining freedom of motion in areas that require less support, balancing atrophy prevention with natural movement requirements.
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 adaptive resistance to motion, facilitating faster recovery by gradually reducing supplemental support as the user's musculature heals and preventing muscle atrophy by providing customizable resistance in various environments and physical tasks.
Implementation Method 1
anatomical support devices that provide adjustable resistance to deformation via an array of conduits that contain hydrostatic fluid. The fluid pressure within individual conduits can be controlled to change the resistance
Implementation Method 2
Each of the one or more conduits can include a tubular member, and the second material can be a deformable material, e.g., a deformable material having a Poisson ratio of between 0 and 0.5
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure features wearable anatomical devices that include a sleeve formed of a first material, one or more conduits connected to the sleeve, where each conduit is formed of a second material and at least partially filled with a third material, and one or more adjustable members connected to the one or more conduits and oriented so that at least some of the one or more adjustable members are connected at multiple locations to the one or more conduits, where the one or more conduits are oriented along a longitudinal direction of the sleeve, where each adjustable member extends in a circumferential direction of the sleeve, and where each adjustable member can be selectively controlled to modify a deformation of the one or more conduits.