Inflatable Carpal Tunnel Splint with Adjustable Wrist Angle
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current nighttime carpal tunnel splints are bulky and inflexible, often holding the wrist at an uncomfortable 20-30 degrees of extension, which may not provide ideal relief for carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms during sleep.
Innovation Solution
A splint device comprising a rigid inflatable board and a soft inflatable bladder, adjustable between 0° and 20° of wrist extension, designed to be worn along the volar portion of the hand, wrist, and arm, with optional dorsal pad and flexible bands for additional support and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional rigid splints are used to provide wrist support, then structural stability is improved, but comfort and adaptability deteriorate due to fixed rigid structure
Solution Approach 1:
The splint incorporates inflatable bladders that can be inflated or deflated to dynamically adjust the wrist angle between 0° and 30°, transforming the static rigid structure into a dynamic adjustable system that adapts to different user needs and comfort requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The splint changes the physical state of the support structure by inflating/deflating bladders, altering the rigidity and angle parameters of the splint to provide both stable support and angular adaptability as needed
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional splints hold wrist at fixed 20-30 degrees extension, then structural positioning is improved, but user comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The splint allows users to dynamically adjust the wrist angle within 0° to 30° range through inflation/deflation of bladders, enabling optimization of comfort while maintaining precise positioning capability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The splint divides the support structure into multiple independent inflatable bladders that can be individually controlled to achieve specific angular positions, allowing precise positioning when required while enabling comfort optimization through adjustment
3Reliability
If traditional splints are designed to be bulky for coverage, then protective coverage is improved, but device size and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The splint uses thin-film inflatable bladders that can be collapsed to minimal volume when deflated, yet expand to provide comprehensive wrist and forearm coverage when inflated, eliminating the need for permanently bulky construction
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 splint device provides adjustable comfort and relief from carpal tunnel syndrome discomfort by allowing the user to customize the wrist angle during sleep, addressing the bulkiness and inflexibility issues of existing splints.
Implementation Method 1
a rigid board inflatable by way of a first inflation valve, and a soft inflatable bladder positioned relative to the rigid board and inflatable by way of a second inflation valve
Data Source
AI summary
Carpal tunnel splint. A splint device referenced herein includes a rigid board inflatable by way of a first inflation valve, and a soft inflatable bladder positioned relative to the rigid board and inflatable by way of a second inflation valve, wherein the rigid board is configured to be positioned along a volar portion of a hand, a wrist, and an arm of a user, and wherein the soft inflatable bladder is configured to be positioned at a palm of the hand.