Inflatable Pouch Elbow Brace for Cubital Tunnel Flexion Limiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current elbow braces for treating cubital tunnel syndrome are either too bulky or too restrictive, preventing patients from achieving a safe range of motion, leading to poor compliance and failed non-operative management due to inability to limit extreme elbow flexion effectively.
Innovation Solution
A flexible elbow brace with a pouch containing a flexion-blocking object, such as an inflatable ball, positioned in the antecubital fossa, secured with elastic straps and hook-and-loop fasteners, allowing for unrestricted elbow movement within lesser degrees of flexion while preventing high flexion angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current elbow braces are designed to limit extreme flexion, then nerve compression is reduced, but range of motion is overly restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The brace utilizes an inflatable ball whose volume can be adjusted by adding or releasing air. When inflated, the ball occupies more space in the pouch and limits elbow flexion to safer angles. When deflated, it occupies less space, allowing greater range of motion. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between limiting extreme flexion and maintaining safe range of motion.
2Reliability
If rigid structures are used to block flexion, then extreme angles are prevented, but comfort and compliance decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The brace employs a soft, flexible pouch made of fabric or similar material instead of rigid structures. The inflatable ball is contained within this flexible pouch that conforms to the elbow's shape. This flexible construction provides effective flexion blocking while maintaining comfort and aesthetics, thereby improving patient compliance.
3Ease of manufacture
If the blocking object is fixed in size, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different patients and severity levels is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The brace incorporates an inflatable ball that can dynamically change its volume. Patients or providers can adjust the inflation level to match the severity of their condition and personal comfort needs. This dynamic adjustment capability allows a single brace design to serve multiple patients with varying needs, enhancing adaptability while maintaining simple manufacturing processes.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a brace comprising: (i) a distal mounting portion comprising a first loop configured to enclose a portion of an arm of a patient wearing the brace; (ii) a proximal mounting portion comprising a second loop configured to enclose a portion of the arm of the patient wearing the brace; and (iii) a body portion positioned between, and connected to, the distal mounting portion and the proximal mounting portion. The body portion includes at least two layers defining a pouch region between the two layers and configured to receive an object.