Adjustable Joint-Support Device with Dynamic Gel for Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ankle and Achilles injury rehabilitation methods require stationary application of ice or heat, limiting mobility and potentially prolonging recovery time, especially for active individuals who cannot remain stationary.
Innovation Solution
A mobile, adjustable joint-support device that administers ice or heat and provides compression to the affected area, allowing for unrestricted motion and use with or without shoes, suitable for various joints including the ankle, knee, wrist, elbow, shoulder, and hip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional stationary ice/heat treatment is used, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but patient mobility is restricted and recovery time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from static ice packs to dynamic gel material that adapts its shape and positioning. The gel material flows and conforms to the injured area, allowing effective treatment while enabling patient mobility and freedom of movement throughout the day.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and properties of the cooling medium from rigid ice to viscous gel material. This parameter change allows the treatment medium to maintain contact with the injured area while accommodating various positions and movements, resolving the contradiction between treatment effectiveness and mobility.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional ice/heat treatment requires stationary positioning, then proper treatment application is achieved, but time loss and missed rehabilitation opportunities occur
Solution Approach 1:
The gel material performs self-positioning and self-adjustment, automatically conforming to the injured area without requiring precise manual placement or stationary positioning. This self-service capability ensures accurate treatment application while eliminating time loss associated with repositioning or maintaining fixed postures.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the physical parameters of the treatment medium to a flowable gel state, the system achieves both precise adaptation to the injury site and freedom of patient movement, eliminating the time loss contradiction while maintaining treatment accuracy.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid support structures are used, then joint stability is improved, but patient mobility and comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces rigid support structures with flexible gel material that provides necessary joint stability through viscous resistance while allowing full range of motion. The gel's flexible nature maintains joint support during movement without restricting patient mobility or comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The gel material provides dynamic support that adapts to movement, maintaining joint stability during activity rather than requiring rigid fixation. This dynamic characteristic enables both joint stability and patient mobility simultaneously.
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 high-quality rehabilitation therapy on-the-go, reducing recovery time by providing flexible and versatile treatment options that do not restrict mobility or require removal of footwear.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention is a device that is unique in its ability to administer ice and/or heat to the injured area
Implementation Method 2
The present invention is a device that is unique in its ability to administer ice and/or heat to the injured area
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an adjustable joint-support apparatus and device for use in treating pain, inflammation, and or other injury to a joint and joint area of a body, and configured for physical and functional flexibility, in that the joint support is flexible and can be worn over clothing. The device is generally suited for support of an ankle joint, a knee joint, a wrist joint, although could also support an elbow, shoulder or hip joint with minimal modifications. In one embodiment, a joint support device/apparatus comprises: one or more of a support member; and at least one securement means configured for providing compression to the joint area of a wearer.