Lattice Anatomical Brace for Adjustable Immobilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plaster casts for immobilizing injured limbs are time-consuming, require multiple attempts, and lack flexibility and adjustability, leading to inefficiencies in treatment and increased healthcare resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
A brace comprising a rigid outer shell with lattice structures that adjust stress levels in response to compression, allowing for quick fitting, precise adjustment, and reduced patient discomfort, while minimizing the need for complex procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plaster cast is used to immobilize and stabilize the injured limb, then the anatomical structure is stabilized, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and requires multiple healthcare providers
Solution Approach 1:
The cast is divided into two separate halves (first cast part and second cast part) that can be independently prepared and then joined together. This segmentation allows parallel preparation of components, reducing the overall time required while maintaining the stability function of the complete cast structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second cast parts are pre-formed with complementary joining features (protrusions and recesses) before application. This preliminary preparation of components enables rapid assembly on the patient, reducing the time required during the actual casting procedure while ensuring proper alignment and stability.
2Reliability
If a plaster cast is applied to an anatomical structure, then immobilization is achieved, but the cast may loosen due to reduction in swelling
Solution Approach 1:
The cast design incorporates adjustable fastening elements that allow the cast to be dynamically adjusted after application. As swelling reduces, the fastening mechanism can be tightened to maintain proper fit and immobilization, transforming the cast from a static to a dynamically adaptable structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cast includes adjustable parameters such as fastening tension and positioning that can be modified after application. This allows the cast to adapt to changing anatomical dimensions due to swelling reduction, maintaining optimal immobilization throughout the healing process.
3Reliability
If conventional plaster casting is used, then immobilization is achieved, but multiple attempts may be required leading to increased healthcare resource utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented cast design with pre-formed joining features enables proper alignment and secure assembly on the first attempt. The modular structure with complementary protrusions and recesses provides built-in guidance for correct positioning, eliminating the need for multiple attempts and improving treatment efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The cast design incorporates self-aligning features where the protrusions and recesses automatically guide proper positioning during assembly. This self-service mechanism reduces dependency on operator skill and experience, enabling consistent successful application and reducing the need for multiple attempts.
4Reliability
If a rigid cast structure is used for stabilization, then immobilization is effective, but flexibility and adjustability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cast incorporates dynamic fastening elements that allow adjustment of the cast's tightness and positioning after application. This dynamic feature provides flexibility and adaptability while maintaining the rigid structural support needed for effective stabilization of the anatomical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented design with separate first and second cast parts allows independent adjustment of each portion. This segmentation provides flexibility in positioning and fitting while maintaining the overall rigid structure necessary for stabilization, enabling customization to patient-specific needs.
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 brace provides efficient immobilization and stabilization, reducing treatment time and costs, and enhancing flexibility and adjustability, thus freeing up healthcare resources.
Implementation Method 1
When the brace is applied to the anatomical structure and a force is applied to the brace, the lattice structures compress to cushion the anatomical structure from the force
Implementation Method 2
The lattice structures are adapted to distribute stress across multiple nodes when compressed
Implementation Method 3
the lattice structures are adapted to return to a non-compressed state after being compressed
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5b
AI summary
A brace and a method for manufacturing a brace is disclosed. The brace is for management of an anatomical structure comprising a primary anatomical structure, a secondary anatomical structure, and a joint and/or an injury between the primary anatomical structure and the secondary anatomical structure. The brace comprises a first brace part extending from a first primary brace part end to a first secondary brace part end and being adapted to be positioned to cover a first part of the anatomical structure extending over the joint and/or injury such that the first primary brace part end is located on the primary anatomical structure and the first secondary brace part end is located on the secondary anatomical structure. The first brace part comprises a first rigid outer shell and one or more first lattice structures attached to a first inner side of the first rigid outer shell.