Level Moving Buckle for Orthotic Straps

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing orthotic devices face challenges in providing easy adjustment while preventing accidental release, particularly for post-operative patients with limited strength and mobility, as current buckles and straps are difficult to operate and can lead to discomfort or loss of support.

Innovation Solution

A secure adjustable orthotic device featuring a locking mechanism with a base member, locking member, and top member, where the locking member is pivotally attached and can be moved between locked and unlocked positions using protrusions and channels to securely engage and disengage straps, preventing accidental release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional buckles and straps are used in orthotic devices, then the device can provide spinal stabilization and support, but the buckles and straps are difficult to adjust and operate, especially for post-operative patients with limited strength and mobility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinal stabilizationVSAvoidbuckle adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The buckle system is designed to be self-adjusting through a ratchet mechanism that automatically maintains proper tension. The strap can be easily inserted and locked into position without requiring manual threading or complex adjustments, allowing patients with limited mobility to independently adjust and maintain their orthotic device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Traditional mechanical buckles requiring manual threading and tightening are replaced with a simplified ratchet-and-strap system. The ratchet mechanism provides automatic one-way locking, eliminating the need for complex manual adjustment operations while maintaining secure fastening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional buckles with perforations are used, then the strap can be adjusted to different positions, but the belt must be over-tightened before the pivotable tongue can be inserted, making operation difficult and uncomfortable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrap position adjustmentVSAvoidbuckle insertion

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The problematic pivotable tongue and perforation system is extracted and replaced with a continuous strap and ratchet mechanism. This eliminates the need for over-tightening to insert the buckle, as the ratchet allows the strap to be easily fed through and locked at any position along its length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The static perforation positions are replaced with a dynamic continuous adjustment system. The ratchet mechanism allows the strap to be adjusted to any position along its length and locked securely, providing both adaptability and ease of operation without the constraints of fixed perforation holes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If spring-loaded arresting members with serrated regions are used to prevent strap withdrawal, then the strap is secured, but forces applied during daily activities can cause unintentional tightening, leading to pain and loss of circulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrap securityVSAvoidunintentional tightening

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a mechanism that allows easy insertion but prevents withdrawal (which causes unintentional tightening), the system is inverted to allow easy withdrawal while preventing unintentional tightening. The ratchet mechanism with release lever provides controlled one-way adjustment, allowing the strap to be loosened or tightened only when the release is actively engaged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Ease of operation

If simple clasps that grip inserted belts are used, then the strap can be easily released by pulling up on the free end, but the strap or belt can be accidentally released during daily activities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrap releaseVSAvoidaccidental release prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A release lever acts as an intermediary between the user's hand and the ratchet mechanism. This intermediary provides a controlled release mechanism that requires deliberate action to disengage, preventing accidental release while maintaining ease of operation. The lever must be actively moved to release the strap, eliminating the risk of unintentional disengagement during daily activities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8955200B2Secure adjustable orthotic device

Publication Date: 2015.02.17 BIO CYBERNETICS INT INC

AI summary

A secure adjustable orthotic device having multiple brace portions and one or more locking mechanisms. One locking mechanism is a level moving buckle including a top member, a locking member and a base member. The locking member is adapted to engage and disengage an inserted strap in response to the longitudinal movement of the top member relative to the base member. The level moving buckle inhibits accidental longitudinal movement of the inserted strap when the top member is in a locked position.