Light-Curable Orthopedic Brace Framework for Custom Fit and Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopedic braces often fail to provide a comfortable and customizable fit to the individual patient's anatomy, leading to suboptimal support and stability.
Innovation Solution
The use of UV-curable resin to create custom-fit pad frameworks that conform to the patient's body contours, integrated with non-resin hinge elements, allowing for a more natural and comfortable fit and improved support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional rigid orthopedic braces are used, then structural support and stability are provided, but comfort and customization to patient anatomy are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The orthopedic brace combines rigid non-resin structural elements (metal or plastic framework, hinges, joints) with a light-curable resin material that conforms to the patient's body contours. This composite construction allows the rigid framework to provide structural support and stability while the custom-fitted resin portion enhances comfort and adapts to individual patient anatomy, resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If standard-sized orthopedic braces are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to individual patient deformities is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The brace incorporates a light-curable resin material that is applied to the patient's body in a pliable, uncured state before final setting. The resin is shaped and positioned to match the patient's specific anatomy and deformities, then cured with light to lock in the custom configuration. This preliminary shaping action allows the brace to be adapted to individual patient needs while using standardized framework components, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-curable resin material undergoes a parameter change from a soft, moldable state to a rigid, cured state through light exposure. This transformation allows the material to be easily shaped to match patient-specific contours during application, then permanently set to maintain the customized fit, thereby achieving high adaptability without complicating the manufacturing process.
3Ease of operation
If light-curable resin is used for custom fitting, then comfort and customization are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process replaces traditional mechanical fitting and adjustment methods with light-based curing. Instead of mechanically shaping and securing rigid components to match patient anatomy, the system uses a light-curable resin that can be molded and then rapidly cured with light exposure. This substitution simplifies the overall manufacturing process by eliminating complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms while achieving superior custom fit and comfort.
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 custom-fit orthopedic braces provide enhanced comfort and support by accurately aligning with the patient's deformities, improving the brace's effectiveness in stabilizing and correcting limb alignment.
Implementation Method 1
The UV-curable resin may interface with and connect to non-resin elements of the brace, including framework of one or more hinge elements made of materials other than the UV-curable resin
Data Source
AI summary
An orthopedic brace is provided that includes one or more pad plates formed of a light-curable material and a hinge comprising one or more hinge framework elements connected to the one or more pad plates. The pad plates may include an elastomeric shell to contain the light-curable material. A rigid attachment member may be coupled to the elastomeric shell to couple to the hinge framework element.