Lumbar Brace Slidable Lateral Panel Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthopedic lumbar braces lack repositionable lateral panels, which limits their ability to provide customized support, comfort, and ease of use for patients with varying body sizes.
Innovation Solution
A lumbar brace design featuring slidable, internal lateral panels that adjust based on the wearer's size, utilizing a horizontally extending channel and a loop connector to facilitate lateral movement and secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional braces are designed with fixed panels, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the brace cannot be adjusted to fit different body sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the lateral panel movable rather than fixed. The panel can slide horizontally within a channel and be positioned at different locations along the brace using a loop connector system, allowing the brace to adapt to different body sizes and shapes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the lateral support function into a separate movable panel that can be independently positioned. This panel is distinct from the main brace structure and can be adjusted separately, allowing customization without redesigning the entire brace system.
2Ease of operation
If the brace includes repositionable lateral panels, then customized support and comfort are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by allowing the patient to independently adjust and reposition the lateral panel themselves. The loop connector system is designed to be user-operable without requiring medical personnel or complex tools, enabling patients to customize the fit as needed for comfort and support.
Solution Approach 2:
The loop connector acts as an intermediary element between the lateral panel and the main brace structure. It provides a simple mechanical interface that enables easy repositioning while maintaining structural integrity, reducing the complexity of direct attachment mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the lateral panel is made rigid for support, then immobilization effectiveness is improved, but the overall brace flexibility and comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only the lateral panel rigid while keeping other portions of the brace flexible. This localized rigidity provides necessary support and immobilization at the lateral aspect where it is most needed, while the rest of the brace maintains flexibility for comfort and ease of wear.
Data Source
AI summary
A brace configured to wrap around a lumbar region of a wearer features a first arm and a second arm. Each arm features a first band, a panel slidably disposed at a lateral side of the wearer and coupled to the first band, and a loop connector coupled to the panel on a first end of the panel. The first band has a horizontally extending channel, within which the panel moves. The panel features a rigid material, and the loop connector is tethered to the panel. Moving the connector loop causes moving the panel laterally, which adjusts a location of the panel around the lumbar region of the wearer. The brace may further feature an upper band and a lower band.