Lumbar Orthosis Mechanical Cinching Device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current lumbar spine braces require significant manual strength and dexterity to tighten effectively, making it difficult for patients with upper extremity pathologies or geriatric patients to achieve adequate compression.
Innovation Solution
A lumbar spine brace with an integrated mechanical cinching device, utilizing a semirigid curvilinear fiberglass band and a hex nut driver, allows patients to tighten the brace without requiring excessive manual strength or dexterity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual tightening using Velcro flaps or pull cords is used, then the brace can be applied, but adequate lumbar compression cannot be achieved by patients with upper extremity pathologies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical tightening system (Velcro flaps and pull cords) with a mechanical advantage system using a crank mechanism and gear train. The patient's limited manual input force is mechanically amplified through the gear system to generate sufficient compression force on the lumbar spine, substituting a direct mechanical pull with an indirect mechanical advantage system.
Solution Approach 2:
The crank mechanism converts the patient's intermittent rotational motion into periodic linear compression of the lumbar spine. The gear train translates the periodic crank rotations into periodic tightening cycles of the compression straps, allowing the brace to be tightened through repeated small motions rather than requiring sustained strong pulling.
2Reliability
If a partner or aide is used to tighten the brace, then compression can be achieved, but the solution becomes dependent on external assistance which is not always available
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical advantage system enables the patient to independently tighten the brace to therapeutic compression levels without requiring external assistance. The gear-train mechanism allows a single patient to generate sufficient tightening force through the crank, making the device self-servicing and eliminating dependency on aides or partners.
3Ease of operation
If the patient attempts to manually tighten the brace while balancing, then the brace can be applied, but the dynamic factors reduce the effectiveness of compression
Solution Approach 1:
The tightening process is segmented into two independent phases: first, the patient secures the brace to their body using Velcro straps while maintaining balance; second, the patient uses the crank mechanism to apply precise compression force. This segmentation separates the balancing task from the compression task, allowing each to be performed optimally without the other compromising effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear train acts as an intermediary between the patient's crank input and the compression straps. It provides mechanical advantage and force multiplication, translating small patient inputs into large, precise compression forces on the lumbar spine, thereby achieving precise compression control without requiring the patient to directly manage both balance and compression force.
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 mechanical cinching device enables patients to achieve adequate and appropriate external compression of the lumbar spine, improving stability and support without relying on manual strength or dexterity.
Implementation Method 1
The cinching mechanism may have a hex bolt accessible externally to the primary flap that is tightened with an ergonomic handheld hex driver, thereby making the task of properly compressing the brace around the patient easy
Data Source
AI summary
A lumbar spine brace provides posterior support connected to an approximate midpoint of a flap, wherein the flap extends between a first end and a second end. The flap provides a longitudinal channel through which a cinching band is disposed, wherein a male end of the cinching strap protrudes from on opening along the first end. A captured screw directly connects to the second end of the flap, wherein the captured screw provides a tool interface communicating with an external environment, wherein the cinching band is dimensioned and shaped to operatively associate with the captured screw that is rotatable via the tool interface whereby a circumferential compressive force is imparted on the flap.