Metal Hallux Valgus Brace for Durable Toe Gap Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hallux valgus correction braces made of silicone rubber deteriorate over time due to friction and dirt, making them unsuitable for daily and long-term wear, necessitating frequent replacements.
Innovation Solution
A hallux valgus correction brace composed of an elongated member made of metal, preferably nickel-titanium alloy, with a gap maintainer that applies an elastic force to maintain a gap between the big toe and second toe, ensuring durability and long-term wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hallux valgus correction brace is made of silicone rubber, then it provides comfort and flexibility for daily wear, but it deteriorates over time due to friction and dirt, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite structure combining metal (for durability) with silicone rubber or resin coatings (for comfort). The metal base provides structural strength and resistance to deterioration, while the coating layers provide skin-friendly comfort and flexibility during daily wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameters from purely silicone rubber to metal-based materials with enhanced mechanical properties. This parameter change increases hardness, strength, and resistance to friction and dirt, thereby improving durability while maintaining wearability through proper surface treatment and coating.
2Reliability
If a hallux valgus correction brace is made of metal, then it withstands daily and long-term wearing with high durability, but it may increase discomfort and pain compared to softer materials
Solution Approach 1:
The invention covers the metal structure with flexible silicone rubber or resin coatings that conform to the toe shape. These thin film layers provide a soft interface between the rigid metal structure and the skin, reducing discomfort and pain while allowing the metal framework to maintain its durability and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite material system combines the strength of metal with the comfort of silicone rubber or resin. The metal provides the necessary structural support and durability, while the elastomeric coating provides comfort, flexibility, and skin compatibility, effectively resolving the contradiction between durability and comfort.
3Manufacturing precision
If a typical hallux valgus correction brace is used, then it maintains a gap between toes for correction, but it requires frequent replacement due to deterioration, increasing loss of time and resources
Solution Approach 1:
The metal-based composite structure provides superior resistance to friction, dirt, and degradation compared to pure silicone rubber. This enhanced material durability significantly extends the service life of the brace, reducing the frequency of replacement and associated time loss, while maintaining the precise gap maintenance capability through the rigid metal framework.
Solution Approach 2:
Changing from silicone rubber to metal-based materials fundamentally improves resistance to deterioration mechanisms such as friction wear and dirt accumulation. This parameter change in material composition and structure ensures long-term maintenance of the corrective gap function without frequent replacement.
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 metal brace maintains a gap between toes, reducing the need for frequent replacements and providing effective correction force, even in severe cases, while minimizing discomfort and pain.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated member made of metal, preferably nickel-titanium alloy
Implementation Method 2
the gap maintainer being configured to apply an elastic force to the first insertion piece and the second insertion piece in a direction away from each other
Data Source
AI summary
A hallux valgus correction brace includes: a first insertion piece configured to receive a big toe of a foot; a second insertion piece configured to receive a second toe of the foot; and a gap maintainer coupling the first insertion piece and the second insertion piece, the gap maintainer being configured to apply an elastic force to the first insertion piece and the second insertion piece in a direction away from each other, in which the first insertion piece, the second insertion piece, and the gap maintainer are integrally formed by an elongated member made of metal.