Modular Adjustable Cast Stirrup for Immediate Custom Fitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing custom cast stirrups for diabetic foot ulcers and foot surgery recovery require significant time for measurement and manufacturing, making them unavailable for immediate use at the time of injury or surgery.
Innovation Solution
A modular adjustable cast stirrup device comprising bracket members, adjustable side arm members, and a foot plate, allowing for customizable fit and assembly on-site without advance planning, using screw attachments for adjustment and securement with fiberglass overwrap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a custom cast stirrup is made to fit each patient individually, then the fit and treatment effectiveness are improved, but the manufacturing time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cast stirrup is divided into multiple modular components including bracket members, side arm members, foot plate members, and adjustable side arm members that can be assembled separately and customized at the point of use, eliminating the need for time-consuming custom manufacturing while maintaining individual fit
2Manufacturing precision
If a custom cast stirrup is manufactured in advance, then the fit quality is improved, but accessibility for immediate use at time of injury is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The modular components are pre-manufactured and stored in advance, but the actual custom assembly and fitting is performed at the time of injury or surgery, combining the benefits of pre-prepared components with immediate customization and availability
3Productivity
If a modular adjustable design is used, then the assembly time and accessibility are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stirrup is segmented into standardized modular components with consistent attachment interfaces, allowing for quick assembly through predetermined connection points while reducing overall complexity compared to custom fabrication
Solution Approach 2:
The modular components are designed with universal attachment mechanisms that can be configured in multiple positions and orientations, enabling a single set of standardized parts to serve multiple customization needs without requiring specialized components for each configuration
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an adjustable cast stirrup device comprising modular components that are adjustable during assembly to vary the width and length of the device to provide a customizable fit on a patient. Also provided is a kit comprising the components for forming the adjustable cast stirrup, as well as tools for assembly and instructions for use.