Modular Brace System with Hook and Loop Therapy Inserts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing knee and back braces require users to remove the injured area for hot or cold therapy, limiting stabilization and mobility, as traditional gel packs must be placed in pouches, restricting therapy to immobilized positions.

Innovation Solution

A modular brace system incorporating hook and loop material for secure attachment of gel packs and heating pads, allowing for customizable hot or cold therapy while maintaining stabilization, with a push-button controller and battery pack for portable use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional gel packs are placed in pouches for stability, then the gel pack remains stable, but the user is restricted to immobilized sitting or lying positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapy accessibilityVSAvoidposition flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the therapy function into separate modular components: the gel pack is separated from the brace structure, allowing independent attachment and removal. This segmentation enables the gel pack to be applied without removing the brace, maintaining both stability and position flexibility simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A fabric layer with hook and loop material serves as an intermediary between the gel pack and the brace. This intermediary component allows secure attachment of the gel pack to the brace while maintaining stability, eliminating the need for immobilized positions and enabling therapy in various positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the injured area is removed from the brace for hot or cold therapy, then therapy can be applied, but stabilization is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapy applicationVSAvoidstabilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the therapy function with the brace structure by integrating gel pack attachment capabilities directly into the brace. The fabric layer with hook and loop material is combined with the brace to create a unified system that provides both stabilization and therapy application simultaneously, eliminating the need to remove the injured area from the brace.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The brace structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides stabilization and simultaneously serves as an attachment point for gel packs through the integrated fabric layer with hook and loop material. This multi-functionality allows the brace to maintain stabilization while enabling therapy application without removing the injured area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If hook and loop material is attached to gel pack with fabric layers, then additional stability and flexibility are created, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment stabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a flexible fabric layer as a thin film component that incorporates hook and loop material. This flexible shell approach provides attachment stability while maintaining flexibility and minimizing structural complexity compared to rigid attachment mechanisms. The fabric layer conforms to the gel pack and brace contours, creating a simple yet effective attachment system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

Enables flexible and portable pain relief with combined stabilization, reducing complexity and time for treatment, allowing users to choose and combine therapies for personalized relief.

Implementation Method 1

a cold gel pack insert designed to permit for hook and loop material to be attached and which is configured to attach to the brace

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

The value of hot and cold therapy for easing and preventing the onset of pain in muscle tissue is also well established

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat absorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

a heating pad insert that is also designed to permit for hook and loop material to be attached and configured to attach to the brace

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal energy transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 4

the hook and loop material is bonded to or sewn on the laminated fabric layers at multiple points

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 5

configured to hold one or more inserts using hook and loop material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS20240216167A1Modular brace system

Publication Date: 2024.07.04 SUNBEAN PROD INC

AI summary

The present disclosure relates generally to a modular brace system for either knee or back stabilization. The system includes either a knee brace or a back brace comprising a main body portion and side straps configured to wrap around a user's knee or back, as appropriate, and releasably secure to the brace to provide compression. The system also includes at least one of a gel pack and a heat pack to provide hot and/or cold therapy to the affected area. The gel and heat packs are releasably engageable with the brace so that they can be switched out as necessary.