Modular Composite Spinal Support for Deformity Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for back and foot deformities, such as scoliosis, kyphosis, and hallux valgus, often result in discomfort, limited mobility, and are not suitable for individuals with pre-existing distortions, with existing braces and supports being inflexible and poorly fitting, leading to low back pain and difficulty in performing daily tasks.
Innovation Solution
Development of polymer-metal composite supports that are flexible, durable, and adjustable, incorporating modular designs with embedded rigid materials like aluminum, steel, or carbon-fiber, allowing for size and position adjustments, and integration into soft polymer shells for spine and foot supports, including insoles and footwear, to correct deformities while enabling daily activities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current braces are used to correct spinal deformities, then correction effect is achieved, but flexibility and comfort are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible shells and thin films by using a soft polymer shell that encapsulates rigid support structures. This allows the brace to maintain structural integrity for correction while providing flexibility and comfort for the wearer. The soft polymer shell conforms to body contours and allows movement while the internal rigid structures provide corrective force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining rigid support structures (metal or carbon fiber) with soft polymer materials. This creates a hybrid structure that provides both the structural strength needed for correction and the flexibility needed for comfort and wearability. The composite construction allows different regions to have different properties - rigid where support is needed, flexible where comfort is needed.
2Reliability
If current braces are used to correct spinal deformities, then correction effect is achieved, but mobility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The soft polymer shell allows the brace to flex and move with the body during daily activities while maintaining corrective positioning. This flexibility enables wearers to perform normal movements and maintain mobility while still receiving the corrective effect of the rigid internal structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The brace design incorporates dynamic elements that allow adjustment and adaptation to movement. The flexible outer shell and adjustable internal structures enable the device to adapt to various positions and activities, maintaining correction effectiveness while permitting necessary mobility for daily life.
3Reliability
If prefabricated toe separators are used to treat hallux valgus, then some separation effect is achieved, but effectiveness and compliance are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing customized toe separators that are specifically shaped and sized for each patient's unique foot anatomy. Rather than using uniform prefabricated separators, the custom design allows optimal separation and positioning tailored to the individual's deformity pattern, improving both effectiveness and comfort compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by customizing various parameters of the toe separator including size, shape, material properties, and positioning based on individual patient measurements and deformity characteristics. This customization optimizes the separation effect for each patient while ensuring comfortable wear and high compliance.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described for supporting an appendage or spine. In one embodiment, a support for a spine comprises a support body configured to align with a spinal column of a wearer further comprising a plurality of modular flexible support body segments configured to align with regions of the spinal column, a plurality of straps disposed along a longitudinal axis of the support body, and a support member disposed adjacent the support body to provide rigidity to the support body. The support member acts as a cantilever configured to distribute a corrective force along the length of the support body.