Modular Orthosis with Detachable Splint for Osteoporosis Spine Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing back orthoses for osteoporosis treatment either require bulky backpack variants for initial stabilization or discreet clothing variants that offer insufficient correction, necessitating multiple orthoses and increased costs throughout the treatment period.

Innovation Solution

A modular orthosis designed as orthopedic underwear with adjustable belt systems, including elastic and non-elastic strap sections, a detachable splint, and anti-slip surfaces, allowing for customizable tension and compression to support the spine, which can be upgraded or converted as needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a bulky backpack-style orthosis with multiple fastening straps is used for initial stabilization, then the degree of stabilization and posture correction is improved, but the orthosis becomes clearly visible and noticeable to others

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestabilization degreeVSAvoidvisibility to others
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The orthosis is divided into modular components: a discreet garment base layer and detachable strap system. The garment contains integrated stretch zones that provide baseline support while remaining invisible under clothing. The therapeutic straps can be attached or removed based on treatment needs, allowing patients to switch between discreet and high-support modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The orthosis transitions from a static, always-visible design to a dynamic system where support elements can be adjusted or removed. The detachable strap system allows the orthosis to adapt its visibility and support level based on the treatment phase and patient needs, enabling discretion during daily activities while providing full support during therapy sessions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a discreet orthopedic garment with integrated stretch zones is used for continuous wear, then visibility to others is reduced, but the degree of stabilization and posture correction becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility to othersVSAvoidstabilization degree
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The orthosis is divided into modular components: a discreet garment base layer and detachable strap system. The garment contains integrated stretch zones that provide baseline support while remaining invisible under clothing. The therapeutic straps can be attached or removed based on treatment needs, allowing patients to switch between discreet and high-support modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The orthopedic garment serves multiple functions: it provides continuous mild support through integrated stretch zones during all activities, while also serving as a base for attaching additional therapeutic straps when enhanced stabilization is needed. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate discreet and bulky orthoses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If multiple separate orthoses are used throughout the treatment period to address different stabilization needs, then the degree of stabilization is improved at different stages, but the cost and complexity of treatment increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestabilization degreeVSAvoidnumber of orthoses required
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The orthosis serves multiple functions: it provides continuous mild support through integrated stretch zones during all activities, while also serving as a base for attaching additional therapeutic straps when enhanced stabilization is needed. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate discreet and bulky orthoses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The orthosis transitions from a static, always-visible design to a dynamic system where support elements can be adjusted or removed. The detachable strap system allows the orthosis to adapt its visibility and support level based on the treatment phase and patient needs, enabling discretion during daily activities while providing full support during therapy sessions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Provides high-performance stabilization, relief, and correction of the torso from the outset while ensuring discreet treatment throughout, reducing the need for multiple orthoses and associated costs.

Implementation Method 1

The straps (9, 10, 11, 12) each have elastic and/or inelastic strap sections

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

anti-slip surfaces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3536285B1Modular orthosis, in particular for patients suffering from osteoporosis
Publication Date: 2021.05.05 MEDI GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3536285B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3536285B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3536285B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Modular orthosis (1, 1'), in particular for patients with osteoporosis, consisting of an orthopedic garment (2, 2'), in particular orthopedically indicated underwear (24, 24'), which has a textile with different stretch zones (3, 4, 5, 6; 3', 4', 5', 6') for relieving and correcting the spine, and a splint (7) connectable to the garment (2, 2') and supporting the spine, which extends along the spine when worn, wherein a strap system (8, 8') adjustable to the degree of relief and correction of the spine is attached to the garment (2, 2') and/or the splint (7).