Modular Spinal Orthosis with Adjustable Stiffness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular spinal orthosis systems lack flexibility and adaptability to support the spinal column in various planes and adjust to the patient's recovery progress and body size, failing to provide optimal support and stiffness.

Innovation Solution

A modular system comprising a set of basic elements such as corsets, support elements, and adjustable components like stiffening rods and articulated pads, allowing for configuration of different orthoses with varying levels of support and adaptability to the patient's needs, enabling progressive adjustment and reuse of elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a modular system is used to reduce costs, then cost-effectiveness is improved, but flexibility and adaptability to different spinal support needs deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecost-effectivenessVSAvoidflexibility and adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The orthosis system is divided into modular components including corsets (thoracic, lumbar, abdominal), support elements, and connecting components that can be independently selected and combined to create customized spinal support configurations for different patient needs and recovery stages

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular components are designed with universal connection interfaces and standardized dimensions that allow the same basic elements to be used across multiple orthosis configurations, enabling one set of components to serve multiple therapeutic functions and patient requirements

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

2Ease of manufacture

If fixed orthosis designs are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to recovery progress and body size deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to recovery progress and body size
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The orthosis system transitions from fixed designs to dynamic, adjustable configurations where components can be added, removed, or repositioned based on patient recovery progress and body measurements, allowing the orthosis to evolve with the patient's therapeutic journey

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows modification of key parameters including the number of corset units, position of support elements, and configuration of connecting components to customize the orthosis to individual patient anatomy and specific therapeutic requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If simple support structures are used, then device complexity is reduced, but support capability in multiple planes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidsupport capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple support functions are integrated into unified corset structures that simultaneously provide frontal plane support, sagittal plane alignment, and lateral stabilization through combined rigid and flexible elements working together as an integrated system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP1834613B9Kit for spinal ortheses
Publication Date: 2013.02.27 ZOURS CLAUDIA
  • EP1834613B9 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1834613B9 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1834613B9 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

The pelotte links (10) is connected to the lumbar spinal column, which is arranged in vertebrate and eddy transverse bridge. The kit is covered: by a fixing element (15) in which the pelotte links are immovable that is fixed in sagittal plane; and at the bridging frame of stiffening rods to adjust the rigidity of the frame. The lumbar complication connected with members (11) extended from first to fifth lumbar vertebrate, and cover the supporting rails.