Modular Wrist and Finger Splint for Reusable Anatomical Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional splints are not reusable and often unhygienic, making them economically and ecologically unviable, and existing modular solutions lack simplicity and adaptability for diverse clinical conditions and hand anatomies.
Innovation Solution
A modifiable universal splint system comprising a rigid base plate, adjustable straps, and detachable finger and forearm splints, allowing customization and reusability through plastic deformation and sterilization, with a modular kit for adaptation to individual anatomies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional splints are manufactured to be specific to the injury, then they provide precise stabilization, but they are not reusable and are unhygienic
Solution Approach 1:
The splint is divided into modular components including a base plate, finger splints, and forearm splint that can be detached and reconfigured. This segmentation enables the splint to be disassembled for sterilization and reassembly for repeated use while maintaining precise stabilization for different injury types.
Solution Approach 2:
The splint design incorporates universal attachment mechanisms and adjustable components that allow a single splint system to serve multiple functions and adapt to various injury types and anatomies, enabling both precise stabilization and reusability through sterilization cycles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular splint solutions are provided, then adaptability to different anatomies is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The splint system is segmented into standardized modules with consistent attachment interfaces, reducing the complexity of assembly despite the modular design. The base plate, finger splints, and forearm splint connect through uniform mechanisms that simplify the overall assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the splint system are designed with specific local characteristics - the base plate provides stable anchoring, finger splints offer individual adjustability, and the forearm splint delivers structural support. Each component's localized optimization reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the splint is designed to be modifiable, then adaptability to different clinical pictures is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The splint components are pre-configured with attachment mechanisms and adjustment features that enable quick modification without requiring complex tools or procedures. The preliminary design of these interfaces allows healthcare providers to easily adapt the splint to different clinical conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The splint incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities where components can be easily repositioned and reconfigured. The attachment mechanisms allow for quick changes in configuration to match different clinical pictures while maintaining operational simplicity through intuitive design.
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
The splint system provides ease of use, adaptability, and reusability, ensuring stability and hygiene across various clinical conditions and anatomies, suitable for diverse applications including medical and therapeutic uses.
Implementation Method 1
The finger rail (6) and/or the forearm rail (5) can be adapted by plastic deformation to the individual shape of the wearer's finger and/or forearm
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a universal splint (1) for wrist and/or finger stabilization, comprising: - a rigid, flat base plate (3) for supporting a palm or back of the hand; - an elongated, rigid forearm splint (5) that can be detachably attached to the base plate (3) and that can be used to support a forearm; and - at least one finger element (4) that can be detachably attached to the base plate (3), comprising an elongated finger splint (6) for supporting an entire finger and at least one flexible finger fastening strap (7) that is individually adjustable in its circumference and is designed to be wrapped around the finger to fix the finger splint (6) to it;- wherein each finger splint (6) is rigid or elastically flexible within predetermined limits for transverse force loads in a first force interval covering forces that can be applied with a human finger, and is plastically deformable in a higher second force interval such that it can be permanently adapted to an individual finger shape and orientation by plastic bending due to forces in the second force interval.