Motorized Brace Tensioning for Adaptive Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical braces require manual effort to tighten, which can be challenging for dexterity-impaired individuals and fail to adjust to changes in limb size or swelling, leading to improper fit and potential complications like compartment syndrome.
Innovation Solution
A motorized tensioning device with a control unit that adjusts the tension of the brace based on prescribed parameters, allowing for automatic tightening and loosening, monitoring of fit, and adaptive adjustment to maintain a consistent pressure, using a motorized closure system with sensors and feedback mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual tightening mechanisms (Velcro straps, buckles) are used, then the brace can be secured about the limb, but the user requires significant manual dexterity and both hands to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical closure systems (Velcro, buckles) with an automated motorized tensioning system. A motor drives a spool that winds a tensioning member (lace or strap) to automatically tighten the brace, eliminating the need for manual grasping and fastening operations. This substitution directly addresses the contradiction by improving ease of operation while the mechanical complexity is managed through integrated automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The motorized tensioning device enables the brace to tighten itself automatically without requiring the user to manually manipulate straps or buckles. The system self-regulates the tightening process through automated motor control, allowing the brace to secure itself about the limb with minimal user intervention, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed tension braces are used, then the brace structure remains simple, but the brace cannot adapt to changes in limb size or swelling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic tensioning system where the motorized spool mechanism can adjust the tension of the tensioning member in real-time. The system transitions from a fixed tension state to a dynamically adjustable state, allowing the brace to adapt to changing limb dimensions. This dynamic capability enables the brace to maintain proper fit despite swelling or size changes, while the complexity is managed through automated control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the tension applied to the limb and automatically adjust the motorized tensioning device to maintain optimal pressure. Sensors detect changes in limb size or swelling and communicate with the control system, which then modifies the tension accordingly. This feedback loop provides adaptability to limb changes while managing device complexity through intelligent control algorithms.
3Reliability
If excessive tension is applied to tighten the brace, then the brace provides adequate support, but the risk of compartment syndrome increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized tensioning system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the tension applied to the limb. Sensors detect pressure levels and communicate this information to the control system, which automatically adjusts the motorized spool to maintain tension within a safe and therapeutic range. This feedback control prevents excessive tension that could cause compartment syndrome while ensuring adequate support, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively prevents harmful effects by incorporating safety mechanisms that limit maximum tension before dangerous levels are reached. The control system is programmed with predetermined tension thresholds and automatically stops or reverses motorized tightening when these thresholds are approached, preventing the application of excessive tension that could lead to compartment syndrome. This preliminary anti-action ensures reliable support while eliminating the harmful factor of over-tightening.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an embodiment, a brace may include a motorized tensioning device, a tensioning member operationally coupled with the motorized tensioning device to tighten the brace about the limb, and a control unit communicatively coupled with the motorized tensioning device to control adjustment of a tension of the tensioning member. A method for providing therapy with the brace fitted about a limb may include communicating a first instruction from the control unit to the motorized tensioning device to adjust the tension of the tensioning member according to a therapeutic regimen that is designed to aid in recovery of the limb via repetitive movement of the limb.