Motorized Tightening Mechanism for Scoliosis Boston Brace
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scoliosis braces lack a motorized tightening mechanism, requiring manual intervention and failing to provide consistent, customizable support for varying spinal curvatures, leading to inadequate correction and increased risk of surgery.
Innovation Solution
A motorized tightening mechanism integrated into the Scoliosis Boston Brace, utilizing a worm drive, worm drive rack, nylon strap, hexagonal peg, and motor screwdriver to automate the tightening process, ensuring consistent and customizable pressure application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional scoliosis brace with manual tightening is used, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but the tightening consistency and customization capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical tightening system with an automated motorized system. The motor drives a screw mechanism that automatically tightens the brace straps to consistent torque levels, eliminating variability in manual tightening while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through modular integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements adjustable tightening parameters through the motorized system, allowing customization of torque and tension levels to match different patient needs and spinal curvature requirements. This enables precise control over the corrective force applied to the spine.
2Ease of operation
If the brace is manually tightened, then the device complexity is low, but the operation requires significant manual effort and time
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized tightening mechanism enables the brace to tighten itself automatically without requiring manual manipulation of straps and buckles. The system activates the motor to perform the tightening action autonomously, dramatically improving ease of operation while the added complexity is confined to the motor assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the brace applies fixed pressure, then the manufacturing is simple, but the adaptability to different spinal curvatures is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from fixed pressure application to dynamic, adjustable pressure control through the motorized system. The mechanism can vary tightening levels to accommodate different spinal curvatures and patient requirements, enhancing adaptability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized motor and control components.
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 motorized mechanism allows for easy, accurate, and automatic tightening of the brace, enhancing comfort and effectiveness, reducing the need for surgery by ensuring proper spinal alignment and support without manual effort.
Implementation Method 1
A motorized tightening mechanism integrated into the Scoliosis Boston Brace, utilizing a worm drive, worm drive rack, nylon strap, hexagonal peg, and motor screwdriver to automate the tightening process
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a worm drive, worm drive rack, nylon strap, hexagonal peg, and motor screwdriver to automate the tightening process
Data Source
AI summary
An improved Scoliosis Boston Brace having a motorized tightening mechanism is disclosed, which tightens the brace around the patient's body with a motorized mechanism. The motorized tightening mechanism makes it easier for the patient to tighten the brace around their body, and also eases the task of putting on/off, the brace. The components of the present invention include a Boston brace, a worm drive, worm drive rack, a hexagonal peg, nylon strap, rivet, two parts epoxy glue, buttons and motor screwdriver. The worm drive and the worm drive rack are connected to the nylon strap, which is attached through rivet to the Boston brace. The hexagonal peg helps in manipulating the worm drive, which determines the tightens of the brace and the button attached to worm drive rack, helps to unclasp the mechanism when taking off the brace.