Multi-digit Brace with Asymmetrical Arcuate Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-digit braces are cumbersome, difficult to apply, restrict full range of motion, and do not adequately protect against lateral and rotational forces, limiting dexterity and mobility during recovery and activity, especially in sports and combat situations.
Innovation Solution
A multi-digit brace design featuring arcuate members with elastic bands, allowing for adjustable coupling and flexible positioning to support adjacent digits while enabling full range of motion, with asymmetrical thickness for enhanced flexibility and comfort, and elastic bands for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional taping methods are used to brace adjacent digits, then support and protection are provided, but the application process becomes cumbersome and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The brace is divided into multiple arcuate members (first arcuate member, second arcuate member, third arcuate member) that can be independently positioned on adjacent digits. Each arcuate member is a separate component that can be applied individually, making the overall application process simpler and more manageable compared to traditional taping methods that require wrapping multiple layers of tape around multiple digits simultaneously.
2Reliability
If rigid braces are used to protect against lateral and rotational forces, then protection is improved, but range of motion and dexterity are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The brace utilizes arcuate members that are flexible in nature, allowing them to conform to the shape of the digits while providing structural support. These flexible arcuate members can resist lateral and rotational forces through their curved geometry and material properties, yet they do not completely restrict range of motion, enabling dexterity during recovery activities.
3Stability of the object's composition
If thick rigid structures are used to provide stable coupling, then stability is improved, but flexibility and comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The arcuate members are designed with asymmetrical thickness distribution, being thicker in regions that require enhanced stability and coupling (such as the bridge portions connecting adjacent digits) and thinner in regions that contact the skin directly. This asymmetrical design provides stable coupling where needed while maintaining flexibility and comfort in areas that require adaptability to the digit's shape and movement.
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 brace provides effective support and protection, allowing for full dexterity and range of motion, reducing re-injury risk, promoting healing, and enabling active participation during recovery, while being easier to apply and more comfortable than traditional taping methods.
Implementation Method 1
elastic bands for secure attachment
Data Source
AI summary
A brace and kit of braces with a method of use. The multi-digit brace includes first and second arcuate members coupled together by top and bottom bridge members. There are raised rails disposed about the circumference of the brace that form a band track within which an elastic band may be disposed to secure the brace to the fingers/toes of a hand/foot. The arcuate members are thinner near the bottom to allow for greater flex/bend of adjacent joints. The arcuate members are spaced from each other and form an hourglass shaped void therebetween. The arcuate members may form complete circles or may have gaps. The kit may include a plurality of braces and a plurality of bands/wraps/straps. The method includes installing a plurality of braces so that they face back-to-back towards a middle joint with thinner regions of each brace near the palmar side of the middle joint.