Multi-function brace with detachable finger portion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current braces for treating median neuropathy and other nerve, muscle, and joint conditions are either ineffective in providing comprehensive support during both activity and rest or require multiple devices for different functions, leading to discomfort and reduced adherence to treatment.
Innovation Solution
A convertible or multi-function brace with a body portion and a detachable finger portion, featuring flexible sheets and a rigid stabilizing member, allowing for adjustable support and movement restriction, enabling secure wear during both rest and activity without the need for multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single brace is designed to provide support during both activity and rest, then comprehensive support is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brace is divided into a body portion and a detachable finger portion. The finger portion can be removed or attached as needed, allowing the brace to provide comprehensive support when both parts are used together, while maintaining simplicity when only the body portion is used during activity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices are used for different functions, then functional versatility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The brace is designed to perform multiple functions: it can provide wrist support during activity, finger support during rest, or both simultaneously when the finger portion is attached. This eliminates the need for multiple separate devices while maintaining ease of operation through a single integrated system.
3Reliability
If a brace restricts movement during activity, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The brace transitions from a static design to a dynamic one where the finger portion can be easily removed or attached. During activity, the finger portion is removed to allow natural movement and improve comfort, while during rest it is attached to provide therapeutic effectiveness by restricting movement.
Data Source
AI summary
A brace may include a body portion and a finger portion. The body portion may include a first flexible sheet configured to receive at least portions of a user's wrist and hand and may restrict movement of the wrist. The finger portion may include a second flexible sheet and a rigid stabilizing member. The finger portion may be configured to receive at least one of the user's fingers and may restrict movement of the at least one finger relative to the wrist and hand. Further, the body portion be configured to releasably receive the finger portion.