Articulated Joint for Orthopaedic Braces with Manual Locking Selector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthopaedic braces and orthoses with articulated joints are complex, require professional assistance for adjustment, and can be uncomfortable and unstable, especially for patients needing to lock the tilting pelvic band in a specific position without external aid.
Innovation Solution
An articulated joint with an integrated adjustment element, featuring a vertical slide in a specific guide that can be manually actuated by the wearer to lock the tilting pelvic bar at the top dead centre, eliminating the need for accessories or personnel, using a simple selector mechanism with two click mechanisms for open and closed positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional articulated joints with complex adjustment mechanisms are used, then the orthosis can provide stable and reliable angular positioning, but the device complexity increases and requires professional assistance for adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-adjusting articulated joint where the user can independently modify the angular position between bars using a simple selector mechanism. The selector allows manual engagement of locking positions without requiring external tools or professional assistance, enabling the orthosis to serve itself through user-operated adjustment while maintaining reliable angular positioning.
2Measurement precision
If complex adjustment mechanisms with screws or pins are used, then precise angular positioning is achieved, but the ease of operation decreases and requires specialized personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex, durable adjustment mechanisms (screws, pins) with a simpler, single-use selector mechanism that achieves precise angular positioning through a straightforward manual operation. The selector engages with discrete positioning elements to lock bars at specific angles, providing measurement precision comparable to complex mechanisms but with dramatically improved ease of operation that any user can perform without specialized training.
3Adaptability or versatility
If freely rotating articulated joints are used, then the orthosis provides flexibility and range of motion, but the stability decreases and causes jamming phenomena
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic articulated joint system where the angular relationship between bars can be freely adjusted within a range of motion, then locked at the desired position using the selector mechanism. This allows the orthosis to adapt to different movement requirements while maintaining stability when positioned, eliminating the jamming phenomena associated with freely rotating joints by providing controlled locking at specific angular positions.
Data Source
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AI summary
An articulated joint (10) for orthopaedic orthoses or braces designed for rehabilitation or stabilisation of the spinal column or of joints of the body in general, comprises two half parts (13, 14), reciprocally connected and retained by a common rotation pin (15), each of which, at opposite ends relative to the rotation pin, is stably associated with each end of respective bars (11, 12), so as to create a jointed mechanism applicable in the point of the orthosis that requires an adjustable angular movement.