Orthopedic Brace Inflation Control With Selectable Air Cell Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthopedic braces with inflatable components often require external pumps, which are bulky and inconvenient, and lack the ability to provide customized compression in different areas, as they typically inflate or deflate all cells to an equal pressure or require multiple pumps and valves for individual control.
Innovation Solution
An orthopedic brace with an on-board pump system that includes a control mechanism allowing users to selectively inflate or deflate individual inflatable cells, providing customizable compression by creating separate fluid paths between the pump and each cell, thus eliminating the need for external pumps and enabling streamlined inflation and deflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an external pump is connected to the brace, then the user can inflate and deflate the inflatable components, but the brace becomes bulky and wearability is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is integrated directly into the valve assembly, combining two previously separate components (pump and valve) into a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for external pumps while maintaining inflation functionality, thereby reducing brace volume without sacrificing ease of operation.
2Volume of moving object
If a detachable pump is used, then the brace size is reduced, but the pump is inconvenient to carry and may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is permanently integrated into the valve assembly, ensuring it is always available with the brace. This eliminates the need to carry or attach a separate pump, maintaining compact brace size while ensuring constant accessibility of the inflation mechanism.
3Device complexity
If a single pump and valve are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the user cannot independently control pressures in different inflatable cells
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is segmented into multiple independent valve units, each with its own integrated pump. This allows each inflatable cell to be controlled independently while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. Each valve unit can be independently operated to provide customized compression levels for different body regions.
Solution Approach 2:
Each valve assembly is designed with localized functionality, where the pump and valve are integrated at the specific location of each inflatable cell. This enables independent pressure control for each cell while maintaining a simple overall system architecture without requiring a complex centralized control mechanism.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves with multiple pumps are used, then independent control of individual cells is achieved, but the device complexity and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pump and valve are merged into a single integrated assembly for each inflatable cell. This reduces the total component count compared to having separate pumps and valves, while still enabling independent control of each cell. The integrated design simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining the versatility of individual cell adjustment.
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 on-board pump system allows for customizable compression in different areas of the brace, enhancing user convenience and comfort by eliminating the need for external components and simplifying the inflation process, making it easier to use for both able-bodied and injured individuals.
Implementation Method 1
The pump is in fluid communication with the control and in fluid communication with the inflation component
Implementation Method 2
The release valve is in fluid communication with both the inflation component and the control
Implementation Method 3
A user selects an individual inflation cell using the control and then activates either a pump or release valve to inflate or deflate the cell
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices are described for providing a brace having an inflation control. The control directs fluid flow from an inflation component to one or more inflatable cells of the brace. The inflatable cells are independently inflated and deflated by the inflation component through the control. The control allows a user to create a fluid path between the inflation component and one of the inflatable cells by positioning the control in an orientation corresponding to the desired inflatable cells. Each inflatable cell is independently inflated and deflated in various orientations of the control.