Orthopedic Device Automatic Shell Closure via Body Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopaedic devices with shell mechanisms require manual operation to switch between open and closed positions, which is difficult for individuals with limited motor skills, especially those needing to use their non-dominant hand or when the device is positioned on a body part like the lower arm or wrist.
Innovation Solution
An orthopaedic device featuring a tensile force transmission element, such as a band or cloth, that is actuated when a body part is introduced into the shell mechanism, automatically bringing the shell mechanism from an open to a closed position through mechanical deformation and magnetic locking, eliminating the need for manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual operation (velcro, clasps, push buttons) is used to close the shell mechanism, then the device can be securely fixed to the body part, but it requires one or two hands to operate, making it difficult for people with limited motor skills
Solution Approach 1:
The orthopaedic device automatically closes the shell mechanism by utilizing the body part itself as the actuating element. When the body part is inserted into the shell mechanism, it automatically triggers the closing action through the tensile force transmission element, eliminating the need for manual operation while ensuring secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical fastening operations (velcro, clasps, push buttons) with an automatic mechanical system. The tensile force transmission element converts the insertion motion of the body part into the closing motion of the shell mechanism, substituting complex manual fastening operations with a simple insertion action.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the shell mechanism is positioned on difficult-to-access body parts (lower arm, wrist), then the device can provide necessary orthopaedic support, but it becomes even more difficult to manually operate for people with limited motor skills
Solution Approach 1:
The device adapts to difficult-to-access body parts by making the closing operation independent of manual intervention. The body part itself acts as the actuator, automatically closing the shell mechanism upon insertion, which eliminates the accessibility problem entirely.
3Extent of automation
If scissors-like protruding elements are used to activate shell closing, then the mechanism can close automatically upon body part insertion, but the shell elements can only move about a limited swivel angle and push the body part out upon opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the scissors-like protruding element mechanism with a tensile force transmission element system. This substitution allows for greater movement range of the shell elements and eliminates the problem of pushing the body part out during opening, while maintaining automatic closing functionality.
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
Enables hands-free adjustment and easy placement of orthopaedic devices, particularly beneficial for individuals with limited motor skills, by automatically closing the shell mechanism upon body part insertion, ensuring secure fitting without manual handling complexities.
Implementation Method 1
the actuation element has a tensile force transmission element, in particular a band or a cloth
Implementation Method 2
mechanical deformation and magnetic locking
Data Source
AI summary
An orthopaedic device with a shell mechanism which can be brought into a closed position in which it engages at least partially around a body part arranged in the shell mechanism, and into an open position, in which the body part can be brought into the shell mechanism, wherein the shell mechanism can be brought from the open position to the closed position by means of the body part being introduced into the shell mechanism. The device has at least one actuation element which is arranged and designed in such a way that it is actuated when the body part is introduced into the shell mechanism, and it brings the shell mechanism from the open position to the closed position, wherein the actuation element has a tensile force transmission element, in particular a band or a cloth.