Orthopedic Stabilizing Rod With Cut-Out Flex Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stabilizing rods for orthopedic aids, particularly knee bandages, are complex, costly, and can damage adjacent textiles due to their metallic construction, lacking flexibility control and ease of production.
Innovation Solution
A stabilizing rod with a flexible section featuring material cut-outs, divided into three sections, allowing controlled flexibility and reduced material thickness, eliminating the need for metallic components and simplifying production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metallic spring band rods are used as stabilizing rods, then stability and strength are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to welding and lamination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing rod is divided into three sections with different properties: rigid first and second sections for stability, and a flexible third section with material cut-outs for controlled flexibility. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function without requiring complex welding or lamination processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The third section incorporates material cut-outs that change the physical parameters of the rod by creating a toothed rack structure. This modifies the flexibility and bending characteristics without adding complex components, simplifying manufacturing while achieving the desired flexibility control.
2Strength
If metallic spring band rods are used, then structural strength is improved, but harmful effects increase as metal can destroy adjacent textile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive metallic spring band rods with a simpler plastic rod structure that has built-in flexibility through material cut-outs. This eliminates the need for metal components that could damage adjacent textiles, providing a safer alternative that maintains sufficient structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the material from metal to plastic and incorporating material cut-outs in the third section, the rod maintains adequate strength while eliminating the harmful effect of metal on adjacent textiles. The flexibility is achieved through the cut-out design rather than metallic elasticity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flat spiral springs are used for flexibility, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rod is segmented into three distinct sections where only the third section contains material cut-outs for flexibility. This localized segmentation provides adaptability where needed while keeping the first and second sections simple and rigid, reducing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The material cut-outs are placed specifically in the third section rather than throughout the entire rod. This local modification provides flexibility only where required for knee joint movement, while maintaining rigidity in the first and second sections, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
4Strength
If metallic stabilizing rods are used, then strength is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy metallic spring band rods with a lighter plastic rod structure. The plastic material inherently weighs less than metal while the three-section design with material cut-outs provides sufficient flexibility and stability without requiring additional heavy components.
Solution Approach 2:
Changing the material from metal to plastic fundamentally alters the weight parameter while maintaining adequate strength through the three-section structural design. The material cut-outs in the third section provide flexibility without adding significant weight.
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 design provides controlled flexibility, protects adjacent textiles, reduces production costs, and offers a stable yet easy-to-manufacture solution for orthopedic aids.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible section can extend over the entire length of the stabilizing rod or only make up a part of the length of the stabilizing rod. The length and positioning of the flexible section can advantageously determine the position and strength of the flexibility of the stabilizing rod.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a stabilizing rod (10) for an orthopedic aid, the stabilizing rod (101) having in the longitudinal direction a first section (110) and a second section (120), the first section (110) and the second section (120) being connected to each other via a third, flexible section (130). According to the invention, the third, flexible section (130) has at least one material cut-out (131).