Expandable Orthopedic Support with Thermal Therapy and Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an orthopedic support system that provides enhanced flexibility, customizability, temperature control, compression, and bracing capabilities to reduce recovery time, limit edema, and protect joints from improper movement during healing from orthopedic surgeries.
Innovation Solution
An expandable orthopedic device with adjustable straps and joint stabilization members, combined with a thermal therapy wrap and a support buttress, offering dual modes of use for thermal therapy and joint stabilization, featuring hook and pile portions for adjustability and compatibility with a precision fluid pump for temperature and compression control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an orthopedic support provides multiple fixed functions (bracing, compression, thermal therapy), then the device structure becomes complex and less adaptable, but if it provides a single fixed function, then the structure is simpler but lacks versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The orthopedic support is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple functions including bracing, compression, and thermal therapy through a single integrated structure. The device incorporates a removable insert that can be configured for different therapeutic needs, allowing one device to serve multiple purposes without requiring separate specialized equipment for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The orthopedic support is divided into modular components including a main body structure and a removable insert. This segmentation allows the insert to be taken out, reconfigured, or replaced based on specific therapeutic requirements, providing versatility while keeping the main device structure relatively simple and manageable.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the orthopedic support is designed with fixed dimensions, then manufacturing is simpler, but it cannot accommodate different patient anatomies and recovery stages
Solution Approach 1:
The orthopedic support incorporates adjustable and removable components that allow the device to be dynamically reconfigured for different patient anatomies and recovery stages. The removable insert can be adjusted or removed entirely based on therapeutic needs, enabling the same device to adapt to varying patient requirements without requiring completely different device versions.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the device into a main body and a removable insert, the patent enables customizability through selective removal or modification of the insert portion, while the main structure remains standardized and easier to manufacture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the orthopedic support includes removable components for different therapies, then the device becomes more adaptable, but the ease of operation decreases due to assembly and disassembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The removable insert is designed as a discrete, pre-configured component that can be quickly attached or removed from the main device body. This segmentation allows therapists to switch between different therapeutic configurations (bracing only, compression only, or combined) by simply adding or removing the insert, rather than reconfiguring multiple individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert is pre-configured with specific therapeutic properties (compression elements, thermal therapy components) before being attached to the device. This preliminary preparation reduces the operational complexity during use, as the insert comes ready-to-use in its therapeutic configuration, requiring minimal assembly or adjustment by the operator.
Data Source
AI summary
A joint therapy system and method is shown for proving thermal therapy and joint stability in dual modes of operation. In some embodiments, a treatment system is shown utilizing an orthopedic support for supporting a joint region and having one or more of temperature control capabilities, compression capabilities, and bracing capabilities that may, for example, be used to reduce recover time, limit edema, and protect joints from improper movement while healing from orthopedic surgeries.