Orthopedic Therapy Tape with Segmented Adhesion Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthopedic therapy tapes are typically highly adhesive, causing discomfort upon removal, and have standard dimensions that do not accommodate the varying curvatures and sizes of limbs, leading to inconvenience for patients.
Innovation Solution
An orthopedic therapy tape with a deformable textile body that includes a non-adhesive tension member and customizable dimensions, allowing for adjustable length and width to fit different limb sizes and curvatures, while minimizing adhesive contact with the skin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional adhesive tapes are used to limit limb movement, then the therapeutic function is achieved, but patient comfort deteriorates due to skin irritation and discomfort upon removal
Solution Approach 1:
The tape is divided into distinct functional zones: highly adhesive anchor portions at the ends for secure attachment, and a non-adhesive or low-adhesive tension member in the middle portion that contacts the skin during movement. This segmentation allows the tape to maintain reliable fixation while eliminating continuous skin irritation from adhesive contact.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the tape have different adhesive properties tailored to their specific functions. The anchor portions use highly adhesive materials for secure attachment, while the tension member uses non-adhesive or low-adhesive materials that minimize skin irritation during the therapeutic phase, yet remain removable without discomfort.
2Ease of manufacture
If standard-sized adhesive tapes are used, then manufacturing and availability are simplified, but adaptability to various limb sizes and curvatures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tape incorporates a deformable textile body with a tension member that can be dynamically adjusted in length and width to match the specific contours and dimensions of different limbs. This allows a single standard product to be customized in the field for various limb sizes and curvatures while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
3Strength
If cloth tape materials with high adhesion are used, then anchoring strength is improved, but patient comfort during removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tape structure separates the anchoring function from the skin-contact function during movement. Highly adhesive cloth tape materials are used only at the anchor portions for strong initial attachment, while the tension member uses non-adhesive or low-adhesive materials that provide minimal resistance during removal, eliminating discomfort.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for applying an orthopedic therapy apparatus to a user skin is disclosed. The method includes folding a first adhesion surface side portion and a second adhesion surface side portion of the orthopedic therapy apparatus around a deformable textile body longitudinal axis by using a first and second pair of separating cuts. The orthopedic therapy apparatus includes a deformable textile body having an adhesion surface and a non-adhesion surface, a first adhesion pad surface disposed on the adhesion surface at a deformable textile body proximal end, and a second adhesion pad surface disposed on the adhesion surface at a deformable textile body distal end. The first adhesion surface side portion and the second adhesion surface side portion fold to contact and adhere to a deformable textile body middle portion to form a tension member. The method further includes applying the orthopedic therapy apparatus to the user skin.