Orthosis Load Distribution Device Preventing Migration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthotic attachment systems fail to effectively distribute and redirect the high forces associated with dynamic orthoses, leading to migration and discomfort, as they either rely on friction or are unsuitable for high-force applications.
Innovation Solution
A load distribution device that conforms to the body's surface in two orthogonal planes, using a rigid or semi-rigid material to redirect and distribute forces, thereby preventing migration and enhancing wearer comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If friction-based anti-migration straps or wraps are used to prevent orthosis migration, then the orthosis can withstand migration forces, but the therapeutic manipulation forces cannot be effectively redirected and the forces remain concentrated, causing discomfort and potential migration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a load distribution device as an intermediary component between the orthosis attachment system and the wearer's body. This device has a rigid or semi-rigid structure with a load distribution surface that contacts the body, positioned between the strap and the body to redirect forces away from the attachment system and distribute them across a larger area of the body, thereby preventing migration while enabling effective force redirection for therapeutic manipulation
Solution Approach 2:
The load distribution device extends the force distribution in a new dimension by projecting the attachment forces from the linear strap contact onto a two-dimensional load distribution surface that conforms to the body's contours. This dimensional transition allows forces to be distributed across a broader anatomical region rather than being concentrated at the strap contact point
2Reliability
If high tension straps are used to increase friction and prevent migration, then the orthosis security is improved, but the wearer comfort deteriorates due to concentrated forces and pressure points
Solution Approach 1:
The load distribution device segments the concentrated force from the strap into multiple distributed force vectors across the load distribution surface. By dividing the single high-force contact point into numerous lower-force contact points across the contoured surface, the device maintains orthosis security while eliminating pressure points that cause discomfort
Solution Approach 2:
The load distribution surface is designed with varying local properties to optimize force distribution - the rigid or semi-rigid structure provides structural integrity for force redirection, while the contoured surface geometry adapts to specific body regions to distribute forces according to local anatomical characteristics, ensuring both security and comfort
3Reliability
If flexible anti-migration straps are used to increase contact area and friction, then migration resistance is improved, but the therapeutic manipulation forces cannot be effectively distributed and redirected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the physical parameters of the force distribution system by transitioning from flexible strap material to rigid or semi-rigid load distribution device. This parameter change enables the structure to effectively redirect and distribute high-magnitude therapeutic manipulation forces while maintaining migration resistance, as the rigid structure can transmit and redirect forces without deforming
Data Source
AI summary
A device to prevent migration of an orthotic, such as an unloading joint brace.