Wrist Orthosis Wire Branches Reduce Joint Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional joint maintenance devices, such as wrist orthoses, often cause discomfort and pain due to the rigidity of blocking elements that exert pressure on the joint, leading to reduced wear compliance and treatment effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A wrist orthosis design featuring a wire element with branches that rest on surrounding areas of the body, rather than directly on the joint, combined with adjustable textile materials and slots to distribute pressure, ensuring immobility without direct stress on the joint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid blocking element is used to prevent joint closure, then the joint immobilization function is improved, but the wearer comfort deteriorates due to pressure on the joint
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is divided into multiple wire branches that are distributed around the joint area. Instead of a single rigid block, the structure is segmented into branches that can individually adapt to the anatomy, reducing concentrated pressure while maintaining overall immobilization function.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element is made from a flexible wire structure rather than rigid plastic or metal. This wire construction allows the element to conform to the body's contours and distribute pressure more evenly, eliminating the harmful concentrated pressure while maintaining the blocking function.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid blocking element is used to maintain joint position, then the joint stability is improved, but the wear duration is reduced due to discomfort and pain
Solution Approach 1:
The material parameter of the blocking element is changed from rigid (plastic/metal) to flexible (wire construction). This parameter change allows the structure to maintain stability through its geometric configuration while adapting to body movements, reducing discomfort and enabling prolonged wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible wire structure that can adapt to body movements. This allows the orthosis to maintain joint stability while accommodating natural motions, reducing pain and enabling longer wear duration.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a wire element with branches is used to surround the joint, then the pressure distribution is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wire element structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides joint immobilization, distributes pressure evenly, and adapts to different body morphologies. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single integrated wire construction rather than multiple separate components, actually simplifying the overall device.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The supporting device (1) connects a first part of the body to a second part of the body and comprises a first face (6) and a second face (8) connected by at least one sleeve (2), which is intended to surround the first part of the body, and by a bearing part (4), which is intended to bear against the second part of the body, said sleeve and said bearing part being connected by means for blocking the closure of the joint. Said blocking means comprise a wire element (28) with at least two branches (30), of which one extends on the first face of the device and the other extends on the second face of the device, said branches being spaced apart from each other between the sleeve and the bearing part and being designed to maintain the spacing between the sleeve and the bearing part on each side of the joint.