Orthotic Cuff with Stretchable Joint Region
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cuffs for orthotic treatment of joint or muscle pain in joints, such as the elbow or knee, often suffer from misalignment and discomfort due to the difficulty in securely placing the upper cuff part and the restriction of arm extension, leading to pinching and impaired blood flow.
Innovation Solution
A cuff design where at least a partial region of the second cuff part above the joint is stretchable, allowing adjustment to the angular position between body parts, and incorporating VELCRO closures with minimal protruding buckles, along with comfort-enhancing features like cushions and clear application markings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the upper collar is formed as a loop and secured by a buckle, then the cuff can be adjusted to fit the arm, but it is difficult to place securely and causes slipping
Solution Approach 1:
The upper collar is designed as a loop-shaped cuff part that can flex and adapt to the arm's shape. The loop configuration allows the cuff to conform to the arm's contour while maintaining secure placement without slipping, combining adaptability with ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If the upper collar is placed tightly to prevent slipping, then security is improved, but wearing comfort is limited and blood flow is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The loop-shaped upper collar provides a flexible fit that secures the cuff without excessive tightness. The loop configuration distributes pressure evenly and allows natural arm movement, preventing blood flow impairment while maintaining security of placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The cuff design allows dynamic adjustment to arm position and movement. The loop-shaped upper collar can adapt its position and tension as the arm moves, maintaining security without constant tight pressure that would impede blood flow.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the upper collar is placed loosely for comfort, then wearing comfort is improved, but the cuff slips and misaligns
Solution Approach 1:
The loop-shaped upper collar creates a flexible yet stable fit. The loop configuration provides enough friction and conformity to prevent slipping and misalignment while maintaining comfort, eliminating the need to choose between tight and loose fitting.
4Strength
If the cuff parts are made rigid for structural support, then joint support is improved, but pinching occurs at edges during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The upper collar is designed as a flexible loop-shaped structure that can bend and adapt to arm movement. This flexibility prevents pinching at the edges during movement while the loop configuration maintains sufficient structural support for joint stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The cuff design incorporates dynamic flexibility in the upper collar loop that allows it to adapt to changing arm positions. The flexible loop structure moves with the arm, preventing pinching while maintaining joint support through controlled tension.
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
Enhances wearing comfort by preventing misalignment and pinching, maintaining blood flow, and simplifying application, while ensuring effective joint support without compromising on arm extension relief.
Implementation Method 1
at least a partial region of the second cuff part to be arranged above the joint is stretchable
Implementation Method 2
The outside of the cuff can be provided over the entire surface with high-tensile-strength loop tape, which forms the counterpart to the VELCRO hook and loop fastener when using VELCRO closures
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a cuff for orthotic treatment of joint or muscle pains in the region of joints of the human or animal body, which as a cross cuff has a first cuff part (1) for application on a first body part below the joint and a second cuff part (2) for application on a second body part above the joint, wherein the two cuff parts are joined to one another by means of a connection region (3) and in each case are formed from a belt that is provided with fastening means and may be laid around the respective body part, wherein the connection region (3) between the two cuff parts on placement of the cuff on the body in the region of the inside of the joint impedes extension of the first body part with respect to the second body part, in that the connecting region is displaced under tensile stress. According to the invention, at least one partial region (4) of the second cuff part (2) above the joint is made to be stretchable (FIG. 1).