Pelvic Brace With Adjustable Straps For Sacral Rotation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pelvic braces lack effective solutions for providing comprehensive bracing and force application to the pelvic area, particularly in terms of stability, rotation, and load distribution.
Innovation Solution
The pelvic brace assembly comprises a belt, front pubic pad, and rear sacral pad, with adjustable straps and pads designed to apply forces that pull one bony prominence towards another, providing stability and rotation control through a combination of pads and straps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pelvic brace assembly is designed to apply forces to stabilize the pelvis and neutralize sacral rotation, then the bracing effectiveness and stability are improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple adjustable straps and pads
Solution Approach 1:
The pelvic brace assembly is divided into distinct functional components: a belt for circumferential support, a front pubic pad for anterior bracing, a rear sacral pad for posterior support, and multiple adjustable straps (crotch strap, leg straps, waist straps). Each segment performs a specific bracing function, allowing the complex stabilization task to be distributed across simpler, specialized components that can be independently adjusted and positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The brace incorporates multiple adjustable straps with buckles that allow dynamic adjustment of tension and positioning. The crotch strap, leg straps, and waist straps can be independently adjusted to accommodate different user anatomies and provide optimal bracing forces. This dynamic adjustability enables the device to adapt to various conditions while maintaining effective stabilization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable straps are used to allow customization of pad positions, then the adaptability to different users is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to multiple adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The belt serves multiple functions: it provides the primary circumferential support structure, serves as an attachment point for the front and rear pads, and acts as a tensioning element for the adjustable straps. The crotch strap and leg straps work together as a integrated system to stabilize the pelvic girdle while accommodating different leg lengths and anatomical variations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The brace is designed to be self-adjusting through its strap system. Once the initial positioning of pads is established, the user can independently adjust the tension of various straps (crotch strap, leg straps, waist straps) to achieve optimal fit and bracing effectiveness without requiring assistance or complex adjustment procedures. The buckle mechanisms allow for quick, tool-free adjustments.
3Reliability
If the belt is made tight to provide circumferential tension for stabilization, then the stability is improved, but the comfort deteriorates due to pressure on the user's body
Solution Approach 1:
The belt is designed with differentiated local properties: it features padded contact surfaces at critical pressure points (anterior pubic area, posterior sacral area, lateral iliac regions) to distribute and reduce peak pressures, while maintaining tensile strength in the strap material itself. The pad structures incorporate softer, more compliant materials at the body interface, transitioning to stronger, more rigid materials in the structural components. This local quality variation allows the belt to provide necessary circumferential tension for stabilization while minimizing discomfort from excessive pressure.
Data Source
AI summary
Various devices for providing various forces on a patient torso. One device includes a belt, a pubic pad, and a rear pad. Another device includes two “clamshell”-type members which capture the torso of a patient (aka user), and includes smaller sub portions within windows in at least one of the clamshell portions, for particular bracing purposes. Another device includes a type of “scuba suit” base garment which includes adjustable straps attached thereto for particular bracing purposes.