Plastically Deformable Finger Orthosis with Ring Clamps
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthoses for extremities, such as fingers and toes, face challenges in adaptability and durability due to the use of elastic materials that wear out quickly and require individual production for each patient, while rigid materials are not easily adjustable for different finger sizes.
Innovation Solution
An orthosis made from plastically deformable materials, such as metals or composites, with a continuous interruption in the form of a gap in the ring brackets or bridge, allowing for adjustment to fit various finger sizes without losing strength, and featuring a design that ensures support without slipping off the joint, eliminating the need for fastening straps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If elastic material is used for the orthosis, then the orthosis can be adjusted to different finger sizes, but the material is susceptible to wear and requires frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from elastic to plastically deformable, allowing the orthosis to be permanently shaped to the patient's finger while maintaining durability. The plastic deformability enables initial adjustment without compromising the material's long-term strength and wear resistance.
2Reliability
If rigid material is used for the orthosis, then the durability is improved, but individual one-off production is required for each patient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces plastic deformability as an intermediate parameter between rigid and elastic materials. This allows the orthosis to be manufactured in standard sizes and then adjusted to individual patients through controlled plastic deformation, combining the durability of rigid materials with the adaptability needed for individual fitting.
3Ease of manufacture
If the orthosis is made with a continuous interruption and plastically deformable material, then series production and simple adjustment are enabled, but the material must withstand plastic deformations without loss of strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies plastically deformable materials with controlled mechanical properties that allow permanent deformation at specific stress levels while maintaining sufficient strength for orthotic function. The material parameters are selected to enable adjustment through plastic deformation without compromising the structural integrity required for joint support.
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
The orthosis provides stable support and mobility to the finger joints, maintaining physiological alignment and preventing unnatural spreading, thus preserving finger motion and avoiding muscle breakdown, while being adaptable for series production and simple adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
made of plastically deformable material of sufficient ductility to withstand plastic deformations during adaptation to a joint without loss of strength
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The orthosis (1A) has two ring clamps (3,4) assigned to limbs and a bar (5), which connects both the ring clamps with one another. The ring clamps form as guide openings. A continuous recess (18) is provided in the area of the ring clamps. A ring clamp is divided into a left and right wing (17). The orthosis is adapted in an unchangeable form by plastic deformation on joint (13') under normal operating conditions.