Reusable Joint Stabilizer with Tacky Strips for Skin-Friendly Motion Restriction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional taping methods for joint stabilization are inconvenient for repeated use, can be detrimental to the skin, and cause skin reactions, limiting their effectiveness in rehabilitation.
Innovation Solution
A reusable joint stabilizer comprising a web of flexible, non-stretchable strips with non-adhesive, reusable tacky strips that provide stability and restrict motion, combined with elastic textile materials like neoprene for compression and heat retention, allowing for repeated application and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional taping is used for joint stabilization, then the joint can be stabilized and range of motion restricted, but the tape must be re-applied frequently and is inconvenient for repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs reusable tacky strips that can be repeatedly applied and removed without degrading, replacing the disposable nature of conventional tape. The tacky strips maintain their adhesive properties through multiple use cycles, allowing the stabilizer to be recovered and reused indefinitely, thus resolving the contradiction between stabilization effectiveness and convenience of repeated use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional disposable tape with durable, reusable tacky strips that maintain their functional properties over multiple application cycles. This eliminates the need for frequent reapplication while maintaining the joint stabilization function, addressing the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If conventional taping is used for prolonged periods, then joint stabilization can be maintained, but the tape becomes detrimental to the skin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the skin-contacting element from conventional adhesive tape to reusable tacky strips made of flexible, non-stretchable material. These strips are designed to be gentle on the skin and can be removed without causing damage, thereby maintaining stabilization effectiveness while eliminating skin harm during prolonged use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of prolonged adhesive contact into a beneficial outcome by using tacky strips that provide sustained stabilization without skin damage. The reusable nature of the strips allows prolonged use while actually protecting the skin from the harmful effects of conventional tape.
3Reliability
If conventional taping is used for prolonged periods, then joint stabilization can be maintained, but skin reactions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical and physical parameters of the skin-contacting material from conventional adhesive tape to reusable tacky strips with different material properties. These strips are designed to be hypoallergenic and non-irritating, eliminating skin reactions while maintaining the joint stabilization function during prolonged use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the harmful skin reactions associated with prolonged tape use into a benefit by using tacky strips that are gentle on the skin. The reusable design allows extended wear without causing skin reactions, converting the potential harm of prolonged contact into a beneficial, skin-friendly solution.
4Strength
If adhesive strips are used to secure the stabilizer, then the stabilizer can be firmly attached, but the adhesive deteriorates with repeated application and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional adhesive strips with reusable tacky strips that maintain their attachment strength through multiple application and removal cycles. The tacky strips are designed to be durable and can be reused indefinitely, resolving the contradiction between initial attachment strength and long-term reusability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs tacky strips that can be recovered and reused without degrading their adhesive properties. Unlike conventional adhesive that deteriorates with repeated use, the tacky strips maintain their attachment strength through multiple cycles, allowing the stabilizer to be recovered and reused indefinitely.
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 joint stabilizer effectively stabilizes joints, restricts motion, and provides mechanical and proprioceptive benefits for rehabilitation, while avoiding the drawbacks of traditional taping by being reusable and gentle on the skin.
Implementation Method 1
The tacky strips transfer forces between the exterior of the web and the skin of the patient contacted by the tacky strips
Implementation Method 2
an elastic textile material such as neoprene is combined with the web to provide compression, heat retention
Implementation Method 3
an elastic textile material such as neoprene is combined with the web to provide compression, heat retention
Data Source
AI summary
A reusable joint stabilizer for application to a joint of a patient, the stabilizer including a web having a pattern selected to provide a desired stability and restriction in the range of motion of the joint, the web being securable about the joint of the patient and formed of a plurality of flexible and non-stretchable strips interconnected in a desired pattern and a plurality of non-adhesive and reusable flexible tacky strips aligned with and connected to at least selected ones of the non-stretchable strips for positioning adjacent to skin of the patient proximate the joint. The tacky strips transfer forces between the exterior of the web and the skin of the patient contacted by the tacky strips to provide a desired stability of the joint and a desired restriction in the range of motion of the joint.