Reversible Wrist Support with Removable Battens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Repetitive motion injuries, particularly affecting the wrist and thumb, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis, are not adequately addressed by existing orthopedic restraint devices, which often lack adjustable and reversible designs, compromising between restraint and mobility.
Innovation Solution
A reversible wrist and thumb support made of resiliently stretchable material with semi-rigid battens and a deformable palm pad, allowing for adjustable fit and wear on either hand, providing therapeutic neutral positions while allowing sufficient movement for daily tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If orthopedic restraint devices provide maximum restraint to prevent or cure repetitive motion injuries, then injury prevention and pain relief are improved, but mobility and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The wrist support device incorporates adjustable components including a removable rigid batten, adjustable strap with buckle, and deformable pad that can be positioned at different locations. These dynamic adjustments allow the device to provide maximum restraint when needed for injury prevention while permitting increased mobility and comfort during daily tasks, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows parameter changes in the degree of restraint through the removable batten (which can be inserted or removed to adjust rigidity), the adjustable strap tension, and the repositionable deformable pad. These parameter adjustments enable the same device to provide different levels of support, balancing injury prevention with operational mobility
2Ease of manufacture
If orthopedic restraint devices are designed with fixed configuration, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to various wearers and uses deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wrist support device is segmented into separate components: a flexible sleeve, a removable rigid batten, an adjustable strap assembly, and a deformable pad. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simple processes, then assembled into a configurable whole that adapts to different wearers and uses, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The device achieves universality through its adjustable and reconfigurable design. The same device can be adapted to different wrist sizes, different injury conditions, and different activity requirements through the removable batten, adjustable strap, and repositionable pad, allowing one device to serve multiple functions and wearers without requiring custom manufacturing
3Stability of the object's composition
If orthopedic restraint devices provide rigid support, then structural stability is improved, but comfort and wearability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies local quality by concentrating rigid support only where medically necessary through the removable batten positioned along the wrist, while the remainder of the device uses flexible, comfortable materials. The deformable pad provides localized cushioning at the pressure point, allowing structural stability where needed while maintaining comfort in other areas
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines different material properties in a composite structure: a flexible fabric sleeve for comfort, a rigid or semi-rigid removable batten for structural support, a deformable pad for cushioning, and an adjustable strap for secure fitting. This composite approach integrates materials with contrasting properties to simultaneously achieve structural stability and comfort
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 support effectively reduces pain and prevents injuries by restraining the wrist and thumb to neutral positions while enabling comfortable operation of devices like keyboards and PDAs, offering adjustable comfort and mobility.
Implementation Method 1
a sleeve having opposed open ends, formed of a resiliently stretchable material and for receiving a wearer's wrist and palm
Implementation Method 2
A deformable pad is disposed on an underside of the sleeve to space a heel of the wearer's palm above the surface upon which the wearer's arm rests
Data Source
AI summary
A reversible wrist and thumb support is formed of a sleeve of resiliently stretchable material and includes an optionally detachable thumb support coupled to the sleeve. The thumb support includes a plurality of removable battens formed of a semi-rigid material and disposed along the posterior of a wearer's thumb. A resiliently deformable support pad is disposed on an underside of the splint and a removable stiffening semi-rigid batten that optionally includes padded surfaces, is disposed in a pocket on the top side of the support. The reversible wrist and thumb support may be worn on either the wearer's left or right hand, and the battens need not be removed when the reversible wrist and thumb support is turned inside-out.