Rigid Polymer Finger Splint with Adjustable Lug Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for immobilizing fingers or toes after injuries are prone to dirtiness, rapid wear, and fragility, requiring frequent changes, and are painful to install and remove, with limited adjustability to fit individual morphology and potentially prolonging healing times.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a rigid polymer band with a closure system featuring adjustable lugs and orifices, allowing for precise fitting and secure immobilization, made from a single piece of molded or 3D-printed polymer resin, which is resistant to dirt, wear, and humidity, ensuring easy application and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If elastic bands are used to immobilize fingers or toes, then the device is flexible and easy to apply, but the device gets dirty and wears out quickly requiring frequent changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from elastic material to rigid polymer material, fundamentally changing the physical parameters of the band. This transformation provides durability and resistance to dirt and humidity while maintaining ease of application through the molded single-piece construction and integrated closure system
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses a composite structure combining rigid polymer material for the band with separate adhesive fasteners. This composite approach provides both the durability of rigid material and the ease of application/removal through adhesive components
2Reliability
If adhesive fasteners are used to secure the elastic bands, then the bands can be held in place, but the removal process becomes painful and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the closure mechanism from traditional adhesive bands to a buckle system with lugs and orifices. This provides secure holding through mechanical interlocking while enabling quick, painless removal by simply unbuckling the device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical adhesive bonding system with a mechanical buckle closure system. This substitution maintains reliable holding strength through the lug-orifice mechanical connection while eliminating the painful removal process associated with peeling adhesive from skin
3Reliability
If the band is made from a single piece of molded or 3D-printed polymer resin, then the device is resistant to dirt, wear, and humidity, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the band, closure system components (lugs and orifices), and structural elements into a single integrated polymer piece through molding or 3D printing. This consolidation eliminates multiple assembly steps and provides uniform resistance to dirt and wear across the entire device
Solution Approach 2:
The single-piece polymer construction serves multiple functions simultaneously: structural support, dirt and humidity resistance, closure system integration, and anatomical shaping. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components while maintaining manufacturing efficiency
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (1) for supporting and/or protecting at least two fingers or toes, enabling total or partial immobilisation of said fingers or toes with respect to one another. The device comprises a band (2) in the form of a loop (20) delimiting an accommodation space (3) for receiving said fingers or toes, said band (2) being terminated by two ends (5,6) forming two parts (5,6) of a closure system (4) of the loop, the two parts comprising additional fastening parts (7, 11) engaging to ensure adjustment and closure of the loop (20), the device being characterised in that the band (2) is made from a rigid polymer material and is fitted with lugs (7) at one of its end and with holes (11) at the other end, constituting the fastening parts of the closure system (4). The device according to the invention is used in particular in orthopaedic treatment, and can enable a rapid return to sports in complete safety.