Segmented Orthotic Device with Removable Rigid Portion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rigid orthotic devices provide limited long-term effectiveness for conditions like scoliosis and spastic diplegia as they only correct the body alignment when worn, and compliance issues arise due to discomfort, leading to poor treatment outcomes.
Innovation Solution
An orthotic device comprising a dynamic elastomeric fabric portion that applies forces in predetermined directions to assist or restrict movement, combined with a removable rigid or semi-rigid portion, allowing for adjustable and comfortable wear that continues to provide therapeutic support even when the rigid portion is removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid orthotic device is used to correct body alignment, then posture correction effectiveness is improved, but comfort and compliance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The orthotic device is divided into two separate portions: a rigid portion for structural support and a flexible portion for comfort. The flexible portion includes a resilient means that can be removed independently, allowing the user to wear only the comfortable flexible portion when needed, while the rigid portion provides correction when required. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing selective use of each component based on comfort and correction needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The orthotic device transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system where the flexible portion can adapt to movement and the rigid portion can be selectively applied. The resilient means in the flexible portion provides dynamic support that conforms to body movements, while the rigid portion offers static correction. This dynamic approach improves both comfort through adaptability and effectiveness through targeted rigid support.
2Reliability
If a rigid brace is worn continuously to maintain correction, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but ease of wear and compliance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the rigid brace function into a removable portion that can be worn intermittently rather than continuously. The flexible portion serves as a comfortable base that can be worn continuously, while the rigid portion is added only when correction is needed. This segmentation enables partial-time wear that maintains treatment effectiveness while significantly improving ease of wear and compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows changing the rigidity parameter of the overall orthotic system by selectively adding or removing the rigid portion. When the rigid portion is attached, the system provides strong correction; when removed, the system provides gentle support. This parameter change capability enables flexible treatment protocols that balance effectiveness with wearability.
3Ease of operation
If a rigid orthotic device is removed, then comfort and ease of movement are improved, but correction effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible portion remains on the body after the rigid portion is removed, maintaining some level of support and proprioception. This segmented design ensures that correction effectiveness is partially maintained through the flexible portion's resilient means, while full correction is achieved when the rigid portion is attached. This resolves the contradiction by providing continuous partial support with optional full correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible portion acts as an intermediary between the body and the rigid correction portion. It provides continuous gentle support and proprioceptive feedback, preparing the body for full correction when the rigid portion is attached. This intermediary function maintains comfort and ease of movement while preserving the capability for effective correction when needed.
4Reliability
If constant rigid bracing is used to correct orthopedic conditions, then correction effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The orthotic device is segmented into a flexible base portion and a removable rigid portion. This segmentation simplifies the overall device by allowing the flexible portion to function independently as a comfortable base orthosis, while the rigid portion can be added only when correction is needed. This reduces device complexity compared to a single rigid brace that must always be worn, while maintaining correction effectiveness when the rigid portion is attached.
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 combination of dynamic and rigid components enhances proprioception, allows for muscle development, and improves posture and limb function, enabling long-term correction of orthopedic and neurological conditions without the need for constant rigid bracing, thus improving treatment compliance and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The first portion comprises a resilient material for conforming to a portion of a wearer's body and is configured to apply a force in one or more predetermined directions to assist or restrict movement of at least one part of the wearer's body
Data Source
AI summary
An orthotic device includes a resilient portion configured to apply a force in one or more predetermined directions to assist or restrict movement of a part of a wearer's body, and a rigid portion configured to restrict movement of the body part. The rigid portion is removably-couplable to the resilient portion so that it can be removed from, and coupled to, the resilient portion while the device is being worn.