Segmented External Spinal Brace to Limit Rib Deformities
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal braces are either highly invasive or restrictive, and none provide a posterior distraction force to correct spinal abnormalities effectively.
Innovation Solution
An external spinal brace system with support mechanisms that apply a posterior distraction force, allowing limited movement and adjustable forces to counteract spinal abnormalities without surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If rigid external braces are used to treat spinal disorders, then spinal support and correction force are improved, but rib deformities and subject comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The brace is divided into multiple segments including a pelvic band, thoracic band, and lumbar band that can independently apply forces to different regions of the spine. This segmentation allows distributed application of correction forces rather than concentrated forces on ribs, reducing the risk of rib deformities while maintaining effective spinal support.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the brace are designed with different properties - the pelvic and lumbar bands provide rigid support for structural correction, while the thoracic band is designed to be more flexible to accommodate rib movement and reduce harmful forces on the ribs. This local differentiation of mechanical properties allows effective spinal correction without causing rib deformities.
2Ease of operation
If flexible external braces are used to treat spinal disorders, then subject comfort and freedom of movement are improved, but spinal correction effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The brace incorporates dynamic elements including adjustable straps and lacing systems that allow the subject to modify the brace's flexibility and support level based on activity level and comfort needs. The pelvic and lumbar bands can be independently adjusted to provide rigid support when needed while allowing greater movement during daily activities, thus resolving the contradiction between comfort and correction effectiveness.
3Force
If invasive surgical methods are used to treat spinal disorders, then spinal correction effectiveness is improved, but invasiveness and recuperation time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The external brace serves as an intermediary device that applies corrective forces to the spine through the skin and soft tissues without requiring surgical intervention. The distributed force application through multiple bands (pelvic, thoracic, lumbar) and the use of mechanical advantage through strap systems enable the brace to generate sufficient correction forces noninvasively, eliminating the need for invasive surgical procedures while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
4Force
If current external braces are used to treat spinal disorders, then spinal support is improved, but posterior distraction force capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The brace design incorporates elements that apply forces in multiple dimensions - the pelvic band provides anterior support while the thoracic and lumbar bands apply posterior distraction forces. The angled positioning of straps and the three-dimensional configuration of the bands create force vectors that include a posterior distraction component, enabling the brace to address spinal abnormalities requiring posterior distraction that previous two-dimensional brace designs could not provide.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a system and/or method may include an external spinal brace system. The system may include a plurality of support mechanisms including at least first and second support mechanisms. The first support mechanism may be coupled, during use, to the second support mechanism such that the first and second support mechanisms are inhibited from decoupling. In some embodiments, the system may include a coupling system. The coupling system may couple the plurality of support mechanisms to a subject such that the plurality of support mechanisms are positioned, during use, along at least a portion of the subject's spine. In some embodiments, the external brace system applies a posterior distraction force to the subject.