Segmented Thumb Brace Design for Immobilization and Comfort
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thumb braces are bulky, uncomfortable, and intrusive, limiting hand use while attempting to immobilize the thumb, hand, or particular joints.
Innovation Solution
A thumb brace design featuring curved support elements and straps that securely fit around specific joints and the thumb, minimizing contact with non-essential hand areas to maintain hand functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional thumb braces are used to immobilize the thumb, then thumb immobilization is achieved, but the brace becomes bulky and intrusive
Solution Approach 1:
The thumb brace is divided into multiple separate components including a thumb spica portion, a wrist portion, and a connecting portion. These segmented parts can be independently positioned and adjusted to fit the anatomical contours of the thumb and wrist, achieving effective immobilization without requiring a bulky single-piece structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The brace utilizes three-dimensional anatomical contouring to wrap around the natural curves of the thumb and wrist. By designing the brace to conform to the curved surfaces of the body parts rather than using flat rigid structures, effective immobilization is achieved with minimal bulk.
2Reliability
If conventional thumb braces are used to immobilize the thumb, then thumb immobilization is achieved, but comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the brace are designed with different properties to optimize both immobilization and comfort. The thumb spica portion provides rigid support for immobilization, while the wrist portion and connecting portions are designed to conform to softer anatomical surfaces, providing comfort during extended wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The brace features curved surfaces that match the anatomical contours of the thumb and wrist. This curvature allows the brace to distribute pressure evenly across contact points, preventing discomfort and pressure sores while maintaining effective immobilization.
3Reliability
If conventional thumb braces are used to immobilize the thumb, then thumb immobilization is achieved, but hand functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The brace design extracts only the essential components needed for thumb immobilization, excluding unnecessary bulk and coverage. By removing non-essential portions and focusing support only where anatomically required, the brace maintains thumb immobilization while allowing maximum freedom of movement for the rest of the hand.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented design allows the brace to isolate thumb immobilization to specific anatomical regions without restricting movement in other hand areas. The separate thumb spica, wrist, and connecting portions work together to stabilize the thumb while leaving fingers and other hand structures free for functional use.
Data Source
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AI summary
A thumb brace for at least partially immobilizing a thumb of a user is provided. The thumb brace includes a first curved support element configured to be disposed on a heel of a hand along an intercarp al articulation of the thumb and in a palmar gutter of the hand. The thumb brace includes a second curved support element coupled to the first curved support element and configured to be disposed on a palm of the hand along a metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb. The thumb brace includes a third curved support element configured to be disposed on a backside of the hand along the intercarpal articulation of the thumb. The thumb brace includes a fourth curved support element coupled to the third curved support element and configured to be disposed on the backside of the hand along the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb. Related methods are also provided.