Shape Memory Mesh Brace for Adjustable External Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing external fixation materials, such as polycaprolactone, face challenges in forming complex structures due to low melting point and adhesion issues during clinical use, limiting their adjustability and versatility for different patient needs.
Innovation Solution
A polycaprolactone composite material with 40-80 wt% polycaprolactone, 15-55 wt% filler, and 5-15 wt% auxiliary materials is used for injection molding, creating a shape memory mesh plate with large ventilation holes and an anti-sticking agent, allowing for one-time formation and easy demolding, reducing production costs and improving patient comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If polycaprolactone material is used for external fixation, then the material can be easily molded, but the melt strength is sharply reduced due to low melting point and crystal melting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite material system consisting of polycaprolactone base resin combined with nucleating agents and modifiers. This composite approach allows the material to maintain low melting point for easy molding while the nucleating agents promote rapid crystallization that restores melt strength, resolving the contradiction between moldability and strength
2Object-affected harmful factors
If anti-sticking coating is sprayed on punched raw plate, then adhesion is prevented, but the incision edge remains free of coating and adhesion occurs during heating and molding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates anti-sticking agents directly into the material composition before molding. This preliminary incorporation ensures that anti-sticking properties are present throughout the entire material including cut edges, eliminating the need for post-punching coating applications and ensuring complete coverage without leaving exposed edges
3Device complexity
If uniformly distributed small holes are provided on the mesh plate, then the structure is simple, but the holes are too small to facilitate air flowing or bathing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dual-scale hole distribution system where large ventilation holes are strategically positioned in areas requiring air flow and bathing access, while smaller holes are distributed elsewhere for structural integrity. This local differentiation of hole sizes and distributions simultaneously achieves ventilation functionality and structural simplicity
4Adaptability or versatility
If the mesh plate is stretched and attached to the patient's bone, then the brace conforms to the body, but the anchoring end and locking end cannot align completely making it difficult to close
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates rotatable anchoring ends and locking ends into the enclosing and locking means. These dynamic components can rotate to accommodate misalignment caused by mesh plate stretching, allowing the ends to self-align during the closing process and making it easier to secure the brace properly
5Adaptability or versatility
If separate mesh plates are made for left and right arm, foot or leg, then the design is specific, but the mass for any type cannot be increased and cost cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the mesh plate with bilateral symmetry and standardized features that allow a single mesh plate design to be used for both left and right sides of the body. The enclosing and locking means are configured to accommodate different orientations, enabling one universal mesh plate type to replace multiple side-specific variants, thereby increasing production efficiency and reducing costs
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 solution enables a versatile, adjustable external fixation brace that can be easily molded into various shapes, preventing adhesion and facilitating clinical use, while reducing production costs and enhancing patient comfort through improved air flow and quick drying.
Implementation Method 1
a shape memory mesh plate with large ventilation holes... made from a shape memory material
Implementation Method 2
the raw material is doped with an anti-sticking agent... one-time formed in injection molding process
Data Source
AI summary
A medical fixing brace, wherein at least one surface is provided with a plurality of step holes for mounting snap-fit seats and posts; the thickness of the mesh plate is made thinner at the step holes; and each of the step holes is assembled with some parts of the snap-fit seats and posts. According to the invention, the fixing brace can be used for both the left body and the right body, convenient for the doctor; the product does not absorb water and has no pad structure, so it is quick in drying after bathing, and it is good in comfort for the wearer; any pruritus and dermatitis can be avoided; and the external fixing brace according to the invention can be used for bone support of the upper limb, the neck, the chest, the waist, the lower limb and the like.