Size Grid Determination for Elastic Orthoses
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for determining size grids for elastic vein compression orthoses are inefficient, leading to a large number of sizes that increase production costs without adequately addressing the morphological variations of lower limbs.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines a size grid by analyzing morphological parameters of a targeted population, dividing them into coverage zones to ensure a desired coverage rate, thereby minimizing the number of sizes while ensuring therapeutic effectiveness across a range of limb dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the number of size grids is reduced to limit production costs, then manufacturing cost decreases, but the coverage of morphological variations may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous morphological space into discrete coverage zones based on statistical analysis of population data. By dividing the size range into optimized segments (e.g., S, M, L, XL) with specific dimensional ranges, the system achieves comprehensive coverage with minimal size variants, directly resolving the contradiction between cost reduction and morphological adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the size determination from a continuous parameter space to a discrete set of standardized size grids defined by specific dimensional parameters (circumference ranges, length ranges). This parameter standardization allows manufacturers to produce limited size variants while still covering the full spectrum of patient morphologies through statistically-derived size ranges.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of sizes in a grid is increased to cover more morphological variations, then adaptability improves, but the number of size grids increases leading to higher production costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal size grid system where each size variant is designed to cover a specific morphological range derived from population statistics. A single size grid structure can be applied across different orthesis models and patient populations, making the sizing system universally applicable and eliminating the need for multiple specialized size grids for different product lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary statistical analysis of target population morphology data before finalizing the size grid. By pre-determining the distribution of morphological parameters (ankle circumference, calf circumference, thigh circumference, limb length) and identifying optimal coverage zones in advance, the system establishes a comprehensive size grid that covers 90-95% of patients without requiring post-market adjustments or additional size variants.
3Ease of operation
If conventional size determination methods are used, then simplicity is maintained, but the elasticity of the orthesis is not fully utilized leading to suboptimal fit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates the dynamic elasticity characteristics of the orthesis material into the static size grid determination. By analyzing how the material deforms and adapts to different limb shapes, the patent defines coverage zones that account for elastic expansion and compression, allowing a single size variant to effectively cover a broader range of morphologies while maintaining optimal therapeutic compression levels.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a size grid, the method comprising following steps: a) determination of N morphological parameters, N being ≥2; b) acquisition of a set of values of the parameters for a sample of a targeted population of individuals, each individual being associated with an individual point supplying, for each parameter, a value of the parameter; c) independently of steps a) and b), determination of rate of coverage of sample to be covered by the grid; d) determination of a set of coverage zones, each coverage zone being a set of individual points relating to a set of individuals for which a same orthesis according to the model is adapted and thus corresponding to a size adapted to set of individuals; the number of coverage zones being determined such that percentage of individual points included in at least one coverage zone is ≥ the desired coverage rate.