Spring-Loaded Skeletal Brace for Adjustable Joint Load Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing skeletal distraction devices are not suitable for everyday use due to their rigid design, lack of flexibility, and difficulty in adjusting support uniformly, leading to discomfort and muscle atrophy.
Innovation Solution
A skeletal distraction device with a load transfer mechanism comprising first and second springs and a preload adjustment mechanism, allowing for relative movement between body portions, providing adjustable support that follows natural movements and reduces load on joints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid traction device is used to provide strong support for vertebrae, then stability and load transfer are improved, but flexibility and ease of use deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing rigid static support structures with dynamic spring-based mechanisms. The telescopic struts with springs provide adaptive support that automatically adjusts to body movements, allowing the device to transition between stable support and flexible movement accommodation based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by using telescopic struts with adjustable lengths and variable spring stiffness. The spring constant and strut length can be modified to change the support characteristics, enabling the device to adapt between rigid stability and flexible comfort according to the user's requirements.
2Force
If multiple telescopic struts are used to provide comprehensive support, then load distribution is improved, but device complexity and adjustment difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by combining multiple telescopic struts into an integrated assembly where the struts work together as a unified support system. The struts are connected through common pivots and springs, allowing them to be adjusted and coordinated as a group rather than independently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining comprehensive load distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing the telescopic struts to serve multiple functions simultaneously - they provide structural support, enable movement, and distribute loads across different body parts. The same strut assembly handles both stability and flexibility requirements, reducing the need for separate specialized components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If individual telescopic struts are independently adjusted, then adaptability to different body parts is improved, but ease of operation and uniform support deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by grouping the adjustment mechanisms of multiple telescopic struts into a unified adjustment system. The struts are connected through common pivots and spring assemblies, allowing adjustment of one strut to automatically coordinate with adjacent struts, ensuring uniform support across the entire device while maintaining adaptability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If telescopic struts with pivots are used to allow movement, then mobility is improved, but comfort and natural movement following deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by optimizing the spring constants and pivot geometries to match the natural movement characteristics of the human body. The spring stiffness and pivot angles are carefully selected to provide smooth, comfortable movement that follows natural biomechanics rather than creating artificial movement patterns.
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 device offers convenient and simple adjustment, maintains muscle solicitation, prevents atrophy, and effectively reduces joint load while allowing mobility, thereby alleviating back pain.
Implementation Method 1
The load transfer mechanism, which connects the first brace to the second brace, comprises a first spring, a second spring and a preload adjustment. The first spring is connected to the first brace at a first end. The first spring has a first axis.
Implementation Method 2
The first spring is operative to transfer a first load along the first axis between the first brace and the second brace by adjusting the preload
Implementation Method 3
The second spring is connected to the first brace at a first extremity and to the second brace at a second extremity. The second spring is operative to transfer a second load between the first brace and the second brace along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis
Data Source
AI summary
A skeletal distraction device for a four-limbed vertebrate, and particularly a human, comprises a first brace, a second brace and a load transfer mechanism. The first brace is adapted to contact a first body portion of the vertebrate while the second brace is adapted to contact a second body portion of the vertebrate. The load transfer mechanism, which connects the first brace to the second brace, comprises a first spring, a second spring and a preload adjustment. A first spring preload is adjusted through the preload adjuster. The second spring is operative to transfer a second load between the first brace and the second brace along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. When the vertebrate wears the skeletal distraction device, the first spring is operative to transfer a first load along the first axis between the first brace and the second brace by adjusting the preload.