Smart Fabric Spinal Brace with Dynamic Immobilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal support devices fail to effectively minimize abnormal movement of the head, neck, and spine during impacts or sudden changes in movement, leading to potential secondary injuries from recoil movements.
Innovation Solution
A dynamically reactive brace device with moveable component parts, movement sensing means (such as accelerometers and gyroscopes), and control means that activate movement resisting means (like electromagnetic locks or smart fabrics) to restrict abnormal movements and provide dynamic immobilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid spinal support device is used, then the spine is immobilized and protected from abnormal movement, but the device cannot adapt to dynamic impacts and sudden movements
Solution Approach 1:
The brace device incorporates moveable component parts that can dynamically adjust their configuration in response to detected movement or impact. The system transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system that senses abnormal motion through movement sensing means and activates movement resisting means to provide targeted immobilization only when and where needed, rather than maintaining constant rigidity throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces passive mechanical rigid structures with an active system combining movement sensing means (accelerometers, gyroscopes), control means (microprocessor), and movement resisting means (electromagnetic locks, smart fabrics). This substitution allows the system to intelligently respond to dynamic conditions rather than relying solely on fixed mechanical constraints.
2Reliability
If a rigid brace device is used, then abnormal movement is restricted, but normal movement and comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The brace device remains flexible and adaptable during normal activities, allowing natural movement freedom. Upon detection of abnormal movement or impact through movement sensing means, the system dynamically transitions to a rigid immobilized state. This dynamic behavior eliminates the need for constant rigidity, thereby maintaining comfort and ease of operation during normal use while providing protection when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically senses abnormal movement conditions and activates its own immobilization function without external intervention. The movement sensing means detects abnormal motion, the control means processes the signal, and the movement resisting means activates to provide immobilization, creating a self-regulating system that adapts to the wearer's needs in real-time.
3Ease of operation
If moveable component parts are used, then comfort and normal movement are improved, but the device fails to provide sufficient rigidity during impact
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable component parts maintain flexibility during normal activities, providing comfort and ease of operation. Upon detection of impact or abnormal movement through movement sensing means, the system dynamically activates movement resisting means to lock the component parts in place, transforming the structure from flexible to rigid precisely when impact resistance is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The movement sensing means continuously monitors for abnormal conditions in advance, allowing the control means to trigger the movement resisting means before significant injury can occur. This preliminary detection and response mechanism ensures that rigidity is established proactively during impact events rather than reactively after damage occurs.
4Adaptability or versatility
If movement sensing means and control systems are added, then dynamic response capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control means serves multiple functions: it receives signals from movement sensing means, processes the data to determine abnormal movement conditions, and activates the movement resisting means. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a single integrated control unit, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining dynamic response capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkage and linkage systems with electronic sensing and control mechanisms. The movement sensing means (accelerometers, gyroscopes) and electromagnetic locks or smart fabrics provide a more compact and controllable solution compared to traditional mechanical rigid-brace systems, reducing structural complexity while enhancing adaptability.
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 brace device effectively restricts and immobilizes the spine during impacts and subsequent recoil, reducing the risk of secondary injuries and providing temporary or permanent stabilization until medical care is available.
Implementation Method 1
The movement sensing means may include one or more micro electro-mechanical accelerometers, gyroscopes, force-transducers, pressure sensors and/or strain gauges. The movement sensing means are adapted to sense the rate of change in velocity (acceleration/deceleration) and/or a change in inclination (pitch and/or yaw).
Implementation Method 2
The movement sensing means may include one or more micro electro-mechanical accelerometers, gyroscopes, force-transducers, pressure sensors and/or strain gauges.
Implementation Method 3
movement resisting means, provided on one or more of said component parts and operable to prohibit, restrict and/or resist movement of at least one component part relative to at least one other component part
Implementation Method 4
fabric hardening means, operable to partially or substantially harden one or more regions of the smart fabric upon application of a stimulus, thereby to prohibit, restrict and/or resist movement of one or more portions of the spine of the wearer
Data Source
AI summary
A brace device for the support of a wearer. The brace device comprises a flexible smart fabric, operable to partially or substantially enclose and/or lie adjacent to one or more portions of the thoracic, lumbar and/or cervical portions of the spine of the wearer. Fabric hardening means are provided, operable to partially or substantially harden one or more regions of the smart fabric upon application of an activating stimulus, thereby to prohibit, restrict and/or resist movement of one or more portions of the spine of the wearer. One or more predetermined regions of the smart fabric are in a substantially flexible configuration when the fabric hardening means are not activated, facilitating positioning, fitment and/or adjustment of the device around the wearer. Upon activation of the fabric hardening means, the one or more predetermined regions are operable to cause the one or more predetermined regions to assume a substantially rigid configuration and thereby partially or substantially support and/or immobilize of at least a portion of the spine of the wearer.