Soft-Robotic Wrist Device for Dynamic Carpal Tunnel Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional devices for treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome statically immobilize the wrist, leading to discomfort and interference with activities like typing, as they do not account for dynamic movement.
Innovation Solution
A wearable wrist device with a dual soft actuator system and a control system that uses inertial measurement and pressure sensors to dynamically adjust the wrist position to a neutral angle, utilizing breathable fabric and adjustable pleated air bladders to provide comfort and support during repetitive activities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional devices statically immobilize the wrist, then support and stability are improved, but comfort and ability to perform activities like typing deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static immobilization to dynamic adaptation. The wearable device uses soft actuators that can actively adjust their stiffness and support characteristics in real-time based on wrist position and user needs, allowing the wrist to move naturally while providing targeted support when required. This resolves the contradiction by making the support system adaptive rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters of the support device by using soft actuators that can modify their mechanical properties (stiffness, pressure, shape) on demand. These parameter changes allow the device to provide firm support when needed while remaining compliant and comfortable during normal activities, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If rigid immobilization is used, then wrist position control is improved, but adaptability to dynamic movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamics by implementing a control system that continuously monitors wrist position and adjusts soft actuator activation accordingly. This allows the device to maintain precise wrist position control during therapeutic phases while automatically adapting to allow natural movement during daily activities, resolving the contradiction between position control precision and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms where sensors detect wrist position and movement, and this information feeds back to the control system which adjusts soft actuator activation. This closed-loop control enables precise position control when needed while automatically adapting to dynamic movement patterns, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If soft actuators are used, then comfort and breathability are improved, but structural rigidity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using soft actuators that can dynamically alter their mechanical properties. When activated, these soft actuators generate sufficient force and structural support to provide therapeutic effect, while remaining compliant and comfortable when not activated. This resolves the contradiction by making rigidity可调 rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic soft actuators that can be inflated or deflated to change their structural properties. When inflated, they provide the necessary structural support and rigidity for therapeutic effect; when deflated, they remain soft and comfortable. This pneumatic mechanism resolves the contradiction between comfort and structural rigidity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes soft-robotic wearable devices to treat and/or relieve Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, for example during typing assist applications. Soft actuators within the device adjust the angle of the wearer's wrist angle dynamically to achieve a neutral angle, alleviating the pressure on the median nerve and relieving Carpal Tunnel Syndrome strain.