External Spinal Brace With Adjustable Distraction and Torsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current external spinal braces are either invasive or excessively restrictive, failing to provide effective distraction, bending, and torsional forces to treat spinal disorders effectively.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive external spinal brace system with ball and socket joints, ratchets, and spring-loaded fingers that apply posterior distraction, bending, and torsional forces to the spine, using adjustable support members and coupling systems for personalized fit and force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surgical methods with metal rods and screws are used to treat spinal disorders, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but patient comfort and quality of life deteriorate due to high invasiveness and long recuperation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional surgical mechanical system (metal rods and screws inserted into the spine) with an external mechanical system consisting of a brace, support members, and coupling mechanisms that apply corrective forces from the outside, eliminating the need for invasive surgery while maintaining treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary external brace system that mediates between the patient's body and the corrective forces needed. The brace with its support members and couplings acts as an intermediary device that applies distraction, bending, and torsional forces without direct surgical intervention
2Reliability
If external spinal braces are made restrictive to provide effective distraction and bending forces, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but patient comfort and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic elements including ball and socket joints that allow controlled movement, ratchets that permit adjustment in one direction while preventing reverse movement, and spring-loaded fingers that provide adaptive contact. These dynamic components enable the brace to maintain effective corrective forces while allowing necessary adjustments and movements for patient comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates adjustable parameters through ratchets and coupling mechanisms that allow the brace's distraction, bending, and torsional forces to be modified. This enables the brace to adapt to different treatment stages and patient needs, maintaining effectiveness while improving comfort and ease of operation
3Object-affected harmful factors
If non-invasive external braces are used to treat spinal disorders, then patient comfort is improved, but the ability to apply effective distraction and bending forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the external brace into multiple functional segments including separate support members positioned at different locations, individual couplings for each support member, and distributed spring-loaded fingers. This segmentation allows each component to apply specific forces (distraction, bending, torsional) that collectively achieve effective treatment while maintaining patient comfort through personalized fit
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes ball and socket joints that provide spherical movement capability, allowing the support members to accommodate natural spinal curvatures and movements while maintaining effective force application. The curved or contoured support members are designed to conform to the patient's back shape, distributing forces effectively across the spine
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 system provides effective treatment of spinal disorders without invasive procedures, offering adjustable forces and comfort through personalized fit, enhancing spinal alignment correction.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring-loaded finger (111) and the second ratchet comprising a second toothed rack (112) and a second spring-loaded finger (113)
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal support system that includes interchangeable bushings (having different degrees of tilt) and a curved sacral segment that has variable settings. The bushings and sacral segment collectively produce variable levels of spinal distraction and may be combined in different ways to generally apply different forces, as selected by a user, onto the spine of a patient.