Spiral Brace Helical Immobilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional braces are often cumbersome, uncomfortable, and unattractive, leading to non-compliance among patients due to their complex securing mechanisms, rigid structures, and lack of mobility, which can immobilize the limb and cause discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A spiral brace design that wraps around the limb in a helical configuration, allowing axial rotation while preventing bending movements, made from a lightweight, fenestrated, and customizable plastic material that fits closely to the limb, allowing for a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid structure is used to prevent limb movement, then immobilization effectiveness is improved, but comfort and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a spiral configuration that wraps around the limb in a flexible manner, allowing the brace to conform to the limb's shape and movement while maintaining immobilization effectiveness. The spiral design provides structural support without requiring thick rigid padding, thereby improving comfort and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spiral brace employs curved, helical geometry that follows the natural contours of the limb. This curvature allows the brace to distribute pressure evenly and adapt to the limb's shape, reducing discomfort while maintaining the rigid support needed for effective immobilization.
2Reliability
If thick padding is used to secure the brace, then immobilization effectiveness is improved, but weight and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The spiral configuration acts as a thin, flexible shell that provides structural support without the need for thick padding. The helical geometry distributes mechanical loads efficiently, maintaining immobilization effectiveness while minimizing the amount of material required and reducing overall weight.
3Reliability
If a complex securing mechanism is used, then immobilization effectiveness is improved, but ease of operation and device complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The spiral brace is designed to be self-securing through its helical geometry. When wrapped around the limb, the overlapping turns of the spiral configuration naturally lock together, providing secure immobilization without requiring complex buckles, straps, or adjustment mechanisms. This simplifies the device while maintaining effectiveness.
4Reliability
If the brace completely surrounds the limb, then immobilization effectiveness is improved, but ventilation and comfort worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The spiral configuration inherently creates gaps and channels between its helical turns, allowing air circulation and ventilation. This porous-like structure enables perspiration to evaporate and air to flow around the limb, preventing moisture trapping while maintaining the brace's immobilization function through its geometric configuration rather than complete enclosure.
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 spiral brace provides effective support and immobilization while allowing necessary movements, enhancing patient compliance through its comfort, aesthetics, and ease of use, with a design process that utilizes digital representations of the limb for a precise fit and ventilation, reducing material usage and weight.
Implementation Method 1
The brace can be made of an elastic material and the distal and proximal portion of the brace can be elastically deformed so that the entire brace can be repositioned to wrap around the limb
Data Source
AI summary
A spiral brace has an inner surface that corresponds to a digital representation of an injured limb. The spiral brace can wrap around a length of the limb in a helical manner. The body of the spiral brace may be a single piece structure that is fenestrated to provide air circulation to the injured limb.