Stiff Jointless Openwork Brace Assembly with Noose Restraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing braces for appendages are often expensive, complex, difficult to use, and not designed to allow direct access for therapeutic or treatment purposes, making them inefficient for temporary securing and bracing needs.
Innovation Solution
A brace assembly featuring a stiff, jointless openwork structure with adjustable noose restraints that allows for secure bracing while enabling easy access, constructed from a single length of inherently stiff material like steel or aluminum, with a helical design and padding for comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing braces are designed to securely brace appendages, then bracing effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The openwork is divided into multiple discrete elements (tubes, bars, or wires) arranged in an open framework pattern, creating a segmented structure that provides bracing effectiveness while reducing material usage and complexity compared to solid construction
Solution Approach 2:
The brace assembly is designed to be universally applicable to various appendages (arms, legs, forearms, etc.) through adjustable noose restraints and standardized openwork configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized brace designs
2Reliability
If existing braces provide secure restraint, then appendage security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The noose restraints incorporate adjustable mechanisms that allow dynamic modification of the restraint configuration, enabling easy application and removal while maintaining secure restraint when engaged
Solution Approach 2:
The noose design allows the user to easily apply and adjust the restraint themselves without requiring complex tools or assistance, with the adjustable mechanism enabling self-service application and removal
3Reliability
If existing braces provide comprehensive coverage, then bracing effectiveness is improved, but access to appendage for treatment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The openwork structure creates a porous, permeable framework with gaps and openings that allow therapeutic access to the appendage while maintaining structural integrity for effective bracing
Solution Approach 2:
The openwork provides localized support at critical points while leaving other areas open for access, creating different structural qualities in different regions to simultaneously achieve bracing and accessibility
4Reliability
If existing braces are designed for durability, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented openwork structure uses simple, standardized elements that can be manufactured independently and assembled, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining durability through modular construction
Solution Approach 2:
The design accepts that the brace may be temporary or disposable, using simple materials and construction methods that prioritize low manufacturing cost over long-term durability, suitable for single-use or short-term medical applications
Data Source
AI summary
An appendage brace assembly includes an openwork including an open proximal extremity, a distal extremity, and a volume therebetween. The openwork is stiff and jointless, and defines access points to the volume from proximate to the open proximal extremity to proximate to the distal extremity for enabling access to the appendage applied to the volume through the open proximal extremity. A restraint is carried by the openwork for restraining the appendage from being withdrawn from the volume through the open proximal extremity, when the restraint is releasably secured to the appendage applied to the volume through the open proximal extremity, and for enabling the appendage for being withdrawn from the volume through the open proximal extremity without interference from the openwork, when the restraint is released from the appendage applied to the volume through the open proximal extremity.