Unbroken Loop Polymer Film for Orthotic Adjustability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthotic and prosthetic devices made of polymers often lack versatility and comfort due to limited adjustability and material rigidity, which can hinder effective immobilization or support of limbs.
Innovation Solution
A polymer composite is developed, comprising an unbroken loop fabric bonded to a thin polymer film and sheet, allowing for 4-way stretch and attachment to a polymer sheet, enabling versatile adjustment and comfortable fit through the use of a polymer film selected from polyethylene or polypropylene, with optional additives like metallocene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional polymer materials are used for orthotic and prosthetic devices, then structural strength is maintained, but versatility and comfort are reduced due to limited adjustability and material rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining unbroken loop fabric with polymer film and polymer sheet. The unbroken loop fabric provides stretchability and adjustability, while the polymer components provide structural strength. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by integrating materials with complementary properties to achieve both versatility and strength simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If rigid polymer materials are used to provide structural support, then strength is maintained, but comfort and fit are reduced due to limited flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The composite structure combines rigid polymer sheet for structural support with flexible unbroken loop fabric and polymer film layers. This layered composite material provides both the structural integrity needed for support and the flexibility required for comfort and fit, resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable features are added to enhance versatility, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves adjustability through parameter changes in the material properties themselves. The unbroken loop fabric inherently provides 4-way stretch with equal stretch in multiple directions, allowing the device to adapt to different body contours and sizes without adding mechanical adjustment mechanisms. This resolves the contradiction by achieving versatility through material parameter flexibility rather than structural complexity.
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 polymer composite provides a flexible and adjustable material for orthotic and prosthetic devices, enhancing comfort and fit by allowing equal stretch in multiple directions and attachment to various hook-type materials, suitable for a wide range of applications beyond the orthotic and prosthetic industry.
Implementation Method 1
The first side of the polymer film may be bonded to the second side of the unbroken loop fabric
Implementation Method 2
allowing for 4-way stretch and attachment to a polymer sheet, enabling versatile adjustment and comfortable fit
Data Source
AI summary
A polymer composite is disclosed and a method of making the same. The polymer composite includes an unbroken loop fabric having first second sides and a polymer film. The polymer film has first and second sides, the first side of the polymer film being bonded to the second side of the unbroken loop fabric. The polymer film is a polymer selected from polyethylene, polypropylene, or any combination thereof. The polymer composite may also include a polymer sheet with first and second sides. The first side of the polymer sheet is bonded to the second side of the polymer film. The polymer sheet may include a polymer selected from polyethylene, polypropylene, or any combination thereof.