Variable Pressure Upper Torso Braces for Deformity Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional upper torso braces for correcting deformities such as pectus carinatum or scoliosis require frequent resizing due to changes in torso size, necessitating repeated hospital visits for adjustments, as they provide fixed constriction that does not accommodate variations in diameter caused by breathing, weight changes, or deformity correction.
Innovation Solution
The development of upper torso braces with a variable force applicator that applies adjustable pressure to the deformity, using springs or inflatable chambers, allowing for continuous adjustment of pressure to maintain target pressure levels without resizing, enabling patients to make adjustments remotely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed diameter brace structure is used, then the brace provides stable constriction force, but it cannot accommodate changes in torso diameter due to breathing, weight changes, or deformity correction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by replacing the fixed diameter brace structure with a variable diameter structure that can dynamically adjust to accommodate changes in torso diameter. The brace includes expandable and collapsible sections with movable panels that allow the diameter to vary while maintaining corrective function, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements Parameter changes by modifying the diameter parameter of the brace structure. The brace is designed with adjustable diameter capabilities through expandable/collapsible sections, allowing the physical parameter of diameter to change in response to torso measurements, thereby achieving adaptability without compromising the corrective function.
2Productivity
If the brace diameter is fixed, then the structure remains simple and stable, but frequent resizing is required when torso size changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Self-service principle by enabling the patient to adjust the brace diameter themselves using the expandable/collapsible mechanism. This eliminates the need for professional resizing services and frequent hospital visits, allowing patients to maintain continuous correction while adjusting the brace independently as their torso changes size.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed pressure is applied to the deformity, then the correction force is consistent, but it cannot accommodate changes in torso size or deformity progression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle to the pressure application mechanism by implementing adjustable pressure features that allow the corrective force to be modified as needed. The variable pressure capability is integrated into the brace structure through adjustable components that enable dynamic adaptation of the correction force to match the patient's changing needs.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the brace structure is rigid and fixed, then manufacturing and sizing is straightforward, but it requires multiple sizes to accommodate different patients and progression stages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements the Universality principle by designing a single brace structure that can serve multiple functions and stages of correction. The expandable/collapsible mechanism allows one brace to accommodate various torso sizes and correction stages, replacing the need for multiple fixed-size braces and simplifying the overall system while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized components.
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
Enables continuous correction of upper torso deformities with adjustable pressure that accommodates changes in torso size, reducing the need for frequent hospital visits and allowing for remote management of brace pressure, thereby improving patient convenience and treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
a spring coupled to the contacting surface and to the first non-flexible member, wherein the spring is adapted to press the contacting surface towards the target location with pressure that varies with movement of the target location
Data Source
AI summary
Upper torso braces to correct deformities in the upper torso of a patient are provided. The upper torso braces include a brace structure adapted to be maintained around an upper torso of an individual and to restrict outward expansion, and a variable force applicator coupled to the brace structure and positioned to contact and apply varying pressure to a target location on the upper torso. The brace structure is configured to restrict outward expansion and to provide a counteracting force for the variable force applicator during application of the variable pressure to the target location. In some instances, the upper torso braces may include a control element to adjust an amount of pressure provided by the variable force applicator to the target location. Methods of correcting a deformity on an upper torso with the upper torso braces are also provided.