Waterproof Polymeric Brace with Breathable Apertures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthopedic supports made of textile materials are permeable to elements, uncomfortable, and impractical for high-impact or moisture-heavy occupations, often requiring sophisticated intermediaries or compliant users to conform.
Innovation Solution
Preformed orthopedic supports made from a unitary sheet of elastomeric material without textile components, providing anatomical support, breathability, and resistance to impact and compression, with engineered apertures for ventilation and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If textile materials are used for orthopedic supports, then flexibility and comfort are improved, but permeability to water and elements increases causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes foam material with controlled porosity that allows breathability and perspiration evaporation while providing waterproof protection. The porous structure enables selective permeability - allowing vapor transmission while blocking liquid water, thus resolving the contradiction between comfort through breathability and protection from water penetration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction combining foam material with waterproof coating or laminate layers. This composite approach integrates the flexibility and breathability of foam with the waterproof properties of the coating, achieving both comfort and water resistance simultaneously.
2Shape
If thermoplastic materials are used for orthopedic supports, then anatomical conformance is improved, but manufacturing complexity and user compliance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the foam material into anatomically contoured shapes during manufacturing. The foam is molded or carved into specific anatomical configurations before being assembled into the final support device, eliminating the need for heat shaping or user adjustment while maintaining excellent anatomical conformance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the foam material properties, specifically controlling density, hardness, and elasticity parameters to achieve both anatomical conformance and structural support. By optimizing these material parameters, the foam naturally conforms to body contours without requiring complex thermal processing or user compliance.
3Strength
If foam material is used for orthopedic supports, then impact resistance and durability are improved, but breathability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs porous foam material with optimized cell structure that provides both mechanical strength for impact resistance and interconnected pores for breathability. The porous structure allows air and vapor circulation while the foam matrix provides cushioning and impact protection, resolving the contradiction between durability and breathability.
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 solution offers enhanced comfort, durability, and practicality for various activities by allowing perspiration evaporation, reducing skin irritation, and providing effective anatomical support while being washable and waterproof.
Implementation Method 1
the material by which it is fabricated is or is made breathable, the orthopedic support is more comfortable to wear as it allows perspiration and evaporation
Data Source
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AI summary
Orthopedic supports include bodies consisting essentially of a unitary layer of elastomeric material, which can be a thermoplastic foam.