Wrist Brace with Variable Hole Pattern for Rotational Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joint braces do not provide focused support and resistance to specific joint movements, which is essential for effective rehabilitation and injury prevention.
Innovation Solution
A flexible brace made from elastic materials like silicone or polyurethane, featuring a pattern of large and small holes to provide targeted support and resistance along specific planes of motion and myofascial meridians.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a uniform elastic brace is used, then the brace is simple to manufacture and provides general support, but it does not provide focused support and resistance to specific joint movements
Solution Approach 1:
The brace incorporates regions with different material properties - a first region with higher elasticity modulus for resistance to unwanted movements, and a second region with lower elasticity modulus for flexibility during desired movements. This local differentiation enables the single brace design to provide focused support where needed while maintaining ease of manufacture as an integrated structure.
2Reliability
If a brace provides resistance to unwanted movements, then joint stability is improved, but the brace may restrict desired joint movements
Solution Approach 1:
The brace utilizes the viscoelastic properties of the material to provide dynamic response - the first region with higher elasticity modulus resists unwanted movements through elastic recovery, while the second region with lower elasticity modulus allows desired movements through viscous flow. This dynamic behavior enables the brace to adapt its resistance level based on the type of movement, maintaining joint stability while preserving movement freedom.
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 brace effectively stabilizes joints, provides resistance to undesirable movements, and enhances joint stability and support, as demonstrated by increased performance in knee extension and other joint movements.
Implementation Method 1
The brace is formed from a flexible elastic material such as a silicone or polyurethane
Data Source
AI summary
A wrist brace. A glove-like structure is formed of a flexible elastic material to conform to a human wrist and hand. The structure includes a first set of holes in the flexible elastic material on the palm side of the structure having a first size. Support sections are provided with additional sets of holes in the flexible elastic material having a second size that is smaller than the first size to provide increased resistance to rotational movements of the human wrist.