Adjustable Wrist Motion Limiter with Elongated Member and Stop

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for treating carpal tunnel syndrome and other maladies by limiting joint motion are often bulky and restrictive, and fail to provide adjustable and effective prevention of unsafe flexion and extension positions without attaching to the wrist.

Innovation Solution

A compact body-attachable device with elongated members and adjustable stops that restrain motion at a desired range, accompanied by a warning system using limit switches and LEDs to alert the user of unsafe positions, allowing for adjustable tension and position settings to prevent excessive flexion or extension.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a wrist splint is used to fix the wrist in a neutral or extended position, then the wrist motion is limited, but the device becomes bulky and restrictive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness in limiting wrist motionVSAvoidrestrictiveness during normal use

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate functional components: a wearable portion attached to the wrist, an elongated member extending through the body, and a stop portion positioned at the distal end. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall bulk while maintaining effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stop portion is extracted as a separate adjustable component that can be independently positioned along the elongated member. This extraction allows the limiting function to be separated from the wearable structure, enabling a more compact and less restrictive design that maintains motion limitation effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If a mechanically selectively lockable pivot joint is used to limit the allowable extension and flexion, then the range of motion is controlled, but the device becomes more complex and bulky

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol of range of motionVSAvoidstructural complexity of the splint

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex mechanically selectively lockable pivot joint is replaced with a simpler elongated member and stop portion system. The elongated member provides flexible motion control while the stop portion provides mechanical limitation, eliminating the need for complex pivot joints and locking mechanisms while maintaining range of motion control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The device transitions from fixed mechanical joint parameters to adjustable parameters. The stop portion can be repositioned along the elongated member to change the range of motion limits, allowing customization without increasing structural complexity. This parameter adjustability achieves control functionality with simpler design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable limits to the user's range of motion are implemented, then the effectiveness is improved, but the device becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of range of motion limitsVSAvoidnumber of components and mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates dynamic adjustability through the stop portion that can be repositioned along the elongated member. This dynamic configuration allows the range of motion limits to be adjusted according to user needs while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The elongated member serves as both a structural component and an adjustment mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elongated member serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural connector between the wearable portion and the stop portion, provides a guide for the stop portion's movement, and serves as the element whose length and position determine the range of motion limits. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, maintaining simplicity while achieving adjustability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9254216B2Method and apparatus for limiting range of motion of the body of the user

Publication Date: 2016.02.09 LIMONADI FARHAD M

AI summary

An apparatus and method are disclosed for limiting the range of motion of a first portion of the body of a user relative to a second portion of the user's body. A body attachable device is secured to the first and second portion of the user's body. At least one elongated member extends between the first and second portions of the user's body for moving longitudinally as the user's body moves. A range of motion limiter restrains further longitudinal movement of the elongated member at the desired terminal end of the range of motion by receiving an adjustable stop secured to the elongated member. A stop adjustment enables the stop to be moved positionally to an adjusted position, whereby the terminal end of a range of motion can be adjusted by the user.