Patent Application
20180008449
The invention relates generally to immobilization devices that are useful in the orthopedics field. More particularly, the invention relates to immobilization devices with self-fitting, self-adjusting, automatically adjusting and/or automatically fitting ability.
Medical immobilization and/or fixation devices (e.g., casts, splints, braces) are commonly used to heal broken bones, tendon tears, or other injuries of a subject's limbs. Conventional means to tighten, fasten or close casts, splints, or braces often require a user to use both hands to secure the casts, splints, or braces about a limb. For example, Velcro™ straps and buckles require a user to grasp one end of a strap with one hand while holding the other end of the strap and the brace in position with the other hand in order to fasten the strap of the brace. Proper fitting of such braces may be difficult and/or challenging. One example would be the case of orthopedic immobilization for a patient, especially when the patient is dexterity challenged or the brace is being fit to the arm or hand.
Shape memory materials, such as shape memory polymers (SMP) and shape memory alloys (SMA) have been used in medical immobilization and fixation devices in recent years. Both SMPs and SMAs have the ability to return from a deformed state (temporary shape) to an original (e.g., baseline, memorized, permanent) shape induced by an external stimulus. For example, an SMP can exhibit change from a rigid state to an elastic state, then back to the rigid state using an external stimulus. The SMP in the elastic state can recover its “permanent” shape if left unrestrained. In similar respects, an SMA is an alloy that remembers its original shape and after undergoing deformation, is able to transform back to its pre-deformed, original shape when triggered to do so. As such, shape memory materials can be useful in various applications ranging from, for example, medical immobilization and/or fixation devices (e.g., casts, splints, braces).
U.S. Pat. No. 5,607,756 describes a splint for practicing a method of correction on a foot. The splint comprises shape memory alloy wires, preferably in the form of either woven fabric, such as a mesh, or a nonwoven fabric plate. The shape memory alloy wires preferably consist of a Ti—Ni series alloy exhibiting superelasticity at a normal or used temperature. For use, the splint is first put inside a shoe and the splint recovers its original shape at a predetermined internal temperature.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,100,843 reports a medical cast for an injured limb of a subject. The medical cast comprises a SMP which is interchangeable from a temporary shape to a permanent shape upon heating. By the shape transition of the SMP, the cast is able to conform to the shape of the injured limb.
US 2013/0303957 discloses body support bandages and orthoses for the human or animal body which have at least one element for providing body support and another element comprised of shape memory material for compression or introduction of pressure.
US 2014/0257156 discloses a medical brace embedded with nitinol wires. When activated by electricity, the nitinol wires deform, which causes the medical brace to shrink and to apply a local pressure to the body part. The brace is thus closed and tightened about a limb. US 2014/0257156 also discloses that the brace may include a motorized closure device for automatically opening, closing, and tightening the brace about a limb.
JP 2003144473 discloses a reusable splint stably attached to a fixing part of a lesion. This splint comprises shape memory resin sheets which, when heated to a glass transition temperature (Tg) or more, would mold along the shape of the fixing part of the lesion.
A drawback present in these applications is that the shape memory material has been pre-fixed in the supporting (main) part of splints, casts, or braces. Because each limb has different dimension, size, and contour, the casts, splints, or braces fashioned with pre-fixed SMP/SMA may not provide the best fit even after the initial SMP/SMA activation. Further, the shape memory materials which rely on the chemical characteristics of the particular SMP/SMA give one or two different end shape results/permutations, with no gradual or intermediate shapes based on feedback. But sometimes, after initial setting of the shape memory material, the limb underlying the shape memory material may slightly expand and/or contract as a result of healing (e.g., swelling dissipates, bone alignment improves, etc.). The SMP/SMA containing casts, splints, or braces may cease to be fitted accurately on the limb and/or correspond in shape to the limb.
Therefore, it would be beneficial to provide an immobilization and/or fixation orthopedic device or splint which provides self-assembling and self-closure around a limb without manually maneuvering of the device relative to the limb so that it is suitable for one handed or even hands free operation. Desirably, the immobilization and/or fixation orthopedic device or splint may also conform to the shape of a limb upon contact with the limb to provide a tight and directed fitting. It would also be desirable for the immobilization and/or fixation device to be able to automatically adjust the tightness and fitting after the initial contact and also during a course of treatment.
It is an objective of the present invention to provide an immobilization and/or fixation device for orthopedic treatment which provides self-assembling and automatic closure around a limb without manually maneuvering of the device or item relative to the limb so that it is suitable for one handed or even hands free operation.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide an immobilization and/or fixation device for orthopedic treatment which may conform to the shape of a limb upon contact with the limb, and which may further automatically adjust the tension between the limb and the device to provide a desired fitting (a hands free operation).
It is a further objective of the present invention to provide an immobilization and/or fixation device for orthopedic treatment that is able to automatically adjust the tightness and fitting after the initial contact and also during a course of the treatment.
The present invention achieves these objectives by providing clasp bands/straps with self-fitting, self-adjusting, automatically adjusting and/or automatically fitting ability, which are particularly suitable for facilitating an automatic closure of or around a limb. The clasp bands/straps may be elongated bands/straps comprising a fabric layer on which a shape memory material and a non-shape memory material are deposited. The two ends of each of the clasp bands/straps may comprise two clasp members. The two clasp members are separated from one another in an open position and connect to each other in a closed position so as to connect the two ends of the clasp bands/straps.
The clasp bands/straps comprise a trigger source to provide a stimulus to the shape memory material which leads the clasp bands/straps to deform and bring the two ends of the clasp bands/straps to move toward each other around a limb. As the two ends move closer to each other, the two clasp members clasp to form a loop. In some embodiments, only one end of each of the clasp bands/straps receives a clasp member, while the other end is attached to an immobilization or fixation device (e.g. splint, cast, or brace). In this case, it requires two (“half”) clasp bands/straps to form a clasp. Both half bands/straps and one-piece bands/straps facilitate the closure by using the same shape memory material triggered clasp closure mechanism. The clasp bands/straps may have a Velcro strap backing for attaching to a corresponding Velcro strap on the surface of another immobilization or fixation device (e.g. splint, cast, or brace).
In a preferred embodiment, the stimulus is application of electric current. In another preferred embodiment, the clasp is a magnetic clasp. Thus the two clasp members include two magnetic pieces. The magnetic clasp may comprise a magnet shield on certain surfaces or parts of the clasp members to insulate the areas outside the magnetic pieces from magnetic force. A closed magnetic clasp may have a tab, an indentation, or a button on an edge of the clasp members so that a user may easily lift up or push away one of the clasp members with a finger in order to open the engaged clasp members. There may also be a tab, indentation, or button present for manual operation of loosening and tightening of the band/strap as an alternative to sensor feedback and control.
The clasp bands/straps may further comprise a motor disposed on one of the clasp members, one or more sensors disposed on the clasp bands/straps or on an object to which attach the clasp bands/straps, and a control unit. The sensors acquire information related to the clasp bands/straps (or the object) and the limb, and send sensed information to the control unit. The control unit then triggers the activation of the motor based on the sensed information. The movement of the motor adjusts the relative position of the clasp member with respect to the clasp band/strap. This is also called motor actuated fine tuning/tensioning.
The motor used in the adjustable clasp may be a worm-gear motor, a lead screw actuator, or a rack and pinion motor or any other motor assembly; the sensors may be touch sensors, pressure sensors, force sensors, capacitive sensors, conductivity sensors, light or optical sensors, heat sensors, strain gauges, stress gauges, bend sensors, magnetic sensors, location sensors, accelerometer sensors, mechanical sensors (e.g., external buttons or levels, removable tabs/rods/latches, external sliders, bending-release latches, etc.), or a combination thereof or any additional type of sensor A user may provide instructions related to the operation of the clasp hands to the control unit via a user input unit.
According to another embodiment, the present invention provides an immobilization and fixation device (e.g. a brace, a splint, a cast) which comprises a composite adapted to be placed around a body part and provide strength and weight-bearing support to the body part when it is in a closed, working position. The device may also include a plurality of the clasp bands/straps as described above for putting the composite in a closed position for orthopedics treatment. For example, the composite may include at least one foam layer to provide protection and comfort to the wearer and a fabric liner for contact with a body part. It may be a laminate or “stack up” composite with layers of foam/fabrics/actuators/circuitry/spacer/stiffeners. The plurality of clasp bands/straps may be permanently attached to the device composite by being sewn or otherwise permanently bonded to the device. Alternatively, the clasp bands/straps may be removably attached to the device by attaching to anchors, such as buckles, Velcro strap, or other adhesives that are on the device. Preferably, both the clasp bands/straps and the device use Velcro straps for attachment.
For use as part of a splint, the splint is first placed onto a body part. A trigger source is activated to provide a stimulus to the shape memory material, causing it to transform to a different form. The phase transformation further causes the clasp bands/straps to bend such that two distal end portions of the clasp bands/straps move toward each other (“self-assembly”). As the two end portions move closer to each other, two clasp members positioned on the two distal end portions of the bands/straps clasp to close the loop, without using a hand to manually pull a strap and fasten it onto a splint.
The immobilization and fixation device may also include components (e.g., a motor, sensors, a control unit, and a power source of any kind) to enable motor actuated fine tuning/tensioning. In the device, the sensors may be disposed on the inner layer of the composite for measurement and the motor may be placed in the composite to directly adjust its tightness. The power source may be internal or external to the device. Additionally, more than one motor and more than one controller may be used for individual control the fitting of the composite and the clasp bands/straps.
In some embodiments, the composite itself may comprise a shape memory material such that it may self assemble around a subject. Such self-assembly may trigger the clasp of a pair of clasp members if the clasp members are attached to the composite. This type of composite may be used to provide tight fitting garments, such as a corset or a waist belt with a standard buckle.
In one aspect, the present invention provides a clasp band/strap which has an automatic closure function which may be used to tighten casts, splints, and braces. As shown in
The phrase “in communication with” with respect to the trigger source can mean that the trigger source has an effect, provides an effect, produces an effect on, and/or induces an effect on the shape memory material (e.g., transmit electricity to the shape memory material, pass a liquid to the shape memory material; transmit heat/cooling to the shape memory material; irradiate the shape memory material; adjust pH of shape memory material; effect a chemical reaction in the shape memory material, etc.). A preferred stimulus is application of electric current.
Each of the clasp bands/straps 10 has a proximal end 262 and a distal end 264. A clasp having two clasp members is provided for a pair of the clasp bands/straps.
The shape memory material 102 allows the pair of clasp bands/straps 10 to transform to their original form (a more stable form) upon receiving a stimulus and cause the pair of clasp bands/straps 10 to bend and its two distal end portions 264 to move toward each other, and would wrap around an object if present, also called “self-assembly”. As shown in
Upon receiving a stimulus, the shape memory material 102 transforms from the current temporary form to its original form (a more stable form), causing the pair of clasp bands/straps 20 to deform and bring the two ends 262, 264 to move toward each other, and would wrap around an object if present. As the two end portions 262, 264 move closer to each other, the two clasp members 113, 114 clasp to form a loop. (
The clasp bands/straps 10, 20 have two opposite surfaces of substantially the same area and shape. In some embodiments, as shown in
The shape memory material 102 may be formed from of one or more shape memory polymers (SMPs), one or more shape memory alloys (SMAs), or a mixture thereof. Noticeable changes include the change of the band/strap length and the curving effect of the clasp bands/straps. When a stimulus is applied or fed to the shape memory material, the modulus of elasticity of the material can change from a rigid or semi-rigid state to a flexible, malleable state suitable for reshaping and stretching the material. In some embodiments, the stimulus comprises application of electric current.
Suitable SMPs that may be used in the present invention include, but are not limited to, polyesters, polycarbonates, polyethers, polyamides, polyimides, polyacrylates, polyvinyls, polystyrenes, polyurethanes, polyethylene, polyether urethanes, polyetherimides, polymethacrylates, polyoxymethylene, poly-c-caprolactone, polydioxanone, polyisoprene, styrene copolymer, styrene-isoprene-butadiene block copolymer, cyanate ester, copolymers of stearyl acrylate and acrylic acid or methyl acrylate, norbonene or dimethaneoctahydronapthalene homopolymers or copolymers, malemide, silicones, natural rubbers, synthetic rubbers, and mixtures and compositions thereof. Further, the SMPs may be reinforced or unreinforced SMP material.
Suitable SMAs that may be used in the present invention include, but are not limited to, copper-aluminum-nickel alloys, nickel-titanium alloys, copper-zinc-aluminum alloys, iron-manganese-silicon alloys, gold-cadmium, brass, ferromagnetic, other iron-based alloys, and copper-based alloys. In a preferred embodiment, nitinol wires are used as the shape memory material. The nitinol wires, upon stimulation, will deform primarily in radius which creates both a tension and pressure type of adjustment. In one embodiment, the nitinol wires contract by about 4% to about 5% at 80° C.
In some embodiments, the shape memory material comprises more than one shape memory material 102, 102′ that provide counteracting actuations simultaneously, in directions 410, 410′, from the memorized shape, as illustrated in
Thereafter, if a “removal” trigger is transmitted by the trigger source to the shape memory material 102, 102′, the clasp bands/straps 10, 20 may automatically disassemble in directions 412, 412′, opposite to the directions 410, 410′, respectively, thereby reverting back to its memorized shape (e.g., flat shape), as shown in
The liner 206 may be a form liner and/or a mesh layer. The mesh layer may comprise a plastic material or textile (e.g., fabric) material. The process of combining or intercalating the mesh layer and shape memory materials 102 and non-shape memory materials 104 may involve threading, casting, coating, welding, and/or bonding.
The clasp for use on the clasp bands/straps 10, 20 may be any type of clasp. Preferably, the clasp is a magnetic clasp. In that preferred embodiment, the clasp members 113, 114 comprise magnetic pieces 116, which may mutually attract and magnetically connect to each other to form an overlap to close the loop, without a prior physical contact. The magnetic pieces 116 may be of any suitable shapes. Since the magnetic force of attraction decreases with distance, this force is exerted most between the first and second magnet pieces when they are directly and substantially superposed on each other. Accordingly, not only should the two magnet pieces be matched magnets (namely, they are polarized in the same direction) so that they can be superposed on each other, the two magnet pieces also, preferably, have substantially the same size and same shape to maximize the exertion of magnetic force. The magnetic force between the magnet pieces causes the clasp members to adhere strongly to each other.
The magnet pieces may be permanent magnets made of neodymium-iron-boron. Those skilled in the art will understand that the mutually attracting magnetic pieces described previously could be electromagnetic fields or any other force types that can mutually attract and lock together. To provide additional magnetic shielding, the wearable band/strap may have removable or fixed magnet shields which are sufficiently large to attach and cover the outer surfaces of the band/strap. In a preferred embodiment, the shields are made of Mu shielding material.
The overlap formed by the magnetic pieces may have a tab, an indentation, or a button on an edge of the clasp members 113, 114 so that a user may easily lift up or push away one of the clasp members with a finger in order to open the engaged clasp members. A skilled artisan will understand that there are other mechanisms known in the art, such as an automatic mechanism with a remotely controlled motor, may be used to separate two attracted magnet pieces. Since the magnetic force of attraction decreases with distance, only an initial force is needed to break the attraction between the two magnet pieces. One advantage of the magnetic clasp in accordance with the present invention is that it can be easily operated (i.e., open and closed) with a single hand or hands free.
In some preferred embodiments of the invention, the clasp bands/straps 10, 20 as shown in
Suitable sensors may be touch sensors, pressure sensors, force sensors, capacitive sensors, conductivity sensors, light or optical sensors, heat sensors, strain gauges, stress gauges, bend sensors, magnetic sensors, location sensors, accelerometer sensors, mechanical sensors (e.g., external buttons or levels, removable tabs/rods/latches, external sliders, bending-release latches, etc.), or a combination thereof or any additional type of sensor. In some embodiments, the sensors are configured such that number, configuration, type and pattern of the sensors in contact with a limb or a splint determines timing for closing the band/strap and tensioning of the band/strap. A user may select number, configuration, type, and pattern of the sensors to be in contact with a limb or a splint and enter the selections in the user input unit so as to control timing for closing the band/strap and tensioning of the band/strap.
Based on the information received from the sensors 340, the control unit 350 may determine whether the motor 320 needs to be activated to loosen or tighten the clasp bands/straps 10, 20 and if so, the particular movement to be carried out by the motor 320 to reach the desired effect. The control unit 350 then sends triggering signals to the motors 320 to activate that movement. The movement of the motor 320 changes the relative position of the clasp 113, 114 with respect to the clasp band/strap 10, 20 thereby fine tuning the fitting of the underlying subject.
For example, if the measurements from the sensors 340 indicate that the clasp bands/straps 10, 20 are too loose, as compared to a threshold value, the control unit 350 may activate the motor 320 in order to tighten the clasp bands/straps 10, 20; conversely, if the measurements from the sensors 340 indicate that the fitting is too tight, as compared to a threshold value, the control unit 350 may activate the motor 320 in order to loosen the clasp bands/straps 10, 20. This process may also be characterized as a sensor triggered activation. When a threshold tightness level is reached after the motor movement and detected by the sensors 340, the sensors 340 will communicate with the control unit 350, which triggers the motors 320 to stop its movement. In some embodiments, the control unit 350 may be a central processing unit (CPU). In other embodiments, the control unit 350 may be a simple circuit for receiving inputs and providing an output according to the inputs to motors 320.
Additionally, the motor may be used to superimpose two matched magnet pieces on each other for maximum magnetic force. In some embodiments, the control unit is configured so that, before clasping, the control unit instructs the motor to adjust the position of the second clasp member so that the two distal ends are aligned on top of each other with a magnetic piece on each end facing each other, thereby facilitating the two magnetic pieces to clasp by magnetic force.
The control unit 350 may be disposed in many places. In some embodiments, the control unit 350 may be disposed distantly away from the clasp or the splint. In other embodiments, the control unit 350 may be disposed in the clasp bands/straps, the clasp, or the splint to which attached the clasp bands/straps. In one embodiment, the control unit 350 may be disposed in the clasp members 113, 114.
In addition to the sensor triggered activation, activation of the motor 320 may be triggered by a user input. This process may also be called a user triggered activation.
If the activation of the motor 320 is only triggered by the sensors 340, then the adjustment is completely automatic. The activation of the motor 320 may be triggered by the sensors 340 and a user input unit 390 consecutively. The control unit 350 is configured so that, if the control unit 350 receives information from the user input 390 and the sensors 340 simultaneously, the information from the user input unit 390 controls.
Those skilled in the art understand that the control unit contains additional controls as necessary to work the invention correctly. Examples of such control would be an alarm/notification, automatic conversion to manual control, or automatic release of the tightness of the clasp/band/strap assembly for safety purposes if the sensors determine it is tightened beyond safe parameters programmed into the control unit.
The control unit 350 may also be in communication with the trigger source 120 to control the activation and deactivation of the trigger source 120. For example, the control unit 350 may instruct the trigger source 120 to send stimulus to the shape memory material or cease stimulation based on sensed information from the sensors 340. The user input unit 390 may be configured to directly control the trigger source 120.
According to instructions from the user input unit 390, the trigger source 120 may generate a stimulus to the shape memory material 102. The user input unit 390 may be in the form of, for example, a switch, a knob, a push button, or a touch screen. In one embodiment, the user input 390 is a push button located on a splint, cast, or brace. After the push button is pushed, the trigger source 120 creates and applies a stimulus (e.g., electric circuit) to the shape memory material 102, causing the shape memory material 102 to deform, and the two end portions of the pair of clasp bands/straps 10 to bend and approach one another. In other embodiments, the user input unit 390 is an interface on a computer, a handheld remote control device, or a smart watch, in which case, the trigger source 120 may receive instructions directly from the touch screen of a computer, a handheld remote control device, or a smart watch. The user input unit 390 may also allow a user to set threshold levels of various sensors. It may further allow a user to select the types and locates of various sensors dispersed on the clasp band/strap, clasp, and/or splint.
In a preferred embodiment, a remote control unit wirelessly, for example, via a blue tooth device, communicates with the shape memory alloy wires in each of the pair of clasp bands/straps. The remote control unit initiates a first of the pair of clasp bands/straps to bend with its end moving toward the center of the arc of desired motion, and subsequently initiates a second of the pair of clasp bands/straps to bend with the end moving along the same arc of motion so that the two ends are aligned on top of each other with a magnetic piece on each end facing each other before clasping, while compensating automatically for any mal-position that may occur when the clasp band is initially placed on the splint. In these embodiments, the pair of clasp bands/straps are individually constructed, each half band comprises its separate shape memory material, separate trigger source, separate sensors, etc. Laser beam detection sensor mechanisms, RF sensor mechanisms, or any other sensor mechanism may act as on/off controllers for timing the synchrony of the SMA's and SMP's closures with the timing of the magnet locking or matching mechanisms or mechanics of closure timing.
Motors suitable for use in the present invention may be any type, including, but not limited to, an electric motor, an electrostatic motor, a pneumatic motor, a hydraulic motor, a fuel powered motor. In a preferred embodiment, the motor is an electric motor that transforms electrical energy into mechanical energy. Additionally, the motor should be small enough to be housed in a clasp member. It is also preferred that the motor can complete the tensioning or fine tuning quickly upon receiving instructional triggering signals. For example, in some embodiments, it takes the motor 320 as short as 1-2 seconds to increase or decrease a relative position by approximately +/−6 mm to achieve a fine tuning. Commonly known electric motors such as a lead screw actuator, a worm-gear type motor, or a rack and pinion motor, ratcheting motor, hydraulic, pneumatic or other types of motors may be used in the present invention.
By using sensors to acquire information and trigger the activation and/or deactivation of the motor in order to fine tune the tightness of the clasp band/strap as needed, the present invention advantageously provides a clasp band/strap that not only can close by self-assembly but also can automatically adjust and substantially maintain a preferred tightness thereof during using.
The clasp band/strap 10,20 may further comprise at least one power source to supply power to the motor 320, and optionally also supply power to the control unit 350, the trigger source 120, and the sensors 340. In some embodiments, the motor 320 may be associated with an external battery 360, as shown in
While
The clasp bands/straps 10, 20 are useful to immobilize and/or fix an orthopedic devices (e.g., casts, splints, braces) without using hands to maneuvering the clasp bands/straps and the devices.
The immobilization and fixation device 100 may include one or more holes or apertures 266 formed in the composite 101. The hole 266 is adapted to receive a patient's thumb, fingers, toes, or other digits, or accommodate a joint. The hole 266 may be pre-formed in the composite 101 during a manufacturing/production process. Alternatively, the composite may not be pre-formed with a hole 266, and instead, a medical practitioner can perforate the composite 101 using scissors or another cutting tool. The medical practitioner, therefore, can customize the hole 266 to the specific size, shape, and position of the patient's digits or joint.
The device 100 includes a plurality of pairs of clasp bands/straps. The elongated clasp bands/straps 10 comprise a fabric layer or other type of material layer 206 on which a shape memory material 102 and a non-shape memory material 104 are deposited. A trigger source 120 may also be provided on the clasp bands/straps 10. Each of the clasp bands/straps 10 has a proximal end 262 and a distal end 264. Two clasp members 113, 114 of a single clasp are attached to the distal ends 264 of each pair of clasp bands/straps 10 so as to connect or disconnect the pair of clasp bands/straps 10. By using the “half” bands/straps, the number of clasps is half of the number of the clasp bands/straps.
Though in
The clasp bands/straps 10 may be permanently attached to the device 100 by being sewn or otherwise permanently bonded to the device. For example, the proximal end 262 of the clasp bands/straps 10 may be sewn to the fabric liner of the composite 101 and thus permanently attached to the device 100. Alternatively, the clasp bands/straps 10 may be removably attached to the device 100 by attaching to anchors 520 on the device, as shown in
The self-closing and self-adjusting splint device can be easily prepared by starting with a commercially available splint. For example, a doctor or an orthotic shop may take a commercial wrist splint off the shelf, place it loosely on a patient as is for sizing and configuration. The commercial splint comes with an attached Velcro hook and loop fastener which has to be pulled by a patient or a fitting person (a doctor or an orthotist) through a buckle and then closed—the conventional method to close and tighten a split. However, instead of using the Velcro hook and loop fastener in the conventional way, a doctor or an orthotist may cut the Velcro hook and loop strap. The shorten Velcro piece which is still attached to the splint is then attached to a mating Velcro piece attached to a half clasp band/strap of the present invention. The mating Velcro may be attached to the half clasp band/strap by glue, adhesive strip, or sewing in to bind those two. On the side of splint where the buckle is positioned, a similar strap of Velcro is added to the surface of the splint with an adhesive (or sewn in or however on either side of the splint). After that, the added Velcro strap on the splint is attached to another mating Velcro with a half clasp band/strap. The two half clasp bands/straps are positioned on the splint in a way that they would clasp when the splint-clasp band/strap device deforms upon receiving a stimulus. As explained before, the functional length of the clasp bands/straps can be easily adjusted by controlling the extent of overlap between the Velcro piece on the splint and the Velcro piece on the half clasp bands/straps. Thus, the splint-clasp band/strap device is particularly suitable for customized fitting.
In addition to using a commercially available splint and attaching it with clasp bands/straps having a shape memory material to construct a self-closing and self-adjusting splint device of the present invention, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that one can also start with a splint already embedded with a shape memory material to prepare a self-closing and self-adjusting splint device.
The clasp for use on the clasp band/strap may be any type of clasp. Preferably, the clasp is a magnetic clasp. The device 100 may further comprise a motor actuation for fine tuning of the fitting of the device. The motor, the sensors, the control unit, the magnetic clasp, a power source, and the clasp band/strap) of the device 100 are similar to those of the clasp bands/straps 10, 20, the motor, the sensors, and the control unit of the device 100 may be disposed on the other components of the device 100. The motor 320 may be controlled by a user input unit 390 and by a control unit 350 based on sensed information, as described in
In some embodiments, the clasp bands/straps 10′, 20′ in
Comparing to the traditional method to secure a splint, i.e., by threading Velcro straps through a loop and then fastening them down by hands, the device of present invention provides a novel method and device for automatically closing the splint. The clasp bands/straps not only enable self-assembly but also reduce the likelihood that the composite of the splint accidentally shifts or is removed from the body part. With the motor actuation, the clasp bands/straps may further adjust the fitting during the entire orthopedics treatment. This is particularly useful because a limb underlying the shape memory material may slightly expand and/or contract as a result of the healing process (e.g., swelling dissipates, bone alignment improves) or activities.
Another advantages of the present invention is that the clasp bands/straps can be independent items from splints. Moreover, the clasp bands/straps may be removably attached to splints, which make them flexible and amenable to repeated uses. It costs less to manufacture such clasp bands/straps than to manufacture casts, braces, or splints with pre-fixed, embedded shape memory materials. Finally, the clasp bands/straps can be of any shape and their length relative to a splint space (“the functional length”) may be easily adjusted as needed.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a tight fitting garment to be worn on a body part, such as a corset.
Furthermore, the garment may include sensors 340 disposed on its inner layer 206, a motor 320 disposed in one of the first and second clasp members 113, 114 and configured to adjust a position of the clasp members with respect to the composite 101, and a control unit 350 communicatively connected to the trigger source, a motor, and sensors for adjustment during wearing. The control unit regulates an amount of pressure exerted by the composite on the body part detected by the sensors by control the activation of the motor.
In some embodiments, the garment is an article of clothing composed of a regular, non-shape memory material only. The garment is equipped with at least one pair of clasp bands/straps attached to the article for closing the garment. Each clasp band has one end attached to the article and the other end comprising a clasp member, wherein the clasp members on each pair of clasp members are configured to clasp so as to close the garment. Each clasp band/strap also comprises a smart material (e.g. a shape memory material) and a trigger source in communication with the shape memory material. The trigger source is configured to provide a stimulus to the shape memory material. The clasp bands/straps are configured to transition between a memorized shape and multiple temporary shapes upon receipt of a stimulus. The phase transition of the clasp bands/straps will bring each pair of the clasp bans closer to each other, thereby pulling the article around a body part (the so called “self-assembly”). Eventually, the phase transition will lead the clasp members on the clasp bands/straps to clasp, thereby affixing the article around the body part. Thus, the clasp bands/straps of the present invention may be used to substitute for the buttons of a standard garment (e.g., a shirt). A user may put on such garment without the need to button buttons with their fingers.
The garment may further include sensors disposed on its inner layer or on the clasp band/strap, a motor configured to adjust the tightness of the clasp band/strap, and a control unit communicatively connected to the trigger source, a motor, and sensors for adjustment during wearing, as described in the embodiment that garment itself is an article of clothing comprising a shape member material.
In a further aspect, the present invention provides a self-closing and self-adjusting belt which can be worn with pants around a waist of a person in lieu of a conventional loop-and-notch belt. As illustrated in
The belt 12 may further comprise a buckle 14 having two buckle pieces 143, 144. The two buckle pieces 143, 144 are attached to the two ends 122, 124 of the belt 12, respectively, by anchoring, bolting, or other conventional means. The two buckle pieces 143, 144 may clasp to each other, just like the pair of clasp members 113, 114 would, as discussed in the earlier embodiments. The clasp and the separation of the buckle pieces 143, 144 connects and disconnects the two ends 122, 124 of the belt 12, respectively.
Upon receiving a stimulus from a trigger source 120, the shape memory material 102 transforms to its original form (a more stable form), which in turn, causes the belt 12 to curve and its two end portions 122, 124 to move toward each other—so called “self-assembly”. As the two end portions 122, 124 move closer to each other, the two buckle pieces 143, 144 clasp to connect the two end portions 122, 124, which forms a loop of the belt 12. As such, the belt 12 is able to self-close, hands-free. In a preferred embodiment, the belt, upon self-closing, conforms to the waist of the wearer.
The belt 12 may further include sensors 340 disposed on its inner layer 206 of the belt 12 in contact with pants, a motor 320 disposed in one of the buckle members 143, 144 and configured to adjust a position of the buckle members with respect to the belt 12 so as to adjust the overall length of the belt, and a control unit 350 communicatively connected to the trigger source 120, a motor 320, and sensors 340 for adjustment of tightness during wearing by control the activation and deactivation of the motor based on detected information by the sensors. As a result, the belt 12 of the present invention is able to perform fine tensioning of the belt upon initial closing and during wearing as needed, without use of hand to physically touch and maneuver the belt.
In one embodiment, one of the buckle members may further house a battery (i.e., a power source) for supplying power to the trigger source, the motor, the control unit, etc. as shown in
The types of buckle pieces 143, 144 may be substantially the same as the clasp members 113, 114. The trigger source 120, the shape memory material 102, the motor 320, the sensors 340, the control unit 350, and the battery 360 may be identical to or substantially the same as those described in the other embodiments of the invention. In a preferred embodiment, the buckle 14 comprises a magnetic clasp, and the shape memory material is nitinol. The belt 12 may be so designed that it will enable a sequentially curving of the two ends of the belt (i.e., one end curves first and the other end curves second), followed by aligning the magnetic clasp pieces to effectuate clasping, just like in the clasp band/strap 10, 20 embodiments disclosed earlier. Finally, as discussed in the earlier embodiments, the trigger source, the motor, and the control unit can be controlled by a user's input. Detailed information of these components and their respective functions in the belt embodiment will not be repeated.
Although the clasp bands/straps and a device comprising the clasp bands/straps according the present teachings has been shown to have applications in the medical immobilization and fixation field and in wearable technology, the clasp bands/straps can have application in various other industries, such as biomedical devices and robotics.
While the present teachings have been described above in terms of specific embodiments, it is to be understood that they are not limited to those disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and other embodiments will come to mind to those skilled in the art to which this pertains, and which are intended to be and are covered by both this disclosure and the appended claims. It is intended that the scope of the present teachings should be determined by proper interpretation and construction of the appended claims and their legal equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the disclosure in this specification and the attached drawings.
