Abstract

Mobility and support are two structural properties that are often mutually exclusive. However, combining them could enhance the performance of mechanical components, and offer novel technical applications. Here through the implementation of a bioinspired interlocking mechanism in the design of a supportive, yet mobile, wrist splint, we tackled the conflicting combination of the two properties. We elaborated our design into a technology readiness level and, using 3D printing, directly converted it into a real-life application. In contrast to the existing splints, our bioinspired splint supports human wrist without impairing its movements. Hence, it can be used to prevent hyperextension injuries without hindering wrist function. By being interlocked at the maximum wrist extension, our splint could be an ideal wrist support for athletes, especially weightlifters. By restricting the wrist mobility, it could also be used as a support device to treat less severe medical issues, such as sprain, strain, or even for the recovery after cast removal, during which full immobilization may result in muscle atrophy. Our design strategy is purely structural; hence, it can be easily modified and implemented in other engineering applications. The simple, yet efficient, solution developed in this study offers a universal paradigm for developing engineering systems that pursuit both mobility and support.

Graphic abstract

中文翻译：

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尖刺关节：结合了移动性和支撑力的生物启发解决方案

摘要

流动性和支撑性是两个相互排斥的结构属性。但是，将它们组合在一起可以提高机械组件的性能，并提供新颖的技术应用。在这里，通过在支撑性但可移动的腕部夹板的设计中实施生物启发的互锁机制，我们解决了这两种属性的冲突组合。我们将设计详细化为技术准备水平，并使用3D打印将其直接转换为实际应用。与现有的夹板相反，我们的生物启发式夹板在不影响其手腕运动的情况下支撑人的手腕。因此，它可以用于防止过度伸展而不会妨碍腕部功能。通过在最大的腕部伸展位置上互锁，我们的夹板可以成为运动员的理想腕部支撑，特别是举重运动员。通过限制手腕的活动性，它还可以用作支撑装置，以治疗较不严重的医学问题，例如扭伤，劳损，甚至在脱模后恢复，在此期间完全固定可能导致肌肉萎缩。我们的设计策略纯粹是结构性的；因此，可以轻松地在其他工程应用中对其进行修改和实施。本研究中开发的简单而有效的解决方案为开发同时追求机动性和支持性的工程系统提供了通用范例。我们的设计策略纯粹是结构性的；因此，可以轻松地在其他工程应用中对其进行修改和实施。本研究中开发的简单而有效的解决方案为开发同时追求机动性和支持性的工程系统提供了通用范例。我们的设计策略纯粹是结构性的；因此，可以轻松地在其他工程应用中对其进行修改和实施。本研究中开发的简单而有效的解决方案为开发同时追求机动性和支持性的工程系统提供了通用范例。

图形摘要