Controlled expansion-limiting partitioned inflatable fracture external fixation splint device

Abstract

The invention relates to a controlled expansion-limited partition inflatable fracture external fixation splint device which comprises a deformable splint close to the to-be-fixed parts of the limbs of the human body and a control unit arranged on the deformable splint, a binding and fixing assembly is installed on the deformable splint, and a plurality of sets of air bag units are arranged on the inner wall of the deformable splint. An air supply unit is arranged on the outer wall of the deformable clamping plate; each air bag unit is provided with an electromagnetic valve used for controlling air inlet and pressure relief, the electromagnetic valves are connected with the air supply unit through air distribution pipelines, and pressure sensors used for monitoring pressure are arranged in the air bag units. The device adopts a partitioned air bag design and is matched with an electromagnetic valve and a pressure sensor to realize independent pressure control of each air bag unit, and supporting pressure of different regions can be accurately adjusted according to the specific form and swelling degree of a fracture part, so that the fixing force better fits the physiological form of an affected part, and blood circulation disorder caused by too tight local compression is avoided; therefore, the bone fracture fixing device is suitable for fixing requirements of various types of bone fractures.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a controlled expansion-limiting zoned inflatable fracture external fixation splint device. Background Technology

[0002] Existing external fixation devices such as splints and plaster casts typically rely on bandages and other binding materials for manual adjustment of tightness. During fracture treatment, early local swelling can easily lead to compression and pain, while late-stage swelling subsidence can cause the fixation to loosen, resulting in a decrease in the ability to maintain reduction. At the same time, the force of traditional external fixation devices largely depends on the straps and a single load-bearing surface, which is insufficient in torsional and bending stability, making them prone to rotational displacement and relative slippage.

[0003] While some inflatable splints that have emerged in recent years can improve fit through inflation, common structural problems still exist, such as insufficient air chamber or air bladder partitions, single pressure detection point, inability to independently adjust pressure in different areas due to main pipeline air supply, risk of peak pressure and pressure sores caused by local bulging, and inconvenience in device maintenance and replacement. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the problems of existing fracture fixation devices that rely solely on the tightness of bandages or have a single pressure adjustment mechanism in pneumatic fixation devices, which pose a risk of localized compression, this invention provides a controlled-expansion-limiting, zoned-inflatable fracture external fixation splint device. This device includes a deformable splint that fits close to the area of ​​the limb to be fixed and a control unit mounted on the deformable splint. The deformable splint is equipped with a binding and fixation assembly, and its inner wall is provided with several sets of airbag units. An air supply unit is also provided on the outer wall of the deformable splint.

[0005] Each airbag unit is equipped with a solenoid valve for controlling air intake and depressurization. The solenoid valve is connected to the air supply unit via an air distribution pipeline. The airbag unit is equipped with a pressure sensor for monitoring pressure. The solenoid valve, the air supply unit, and the pressure sensor are all electrically connected to the control unit.

[0006] Furthermore, the gas distribution pipeline includes a main pipeline and branch pipelines. The main pipeline is connected to the gas supply unit, and several branch pipelines connected to the solenoid valve are connected to the main pipeline.

[0007] Furthermore, the main pipeline is provided with multiple multi-port connectors for connecting the branch pipelines.

[0008] Furthermore, the branch pipeline is equipped with a valve assembly, which includes a check valve and a throttle valve.

[0009] Furthermore, elastic deformation layers are respectively provided on the upper and lower sides of the airbag unit, and an inelastic constraint layer is provided on the outer side of the elastic deformation layer to limit the excessive lateral expansion of the airbag unit.

[0010] Furthermore, several expansion-limiting connection points are provided between the upper and lower elastic deformation layers to limit the expansion height of the airbag unit and local bulges.

[0011] Furthermore, the airbag unit includes two isolated air chambers, with a connecting tube and a solenoid valve for controlling the opening and closing of the connecting tube between adjacent air chambers. When the connecting tube is open, the adjacent air chambers are interconnected.

[0012] Furthermore, the air supply unit is a miniature air pump.

[0013] Furthermore, the airbag unit has an inner lining layer on the side closest to the human body.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, this invention has the following beneficial effects: The device adopts a zoned airbag design, which, together with solenoid valves and pressure sensors, enables independent pressure control of each airbag unit. It can precisely adjust the support pressure of different areas according to the specific shape and swelling of the fracture site, so that the fixation force is more in line with the physiological shape of the affected area, avoiding blood circulation obstruction caused by excessive local pressure, or instability caused by insufficient pressure. It is suitable for the fixation needs of various types of fractures.

[0015] The control unit coordinates the operation of the entire device, and the pressure sensor provides real-time feedback of pressure data, enabling automated control of inflation, pressure maintenance, and pressure replenishment, reducing human error. At the same time, it can monitor the airbag pressure status in real time to avoid secondary damage to the affected area due to abnormal pressure, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the fracture fixation process and reducing the difficulty of operation for medical staff.

[0016] The deformable splint, combined with the inner lining design, can better conform to the patient's limb contours and reduce friction damage to the skin. The flexible support of the zoned airbags can dynamically adjust the pressure according to the recovery process, providing a relaxed recovery environment for the affected area while ensuring fixation stability, promoting local blood circulation, relieving patient pain, and helping to accelerate the postoperative recovery process.

[0017] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an external fixation splint device for fractures that can maintain wearability and lightweight while also ensuring bending and torsional stability, zoned controllable pressure adjustment, controlled expansion limitation, and pressure equalization safety. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the present invention; Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the gas distribution pipeline of the present invention; Figure 3 This is an enlarged view of the connection between the main pipeline and the branch pipeline of the present invention; In the diagram: 1. Deformable clamp; 2. Airbag unit; 3. Air supply unit; 4. Solenoid valve; 5. Main pipe; 6. Secondary pipe; 7. Branch pipe; 8. Multi-port connector; 9. Valve assembly; 10. Ratchet locking mechanism; 11. Air chamber; 12. Connecting tube; 13. Inner lining; 14. Expansion limiting connection point; 15. Straps. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this invention are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. The terms "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," etc., indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or part referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate for the embodiments of the invention described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0021] A controlled-expansion-limiting, zoned-inflation pneumatic fracture external fixation splint device includes a deformable splint 1 that is close to the area of ​​the limb to be fixed and a control unit (not shown in the figure) disposed on the deformable splint 1. The deformable splint 1 can partially or two-thirds surround the human leg. For ease of explanation, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure after removing the deformable clamp 1.

[0022] The deformable clamp 1 is equipped with a binding and fixing component. In one embodiment, the binding and fixing component includes a binding strap 14 and a ratchet locking buckle 9. There are two binding straps 14. One end of the two binding straps 14 is fixed to the opposite sides of the deformable clamp 1, and the other end of the two binding straps 14 is fixed by the ratchet locking buckle 9.

[0023] The deformable clamp 1 has several sets of airbag units 2 on its inner wall, and an air supply unit 3 is provided on its outer wall. In one embodiment, the air supply unit 3 is a miniature air pump. Compared with traditional air supply devices, the miniature air pump is small in size and low in energy consumption. It can adapt to the deformable characteristics of the clamp, does not affect the initial shaping and fixing of the clamp, and can continuously provide the system with an air source that meets the pressure requirements, laying the foundation for subsequent precise inflation of different zones.

[0024] Each airbag unit 2 is equipped with a solenoid valve 4 for controlling air intake and depressurization. The solenoid valve 4 is connected to the air supply unit 3 through an air distribution pipeline. A pipeline routing groove is formed between adjacent airbag units 2. A pressure sensor for monitoring pressure is installed inside the airbag unit 2. Solenoid valve 4, air supply unit 3, and pressure sensor are all electrically connected to the control unit.

[0025] In use, the deformable splint 1 is first adjusted according to the shape of the patient's fracture site, and then initially fixed to the affected area using the binding and fixation components on it. Subsequently, the control unit controls the air supply unit 3 to begin supplying air, which is delivered to each airbag unit 2 via air distribution pipes arranged in the pipe routing channel. Based on the fracture fixation requirements, the control unit precisely controls the opening of the solenoid valve 4 at the air inlet of the corresponding airbag unit 2, achieving zoned inflation. Simultaneously, pressure sensors installed in each airbag unit 2 collect real-time pressure data and feed it back to the control unit. When the pressure of a certain airbag unit 2 reaches a preset threshold, the control unit instructs the corresponding solenoid valve 4 to close, stopping inflation of that airbag unit 2. If pressure fluctuations occur, the pressure sensor provides timely feedback, and the control unit can adjust the air supply unit 3 and solenoid valve 4 to replenish or release pressure, ensuring that each airbag unit 2 maintains a stable preset pressure. Throughout the process, the control unit coordinates the functions of air supply, pressure control, and monitoring to achieve precise and stable fixation of the fracture site. It can also dynamically adjust the required fixation pressure according to the patient's recovery progress, adapting to the fixation needs of different rehabilitation stages.

[0026] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, the gas distribution pipeline includes a main pipeline 5 and branch pipelines 6. The main pipeline 5 is connected to the gas supply unit 3, and several branch pipelines 6 are connected to the main pipeline 5 and are connected to the solenoid valves 4. It should be noted that... Figure 2 The diagram only illustrates the connection between a single main pipeline 5 and a group of adjacent airbag units 2. The connection between the main pipeline 5 and the remaining airbag units 2 is the same and therefore not shown in the diagram. Furthermore, the main pipeline 5 can be a single pipe or, as shown in the diagram... Figure 2 The diagram shows multiple pipes. The wiring method of the main pipe 5 is not limited. In this embodiment, the main pipe 5 is connected from the air supply unit 3 and then divided into several secondary pipes 51 distributed radially along the limbs to be fixed on the human body.

[0027] In one implementation, the main pipeline 5 is provided with multiple multi-port connectors 7 for connecting branch pipelines 6. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the branch pipes 6 of two adjacent airbag units 2 on both sides of the main pipe 5 are connected to the main pipe 5 through a multi-port connector 7. The multi-port connector 7 enables the compact integration of the main pipe 5 with multiple branch pipes 6, serves as the central hub for distributing the flow between two adjacent airbag units 2, and also balances the airflow and pressure of each branch pipe 6. If the main pipe 5 consists of multiple pipes, and one pipe fails, the air intake from the remaining main pipes 5 can still be collected at the multi-port connector 7 and evenly distributed to the branch pipes 6.

[0028] As a preferred implementation, the branch pipe 6 is equipped with a valve assembly 8, which includes a check valve and a throttle valve. The check valve prevents the backflow of gas already inflated into the airbag unit 2, avoiding pressure loss and ensuring stable air chamber pressure. The throttle valve can adjust the gas flow rate in the branch pipe 6, controlling the inflation speed of the airbag unit 2. Combined with the feedback data from the pressure sensor, this allows the control unit to more smoothly regulate the pressure of the airbag unit 2. At the same time, the pipes are arranged in the pipe routing groove to avoid pipe entanglement or pressure damage, ensuring smooth airflow transmission.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the airbag unit 2 has elastic deformation layers on its upper and lower sides. When inflated, the gas enters the airbag unit 2 and pushes the elastic deformation layers on both sides to expand outward, which can better conform to the contour of the patient's limb. An inelastic constraint layer is provided on the outside of the elastic deformation layer to limit the excessive lateral expansion of the airbag unit 2, ensuring that the expansion direction is focused on the inner side of the limb.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, several expansion-limiting connection points 13 are provided between the upper and lower elastic deformation layers to limit the expansion height of the airbag unit 2 and prevent local bulging. These expansion-limiting connection points 13 are evenly distributed between the upper and lower elastic deformation layers. During inflation, the expansion-limiting connection points 13 are gradually tightened as the airbag unit 2 expands, generating a reverse restraint force. This precisely limits the maximum expansion height of the airbag unit 2, effectively suppressing local bulging and ensuring that the airbag unit 2 provides uniform and stable support to the area to be fixed within a controllable expansion range, reducing local pressure damage. The expansion-limiting connection points 13 can be either strap-type or columnar. Strap-type expansion-limiting connection points limit the stretching range of the elastic layer through their own tensile strength, while columnar expansion-limiting connection points limit the maximum expansion distance of the elastic layer through rigid support. Both types can precisely limit the expansion height of the air chamber.

[0031] To ensure the reliability of the airbag unit 2, the airbag unit 2 includes two isolated air chambers 10. A connecting tube 11 and a solenoid valve 4 for controlling the opening and closing of the connecting tube 11 are provided between adjacent air chambers 10. When the connecting tube 11 is open, the two adjacent air chambers 10 are interconnected. This dual-chamber design serves two purposes: firstly, for redundancy and fault tolerance, if one air chamber 10 fails due to wear, puncture, or other reasons, the control unit can close the solenoid valve 4 on the corresponding connecting tube, isolating the faulty air chamber. The other air chamber 10 can still maintain its basic functions (such as support, cushioning, and sealing), preventing the entire airbag unit from "completely failing" and ensuring uninterrupted fixation. Secondly, for differentiated support forces, the two air chambers 10 can be inflated independently and apply different pressures to the fixation points, achieving a mode switching from "single-chamber independent operation to dual-chamber collaborative operation."

[0032] To better conform to the patient's limb contours, the airbag unit 2 has an inner lining layer 12 on the side closest to the body to reduce frictional damage to the skin from the deformable splint 1. Preferably, the inner lining layer 12 is made of a moisture-wicking fabric.

[0033] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, and all such improvements and modifications should be covered within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A controlled-expansion-limiting, zoned-inflation external fixation splint for fractures, characterized in that, It includes a deformable splint (1) close to the limbs of the human body to be fixed and a control unit set on the deformable splint (1). The deformable splint (1) is equipped with a binding and fixing component. The inner wall of the deformable splint (1) is provided with several sets of airbag units (2). The outer wall of the deformable splint (1) is provided with an air supply unit (3). Each airbag unit (2) is provided with a solenoid valve (4) for controlling air intake and depressurization. The solenoid valve (4) is connected to the air supply unit (3) through an air distribution pipeline. The airbag unit (2) is provided with a pressure sensor for monitoring pressure. The solenoid valve (4), the air supply unit (3), and the pressure sensor are all electrically connected to the control unit.

2. The controlled expansion-limiting zoned pneumatic fracture external fixation splint device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas distribution pipeline includes a main pipeline (5) and branch pipelines (6). The main pipeline (5) is connected to the gas supply unit (3), and several branch pipelines (6) connected to the solenoid valve (4) are connected to the main pipeline (5).

3. The controlled expansion-limiting zoned pneumatic fracture external fixation splint device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The main pipeline (5) is provided with multiple multi-port connectors (7) for connecting the branch pipelines (6).

4. The controlled expansion-limiting zoned pneumatic fracture external fixation splint device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The branch pipeline (6) is provided with a valve assembly (8), which includes a check valve and a throttle valve.

5. The controlled expansion-limiting zoned pneumatic fracture external fixation splint device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The airbag unit (2) is provided with elastic deformation layers on the upper and lower sides respectively, and an inelastic constraint layer is provided on the outer side of the elastic deformation layer to limit the excessive lateral expansion of the airbag unit (2).

6. The controlled expansion-limiting zoned pneumatic fracture external fixation splint device according to claim 5, characterized in that, Several expansion-limiting connection points (13) are provided between the elastic deformation layers on the upper and lower sides to limit the expansion height and local bulge of the airbag unit (2).

7. The controlled expansion-limiting zoned pneumatic fracture external fixation splint device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The airbag unit (2) includes two isolated air chambers (10), and a connecting tube (11) and a solenoid valve (4) for controlling the opening and closing of the connecting tube (11) are provided between the two adjacent air chambers (10). When the connecting tube (11) is open, the two adjacent air chambers (10) are interconnected.

8. The controlled expansion-limiting zoned pneumatic fracture external fixation splint device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air supply unit (3) is a miniature air pump.

9. The controlled expansion-limiting zoned pneumatic fracture external fixation splint device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The airbag unit (2) has an inner lining (12) on the side closest to the human body.

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