3D-Scanned Immobilization Shell With Removable Ventilated Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing body immobilization devices, such as casts and braces, are non-removable, non-breathable, and non-waterproof, leading to skin irritation and damage in wet conditions, and require replacement for cleaning or examination.
Innovation Solution
A customizable, removable body part immobilization device is manufactured using 3D scanning to create a 3D model, comprising shell-sections that form a rigid sidewall with ventilation and breathability, secured by connectors, and constructed from materials like rigid or semi-flexible plastics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a molded plaster or fiberglass cast is applied to immobilize a body part, then the body part is effectively stabilized, but the device becomes non-removable and requires replacement for cleaning or examination
Solution Approach 1:
The cast is divided into multiple segments including a removable outer shell, an inner liner, and modular components that can be separated. This segmentation allows the cast to maintain structural integrity for immobilization while enabling removal and reapplication for cleaning or examination purposes.
2Reliability
If a molded plaster or fiberglass cast is used to stabilize a body part, then immobilization is achieved, but the device is non-breathable and non-waterproof leading to skin irritation and damage in wet conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The cast incorporates porous or breathable materials in its construction, allowing air circulation to prevent skin irritation. The material structure enables moisture vapor transmission while maintaining the protective and immobilizing functions of the cast.
Solution Approach 2:
The cast utilizes composite materials combining waterproof outer layers with breathable inner layers. This composite structure provides both water protection to prevent damage and breathability to prevent skin irritation, while maintaining immobilization effectiveness.
3Reliability
If a traditional cast is applied to immobilize a body part, then stabilization is achieved, but the device is heavy and not lightweight
Solution Approach 1:
The cast employs thin-walled shell structures that provide sufficient structural support for stabilization while minimizing weight. The shell design maintains rigidity where needed for immobilization while using minimal material to reduce overall device weight.
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 device provides stable immobilization, is reusable, lightweight, and waterproof, allowing easy cleaning and reapplication without damage, while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
manufacturing each of the first shell-section and the second shell-section using a 3D printer
Data Source
AI summary
A customizable fitted device for immobilizing injuries and a method for constructing the fitted device is provided. The fitted device can be used to stabilize an arm, wrist, hand, leg, knee, ankle, foot or other body parts through custom formation. The device can be formed by a sidewall having one or more sidewall sections that can be secured together using retaining clips positioned within retaining clip slots on the device. The device can further include one or more openings defined in the sidewall of each device section while maintaining rigidity in the sidewall. The device can be constructed by of creating a 3D image scan of the particular body part on which the device will be applied, creating a design of the device to precisely match the contours of the 3D image scan, and using a 3D printer to construct the device according to the design.