Adjustable Soft Tissue Expander Base for Shape Adaptation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional soft tissue expanders with fixed bases cannot accurately fit the shape of adjacent tissue defects, leading to inconsistent expansion and the need for multiple expander sizes, while adjustable base expanders struggle to maintain shape during implantation and expansion, resulting in undesirably large tissue areas.
Innovation Solution
A soft tissue expander with an adjustable base featuring accordion folds and connecting members that allow the base width to be set before implantation, preventing unwanted expansion and ensuring consistent tissue expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed base expander is used, then the base shape is determined during manufacture, but the expander cannot fit itself to the outlines of adjacent defects and requires multiple sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The base of the expander is made adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the surgeon to modify the base dimensions before implantation. The base includes adjustable components such as a adjustable base plate with slots and positioning members that can be configured to match the specific geometry of the tissue defect, enabling a single expander design to adapt to multiple defect shapes and sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The base is divided into separable or adjustable components, such as a base plate with detachable positioning members or slots that can be configured in different arrangements. This segmentation allows the base to be customized for different tissue defect outlines without requiring multiple complete expander designs, reducing inventory complexity while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable base expander is used, then different size areas can be expanded, but the base shape changes during implantation and internal pressure enlarges the base undesirably
Solution Approach 1:
The base is adjusted and secured to its final desired configuration before implantation into the tissue pocket. The adjustable components are positioned and locked in place prior to surgical insertion, ensuring that the base maintains its intended shape and dimensions throughout implantation and expansion. This preliminary adjustment prevents unwanted base enlargement during the expansion process.
Solution Approach 2:
Mechanical restraints or locking mechanisms are built into the base design to counteract the tendency of internal pressure to enlarge the base. Positioning members, slots, or other constraint features are configured to resist base expansion, preventing the base from changing shape undesirably when fluid is injected to expand the tissue.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the base is made adjustable, then a single expander can be used for various patients, but the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is localized to specific regions of the base rather than requiring complex modifications throughout the entire expander. The adjustable base plate or positioning members are integrated only where needed to achieve the desired adaptability, keeping the overall device design relatively simple while enabling a single expander to be used for multiple patients with different tissue defect characteristics.
Data Source
AI summary
A soft tissue expander includes an expandable cover, a base, an adjustable central portion and a connecting member joined to side portions and extending across the central portion to determine the width of the expander.