Articulated Joint Wrap with Heat Exchange Bladder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cold and compression wraps for body trauma are uncontrollable in temperature and pressure, and cannot flex with joints, making them unsuitable for use with Continuous Passive Motion therapy.
Innovation Solution
A flexible, articulated joint wrap with a separate heat exchange bladder and cover, featuring separate chambers for fluid circulation and compression, allowing the joint to flex while maintaining compression, using Velcro attachments for secure fit and adjustable design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a traditional compression wrap is used to provide compression to a body part, then compression pressure is applied, but the wrap cannot flex with joint movement
Solution Approach 1:
The wrap is divided into multiple articulated sections that can move independently relative to each other, allowing the wrap to flex with joint movement while maintaining compression pressure through the compliant material structure
Solution Approach 2:
The wrap uses a compliant bladder structure made of flexible material that can deform and flex with joint movement while still providing the necessary compression pressure to the body part
2Force
If a compliant bladder is used to provide compression, then compression pressure is applied, but the bladder balloons and expands excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The bladder is designed with varying local properties including reinforcement zones and controlled flexibility areas that prevent excessive ballooning while maintaining adequate compression pressure where needed
Solution Approach 2:
The bladder's physical parameters such as thickness, material stiffness, and structural geometry are optimized to control expansion and prevent ballooning while still providing the required compression force
3Temperature
If a cooling wrap is used to provide compression and cooling, then temperature reduction and compression are achieved, but the wrap cannot be used with Continuous Passive Motion therapy
Solution Approach 1:
The wrap is segmented into articulated sections that allow movement and flexing compatible with CPM therapy while maintaining the cooling and compression functions through the distributed bladder structure
Solution Approach 2:
The wrap transitions from a static structure to a dynamic articulated design that can adapt its configuration during joint movement and CPM therapy while continuously providing cooling and compression
4Force
If an elastic wrap is used to provide compression, then compression pressure is applied, but the pressure varies considerably even when applied by experienced wrappers
Solution Approach 1:
The compliant bladder structure automatically adjusts and distributes compression pressure evenly across the body part without requiring manual adjustment, ensuring consistent and reliable pressure application
Solution Approach 2:
The bladder design incorporates pressure distribution features that provide feedback through the structure itself, allowing automatic adjustment to maintain uniform compression pressure across different body contours
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 wrap provides effective circumferential compression and flexible movement, suitable for use with CPM devices, ensuring proper healing and comfort by preventing unwanted expansion and maintaining contact with the joint.
Implementation Method 1
a compliant bladder for containing a circulating heat exchange liquid
Implementation Method 2
press the heat exchange liquid toward such body part to be subjected to heat exchange
Implementation Method 3
control units also produce and supply an air or other gas pressure needed to apply pressure to a body part
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible joint wrap includes a heat exchange bladder, which provides fluid circulation and compression to a joint. The joint wrap includes upper and lower sections for attachment above and below a joint. The bladder has an opening at a center section which provides flexibility of the bladder. The heat exchange bladder may be enclosed in a removable cover designed to conform to the shape of the bladder. The cover and bladder are formed with an opening in alignment with the joint to provide flexibility to the wrap. The cover may be formed of a fluid repellant inner lining to prevent fluid from the joint from soiling the bladder. The cover may further comprise a nylon loop outer surface to allow the upper and lower sections to be easily attached and adjusted.