Aural Hematoma Splint for Regulating Ear Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for aural hematomas in animals, such as those using magnetic discs or puncturing elements, face issues with unregulated compression, discomfort, and the risk of infection, while existing devices are not suitable for animals with erect ears or do not allow natural healing positions.
Innovation Solution
A non-surgical aural hematoma splint system utilizing rigid plastic plates with a specific taping regimen, including a long strap collar and cross strips, to securely hold the ear in place while allowing moisture escape and accommodating different ear orientations, promoting natural healing positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If magnetic discs are used for compression, then compression force is applied to the hematoma, but the compression is unregulated and cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the active magnetic attraction force into a passive mechanical compression system. By changing the parameter from active force generation to passive mechanical constraint, the compression becomes regulated by the physical structure of the splint and tape rather than uncontrolled magnetic attraction.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If puncturing elements are used, then drainage is achieved, but the risk of infection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the drainage function from the treatment device itself and separates it into a preliminary surgical procedure performed separately. The splint then focuses solely on compression and protection without requiring built-in drainage mechanisms, thereby eliminating infection risks associated with puncturing elements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing devices are used, then treatment is provided, but they are not suitable for animals with erect ears or do not allow natural healing positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms including multiple tape attachment points and adjustable strap configurations that allow the device to adapt to different ear positions (erect or pendent). The splint can be configured to maintain natural healing positions rather than forcing a fixed position, accommodating anatomical variations.
4Force
If compression materials are placed between plate and ear, then compression is provided, but a thick layer prevents proper clot formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing compression selectively at specific areas rather than uniformly across the entire plate surface. The tape regimen provides targeted compression at the hematoma site while maintaining minimal material thickness, allowing proper clot formation in critical areas while still providing necessary compression force.
Data Source
AI summary
An aural hematoma splint (AHS) system/method providing for animal ear pinna (AEP) suspension and/or compression allowing non-surgical treatment of AEP auricular hematoma is disclosed. The AHS promotes healing performance by including a conical primary plate (CPP) and angular secondary plate (ASP) that are used in conjunction with non-elastic fabric tape (NFT) to hold the AEP in suspension during treatment. The NFT includes a long strap collar (LSC) and cross support strips (CSS) for preparatory taping and application of the CPP/ASP to the AEP. This sandwich configuration of the CPP/ASP surrounding the AEP creates equilibrium in hematoma fluid pressures within the damaged area of the AEP, promotes a uniform thin layer of blood to clot in the entirety of the hematoma region, and allows regeneration of damaged tissues in a controlled environment while limiting structural and aesthetic damage to the healed AEP post treatment.