Bendable Splint with Perforated Band for Limb Support

Solution Overview

Problem

Current customized splints for injured limbs require complex reheating and reforming processes for adjustments, making them impractical for frequent modifications and use in the general population.

Innovation Solution

A splint design featuring a band with elongated members and perforations that allow for easy customization and adjustment without reheating, using bendable materials and secure tab systems to form loops for support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If customized splints are made from thermoplastic materials, then the splint can be molded to specific patient requirements, but the splint requires complex reheating and reforming processes for any modifications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoidreheating and reforming process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The splint uses a phase-change material that transitions from solid to liquid at body temperature, allowing the splint to be molded to specific patient requirements initially, and then to remain stable during use. The material's phase change property enables initial customization without requiring complex reheating and reforming processes for modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The splint is divided into a removable insert portion and a retaining portion. The insert portion can be easily replaced to accommodate swelling or different treatment stages, while the retaining portion remains in place. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex reheating and reforming by allowing simple component replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If thermoplastic materials are used for customized splints, then the splint can be formed to precise specifications, but frequent modifications require discarding and remanufacturing the splint

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesplint molding precisionVSAvoidtime for modifications and replacements

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The splint is divided into a removable insert portion and a retaining portion. The insert portion can be easily replaced to accommodate swelling or different treatment stages, while the retaining portion remains in place. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex reheating and reforming by allowing simple component replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The splint incorporates a phase-change material that dynamically adapts to body temperature, allowing the same splint to be molded to precise specifications initially and then maintain stability during use. The material's phase change property enables initial customization without requiring complex reheating and reforming processes for modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If rigid splints are used to prevent finger movement, then the injured finger is stabilized, but the splint cannot accommodate swelling of injured tissues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefinger stabilizationVSAvoidaccommodation of swelling

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The splint is divided into a removable insert portion and a retaining portion. The insert portion can be easily replaced to accommodate swelling or different treatment stages, while the retaining portion remains in place. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex reheating and reforming by allowing simple component replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The splint uses a phase-change material that transitions from solid to liquid at body temperature, allowing the splint to be molded to specific patient requirements initially, and then to remain stable during use. The material's phase change property enables initial customization without requiring complex reheating and reforming processes for modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables flexible and repeated customization of splints to accommodate swelling and different sizes, reducing the need for frequent replacements and improving patient care with a simpler, more efficient process.

Implementation Method 1

an elongated member formed from a bendable material at least partially enclosed by the band

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20240277508A1Splint for Supporting an Injured Limb and/or Appendage

Publication Date: 2024.08.22 SPL INT LLC

AI summary

A splint includes a band having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a middle portion extending between the end portions. The splint also includes at least one elongated member formed from a bendable material having at least a middle portion extending axially along the middle portion of the band, a first hook portion bent relative to a longitudinal axis of the band, and a second hook portion bent relative to the longitudinal axis of the band. The splint also includes at least one first perforation positioned in the band to receive the first hook portion and a second perforation in the band positioned to receive the second hook portion for securing the end portions of the band together forming at least one loop sized to support an injured limb and/or appendage of a patient.