Medical Cast Coupler Units for Resin Coating Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical fixation apparatuses for lesions, such as casts and splints, face challenges in manufacturing processes where materials like VELCRO or slide fasteners can be damaged or lose functionality due to water-curable synthetic resin, and are difficult to apply without risking skin injury or incomplete sealing.
Innovation Solution
A medical fixation apparatus featuring an extendable band with paired elastic fibers coated with water-curable synthetic resin and flat coupler units with grooves and latchet protrusions, allowing for easy application and reduced risk of damage during manufacturing, as well as improved ventilation and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If VELCRO or slide fastener is used as coupling means, then the splint can be removed after curing, but the coupling means may be damaged or lose function during manufacturing process
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling means is divided into separate male and female coupler units that can be positioned away from the VELCRO or slide fastener. This segmentation allows the coupling mechanism to be separated from the fastening mechanism, protecting the VELCRO/slide fastener from damage during the resin coating process while maintaining removability functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Male and female coupler units act as intermediary components between the elastic fibers. These couplers serve as protective intermediaries that prevent direct contact between the VELCRO/slide fastener and the water-curable synthetic resin, thereby preventing damage while enabling the coupling and removal functions.
2Reliability
If VELCRO or slide fastener is covered with vinyl cover to prevent staining, then the coupling means is protected, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated and sealing may be incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling means (male and female couplers) is extracted from the elastic fiber surface and positioned as separate components. This extraction eliminates the need for vinyl covers on the elastic fibers, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining protection of the coupling means from resin contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
Separate male and female coupler units serve as intermediary components that eliminate the need for protective vinyl covers. By positioning these couplers as distinct elements rather than integrating them into the elastic fiber surface, the design avoids the complexity of covering and sealing procedures.
3Strength
If water-curable synthetic resin is applied to elastic fiber, then the elastic fiber hardens to fix the lesion, but adhesion of resin makes it difficult to put on the lesion
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is segmented into distinct functional zones: the elastic fiber with resin coating for hardening, and separate coupling means for connection. This segmentation allows the resin-coated fiber to be applied to the lesion while the coupling mechanisms remain accessible and undamaged, facilitating easier application and removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The male and female coupler units act as intermediaries that separate the resin-coated elastic fiber from the coupling function. This intermediary structure allows the resin to adhere to the fiber for strength while preventing the coupling components from contacting the resin, maintaining ease of operation.
4Ease of repair
If the elastic fiber is cut with a saw after curing, then the hardened fiber can be removed, but the patient may be frightened and skin injury may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The removal function is segmented from the main elastic fiber structure through separate coupling means. The male and female couplers can be detached without cutting the fiber, and the elastic fiber can be removed by simply unfastening these couplers, eliminating the need for sawing and associated risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling units serve as intermediary removal mechanisms that replace the need for cutting tools. By using these intermediate coupling components, the hardened fiber can be removed through simple unfastening actions rather than cutting, reducing patient fear and skin injury risk.
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 solution minimizes damage and functional loss during manufacturing, facilitates easy application, and ensures the apparatus can be applied without compromising the integrity of the coupler units, reducing the risk of skin injury and improving operational convenience.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic fiber (20) which is applied with water-curable synthetic resin
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a medical fixation apparatus for a lesion. According to an embodiment, a medical cast comprises: an expansion band having a predetermined length; a pair of elastic fibers which are coupled to opposite widthwise edges of the expansion band, are coated with a water-curable synthetic resin, and can surround a body part; and a plurality of coupling units, which have a flat shape and, when the pair of elastic fibers surround a body part, are arranged at a predetermined interval along an edge at which the pair of elastic fibers face each other to connect the pair of elastic fibers.