Compression Belt With Pulley System for Post-Surgical Torso Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical compression devices for post-surgical patients, such as cardiac pillows and conventional belts, face issues like misplacement, insufficient arm strength for activation, and complex operation, particularly for thoracic and abdominal surgeries, leading to inadequate pain relief and risk of suture rupture.
Innovation Solution
A compression belt with a pulley system and flexible cord mechanism that allows for easy adjustment and one-way locking, enabling selective and sustained compression of the torso or abdomen, featuring a buffer for enhanced pressure distribution and a handle for convenient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cardiac pillow is used for chest compression, then pain relief is provided, but the device may become misplaced or fall off the bed
Solution Approach 1:
The compression device is divided into a wearable belt portion that stays on the patient and a separate activation mechanism (pull cord/pulley system) that can be easily accessed. The belt body with pulley banks remains positioned on the patient's torso while the cord extends outward for easy activation without requiring the patient to reach for a misplaced pillow.
2Reliability
If a conventional belt is used for abdominal support, then support is provided, but it is uncomfortable for extended wear
Solution Approach 1:
The belt transitions from a static conventional design to a dynamic system where compression is applied only when needed through the pulley-cord mechanism. The belt can be easily tightened by pulling the cord or released by allowing the cord to retract, enabling temporary compression rather than continuous wear, thus improving comfort during extended use.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a compression device with length adjustment mechanism is used, then fit is improved, but operation becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The complex length adjustment mechanism is extracted and replaced with a simple pulley-cord system. The cord passes through the pulley banks and can be pulled to tighten or allowed to retract to loosen the belt, eliminating complicated adjustment mechanisms while maintaining ease of fitting and operation.
4Reliability
If the patient uses both hands to grip a walker for safety, then mobility safety is improved, but the ability to activate compression devices is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to be activated by the patient themselves through a simple pull-cord mechanism that can be operated with one hand or even accidentally pulled during movement. The cord lock mechanism automatically maintains compression once activated, allowing the patient to grip the walker with both hands for safety while still being able to activate compression when needed.
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 belt provides effective, easy-to-use temporary compression that reduces pain and discomfort for post-surgical patients, preventing suture rupture and allowing for hands-free operation, thus improving patient mobility and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A first pulley bank is affixed to the first end portion... A second pulley bank is affixed to the second end portion... whereby withdrawing the cord from the first and second pulley banks causes the first and second pulley banks to move closer together... thereby compressing the patient's body
Implementation Method 2
A selectively releasable one-way cord lock mechanism is connected to the belt body... The locking member, when in either the locked position or the released position, allows withdrawal of the cord... when in the locked position, prevents the cord from retracting into the pulley bank to maintain compression
Implementation Method 3
A buffer is attached to an inner surface of the body belt... The buffer has a width WB measured in a direction parallel to the lateral width WL of the belt body... Circumferential tightening of the belt body causes compression of the compressible material of the buffer in the thickness direction against an adjacent portion of the patient's body
Data Source
AI summary
A compression belt encircles a selected portion of a patient's body to provide temporary compression. The compression belt comprises an elongated belt body having first and second free ends free, a tensioning cord, a handle attached to the end of the tensioning cord, closing mechanism providing a mechanical advantage, a one-way tension mechanism and a selective release mechanism. Pulling the handle causes the closing mechanism to pull the first and second free ends closer together to compress the patient's body and engage the one-way tension mechanism that maintains compression even in the absence of continued pulling of the handle, unless the selective release mechanism is activated to release the compression. A buffer made of compressible material can be attached to the underside of the belt body to provide inward pressure when the belt is tightened. The belt body can further include a respiratory expansion panel that elongates elastically under tension.