Detachable Cooling Pack for Neuropathic Foot Off-loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current off-loading devices for neuropathic feet do not address the issue of regulating temperature at potential ulcer sites, which is crucial for preventing ulcer formation and managing inflammation, especially in diabetic patients with sensory neuropathy.
Innovation Solution
A temperature treatment off-loading device that combines a shoe with a detachable cooling pack, maintaining a temperature of approximately 50° F, to alleviate pressure and reduce inflammation at the target site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If standard off-loading devices are used to alleviate pressure at hot spots, then pressure reduction is achieved, but temperature regulation is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a pressure off-loading device with a cooling pack into a single integrated system. The cooling pack is detachably secured to the bottom surface of the off-loading device, allowing simultaneous pressure relief and temperature control at the hot spot area, thereby resolving the contradiction between pressure reduction and temperature regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The off-loading device is enhanced with multi-functionality by incorporating a cooling pack that can be detachably attached. This allows the device to perform both pressure off-loading and temperature control functions, making it a universal solution for neuropathic foot care that addresses multiple issues simultaneously.
2Temperature
If cooling pack is detachably secured to off-loading device, then temperature control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling pack is designed as a separate, detachable component from the off-loading device. This segmentation allows the temperature control function to be added without permanently complicating the base device structure. The detachable connection enables easy attachment and removal while maintaining relative structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable securing mechanism introduces dynamic adaptability to the device system. The cooling pack can be attached when temperature control is needed and removed when not required, allowing the device to adapt its functionality based on patient needs without permanently increasing structural complexity.
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
This device effectively reduces the risk of ulcer formation and amputation by controlling temperature and alleviating pressure at 'hot spots,' thereby enhancing healing and reducing infection risk.
Implementation Method 1
A temperature treatment off-loading device combines a shoe with a detachable cooling pack, maintaining a temperature of approximately 50° F, to alleviate pressure and reduce inflammation at the target site.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides for a temperature treatment off-loading device configured to relieve pressure from a target site while simultaneously lowering the temperature of the target site. The present invention is preferably utilized to treat a neuropathic foot by relieving pressure and controlling the temperature of a target site, which may be a site that may develop an ulcer or a “hot spot,” on the foot.