Customizable Fitted Shells for Removable, Breathable Immobilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing casts and splints are non-removable, non-breathable, and non-waterproof, leading to skin irritation and damage in wet conditions, and require removal for cleaning or examination.
Innovation Solution
A customizable fitted device with separable shell-sections and connector receivers that allow for easy application, removal, and reapplication, providing structural rigidity, breathability, and waterproofness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a molded plaster or fiberglass cast is applied to immobilize a body part, then the body portion is effectively stabilized, but the device becomes non-removable and cannot be reused
Solution Approach 1:
The cast is divided into multiple shell sections that can be separated from each other. Each shell section can be independently removed, allowing the cast to be taken off completely while maintaining structural integrity when assembled. This segmentation enables both effective immobilization when worn and complete removal when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The cast transitions from a static, permanently fixed structure to a dynamic system where shell sections can be connected and disconnected. The shell sections include connection mechanisms that allow the cast to be assembled for immobilization and disassembled for removal, providing adaptability between fixed and movable states.
2Reliability
If a molded plaster or fiberglass cast is applied to provide structural support, then the body part is stabilized, but the device becomes non-breathable and non-waterproof
Solution Approach 1:
The cast utilizes shell sections made from materials that can be transparent or translucent, allowing light transmission and visual monitoring of the skin condition underneath. These shell sections can be made from breathable materials that permit air circulation while maintaining structural support, reducing skin irritation and preventing water damage.
3Strength
If a molded plaster or fiberglass cast is applied to ensure structural rigidity, then the body part is immobilized, but the device becomes heavy and difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The cast is divided into multiple shell sections that can be separately manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows for optimization of each section's material usage, reducing overall weight while maintaining structural rigidity through the distributed architecture of multiple connected sections rather than a single heavy piece.
Data Source
AI summary
A customizable fitted device for immobilizing injuries and a method for constructing the fitted device is provided. The fitted device can be used to stabilize an arm, wrist, hand, leg, knee, ankle, foot or other body parts through custom formation. The device can be formed by a sidewall having one or more sidewall sections that can be secured together using retaining clips positioned within retaining clip slots on the device. The device can further include one or more openings defined in the sidewall of each device section while maintaining rigidity in the sidewall. The device can be constructed by of creating a 3D image scan of the particular body part on which the device will be applied, creating a design of the device to precisely match the contours of the 3D image scan, and using a 3D printer to construct the device according to the design.