Digit Wrapping Assembly for Adjustable Compression
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pressure wraps are cumbersome and ineffective for applying pressure therapy to smaller areas like fingers and toes, requiring frequent rewrapping due to swelling, which increases treatment costs and practicality issues.
Innovation Solution
A patient-adjustable digit wrapping assembly with flexible, non-stretchable straps forming loops to secure and compress fingers or toes, using hook-and-loop fasteners for adjustable compression, allowing self-application and easy adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional pressure wraps are used for fingers and toes, then the wraps can provide compression therapy, but the wraps become bulky and cumbersome to apply and cannot be contoured to effectively restrict movement
Solution Approach 1:
The wrap is divided into multiple discrete straps (first end strap portion, second end strap portion, first intermediate strap portion, second intermediate strap portion, first bottom strap portion, second bottom strap portion) that can be independently positioned and secured around individual digits. This segmentation allows the wrap to conform to the contours of fingers and toes while remaining manageable and easy to apply.
Solution Approach 2:
The wrap transitions from a two-dimensional flat sheet to a three-dimensional contoured structure by folding and layering the straps around the digits. The straps are configured to wrap around multiple digits simultaneously, creating a volumetric fit that conforms to the complex geometry of fingers and toes, eliminating bulkiness while maintaining compression effectiveness.
2Reliability
If conventional pressure wraps are used, then compression can be applied to large areas, but the wraps require frequent rewrapping due to swelling causing loss of effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The wrap incorporates adjustable fastening mechanisms (tape, clips, or hook-and-loop closures) on each strap portion, allowing the compression level to be dynamically adjusted as swelling changes. This dynamic adjustability maintains effective compression throughout the treatment period, preventing the loss of effectiveness that occurs with fixed conventional wraps and reducing the need for frequent complete rewrapping.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pressure wraps are used, then compression can be applied to large areas, but the wraps require tape, clips or hook-and-loop closures to secure them
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening components are distributed segmentally across multiple strap portions rather than concentrated in a single location. Each strap portion has its own fastening mechanism, allowing independent adjustment of compression at different locations on the hand or foot. This segmented approach provides versatile adaptability while keeping each individual fastening component simple and manageable.
4Ease of operation
If conventional pressure wraps are used, then medical personnel can apply them, but they require assistance and cannot be easily adjusted by the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The wrap is designed with intuitive fastening mechanisms on easily accessible straps that allow the patient to independently adjust compression levels without requiring medical personnel assistance. The segmented strap design with distributed fasteners enables self-service adjustment at multiple locations, making the device user-friendly while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
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
Provides effective, adjustable compression for fingers or toes, reducing the need for frequent rewrapping and lowering treatment costs by enabling patients to manage their own therapy, enhancing comfort and immobilization.
Implementation Method 1
The digit wrapping assembly is flexible and preferably non-stretchable, and includes a set of strap portions forming four individual loops for securing four digits in variable positions relative to one another
Implementation Method 2
Opposite end straps can disconnectably attach to one another to secure and provide an adjustable overall compression to all four digits
Implementation Method 3
The first intermediate strap portion and the first end strap portion face one another and are disconnectably attachable to one another to encircle a first space
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a digit wrapping assembly configured to wrap and compress digits in a foot or hand. A method of using the digit wrapping assembly may include, in a positioning state of the digit wrapping assembly, the first digit being vertically offset from the second and third digits, and in a securing state of the digit wrapping assembly, the first, second, and third digits being substantially vertically aligned with one another. The digit wrapping assembly may be configured to compress at least two, three, or four digits.