Elastic Pressure Wrap with Adjustable Loop for Hemostasis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tourniquets are difficult to apply correctly, require significant force, and can cause discomfort or tissue damage due to their design, which may lead to ineffective bleeding control and unnecessary pain during emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
The development of pressure wraps with an elongated elastic strap and adjustable loop, featuring hook-and-loop fasteners and a securement mechanism, allowing for adjustable tension and easy application, which can be used as a tourniquet or for direct pressure on wounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If windlass tourniquets are used to apply pressure, then bleeding control is achieved, but significant force is required and tissue damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure application parameter from high-force concentrated pressure (windlass) to moderate-force distributed pressure (elastic wrap). The elastic material properties and wrap configuration transform the pressure delivery mechanism to achieve hemostasis with reduced harmful effects on tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure application is segmented into multiple wraps around the limb rather than a single high-force application. The elastic strap is wrapped multiple times to distribute the pressure along the length of the limb, reducing peak pressure points that cause tissue damage.
2Reliability
If conventional tourniquets are applied, then bleeding is controlled, but application is difficult and requires training
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic wrap system is designed to be self-adjusting through the elasticity of the material. The user simply wraps the strap around the limb and secures it, allowing the elastic properties to automatically provide consistent pressure without requiring complex mechanisms or specialized training.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical windlass system is replaced with a simple elastic band system. The mechanical advantage and ratcheting mechanism are substituted with the passive elastic recovery force of the stretched material, dramatically simplifying the application process.
3Reliability
If tourniquets are left on for extended periods, then bleeding control is maintained, but unnecessary pain and tissue damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure wrap system allows for dynamic adjustment of pressure over time. The elastic material can be gradually loosened as bleeding stops, enabling transition from high-pressure hemostasis to lower-pressure comfort, whereas conventional tourniquets provide static pressure until removal.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sizes of tourniquets are carried, then appropriate fit is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic wrap is designed as a universal device that can accommodate various limb sizes through a single design. The elasticity and adjustability of the wrap allow one size to fit all, eliminating the need to carry multiple size-specific tourniquets.
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 pressure wraps provide effective and adjustable pressure control, reducing the risk of tissue damage and discomfort, facilitating easier application and removal, and are suitable for various sizes and emergency situations.
Implementation Method 1
the elongated elastic strap is configured to be selectively and reversibly extended (i.e., stretched) as it is wrapped around the subject to form the plurality of loops
Implementation Method 2
At least a portion of the first side and/or the second side of the elongated elastic strap includes pile compatible with hook-and-loop fasteners
Data Source
AI summary
Pressure wraps include an elongated elastic strap and an adjustable loop formed in the elongated elastic strap. The elongated elastic strap is wrapped around a subject to form a plurality of loops, and provides selectively variable amounts of pressure depending on the amount of tension applied to the elongated elastic strap as the loops are formed around the subject. The size of the adjustable loop is configured to be selectively varied via an adjustment component. Pressure wraps may include a plurality of discrete regions of hooks compatible with the pile of the elongated elastic strap, which are configured to inhibit unintentional unwrapping during application. A securement is configured to secure the distal end of the elongated elastic strap to an intermediate portion of the strap, thereby securing the pressure wrap with respect to the subject. The securement may include a manipulatable fastener and/or an automatic fastener for securing the strap.